RTAM Benefit Updates

(Continued from page 6) December 31, 2013 were $201.5 billion. By the end of 2030, those assets will stand at $450 billion. There is a pool of money that exists now, which could address the purchasing power of retirees. That single purpose pool of capital stands at $183.3 billion. Some provinces, and that includes Manitoba, are lobbying the Federal government to raise the ceiling on CPP, somewhat above the twelve thousand plus dollars that retirees receive now. This would certainly improve the purchasing power of the retirees and it would alleviate a lot of anxiety in some quarters.

According to Statistics Canada, the biggest increase in cost is prescription drugs. It is said that some seniors cannot afford to fill their prescriptions; others ration them. There is a lack of equity in Canada’s Health Care. It has been suggested that the government should bring prescription drugs into the Health Care Plan.

As was pointed out earlier, the Federal government has served notice to the provinces, that in 2015, it will impose cuts to Health Care by some $13 billion. The President of ACER-CART, Tom Gaskell, has sent a letter to the federal ministers and others, to advocate on behalf of ACER-CART members. ACER-CART continues to reach out to other organizations to collaborate on issues of common cause.One would be remiss if one did not acknowledge George Georget, an ACER-CART executive member from Saskatchewan, for initiating a facebook page where ACER-CART members could discuss issues of relevance, as well as pass on pertinent information to one another through those discussions.

RTAM Benefit Updates June 2014

In the last issue of KIT, the following information was provided to RTAM members who are currently covered by RTAM’s benefit plans as well as those who may be considering enrolling in the plans. • Changes to RTAM Health, Dental and Premier Travel Plans effective April 2014 • Claims utilization of Health and

Dental Plans in 2013 • Update on new initiatives—1. Eldercare Services and 2. Electronic Claims Submission • Overview of all RTAM Benefit

Plans • Member Benefits Survey Results to January 31, 2014

In this issue of KIT, the following information is provided: • Renewal of MEDOC Travel (September) and Stand-Alone Trip

Cancellation (June). • Notice of Follow-up Member

Benefits Survey September 2014. • Article on preferred provider drug card benefit: “MHCSI Supplementary Pharmacy Benefit

Program - Used Your Card Yet?” • Article on Eldercare Services available to eligible Health Plan members and their extended families: “Julie’s Story”. • Article on “Travel Insurance:

Limitations and Exclusions”.

RENEWAL INCREASE OF 10% TO MEDOC TRAVEL (SEPTEMBER 1, 2014) & STAND ALONE TRIP CANCELLATION PLANS (JUNE 1, 2014)

It is strongly recommended that you carry travel insurance when travelling outside of your province of residence to cover unforeseen emergency care and transportation, as these costs may be significant.

As mentioned in the last issue of KIT, RTAM members have access to three travel plans: Premier Travel, MEDOC Travel and Stand Alone Trip Cancellation. All plans renew automatically each year, and at different times depending on the insurer. There are no changes to any of the plan designs this year; however, rates have been increased to account for experience, trend analysis and weakening of the Canadian/US exchange rate. The Premier Travel Insurance Plan rates were increased by 5% effective April 1. MEDOC Travel Insurance premiums will increase by 10% effective September 1, and StandAlone Trip Cancellation Insurance premiums have increased by 10% effective June 1.

As a reminder, here is how the travel plans compare: • Premier Emergency Medical

Travel Insurance (Full RTAM members Only) ›Multiple trips of 62 DAYS duration ›Optional per trip supplementary travel extensions up to 212 days