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Renewal of the OSSTF Benefits Plan – Eligible OSSTF Contract Teachers and Long-Term Occasional Teachers

To: Eligible OSSTF Contract Teachers and Long-Term Occasional Teachers

From: Donna Morrison, Executive Director

June 30, 2020

The OSSTF Benefits Plan renews effective September 1 of each year. September 1, 2020 is the third renewal of our plan.

One of the main principles that guides the OSSTF ELHT Board of Trustees in its work on behalf of plan members is protecting the long-term sustainability of the OSSTF Benefits Plan while also ensuring comprehensive coverage for members and their families. Achieving this balance includes responsible financial management and following the benefits industry’s best practices.

Since inception of the OSSTF Benefits Plan, member contributions towards the health and dental benefits have not changed and the OSSTF ELHT Board of Trustees have given approval that they are also being held through the September 1, 2020 renewal. 

The following renewal action has been approved by the OSSTF Benefits Board of Trustees effective September 1, 2020.

  • A reduction of 15% to the Basic Life Insurance rate and no change to the Basic AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) rate: For active members, the Basic Life insurance and AD&D premium is funded through the negotiated FTE funding; this will not have an impact on member contributions. It will result in a slight decrease to the T4As issued annually for these taxable benefits.
  • A reduction of 5% to the current member paid Optional Life rates and no change to the member paid Optional AD&D rates: This will result in a slight decrease to the monthly premiums for members who are participating in the Optional Life and Optional AD&D benefits. It is important to note that Optional Life rates are based on 5-year age bands. Each September 1, OTIP updates the database, and if a member or spouse’s age brings them into the next 5-year age band, these premiums will change. OTIP will advise members of this age band rate change. Members and spouses always have the option of reducing or cancelling their Optional Life coverage.
  • No change to the rates for the health and dental premium rates: This will result in no change to the member contributions for both active members and those on leave who are participating in the health and dental benefits.

Member contributions of the health and dental benefits are 6% of the premium rates for full-time members (1.0 FTE) and pro-rated for less than full-time members. Since the member contributions have not changed since inception, they no longer represent this proportion of the plan costs. They are being held for the September 2020 to August 2021 benefit year. The ratification of the OSSTF Central Agreement that provides additional employer-paid funding of 4% annually towards the OSSTF Benefits Plan was a major factor that contributed towards being able to hold the current rate of member contributions.

The OSSTF ELHT Board of Trustees has also reviewed the claims handling provisions of the OSSTF Benefits Plan. To ensure continued responsible use of the benefits plan, the following claims handling provisions will be enforced commencing September 1, 2020:

  • Physician’s referral for the services of a Registered Massage Therapist: This provision has been inforce since inception of the OSSTF Benefits Plan but has not been strictly enforced. Commencing September 1, 2020, a medical referral from a physician will be required for the services of a Registered Massage Therapist. A medical referral is valid for 12 months from the date that it is issued. Services of a Registered Massage Therapist continue to be eligible up to $750 per benefit year. A benefit year is defined as September 1 to August 31.
  • Orthodontic services (Dental braces): For any new orthodontic treatment that commences September 1, 2020 or later, payment of fees in advance for services not yet rendered cannot be made. Thus, payment for orthodontic treatment will be paid on a monthly/quarterly basis as services are rendered, provided dental coverage is in force. Orthodontic benefits continue to be eligible at 50% reimbursement of fees in accordance with the current fee guide for general practitioners, up to a lifetime maximum of $3,500.
  • Services of a Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Registered Family Therapist and Registered Social Worker: Continue to be eligible for reasonable and customary charges up to a $2,000 combined maximum per benefit year. Commencing September 1, 2020, a Registered Clinical Therapist, Registered Psychoanalyst, and services of a Psychological Associate under supervision of a Registered Psychologist, will also be considered eligible.

If you have any questions please contact Donna Morrison, Executive Director at OSSTF Benefits, at donna.morrison@osstfbenefits.ca


The information in this document is provided by OSSTF Benefits for general information only. OSSTF Benefits endeavours to have all information current and accurate. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information included. All information is subject to change without notice.


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