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Mental Health Benefits FAQ

General

  1. What is Mental Health Benefits?
  2. Who is eligible for Mental Health Benefits?
  3. How is eligibility for Mental Health Benefits determined?
  4. I am a serving member of the CAF, do I qualify?
  5. Are family members eligible for Mental Health Benefits coverage?
  6. How do I apply for Mental Health Benefits?
  7. I applied for a disability benefit before 1 April 2022. Do I qualify? How does that work?
  8. Once a disability benefit decision is made, what happens to my Mental Health Benefits coverage?
  9. What types of services are covered under Mental Health Benefits?
  10. Will eligibility for Mental Health Benefits impact my other VAC benefits and services?
  11. How do I access services covered by Mental Health Benefits?
  12. How do I get a Medavie Blue Cross health card?
  13. How do I claim my Mental Health Benefits expenses?
  14. What happens if I re-enroll as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces while receiving Mental Health Benefits coverage?
  15. What happens to my Mental Health Benefits coverage if I am a Reservist who accepts Class 'C' or Class 'B' service for more than 180 days?
  16. My mental health has been affected by a physical service-related injury for which I’m awaiting a decision (or plan to apply). Am I eligible for coverage?
  17. What happens if I request a review or appeal of the benefits or services covered under Mental Health Benefits?
  18. I now have coverage through Mental Health Benefits. Can I get in to see a mental health professional now?
  19. Can I stay with my current health professionals?
  20. Is there a list of eligible mental health conditions considered for coverage?
  21. What types of evaluations and treatments are eligible for Mental Health Benefits coverage?

Accessing Mental Health Benefits Outside of Canada

  1. I reside outside of Canada and have questions about Mental Health Benefits. Who can I contact?
  2. I just received my Medavie Blue Cross Card. Can I use it outside of Canada?
  3. Will I need pre-authorization before getting mental health services via Mental Health Benefits?
  4. I live outside of Canada. Can my provider register with Medavie Blue Cross?
  5. Can my provider located outside of Canada bill directly to Medavie Blue Cross?
  6. What do I need to provide to have my claim reimbursed?
  7. I live outside of Canada. How long will it take to be reimbursed?
  8. How does Medavie Blue Cross issue payments?

Mental Health Benefits ending

  1. Once a disability benefit decision is made on my application, what happens to my Mental Health Benefits coverage?
  2. I received a notification saying my Mental Health Benefits coverage is ending. What does this mean?
  3. I received a notification that my MHB is ending. Can I appeal this decision?
  4. I applied for another mental health disability benefit, can I receive MHB coverage again?
  5. How can I prepare for my coverage ending?
  6. Will the Mental Health Benefits ending affect any of the other coverage, services or programs I may have?

General

Q1. What is Mental Health Benefits?

The new Mental Health Benefits initiative, set to launch on 1 April 2022, will provide immediate coverage to Veterans for treatment of certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and trauma-and-stressor-related disorders.

The goal is to support Veterans’ mental health while their disability benefits application is being processed. Coverage will last for two years from the date we receive a disability benefits application or until a Veteran receives a favourable disability benefits decision.

Q2. Who is eligible for Mental Health Benefits?

Former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), including Reservists on Class A or Class B (less than 180 days) are eligible for Mental Health Benefits if they have submitted a disability benefits application for one of the eligible mental health conditions or are awaiting a decision. CAF Veterans living outside of Canada are also eligible for Mental Health Benefits.

New applications for a disability benefit (either as a pensioned condition under the Pension Act or pain and suffering compensation under the Veterans Well-being Act) for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and trauma-and-stressor-related disorders also qualify for Mental Health Benefits.

Current and former RCMP members are not eligible for Mental Health Benefits. However, RCMP members with CAF service may be eligible if their application relates to a mental health condition that arose during or was aggravated by their CAF service.

Q3. How is eligibility for Mental Health Benefits determined?

Since October 2022, an automated system determines Mental Health Benefits eligibility using information provided in your Disability Benefits application. If your Disability Benefits application indicates: you have a mental health problem; have served; and you have signed attesting to the truth of the information provided, the system will then look for your address and VAC file number.

Once all information is present, the system will send you a Mental Health Benefits eligibility determination letter and transfer your basic information to Medavie Blue Cross. They will then send you a health card (if you do not already have one) and begin to process your mental health claims.

Q4. I am a serving member of the CAF, do I qualify?

Serving CAF members receive mental health coverage through the CAF health plan. As such, you’re not able to receive Mental Health Benefits, unless you are a Reservist on Class A or Class B under 180 days.

If you apply for disability benefits but don’t have a decision before your release from the CAF, you will be eligible for Mental Health Benefits the day after you release, as long as this is on or after 1 April 2022.

