Our Governance

OSSTF Benefits respects the privacy of its beneficiaries and continuously works to protect the confidentiality of its beneficiaries’ Personal Information.

Review our Privacy Policy here.

Questions and Complaints

If you have any questions or complaints regarding this Privacy Statement, about our collection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, or about accessing your Personal Information, please contact Donna Morrison, Executive Director by email at donna.morrison@osstfbenefits.ca

The OSSTF ELHT Board of Trustees is committed to protecting the OSSTF Benefits Trust’s reputation, revenue and assets from any attempts of fraud, abuse, or other improper conduct, by employees, Board members, stakeholders, health service professionals, contractors or OSSTF Benefits Plan members. Review our Fraud Policy here (109kB PDF).

Rationale

In accordance with subsection 11.4, the Board of Trustees may use all reasonable means to collect and receive all Contributions due to the Fund, and shall, promptly after receipt, deposit such Contributions in a Trust Fund account, established in a reputable bank, trust company, or other financial institution.

It is the member’s obligation to pay member share premiums in the amounts prescribed, and in accordance with the collection method set out by the Trust. Payments are expected to remain current and delinquencies will be subject to the following delinquency policy.

Failure of members to pay member share premiums in a timely manner will result in suspension of member paid benefits. To reinstate eligibility will require repayment of all premiums owing.

Direct Billing Delinquency (By Member)

One Delinquent Payment: Insufficient funds

It is recognized that there are many reasons one payment might be delinquent, and that a member’s benefits coverage should not be affected by one delinquent payment.

Result of one delinquent member payment (insufficient funds):

• Member is notified of the delinquent payment and date and amount of next attempt to withdraw funds;
• Warning that a subsequent failure to pay the total outstanding amount owing will result in suspension of benefits coverage.
• Withdrawal of delinquent amount plus a $25 OTIP administration fee, and next month’s premium on next direct-bill date; and        
• Benefits coverage remains in place.

One Delinquent Payment: Incorrect PAD or closed bank account

Members may enter incorrect bank information by mistake, or to circumvent the enrolment process when direct billing is required. An incorrect or closed account number means that the Administrative Agent (Currently OTIP) is unable to process a current or future deduction. It is critical for PAD information to be entered correctly and kept up to date.

Result of one delinquent member payment (incorrect PAD or closed bank account):

• Member is notified of the delinquent payment and date and amount of next attempt; Request for member to update correct PAD information prior to the next direct-bill date (within 10 days of next direct-bill date is recommended);
• Warning that failure to correct PAD information and a subsequent failure to pay the total outstanding amount owing will result in suspension of benefits coverage. Withdrawal of delinquent amount plus a $25 OTIP administration fee and next month’s premium on next direct bill date; and Benefits coverage remains in place.

Two Consecutive Delinquent Payments

If the Administrative Agent is unsuccessful in attempting to withdraw a second consecutive direct billing payment from a member’s bank account, then the member’s coverage will be suspended.

Result of two consecutive delinquent member payments:

• Benefits coverage is suspended.
• Reinstatement will be possible back to date of suspension with no gap in coverage and no evidence of insurability required. However, payment of delinquent amount plus a $25 OTIP administration fee for each delinquent payment and any additional premium amounts incurred will be required in full prior to reinstatement.
• If no payment received, the member’s coverage will remain suspended.

1. Direct Billing of Retroactive Amount if Initial Prior Authorization Debit ( PAD) Exceeds High Deduction Threshold

• If a PAD exceeds the high deduction threshold as prescribed by the Trust (currently more than 1 month retroactive premium and more than $300), the amount will not be processed as a PAD. Instead, a single month of premium will be collected in the month the high deduction is billed, and an outstanding balance letter will be sent to the member outlining a payment plan. The payment plan will split the outstanding balance over a period of several months, to be collected with current premium until the retroactive balance is paid.
  • OTIP will send the outstanding balance letter directly to member outlining the payment plan, with warning that failure to pay will result in suspension of current coverage. This invoice will offer an extended payment plan for the repayment of retroactive premiums owed.
  • In the event of non-payment, the delinquency process outlined above will occur.
  • When coverage is suspended, the Administrative Agent will update the systems so that PAD is deactivated from the date of suspension on a go forward basis.
  • Reinstatement will be possible back to date of suspension with no gap in coverage and no evidence of insurability required. However, payment of delinquent amount and any additional premium amounts incurred will be required in full prior to reinstatement.
  • If the delinquent amount is paid and benefits are reinstated the Administrative Agent will update the systems so that PAD is reactivated. 
  • If no payment is received, the member’ coverage will continue to be suspended.

Review our Funding Policy here (121kB DOCX).