We are pleased to announce significant improvements to the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan effective January 1, 2013. All claims as of this date should reference the new “Benefits Plan: 2013 Booklet“.
Please note that all claims made prior to December 31st, 2012 should still reference the “Benefits Plan: Pre 2013 Booklet“.
Summarized below are the improvements that have been made. The new
Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan Booklet which outlines complete details has been added to this websites menu bar under the
“ForMembers/Benefits/BENEFITS PLAN: 2013 BOOKLET” tab.
The new Benefits Plan includes:
- long term disability benefit increased to $2,000
- group life insurance increased to $60,000
- optional life insurance added
- increased weekly disability benefit
- the most up to date service delivery available
EXTENDED HEALTH & DENTAL CLAIMS IMPROVEMENTS
Extended Health and Dental benefits will now be provided through Pacific Blue Cross.
You will receive a personal Pacific Blue Cross I.D. card. This card will enable you to have your pharmacy claims approved at the time of purchase at most pharmacies.
If your pharmacy does not provide this service submit your claim by mail to Pacific Blue Cross.
All other Extended Health claims will now be submitted to Pacific Blue Cross by mail or
On-line. Please refer to the new Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan Booklet for details.
Your dentist will also be able to process claims on presentation of your Pacific Blue Cross I.D. card.
Claim forms are available from the IUOE Local 115 office in Burnaby or on-line at CARESnet.ca which is also linked on the menu above under the “ForMembers/Benefits/Claim Forms” tab.
LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD), GROUP LIFE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT (AD&D) & SPECIFIC LOSS
LTD, Group Life and AD&D benefits will now be provided through Great-West Life .
LONG TERM DISABILITY
The long term disability benefit will increase to $2,000 per month and will continue to age 60 subject to proof of ongoing disability. Occupational illness or injury will now be covered subject to an offset for WCB benefits. Members who are disabled from an occupational illness or injury for greater than 52 weeks are urged to file an LTD claim with Great-West Life.
Claims will be accepted during the three month period following the first 52 weeks of disability and should be filed even if you are still receiving WCB benefits.
GROUP LIFE
The Basic Life Insurance benefit will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.
OPTIONAL LIFE
Members and spouses under age 65 can apply for additional Life Insurance at their cost.
Optional insurance is available in $20,000 units to a maximum of $300,000.
More details will be communicated to you in the new year about this open enrolment offer.
For further details visit Great-West Life On-line or phone at 604-331-2430
WEEKLY DISABILITY
Claims will continue to be handled by IUOE Local 115′s Benefits Plan office. The benefit has been increased to a flat $501.00 per week. Please refer to the new Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan Booklet for details.
MEMBER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
These services will continue to be provided by Homewood Human Solutions. Please refer to the new Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan Booklet for details.
For details check out:
RETIREE & SELF PAY BENEFITS PLAN CONTRIBUTION RATES
For several years the cost of providing your benefits has steadily increased, while no increases have been made to the retiree and self-pay contribution rates for 10 years. Medical Service Plan premiums alone have increased 6% per year for the last 3 years. Other costs such as drugs have also steadily increased. Your Board of Trustees has carefully considered the impact of these cost factors on the Benefits Plan and the Trustees have concluded that a modest increase in the retiree and self-pay contribution rate is necessary.
Effective January 1, 2013, the retiree and self-pay contribution rate will increase by 6%.
The Trustees are mindful of the fact that many of you are on fixed incomes, so the $25 deductible has been eliminated to offset a portion of the increase.
The new rates are set out below:
| Premiums on January 1, 2013 | |
| Full Plan | $ 238.75 |
| Limited | $ 212.50 |
| Sub Limited | $ 130.00 |
| Mini | $ 153.75 |
| Sub Mini | $ 71.25 |
| Retirees | $ 66.25 |
The Board of Trustees sincerely appreciate your understanding regarding this necessary rate increase. We wish to assure you that every effort is being made to continue to provide you the best benefit package available at an affordable price.