NEBS Bulle n. Northern Employee Benefits Services for NWT & Nunavut. VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 MAY 2018 Visit us at for more informa on.

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1 NEBS Bulle n Northern Employee Benefits Services for NWT & Nunavut VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 MAY 2018 Visit us at for more informa on. Message from the Chief Execu ve Officer THIS ISSUE CEO s Message New Rates NEBS AGM No ces and Reminders No ces and Reminders Con nued No ces and Reminders Con nued No ces and Reminders Con nued Submi ng Claims Travel Benefits Plus Government Programs for Medical Travel NEBS News Pension Commi ee News In the spring of each year Northern Employee Benefits Services engages in a contract renewal process with the Insurance and Group Benefits provider (The Co operators). The rates are largely determined by Plan experience and nego a ons with the insurance company. The NEBS Board of Directors meets each April and ra fies the rates scheduled for June 1 of each year. NEBS is a not for profit organiza on and strives to keep rates as low as possible for our members. The June 1, 2018 rates are included in this Newsle er. The AGM date has been set for Thursday, May 31 at 1:30pm at the Sco a Centre Board Room located downstairs in the Sco a Center. Members are encouraged to a end either in person (for the Yellowknife based organiza ons) or by phone (please contact info@nebsnorth.com for dial in informa on) NEBS have concluded their April mee ng and have signed off on the 2017 audited financial statements, AGM material and other important documents. This will all be reported at the AGM. Sincerely, Shawn Maley Chief Execu ve Officer Northern Employee Benefits Services Contact Informa on Sugges ons for the NEBS Bulle n are always welcome!

2 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 2 Group Insurance and Health Benefits Plan New Rates The NEBS Board of Directors has approved new Plan rates effec ve June 1, Rates are determined predominantly through claim experience and then nego a ons with the Insurer. Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Medical and Vision and Dental are all seeing increases however because NEBS is not for profit, our rates are s ll below what an organiza on is likely to find on the market and less than similar plans are paying for premiums. NEBS has been successful in holding preferen al rates with CHUBB (formerly ACE INA) to provide Accidental Death, Disease and Dismemberment (ADD&D) insurance at the same level of coverage as last year. COVERAGE MONTHLY PREMIUMS CHANGE Group Life Insurance $0.320 / $1,000 Benefit 19.9% Dependent Life Insurance $3.52 Flat Rate 0.0% Accidental Death, Disease and Dismemberment Insurance $0.025 / $1,000 Benefit 0.0% Long Term Disability Coverage 60% Non Taxable 70% Taxable *Short Term Disability Coverage (Weekly Indemnity) 60% Non Taxable 70% Taxable *Medical and Vision Coverage *Dental Services Coverage $2.30/ $100 Benefit $1.351 / $100 Benefit $0.34 / $10 Benefit $0.160 / $10 Benefit Single $73.14 Flat Rate Spouse$73.14 Flat Rate Family $ Flat Rate Single $53.92 Flat Rate Spouse$53.92 Flat Rate 44.1% 0.0% 14.9% 0.0% 5.4% 5.4% 5.4% 3.8% 3.8% Family $ Flat Rate 3.8% *Elected and Appointed Officials Coverage $34.50 Flat Rate 18.2% Denotes op onal plans in which employers may elect to par cipate. If you have any ques ons or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office at

3 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 3 NEBS AGM The NEBS AGM will take place at the Sco a Boardroom in Yellowknife on Thursday, May 31, 2018 commencing at 1:30 PM Mountain Time. The AGM presents Employer Members the opportunity to hear reports on key ac vi es of the Board and Pension Commi ee and review he audited financial statements. Par cipa on can be in person or by phone in. Please note that there is no travel assistance for those a ending the mee ng in person. Please contact info@nebsnorth.com if you would like to par cipate by phone or in person. Please consider par cipa ng on behalf of your Employer and Employees.

4 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 4 NOTICES & REMINDERS Employee Enrolment Forms Please be advised that NEBS requires Employers to submit enrolment forms for newly hired Employees no later than 31 days a er their date of hire. Effec ve coverage days (either immediately or a er the wai ng period) will s ll apply but the enrolment documenta on must be submi ed. Historically NEBS has allowed Employers to submit enrolment documenta on for its Employees a er deadlines, however late enrolment puts the Employee at risk as coverage is o en not in place when it should be or is thought to be. A er hire, by immediately comple ng enrolment forms and submi ng them to NEBS, this risk will be reduced.