Once you have released, please notify us via My VAC Account secure messaging or give us a call at 1-866-522-2122 to activate your Mental Health Benefits.

Q5. Are family members eligible for Mental Health Benefits coverage?

Once a Veteran is receiving Mental Health Benefits coverage, if a Veteran’s health professional believes that mental health treatment for their family members will achieve positive health outcomes for the Veteran, family members may qualify for mental health services. Family members are not eligible to apply directly for Mental Health Benefits.

Q6. How do I apply for Mental Health Benefits?

You don’t need to apply for Mental Health Benefits. You will be eligible on the date we receive your disability benefit application. This includes applications submitted via My VAC Account, paper applications or applications submitted through The Royal Canadian Legion.

Q7. I applied for a disability benefit before 1 April 2022. Do I qualify? How does that work?

If you are a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and submitted a disability benefits application for an anxiety disorder, depressive disorder or trauma-and-stressor-related disorder before 1 April 2022 – and have not yet received a decision on your application – you are eligible for Mental Health Benefits for two years starting 1 April 2022.

If you received a disability benefit decision before 1 April 2022, you may be able to access mental health services through the Treatment Benefits program.

Q8. Once a disability benefit decision is made, what happens to my Mental Health Benefits coverage?

Once a decision is made, one of the two following scenarios will happen:

  • Favourable decision: Your coverage will transfer to our Treatment Benefits program without any interruption and will continue for as long as you need it.
  • Unfavourable decision: Your Mental Health Benefits coverage will stay active until the end of your 2 year eligibility period.

Q9. What types of services are covered under Mental Health Benefits?

Mental Health Benefits coverage includes prescription drugs and treatment services as outlined in Part 1 of the Veterans Health Care Regulations. Examples include:

  • prescription drugs for certain mental health conditions;
  • examination, assessment and treatment by psychologists, mental health counsellors, therapists, social workers and other approved health professionals.

In addition, Prescription Drugs (POC 10) and Related Health Services (POC 12) can be covered under Mental Health Benefits. Some Medical Services (POC 6) benefits can also be covered under certain circumstances if you are living outside of Canada.

Please note: expenses for Cannabis for Medical Purposes and health-related travel are not covered under Mental Health Benefits. However, you should save your Cannabis for Medical Purposes and health-related travel receipts so that you can request reimbursement if you later qualify for the Treatment Benefits program following a favourable decision. Requests for reimbursement must be submitted within 18 months from the date on which the expenditure was incurred.

Please visit the Treatment Benefits page for more information on how to claim such expenses.

Q10. Will eligibility for Mental Health Benefits impact my other VAC benefits and services?

No. Mental Health Benefits does not impact your eligibility for other VAC benefits, services or programs.

Q11. How do I access services covered by Mental Health Benefits?

If you already have a Medavie Blue Cross health card, you can start using it to access mental health services after qualifying for Mental Health Benefits. You will not need a new Medavie card.

Q12. How do I get a Medavie Blue Cross health card?

If you do not have a Medavie Blue Cross health card, one will be sent to you by mail within 10 days of your Mental Health Benefits eligibility notification.

  • If you are a still-serving CAF member, you will typically receive your VAC Medavie Blue Cross health card after you release from service.

If you already have a Medavie Blue Cross health card, you can start using it to access mental health services after we notify you that you qualify for Mental Health Benefits. You will not need a new Medavie card.

Q13. How do I claim my Mental Health Benefits expenses?

If your service provider is registered with Medavie Blue Cross, use your Medavie health card so that the provider can bill VAC/Medavie Blue Cross directly to prevent you from paying out of pocket.

Find registered providers in your area by contacting us or through your Medavie Blue Cross account.

If your service provider is not registered with Medavie Blue Cross, you may need to pay for the services and then apply for reimbursement from VAC/Medavie Blue Cross. For more information on how to apply for claim reimbursements, visit our Treatment Benefits page.

Please note: Some treatments or services may need pre-authorization. To find out if pre-authorization is needed, your service provider can contact us or call Medavie at 1-866-811-6060. Most services will only need pre-authorization once.

Q14. What happens if I re-enroll as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces while receiving Mental Health Benefits coverage?

If you re-enroll as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, you will no longer have Mental Health Benefits coverage. This does not apply to Reserve Force members Class A or Class B (less than 180 days) because these groups do not have health coverage from the CAF.

Q15. What happens to my Mental Health Benefits coverage if I am a Reservist who accepts Class 'C' or Class 'B' service for more than 180 days?

Your Mental Health Benefits coverage stops once you become a full-time serving member of the CAF, as you will receive health coverage from them. Class ‘C’ and Class ‘B’ service for more than 180 days are covered by the CAF health plan.

