B.C.’s new high-tech CareCard replacement program will begin Feb. 15, the government announced Monday.
Most people will be asked to replace their CareCards the next time their driver’s licence expires, the government said. Those who don’t drive have five years to seek a replacement. The new cards are mandatory, except for certain seniors or children.
People will also have the option of combining their CareCard and driver’s licence into a new single B.C. Services Card, or keeping the two pieces of identification separate.
The $150-million CareCard replacement project is an attempt to reduce health-care fraud, the government has said.
The new cards contain new security features, including an embedded chip (similar to those on debit cards) that the government has said will one day enable British Columbians to authenticate their identity on the Internet and access a host of web-based government services.
They will also have a photo of the card holder and, for most people, will need to be renewed every five years.
Cards will be issued through offices that issue driver’s licences.
For more information visit bcservicescard.ca.
