Summary of Your Benefits Program
The following summarizes the various benefits which are available for the security and well being of you and your family, while you are an employee, upon your retirement and in the event of your death before or after retirement. Please note as this is a "summary" of your benefits, if any discrepancies arise, the wording in the Insurance Contract will prevail.
The benefits are explained in greater detail in this booklet.
Eligibility for Group Insurance
- All full-time, active employees, including part-time employees who work 50% of the regular work week, are required to participate in the group insurance program from their first day of employment. All retired employees who are receiving a pension from either the Public Service Pension Plan, the Uniformed Services Pension Plan or the Members of the House of Assembly Pension Plan may elect to continue coverage.
- All temporary employees, if hired for a period of more than three months, are covered under the program from the first day of employment. Employees who are hired for a period of less than three months, who receive notice of extension to at least six months, are required to participate from the date of notification.
- Seasonal, recurring employees are covered under the plan during their term of active employment. During periods of lay-off, provided they do not work for another employer during such lay-off, employees have the option to continue coverage. However, coverage will not continue unless a "Continuation of Coverage" form is completed, signed and given to your Administrator prior to your leaving.
- All elected members of the Legislature are covered under the program on a voluntary basis.
In the event of your death, an amount of life insurance equal to that described in this booklet on basic group life insurance is payable to the beneficiary you have appointed on your Group Enrollment Card.
Dependent Life Insurance
In the event of the death of your insured spouse or dependent child, an amount of life insurance is payable to you as outlined in this booklet on dependent life insurance.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
In the event of an accidental death, accidental dismemberment, loss of use, paralysis or loss of speech or hearing, within 365 days of an accident, a benefit is payable in accordance with the details outlined in this booklet.
Supplementary Health Insurance
This plan provides benefits not covered under the Provincial medical services and hospital insurance programs, for you and your insured dependents including:
- Semi Private Hospital Benefit
- Extended Health Benefit
- Prescription Drug Benefit
- Emergency Ambulance Benefit
- Out-of-Province Benefit
- Non-Emergency Transportation Benefit
- Vision Care Benefit
Group Travel Insurance
This plan covers a wide range of benefits which may be required as a result of an accident or unexpected illness incurred outside the province while traveling on business or vacation.
Optional Long Term Disability Insurance
This plan is available to you on an optional and employee-pay-all basis. Long term disability insurance may provide disability benefits for periods of total disability which exceed 119 days. To be eligible for this program, you must be a member of either the Public Service Pension Plan, the Uniformed Services Pension Plan or the Members of the House of Assembly Pension Plan.
Optional Dental Care Insurance
This plan is available to you and your insured dependents on an optional and employee-pay-all basis.
Optional Group Life Insurance
This plan is available on an optional, employee-pay-all basis and you may apply to purchase additional group life insurance coverage for you and /or your spouse. Coverage is available from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $300,000 in increments of $10,000.
Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
This plan is available on an optional, employee-pay-all basis and enables you to purchase additional amounts of accidental death and dismemberment insurance on an employee and/or family plan basis. Coverage is available from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $300,000 in increments of $10,000.
Optional Life-Link Insurance
This plan is available on an optional, employee-pay all basis and enables you to purchase coverage for yourself and your family which will provide a lump sum payment in the event of a "Critical Condition" and you meet the necessary Criteria. Maximum Benefit $25,000. Employee $10,000. Spouse and $5,000 Dependent Child.
Change of Beneficiary
You may change your designated beneficiary(ies) at any time subject to any legal requirements affecting such right. For further information, please contact your Administrator.
Continuation of Benefits
Please note that for any employee who retires or is granted a leave of absence, such as maternity leave, education leave, continued absence following exhaustion of sick leave credits, or is suspended for any reason, group insurance coverage will not continue unless a "continuation of coverage" form is completed, signed and given to the Administrator or department head, prior to your leaving, in order that they may arrange for your premium payments during your absence.
Please Note: If you are granted an unpaid leave of absence and are engaged in any occupation or employment (self employed included) you are not eligible to continue group insurance coverage.
Note: The information contained in this booklet is important to you and we suggest it be kept in a safe place.
When your insurance terminates you must return your identification card(s) to your Administrator.
Definition of Dependent
For the purpose of the group insurance program, the following definition of dependent is applicable:
- Spouse
- An individual to whom you are legally married; or An individual of the opposite sex who has been publicly represented as your spouse for at least one year; or An individual of the same sex who has been publicly represented as your spouse for at least one year.
- Dependent Children
You or your spouse's unmarried, natural, adopted, foster or step-children, including a child of an unmarried minor dependent, who are:- under 21 years of age and dependent upon you for support and maintenance; or
- under 25 years of age and in full-time attendance at a recognized post-secondary educational institution and dependent upon you for support and maintenance; or
- age 21 or over, who, by reason of mental or physical infirmity, are incapable of self-sustaining employment, and are dependent upon you for support and maintenance, provided they were disabled and insured under the plan on the day before they reached age 21.
- Children of your spouse are considered dependents only if:
- they are also your children; or - your spouse is living with you and has custody of the children.
- This plan does not cover a spouse or dependent child who is not a resident in Canada nor does it cover any child who is working more than 30 hours per week, unless the child is a full-time student.
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