BC Services Card reached important milestone
By Contributor
The enhanced BC Services Card reached an important milestone, with the two millionth card being issued this week.
The BC Services Card is the highly secure form of identification that replaces the pre-existing CareCard and can also be combined with a B.C. driver’s licence.
Prior to the BC Services Card, there were about 9.5 million CareCards issued for 4.5 million Medical Services Plan beneficiaries.
Quick Facts:
- The old CareCard was introduced in 1989 and has not been significantly updated over the last 20 years.
- Citizens have the option to combine the BC Services Card with their B.C. driver’s licence.
- The BC Services Card has advanced high-tech anti-counterfeit and fraud protection design.
- The new card includes a contactless chip, similar to a debit or credit card, which could be used in the future by an individual with a passcode to prove that they are who they say they are when they access digital services. The chip contains no personal information.
- In 2013, the Province consulted with the public, as well as experts in identity management, privacy and related fields, leading to recommendations on government’s overall approach to digital service delivery.