5 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 5 NOTICES & REMINDERS CONTINUED Student Eligibility Deadline is June 30, 2018 Student eligibility forms must be completed by June 30, This form can be found on our website or by ing info@nebsnorth.com. To ensure that students con nue to receive the benefits they need, it s important for you to provide current records that verify student status by June 30 each year of enrolment. We depend on you and your plan members to verify that eligible dependents are covered under the plan and to inform us of any changes in status. 1. Overage Dependent Children 21 and over are required to file the Student Eligible form for con nued coverage. Student status will expire on the 25 th birthday of the child. 2. Student eligibility forms are required to be submi ed prior to June 30 th for the academic year. 3. Students star ng their academic year in the spring semester the deadline for student eligibility form submission is December 31 st : 4. Student Declara ons will expire on the earlier of the following: a) April 30 th if the student is gradua ng b) Upon the 25 th birthday of the child c) August 31st if the student is returning in the fall semester All claims will be held pending receipt of student eligibility form. If a claim is rejected because we have not received updated student informa on, the member may resubmit for processing once coverage is ac ve via Benefits Now.

6 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 6 NOTICES & REMINDERS CONTINUED Life Event Changes Life event changes need to be communicated to NEBS as soon as possible to avoid disrup on or denial of coverage. For example, a new baby, marriage/common law rela onship changes, etc. Changes can me made by comple ng the Employee Informa on Change form found on our website or by ing info@nebsnorth.com. Top Five Administrator Tasks 1. Add new enrolments and dependent (within 31 days of their eligibility date) 2. Terminate plan members and dependents (within 31 days of the members last ac ve day worked) 3. Update salaries 4. Update addresses 5. Update beneficiary(ies)

7 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 7 NOTICES & REMINDERS CONTINUED Drug Prior Authoriza on Forms Updates have been made to the Prior Authoriza on Drug forms. Please ensure that you are using the correct form as some forms are medica on specific and some are illness specific. If you have any ques ons or need assistance in finding the correct Prior Authoriza on form located on Benefits Now, please contact The Co operators Client Service Center toll free at Employee Leaves If you have an employee taking a leave of absence (maternity, parental, compassionate care, educa on, or other) this year please submit the No ce of Employee Leave Form prior to the Employee going on leave. Both the Employer and Employee signature are required. This form can be found on our website or by ing info@nebsnorth.com. From the NEBS Finance Department Payments for Health and Pension must be made on separate cheques. Payments received combined will be sent back to the employer. 2% interest is charged on all overdue invoices and appear on the monthly statements. They are due immediately and subject to addi onal interest if they remain unpaid.

8 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 8 Submi ng Extended Health & Vison Claims Many Health and Vision Care providers can now submit claims directly to The Co operators on your behalf. This reduce the need to complete a paper or e claim submission and help lower your out of pocket expenses. The following health care providers are eligible to submit claims using theclaimsxchange : Chiropractors Chiropodists Massage Therapists Osteopaths Physiotherapists Podiatrists Speech Therapists Vision Care Service Providers Be sure to have your group and cer ficate numbers with you. Your service provider will need them to submit your claim. The numbers are available on your pay direct drug card, from your plan administrator or by calling the Group Client Service Centre at If your Health or Vision Care provider submits your claim electronically there's no need for you to complete a paper or e claim. If your plan requires that you have a referral from a doctor for a par cular service, you must bring that along so the provider can include that informa on at the me of the claim. Your Health or Vision Care provider has the op on to accept assignment of benefits or require you to pay the full amount of the service provided. If your provider accepts assignment of benefits, you will have to sign an Assignment of Benefits form and you'll pay only your por on of the claim when the service is provided. Be sure to keep copies of your receipts in case of an audit. If your Health or Vision Care provider is not already registered to submit claims using theclaimsxchange, please refer them to The site will walk them through a quick registra on process to allow them to begin to submit claims on your behalf. If your provider has problems submi ng a claim or registering for theclaimsxchange, they can contact the NexgenRx support line at or help@theclaimsxchange.com. If you have any ques ons about theclaimsxchange, please contact The Co operators Group Client Service Centre through the "Ask a Ques on" feature in Benefits Now for Plan Members or by calling

