Mini-Wellness Seminar

Lydia Heshka, Wellnesss Committee Member

On January 28, 2015, RTAM’s Wellness Committee initiated a Mini Wellness Seminar. In addition to our regular spring and fall full day seminars, we now offer a half day experience (this was the first one) at the RTAM office on St. James St. The first topic presented was Wills and Power of Attorney. A group of 16 retirees gathered in the RTAM office boardroom for a very informative session offered by Sharon Tod B.A, LL.B (St Mary’s Law). We have enjoyed working with Sharon at previous workshops. Her upbeat presentation made everyone aware of the critical need for a valid will and a power of attorney document. The small group setting allowed for a healthy exchange of information and ideas. We were reminded of the different POA’s, considerations for choosing a POA, as well as many do’s and don’ts. Joint accounts and the wisdom of same were explored. Sharon entertained questions whenever they arose, creating opportunities for further conversation and learning. The many topics discussed and clarified included: health care directive (as a separate entity from a POA), codicils (and useful phrases), holographic wills, estate administration, probate, ‘fill in the blank ‘ wills, as well as costs of wills drawn up by a lawyer.

At the end of the morning session we went home with much food for thought, including:

No one is ‘entitled’ to your money: You earned it, you worked for it. Use it, enjoy it.

If there is anything left, good.

If you inherit, say “Thank you!

It is your personal responsibility to have: a will, a POA, a Health Directive. Be sure you tell those who need to know the location of all your documents.

benefiTinG you!

Alex Boyes, Benefits Chair

The real purpose of your RTAM Benefits Committee is to provide to RTAM members the best available coverage for the types of benefits you require.

On an annual basis, we strive to do this. Each fall, we assess the past year’s experiences and project forward what the rates could be for the coming year. Usage made by plan members factors heavily into these calculations. Membership participation is another significant factor. There are some variables over which we have no control: member’s age: provincially set fees: claims fluctuations. Given all these variables, the Benefits Committee presents to the RTAM Board each January a proposed fee structure for the following year (April 1 - March 31). When approved, the new fee structure is then distributed to plan members.

By the time you read this, you will have received a letter from the President of RTAM stating the new fee rates for the April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016. The same letter will also outline the enhancements to some programs at no additional cost to the members. This is our way of keeping our programs competitive with other available plans.

It is important for members to know that our current insurer, Johnson Inc., has been very proactive this past year in responding to claims and concerns raised by RTAM members, particularly, but not exclusively,

regarding travel issues. In each instance, Johnson Inc. went the “extra mile” to meet the specific concern. In all instances, the matter was successfully settled to the satisfaction of the RTAM member. It is also important to know that the Office receives many impromptu calls/letters of thanks for the way in which they have been treated. As a Committee, it is reassuring to know we have this relationship with our insurance provider.

All active teachers considering retirement are invited to attend the Pre Retirement Seminars in Brandon on April 11, 2015, and Winnipeg, April 18, 2015. It is important for you to inform active teachers of these upcoming seminars. Seminar information is available and can be obtained from the RTAM office. Potential retirees need this information to be aware of what RTAM can offer in the way of benefits as well as the benefits of becoming an RTAM member.

Our Premier Travel plan is a very attractive travel package to which to subscribe. Just having the coverage is important, but every bit as important is for you, as the insured, to be aware of what the details are of what you have purchased. They say “the devil is in the details” and this is critical. Familiarize yourself with ALL the details of your coverage. If you have any doubts about your coverage and your current health situation, check with your medical doctor and your insurer or both. Johnson Inc. can be of assistance with your inquiries. An expression (not mine) suggests you “know before you go.” Good, sound advice.

In this regard, it is incumbent on you to do your “due diligence” beforehand. We cannot presume all your questions, but we can point out to you where to go for the answer.

The Government of Canada provides several excellent booklets for people who are embarking on a travel experience. A limited supply is available at the RTAM office, but if you go on line with Government.ca you can access them. They are worth checking out.

Each year, insurers can add to or delete under the Articles of Insurance, conditions which could affect your coverage and some of the activities you may wish to access. We will shortly be providing you with a list of these additions/ deletions for your information. In the future, this will be done on a regular basis. The best surprise is no surprise!

There are pre-travel checklists which you can access from a variety of sources and it may be a resource you may want to use. They provide an extra bit of reassurance when preparing for that “great adventure.” Your RTAM Benefits Committee wants your trip(s) to be memorable, rewarding and trouble free.

One last thing.

If the whole area of benefits is one that interests you, give serious consideration to putting your name forward as a candidate for election to the Board and membership on the Benefits Committee (or any Standing committee for that matter). Or let the Office know that you would like to serve on a committee. RTAM is always looking for new Board Members.

This will be my last communication with you as the Chair of the Benefits Committee. I am retiring from the Board as of the AGM in May to make way for some “youngsters” to get on “board.”

My two years on the Board have been rewarding. Thank you for your support.