International Day of Friendship
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. To create a day that teaches the youth of today, our communities and workplaces show the importance of diversity and to promote understanding between different cultures.
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, 2018. 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.
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 local government are determined in accordance with the pre-determined methodologies and reflect applicable claims experience.
George and Bell will work with us at UBCM to ensure the aggregate adjustments for the renewal are fair and appropriate. Individual local government 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, 2018.
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
email
me.
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UBCM Group Benefits Newsletter
July 2018
Absenteeism Costs Substantial
Often ignored, or even unknown, is the substantial cost of absenteeism brought by mental health issues caused by stress, disability, and financial concerns, says Mercer's 'How Much Is Absenteeism Costing Your Organization?' It says Canadian companies lose an estimated $16.6 billion in productivity per year due to workers calling in sick as a result of mental health issues. This is a trend that many expect to increase in severity as more workers are reporting higher levels of stress and other mental health concerns. But because absenteeism and disability are more difficult to quantify - at least, at first - organizations often do not measure or account for their destructiveness. The solution, it says, is to build an overarching total health and wellness program that tackles all variables proven to impact employee health, wealth, and productivity. Just like total rewards (or total compensation), employers should understand, communicate and support a complete view of the tools and services they have in place to enable a healthy, productive workplace.
What are Stress Strategies?
Stress Strategies website looks at stress as a problem that can be addressed, solved, or at least improved using practical problem-solving methods.
When finished, you'll be able to download or print your own personalized stress management plan.
Share these BC Health Resources with Your Employees
Our
British Columbia Resource Guide can help you find valuable chronic pain services, programs, support groups and organizations in your neighbourhood. You can search and sort resources using the search filters.
Travel Season is Here
Why do I Need Travel Insurance?
You should be aware that your provincial coverage may not pay for all health care costs you may incur while outside of the province, and the difference can be substantial. For example, BC pays $75 (CAD) a day for emergency in-patient hospital care, while the average cost in the US often exceeds $1,000 (US) a day, and can be as high as $10,000 (US) a day in intensive care. For this reason, you are strongly advised to purchase additional health insurance from a private insurer before you leave the province, whether you are going to another part of Canada or outside the country. You are advised to purchase additional coverage even if you plan to be away for only a day. Read more.
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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