Quebec health insurance cards are getting a makeover

Get ready for a new look, Quebecers on your health insurance card, that is.

For the first time in more than 40 years, the Quebec health insurance board (RAMQ) has changed the design of its health card.

The new cards are inspired by Quebec driver's licence, RAMQ says, complete with a black-and-white I.D. photoand lighter background colours.

The card, nicknamed the"carte-soleil," will retain its distinctive sun, although you will have tolook harder to spot it.

Starting on Jan. 24, the new cards will be distributed gradually through renewals, replacements of lost, stolen or damaged cards, or the issuance of a first card.

Quebecerswith cards bearing the old design needn't worry thecurrent cards will be valid until theyexpire.

Some new security features on the RAMQcard include:

• Ink that changes colour depending on angle and light.
• Tactile engravings.
• Images visible only under ultravioletlight.

Last July, RAMQ announced it would be using the services of Quebec's public automobile insurance agency,the SAAQ,to produce its cards by 2018.

This way, cards will be delivered more quickly:optimizing service by avoiding duplication of equipment and sharing expertise areamong the rationale.

Originally, RAMQ was producing 2.3 million cards every year, but the demand for cards is expected todrop in half by 2018 as medicare cards will become valid for eight years instead of four.