Q16. My mental health has been affected by a physical service-related injury for which I’m awaiting a decision (or plan to apply). Am I eligible for coverage?

Mental Health Benefits is only available to Veterans who apply for a disability benefit for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depressive disorders, or trauma-and-stressor-related disorders.

However, we may be able to offer your other forms of assistance. Consider contacting the VAC Assistance Service: Call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional right now, or use the online chat to set up an appointment. The VAC Assistance Service is confidential, free, and available 24/7 to Veterans, former RCMP members, their family members, and caregivers.

Q17. What happens if I request a review or appeal of the benefits or services covered under Mental Health Benefits?

The approach to reviews for benefits and services under Mental Health Benefits will be the same as that used for services or benefits denied under the Treatment Benefits Program.

Program participants can request up to 2 levels of review if they are dissatisfied with any decision made under Mental Health Benefits.

Information on how to request a review is included in the Explanation of Benefits received from Medavie Blue Cross if a claim is denied.

Q18. I now have coverage through Mental Health Benefits. Can I get in to see a mental health professional now?

Your coverage allows VAC to pay for mental health services, either in person or virtually, from a health professional of your choice as soon as you’re eligible.

Note: Many provinces and territories across Canada are experiencing longer than average wait times to schedule mental health appointments. The VAC Assistance Service can be accessed 24/7 for mental health counselling support in case health professionals within your community are not immediately available. This service is available to all Veterans and their families, even if they have not applied for VAC benefits or services

Q19. Can I stay with my current health professionals?    

Yes. You can stay with your current health professional while accessing services through Mental Health Benefits, and also if you become eligible for coverage under the Treatment Benefits program.

Q20. Is there a list of eligible mental health conditions considered for coverage?

Mental health conditions eligible for coverage under Mental Health Benefits fall under three groups:

  1. Anxiety Disorders
  2. Depressive Disorders
  3. Trauma and stressor related disorders

Examples of mental health conditions in these groups include:

  • Anxiety Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Adjustment Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Depressive Disorders
  • Dysthymia and Major Depression
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Q21. What types of evaluations and treatments are eligible for Mental Health Benefits coverage?

Prescription Drugs (POC 10) and Related Health Services (POC 12) are eligible for coverage under Mental Health Benefits. Some Medical Services (POC 6) benefits can be covered under certain circumstances if you are living outside of Canada.

Evaluations and treatments eligible for Mental Health Benefits coverage
Medical Services (POC 6) Outside Canada: if an eligible treatment is not covered by your country/jurisdiction of residence, VAC will cover treatment by approved POC 6 health professionals such as:
  • psychiatrists
  • physicians
  • nurse practitioners
Prescription Drugs (POC 10) Related prescription drugs are covered if prescribed by an authorized physician or other health professional in the province/territory or country/jurisdiction where they are provided.
Related Health Services (POC 12) Mental Health Benefits provides for certain services (e.g., treatments and examinations) related to approved health professionals, including:
  • Psychologists
  • Psychotherapists
  • Counsellors
  • Social Workers
  • *Clinical Care Managers
*Clinical Care Managers can include Nurses, Psychoeducators, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Social Workers.

Mental Health Benefits recipients must use coverage from their provincial/territorial plan first, or coverage available to them from the CAF. VAC may cover any extra costs not already covered by these plans (for example, as a “top up” from other insurance coverage).

Accessing Mental Health Benefits Outside of Canada

Q1. I reside outside of Canada and have questions about Mental Health Benefits. Who can I contact?

If you have questions about Mental Health Benefits and reside outside Canada, please contact Foreign Countries Operations by phone or through My VAC Account.

Veterans Affairs Canada

  • Canada and USA 
    1-888-996-2242 (Toll Free)
  • United Kingdom, Germany, France Belgium 
    00-800-996-22421 (Toll Free)
  • All other countries
    1-613-996-2242 (collect calls accepted)

Q2. I just received my Medavie Blue Cross Card. Can I use it outside of Canada?

No, this card can only be used in Canada for direct billing purposes.

Q3. Will I need pre-authorization before getting mental health services via Mental Health Benefits?

You need to get pre-authorization for the initial treatment of some services. Pre-authorization requests can be made by you or your provider. Please review the Benefit Grid to determine when you need to make a pre-authorization request.

Pre-authorization requests you submit:

  • Your requests can be submitted via My VAC Account, fax (1-418-566-6165), or by mail. Your request will be redirected to Medavie Blue Cross and should be processed within 6 weeks. 
  • If you are submitting a request by mail, please send it to the following address:

Veterans Affairs Canada
PO Box 6000
Matane, QC, Canada
G4W 0E4

Pre-authorization requests submitted by your health care provider:

  • Your health care provider can submit requests for pre-authorization by fax or by mail (using the same contact information provided above). Providers cannot make requests for pre-authorization through My VAC Account.

