Improved coverage for counselling and mental health support has been a strong priority for community health members. We’re pleased to announce that a new Mental Health and Wellness Benefit will be added to your Extended Health Benefits Plan effective January 1, 2026. This enhancement marks another important step toward achieving benefit parity with the FBA.
This new benefit is part of a special joint pilot project co-sponsored by the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) and the Joint Community Benefits Trust (JCBT).
Here are the details:
- Effective Date: January 1, 2026
- Annual Limit: A combined maximum of $1000 per calendar year.
- What’s Covered:
- Registered Psychologist
- Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) – this is an online- only benefit through specific PBC-approved providers.
Learn more here: PBC’s Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Registered Clinical Counsellor
- Registered Social Worker
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Reimbursement: Up to the Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) reasonable and customary limit per visit, subject to coinsurance.
- Eligibility: This benefit is for eligible members only.
- Pilot Period: This pilot project benefit enhancement will be re-evaluated annually.
This new benefit marks another step forward in improving access to meaningful mental health supports for community health workers. The CBA remains committed to ensuring your benefits evolve to reflect the realities of your work and the care you provide every day.