VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The province is reminding you it will start phasing out Care Cards next month.

Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid says they’ll be replaced by the BC Services Card over the next five years. “We have Care Cards now that really haven’t changed at all since 1989. What we’re moving toward is a more secure type of Care Card.”

“Although there are only about 4.4 million British Columbians, there are about 9 million Care Cards out there and we are concerned that there is some Care Card fraud,” she tells us.

You will have the option of combining your driver’s licence and Services Card so you won’t have to carry around two pieces of plastic.

Starting February 15th, eligible British Columbians between the ages of 19 and 74 will have to get the new card by renewing their enrolment in the Medical Services Plan. You will also have to re-enrol every five years after that.

Click here to find more information about the BC Services Card.