Benefits Committee Report

Brian Paterson, Chair; Members: Bill Cann, Pat Bowslaugh, Doreen Sage

Even with the COVID-19 Crisis still ongoing, your Benefits Committee has had a very busy year. Beginning in September and through January 2020, your Benefits Committee worked in unison with Jessica Simpson and Jeff Bennett of Johnson Inc. to get the best rates for our RTAM Plan members. For example, when Des Jardin, the underwriter for the Johnson Travel Plan, wanted to raise rates by 36%, Johnson looked around and came up with Royal Sun Alliance who not only kept the rates stable for the first year, but raised the rate to 2.69% for the second year as of April 01, 2021. The plan was renamed the Prestige Travel Plan. As of April 1, 2020, travellers can return to Canada and land anywhere in Canada. They can return to their vacation as long as the member is travelling within their base plan of 62 days. As of April 1, 2020, all travel clients will be placed on the 62 day plan. If more time is wanted, they must notify Johnson by telephone, email, fax, or other method.

Note that there was a 0.6% increase in premium in the Dental Plan. The Extended Health Care premiums did not increase, 0%. EHC clients get an extra $100 for vaccinations. The Plan reserve fund was not used this year. House and Insurance funds are available. Contact Johnson Inc. at 1-877-989-2600.

As regards Johnson and the COVID-19 Crisis, Johnson Inc. became really busy when the crisis began and when the travel ban was implemented as of March 13, 2020. Many people had cut their trips short and were returning home. Johnson Inc. had paid out over 30 million in travel claims during the time period of April 1, 2020 – June, 2020. Johnson Insurance will be giving all Prestige

Travel members a premium holiday of four months, from September, 2020, to December, 2020, inclusive.

All members will be notified by email or mail in the coming months. Johnson had a 213% increase in 2020 from 2019.

These are different times and while the globe continues to confront the pandemic and travel uncertainty, Johnson wishes to share this quick update.

At Johnson insurance, their core objective is to protect their customers. They are proud that Prestige Travel Insurance has already supported a record number of customers who have had to cancel a future trip or whose trip was interrupted and needed help returning to Canada. Prestige Travel insurance is designed to cover multiple trips, allowing the customer flexibility to take advantage of trip cancellation and medical coverage throughout the year while still being priced competitively.

Following the Government of Canada's travel advisory, Johnson understands how this pandemic has impacted your plans. Johnson has heard your concerns. Prestige Travel insurance continues to provide medical coverage for many Canadians who have as yet been unable to return to their homes in Canada. Trip Cancellation continues for trips booked prior to the travel advisory. Travel within Canada is still covered as our provincial borders may gradually begin to open and your policy is still in force. While there are many unknowns as to what the travel world will look like, Johnson has been working diligently with their stakeholders and their affinity partners to provide additional value to their policy holders. Their hope is that with more time, more certainty and stability in the travel industry will emerge. It is Johnson's hope that we will all be able to enjoy Johnson's leading travel insurance in the future.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses closed. Many health care practitioners were offering

services by way of 'virtual visits'. Members of our Health Plan were able to do the same, by virtual visits. Despite all these uncertainties during this time, Johnson continues to focus on providing members with comprehensive coverage at a great value.

One of the best goals your Benefits Committee has achieved this past year is to partner with a travel agent for Manitoba RTAM members. This Travel agent, Trip Merchant or TM for short, also serves retired members in Alberta and British Columbia. During this pandemic, although nearly all travel has stopped, TM has not sat on their hands. RTAM members are encouraged to visit the RTAM website and get in on the free newsletters, webinars, free offers, blogs and videos provided by TM. TM also has a Loyalty program. Having access to many travel suppliers, TM can offer exclusive travel savings. Remember, once on our website, the password (protected) to TM is RTAMTM-18. The link is http://rtam.tripmerchant.ca/ The newsletter can be accessed at http:rtam.tripmerchant.ca/#subscribe. This will make you aware of the latest deals. TM is currently focusing on national travel rather than international travel for obvious reasons, COVID-19. TM offers savings to travellers of up to 30% - 50% because of their access to many suppliers.

TM is constantly keeping abreast of COVID-19 updates. Traveller safety is their number one concern. They provide tips on travel through their website and newsletter. They believe that sooner or later, it is not a matter of IF but WHEN and HOW we will be able to travel. This is why they are working continuously to provide opportunities to provide future travel opportunities. Dream Now, Travel later! TM will be ready when you are. To date, they have provided several trip give aways. Currently, they offer two trip contests: a) three night mountain get-away with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (entries expire September 30), b) seven night vacation in Algarve, Portugal (expires October 30). *To enter, you must subscribe to the RTAM Travel Newsletter and complete a short online form.

For other offers and future Group Departures, refer to your RTAM travel site. See what you can reserve for only a $10 deposit. Visit your RTAM travel site today or contact TM directly at info@tripmerchant. cm or call 1-800-481-9739.

So, remember: • see what suppliers are doing to protect travellers and build confidence in future travellers • domestic travel is now the focus of TM until they see more travel movement • TM is offering a 'Book with Confidence' option to members; for $10 deposit book a 2021 - / 2022 trip • see the latest contest / giveaway; three night getaway to Fairmont hotels in three possible location. • watch for future trip contests in international locations. • In March / April of 2021, TM will launch a new travel website platform that will include many more trips and packages.

Other news – the Pharmacy Agreement signed in 2014 has been resigned for EHC plan card holders as part of the Johnson support for users of this pharmaceutical service. Our Benefits Committee met once per month until the COVID-19 forced us to go virtual and attend meetings via Zoom. Advice from Johnson Inc. or TM has been an email or phone call away and the Committee appreciates this service. 