If you are planning a trip outside your province of residence and you have a medical condition that required treatment or had a change in medication in the three months prior to your departure, be aware of the following.

Coverage may be denied if a problem related to that condition or change in medication arises while you are away.

You may want to contact Canada Life at 1-888-381-4401 to clarify coverage before traveling outside of the province.

Out of Country Emergency Travel Insurance is included in your Extended Health Care Plan. You and your dependents registered under your policy will be covered up to 180 days. Coverage is for emergency care only.

Note: CUASA members and their eligible dependents traveling on university business or on sabbatical leave are not limited to the 180 day maximum.

Yes, except for members of CUPE 3778 and Visiting Scholars. For members who do have coverage, the eye examination fee is taken into consideration in the total amount payable under the Vision Care plan.

For members of CUPE 3778 and Visiting Scholars, if you are under age 20 or over age 64 you may be covered under the provincial health plan. To find out more, contact the provincial health plan organization in the province where you live.

No. The plan pays 100% of the difference in cu_event_cost between standard ward and semi-private room accommodation in a hospital.

The plan allows for two pairs of orthotics every twelve months. The plan will reimburse 80% of the cu_event_cost to a maximum of $450.00 every twelve months.

Charges for the services of a Registered Nurse (R.N.), Registered Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nurse for private duty nursing are covered when provided in the home; provided such services are certified as medically necessary by the attending physician. Payment for such services shall exclude:

• Charges in excess of the fee level set by the largest nursing registry of Ontario
• Agency fees, commissions or overtime fees
• Charges by a nurse who is related to the patient by birth or marriage or who lives in the home of the covered person
• Charges for the services of a homemaker or any person who is not described above
• Charges incurred by any person while confined in a hospital

Initial placement of dentures is not covered under the plan. Repairs, rebasing and relining of dentures every twelve months are covered at 100%.

You can contact Great-West Life directly at 1-800-957-9777. A representative will provide you with information regarding your coverage eligibility. Please note that you will be asked to provide your policy number and member ID.

Access your group benefits and claims information for the past 24 months through GroupNet at Canada Life. You can also sign up for direct deposit claim payments (claims will be paid directly to your bank account).

There are two situations in which a predetermination is required:

• Private Duty Nursing, speech treatment plans and long-term use of medical aids and appliances should be submitted for pre-authorization of benefits.
• When dental treatment will involve the use of crowns, bridges or dentures and is expected to cu_event_cost $300 or more, you must obtain a written estimate from the attending dentist.

Assure Health handles drug claims for Canada Life and requires a separate claim form, and as a result, you will receive two cheques any time you submit a claim through the mail that has prescriptions and other medical expenses attached. Canada Life’s cheque will usually arrive prior to Assure Health’s cheque.

In future, use the Assure Card Claim Form for prescription drugs and you will receive your reimbursement quicker.

This is called Coordination of Benefits (COB). You must notify your Benefits Specialist of any changes regarding coordination of benefits. The following steps will help you submit a COB claim:

• To determine which insurer pays a claim, you and your spouse must submit claims to your own plan first. Children must submit their claims to the plan of the parent with the earlier birth date in the calendar year.
• Take photocopies of your claim and receipts.
• Submit your original claim forms and receipts to the insurer who is the first payer based on the above criteria.
• Once you receive your cheque and statement, complete a new claim form, ensuring you include your spouse’s plan and ID numbers. Attach to this claim the statement from the insurer and photocopies of your original claim and receipts. Submit this information to the coordinating plan.

Notes:

• If your spouse is also insured with Canada Life, submit your claim form indicating both plan numbers. Canada Life will look after coordinating between the plans. You will receive two separate cheques.
• If you and your spouse are both employees of Carleton, you may co-ordinate benefits as of May 1, 2020.