As part of our ever-present effort to improve the health, wellbeing, and lives of our members, we’ve changed our business practice for our insured clients and will no longer ask members to execute a Reimbursement Agreement in connection with wage loss claims for MVAs.

Changes implemented by ICBC in recent years have impacted the way in which insurance providers in BC process extended health and disability claims related to motor vehicle accidents (MVAs).

As of November 2018, ICBC became first payor for extended health benefit costs related to MVAs, and health benefits providers became first payor for wage loss related costs (i.e. short- and long-term disability).

Pacific Blue Cross has in the past leveraged a Reimbursement Agreement for members submitting short- and long-term disability claims for coverage when a third party such as ICBC was involved. This helped to expedite funding for wage losses while liability was being determined by ICBC.

Since the legislative changes in 2018 removed the right of any insurance company to subrogate against ICBC, we’ve been monitoring how this position impacts claimants and plan sponsors.  As part of our ever-present effort to improve the health, wellbeing, and lives of our members, we are changing our business practice for our insured clients and will no longer be asking members to execute a Reimbursement Agreement in connection with wage loss claims for MVAs, effective March 1, 2020.

Additionally, any previously executed agreements for MVAs that occurred after November 9, 2018 will no longer be pursued by Pacific Blue Cross. This change will simplify the claim process and make it faster and easier for our members to obtain funds so they can focus on what matters most—their health and recovery.

The Third Party Liability clause in the policy wording will be updated when policies are re-issued at a later date.

Individuals without disability coverage will still be required to go through ICBC to receive compensation related to wage loss due to a motor vehicle accident. Pacific Blue Cross will continue with the practice of using Reimbursement Agreements for Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and other third-party claims.

If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact your Pacific Blue Cross Account Executive.