NOTE: If you travel or move outside of Canada after your benefits are already approved by VAC, you will still be eligible until you have reached the maximum number of visits according to the Benefit Grid. You will need to request an extension of treatment if more sessions are required. Requests for extension can be made at any time. Your provider will need to write a report explaining why additional services are required.

Q4. I live outside of Canada. Can my provider register with Medavie Blue Cross?

No. Providers outside of Canada cannot register with Medavie Blue Cross.

Q5. Can my provider located outside of Canada bill directly to Medavie Blue Cross?

Although they cannot register with Medavie Blue Cross, your provider decides if they want to bill directly to Medavie Blue Cross.

Q6. What do I need to provide to have my claim reimbursed?

  1. Proof of payment
    • Please provide a receipt showing the name of the health care provider and their professional designation, a description of the service or benefit provided.
    • When applicable, a breakdown of the payment including private insurance co-pay information
  2. Prescriptions
    • If the service requires a prescription, please provide a copy of the prescription request to Medavie Blue Cross

Please submit your claims for reimbursement through My VAC Account, by fax (1-418-566-6165), or by mail to:

Veterans Affairs Canada
PO Box 6000
Matane, QC, Canada
G4W 0E4

Q7. I live outside of Canada. How long will it take to be reimbursed?

On average, it takes at least 8 weeks to be reimbursed if you live outside of Canada.

The amount of time depends on:

  • how you submit the claim (via My VAC Account, by fax (1-418-566-6165) or by mail)
  • the time it takes to receive mail in your country
  • how the reimbursement will be issued

Q8. How does Medavie Blue Cross issue payments?

Payments can be issued in Canadian currency (via cheque) or foreign currency via bank draft, money order or wire transfer.

Mental Health Benefits ending

Q1. Once a disability benefit decision is made on my application, what happens to my Mental Health Benefits coverage?

What happens depends on the type of decision you receive:

  • Favourable decision: Your coverage will transfer to our Treatment Benefits program without any interruption and will continue for as long as you need it.
  • Unfavourable decision: Your Mental Health Benefits coverage will stay active until the end of your two-year eligibility period.

Q2. I received a notification saying my Mental Health Benefits coverage is ending. What does this mean?

As indicated in the letter you received, if you received an unfavorable Disability Benefit decision, your Mental Health coverage will end at the end of the two-year eligibility period (two years from the date of application).

This news can be difficult to receive. Please know that there are additional mental health support and resources available to you. For example, you can talk to a mental health professional through the VAC Assistance Service. This service provides up to 20 hours of free and confidential psychological support. You can access this service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is free for all Veterans, former RCMP members, their families, and caregivers by calling 1-800-268-7708. You may also be eligible for assessment and treatment services through our rehabilitation services and operational stress injury clinics.

Q3. I received a notification that my MHB is ending. Can I appeal this decision?

A Veteran cannot appeal MHB eligibility as this is not a benefit you apply for.

MHB is automatically approved when a completed/signed Disability Benefits application is received for one of the eligible mental health conditions and you have CAF service.

Once you are made eligible for MHB, coverage will last for 2 years from the date your Disability Benefits application was received, or until you receive a favorable Disability Benefits decision. 

If you have made an application for disability benefits and have received a decision, you do have the right to review or appeal it. Information on how to request a review or appeal of a disability benefit decision can be found at: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/veterans-rights/how-to-appeal.

Please note, if you receive a disability benefit decision while eligible for MHB, and you request a review or appeal of that decision, your MHB coverage will remain until the end of your two-year eligibility period.

Q4. I applied for another mental health disability benefit, can I receive MHB coverage again?

If you submit a new disability benefit application for another MHB eligible condition, you may be made eligible again. The same criteria would apply (CAF service, MHB eligible condition and a signed attestation of truth). If criteria are met, you will receive a letter advising of your MHB eligibility.

Q5. How can I prepare for my coverage ending?

There are three steps you can take to prepare for this ending coverage:

  • Inform your Health Providers - You should advise your service providers of your Mental Health Benefits coverage ending.
  • Submit all of your claims - If you have mental health related claims that have not been submitted yet, you must submit a request for reimbursement within 18 months from the date that you incurred the expenditure. For more information on submitting claims, you can contact Medavie Blue Cross through their website.
  • Explore other sources of help – There are additional mental health support and resources available to you on our website (see above for more information).

Q6. Will the Mental Health Benefits ending affect any of the other coverage, services or programs I may have?

No, your Mental Health Benefits coverage ending does not impact your eligibility for any other VAC benefits, services or programs.

Coverage you already have for your other approved health conditions under the Treatment Benefits program will continue.

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