Just a reminder that you are able to make changes to your group benefits plan at any time. Please feel free to contact me if you want a review of your plan design. Being part of a bigger pool, the UBCM Group Benefits Plan allows you to offer better customized plans at a lower cost. Email me today!
The UN proclaimed July 30th International Day of Friendship.
It was created in the hopes that the fostering of friendship between different peoples, cultures, and countries will inspire peace throughout the world. Each of us has a role to play in demonstrating within our communities and workplaces the importance of diversity and to promote understanding between different cultures.
Wishing
you a very Happy BC Day with your loved ones!
Quote of the Month
"Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you." - Shannon Alder
If you have any comments or concerns, do not hesitate to
email
me.
Cheers,
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UBCM Group Benefits Newsletter
July 2019
Save The Date! --2019 UBCM Benefits Conference October 24th - 25th
The 2019 UBCM Benefits Conference will be held October 24-25 at Inn
At The Quay in New Westminster
.
The conference is intended to provide a learning opportunity and to inspire new ideas for local government staff and others who are responsible for group benefit plans.
Topics of the conference may include:
- Managing Benefit Costs
- The Changing Landscape in Drug Costs
- Managing the Disability Process
- Municipal Pension Plan
- Legal Issues to Consider
- What's new at WorkSafe BC
- Wellness in the Workplace
If you have suggestions on topics you would like to hear about, please let me know by email!
For those that are part of our Group Benefit Plan, we are pleased to offer complimentary registration for the first two (2) attendees. Registration for additional attendees is $200/person plus tax.
For non-UBCM Group Benefits Program, registration is $200/person plus tax for the two days.
Click here to
register today,
space is limited!
(Early registration is always appreciated to assist in planning for the event.)
This conference is held only once every three years, so don't miss out on this opportunity to meet with your counterparts from other local governments to learn more and share ideas about benefits plans.
For Members in our Group Benefits Plan -- Renewal Negotiations are Underway...
Included with our service offering to you, the members in the Plan, is to provide an actuarial review of the carrier's proposed new rates for the coming year.
The renewal letter will be sent out by the beginning of September with the rates effective October 1, 2019. George and Bell Consulting is reviewing Pacific Blue Cross's (PBC) proposal and will be negotiating the renewal on our behalf. Information provided by PBC includes historical premiums and claims experience, required reserves, and expenses at the aggregate level.
George and Bell's objective in analyzing this information and the proposed renewal action is to determine whether the proposed premium rate adjustments are appropriate and competitive at the aggregate level and to ensure that the premium rates for each member of the Plan are determined in accordance with the pre-determined methodologies and reflect applicable claims experience for each employer.
George and Bell will work with us at UBCM to ensure the aggregate adjustments for the renewal are fair and appropriate. Individual member reviews will be finalized before the end of the August. We will distribute written notification of your individual rate changes by the beginning of September, which will be effective commencing October 1, 2019.
Please note that if you are making amendments or receiving quotations on benefits during this time those amendments will also be subjected to the renewal increases.
I hope you are having a great summer and if you have any comments or concerns, do not hesitate to e-mail me.
Bill C-97 - Changes that affect the Medical Expense Tax Credit
Bill C-97 implements a number of proposals set out in the 2019 Federal Budget.
Updating the Income Tax Act to reflect that access to cannabis for medical purposes is now governed by the Cannabis Regulations under the Cannabis Act will support the Canada Revenue Agency in its tax administration and provide clarity to Canadians accessing cannabis for medical purposes as to the eligibility of these expenses for the Medical Expense Tax Credit.
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, provided the latest update on the measles immunization catch-up program. The Measles Immunization Catch-Up Program June 2019 report can be accessed here.
BC has taken another step toward achieving mental health for all. The Province released a 10-year plan for improving mental health and addictions care,
A Pathway to Hope
,
marking a shift toward mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, decisions based on evidence.
CUPE 118 and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Ratify New Agreement
CUPE 118 and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District have ratified a new collective agreement concluding a ten-month negotiation that began in October 2018. The new five-year agreement is retroactive to July 2018, when the past agreement expired.
Your Voice: Patient Input Needed For Drug Decisions
The feedback and experiences of patients is integral to BC's drug review process.
UPnGO with ParticipACTION is a workplace wellness program that helps deskbound workplaces integrate fun, rewarding, and healthy behaviour change programming into the workday to help employees be at their best.
Find out why physical activity is the single best thing you can do for maximizing employee engagement, productivity and well-being at work by contacting
Elena Backhaus
or visit
UPnGO.ca
. PLUS, get a taste of UPnGO by joining our free
Take a Stand Challenge
today!
If you have been taking medication for a long period of time, it's important to have regular discussions with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure the dosage - and the drug itself - is still the best choice for you. As an example drugs such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used for stomach issues like heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), are widely used but may not be needed long-term depending on your condition - 40% of all Canadians prescribed PPI medication have no reason to be on it long term.
Anna-Maria Wijesinghe
Nathan Roeters
Manager, Member & Association Services
Account Executive
Union of BC Municipalities
Pacific Blue Cross
Phone: 604.270.8226 (ext. 111) Phone: 604.419.2412
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