Political Advocacy Report

By Dennis Kozak, Committee Chair

The “5 ASKS” of RTAM have been discussed:

1. Bill 208: An RTAM member to be appointed to the TRAF Board. This has been achieved.

2. Legislated Recognition of RTAM. The Political Advocacy Committee recommended to the Board of Directors and our President that the topic of Legislated Recognition of RTAM be placed on the agenda for the next RTAM/MTS liaison meeting. We are requesting support from the MTS.

3. COLA: Data from TRAF was received, and a zoom meeting was held with the TRAF officials. This item is still under discussion.

4. Membership on the Pension Review Board.

5. Membership on the Education Review Board.

The Political Advocacy Committee will continue to review the last “4 ASKS” to determine how relevant they are to RTAM members, and recommendations will be made to the Board of Directors.

The Political Advocacy Committee recommended to the President that TRAF add the link to the RTAM website on the TRAF website and that other appropriate RTAM communications be shared with new members. This has been accomplished.

February 2023

Dear RTAM Plan Member:

The RTAM Benefits Committee and the Plan Administrator, Johnson Inc. have completed the annual group insurance renewal for the travel, extended health and dental care plans renewing on April 1, 2023.

The review is based on numerous factors, including plan utilization, changing costs of health services and currency fluctuations. Despite the uncertainties we are all currently facing, we continue to focus on providing our members with comprehensive coverage at a great value.

EXTENDED HEALTH CARE (EHC) PLAN – CORE AND ENHANCED PLANS

Rates: There will be a 3.9% increase to the Core (EHC) Plan rates effective April 1, 2023 (In 2022, there was no rate increase).

Core (EHC) Enhancements:

1. The Plan prescription drug maximum will increase from $900 per insured per policy year to $1,050.

2. Glucose Monitoring System (Flash or Continuous Monitoring) - 1 device every 36 months up to a maximum of $300. Must be insulin dependent.

3. Services from Registered Social Worker can be claimed under the Psychology Paramedical Benefit (Combined to $300 per insured per policy year).

Rates: There will be a 5.8% increase to Enhanced (EHC) Plan rates effective April 1, 2023.

Enhanced (EHC) Plan Enhancements:

1. The Plan prescription drug maximum will increase from $1,800 per insured per policy year to $2,400

2. Glucose Monitoring System (Flash or Continuous Monitoring) - 1 device every 36 months up to a maximum of $300. Must be insulin dependent

3. Services from Registered Social Worker can be claimed under the Psychology Paramedical Benefit (Combined to $500 per insured per policy year) per PractitionerAcupuncturist, Athletic Therapist, Chiropractor, Dietician/Nutritionist, Massage Therapist, Naturopath, Osteopath, Podiatrist/Chiropodist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist/Registerd Social Worker, Speech Therapist

If you are currently enrolled in the Core (EHC) and would like to increase coverage to Enhanced (EHC), please send your request by email to pbservicewest@johnson.ca. If you are currently not enrolled in the Extended Health Coverage (EHC) and would like to apply, applications can be found at rtam.johnson.ca, medical evidence may be required.

Dental Care Plan

Rates: There will be a 2.7% increase to rates effective April 1, 2023 (In 2022, there was a 3.9% increase).

Dental Enhancement: $1,200 annual maximum increased to $1,500 per insured, per calendar year.

Prestige Travel Insurance

For full details on your 2023/2024 Prestige Travel Insurance policy including any changes to coverages, please review the enclosed documents from Johnson Inc.

Highlights of Prestige Travel Coverage:

P Unlimited number of trips within Canada (outside your province) of any duration

P Unlimited number of trips outside Canada of up to 62 or 93 consecutive days, depending on your Base Plan selection

P Emergency Medical Insurance benefit maximum of up to $5,000,000 per insured, per policy year

P Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Delay benefits of up to $8,000 per insured, per trip1

P Baggage and Personal Effects benefits of up to $1,500 per insured, to a maximum of $3,000 per family

Rates: Rates will increase 8.5% for the April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 policy year (In 2022, there was no rate increase). However, other factors may impact your premium, such as your age or plan selection.

* Supplemental Plan trips duration are based on the date you first leave Canada for a period of more than 93 consecutive days until the date you return to your province or territory of residence. A 93-day Base Plan is required in order to purchase a Supplemental Plan.

† Some provinces restrict the time allowed out of province to less than 212 days. Contact your provincial health care provider for details.

NOTE: Rates shown do not include sales tax. For more information on applicable sales taxes, please contact Johnson Inc.

If you chose to opt out of trip cancellation, interruption and delay benefits, or select a deductible, these options also apply to your Supplemental Plan. Discounts only apply to your Base Annual Plan premium.

If you have a Prestige Travel Insurance policy and would like to change, add or remove a discount option, downgrade to a base plan, or cancel your policy, a request must be received by Johnson Inc. within 60 days of your first premium deduction. To request a change in discount option, a downgrade or a termination, you cannot have incurred a claim for the new policy year. If you do not have Prestige Travel Insurance and would like to apply for Prestige Travel Insurance, please contact Johnson Inc.

Important: Please make sure your RTAM membership is up to date, you must have an active membership with RTAM to be eligible for coverage under the Johnson Benefit Plans.

For specific questions about your personal benefit plan(s), including the Prestige Travel Insurance discount options and Prestige Travel Insurance Supplemental coverage, please contact Johnson Inc. using the information below.

Blair, President Encl.