9 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 9 Travel Benefits Plus Out of Country Emergency Care provided under your extended health care plan is not travel insurance but provides coverage for medical expenses related to emergency medical care. Expenses include treatment by a doctor, hospitaliza on, x rays, and laboratory tests as a result of a medical emergency. Emergency Medical Travel Assistance (EMTA), also included in your extended health care plan, provides 24 hour assistance to travellers who find themselves in an emergency medical situa on. EMTA services include: advice about doctors and hospitals confirma on of coverage and advance payment where required arrangements for medical transfer home by air ambulance contact with trea ng physicians and family legal referrals referrals to English speaking doctors consulate and embassy referrals telephone assistance with interpreters In addi on to the benefits provided under Out of Country Emergency Care and EMTA, it is important to consider the financial impact of the non medical expenses related to a medical emergency while travelling. The Solu on Travel Benefits Plus has been added to your extended health care plan to supplement the benefits provided under Out of Country Emergency Care and Emergency Medical Travel Assistance. It provides protec on for plan members and their families against the o en unan cipated expenses related to a medical emergency. Travel Benefits Plus provides coverage for: family transporta on expenses emergency reunion transporta on costs trip delay transporta on costs transporta on costs for return of dependent children return of vehicle expenses out of pocket allowance for living expenses return of body or crema on expenses for plan member and dependents cost of economy airfare for a family member to iden fy the deceased

10 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 10 Government Programs for Medical Travel Government Assistance for medical travel is outlined in Policies approved by the territorial governments; in the Northwest Territories the Medical Travel Policy; and, in Nunavut the Client Travel Policy and Extended Health Benefits Policy. These policies can be found on the websites of the respec ve Governments and the policies are administered in both Territories by the Departments of Health and Social Services. In the NWT the Medical Travel Office of the Stanton Territorial Health Authority is the primary contact for medical travel enquiries and approvals. Stanton has offices in Yellowknife, Inuvik and Fort Smith. Health and Social Services Authori es and Health Centres in a number of other communi es are also contact points for NWT residents. In Nunavut medical travel is coordinated through the Medical Travel Office in Iqaluit and extended health benefits for those not covered by other insurance is administered by the Health Insurance Program Office in Rankin Inlet. The common ques on Employees ask is whether the NEBS Program pays for medical travel costs outside the community. The answer is no. If an Employee is approved under the government travel assistance program and they are charged a co payment amount, NEBS will reimburse this co payment amount under our Extended Health Care Plan, if the Employee has this Plan coverage (Up to $250).

11 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 11 The NEBS Board and Pension Commi ee typically meet 3 mes per year in April, September and December. This year the NEBS Pension Commi ee will be holding their Pension Commi ee Mee ng in Rankin Inlet Nunavut September 5 to 7, The NEBS Board, through a public call of interest applica on process selected Gary McBride (Inuvik, NT) Mike Aumond (Yellowknife) and William Benne (Fort Simpson) to sit on the Pension Commi ee for 4 year terms. In 2017 The NEBS Board made the decision to build a new office building rather than rent in Yellowknife. The Budget was established at 1.9 million dollars and a design build contract was signed with ARCAN CONSTRUCTION. The Design is almost complete and construc on is scheduled to commence in June As you are aware NEBS rolled out a new and much improved website in September The website has been further improved with the addi on of a Group Benefits Calculator. Employers and Employees can now go on the site and type in the coverage they want to add to their benefits and the calculator gives them an instant and accurate cost to assist in their decision making as well as your financial planning. The calculator can be found on the website or by following this link h ps://nebsnorth.com/members/premiums and billing. NEBS will be holding a photo contest, open to all of our Members, for use on the NEBS website. There will be some prizes all well as the chance to have your photos shown on our website. Photos must be high resolu on/good quality. Please your photos to info@nebsnorth.com. More details will be ed at a later date.

12 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 12 Pension Commi ee News The Pension Commi ee met in April and reviewed the Preliminary Valua on results for the January 1, 2018 Valua on. The results of the Valua on indicate that NEBS is in a Going Concern surplus of 24 million and the current contribu on rate (8% Employer/8% Employee) is sufficient to fund the Plan. The January 1, 2017 Valua on indicated a 18.4 million dollar surplus.

13 NEBS Bulle n Volume 21 Issue 1, May 2018 Page 13 NORTHERN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SERVICES #700, TH Avenue Yellowknife, NT X1A 3S9 Phone: (867) Fax: (867) info@nebsnorth.com Website: Shawn Maley Chief Execu ve Officer Tel: (867) (Ext.1) E mail: shawn@nebsnorth.com Nicole Pintkowsky Director Program Opera ons Tel: (867) (Ext.3) E mail: nicole@nebsnorth.com Cassandra Cassoway Manager Program Services Tel: (867) (Ext. 2) E mail: cassandra@nebsnorth.com Beverly Walker Finance Officer Tel: (867) (Ext.5) E mail: beverly@nebsnorth.com Rebecca Masongsong Pensions and Benefits Officer Tel: (867) (Ext.6) E mail: rebecca@nebsnorth.com Kendra Pope Office Administrator Tel: (867) (Ext.0) E mail: kendra@nebsnorth.com