U of S Faculty Association

January 21, 2000 Volume II, Number ii

Benefit Plans Questionnaire - Your Responses

We have received more than190 replies to the December Questionnaire on benefits. Our subcommittee has tabulated the responses and is taking steps in reaction to them. The following summarizes what you have told us up to this point.

1. The number of responses, given the time of year, was amazing. We thank you for your participation. Obviously this issue is of concern to the members.

2. Many faculty are unfamiliar with the current levels and limits of our Health and Dental Plan coverage. Within the past year we have distributed newsletters summarizing benefits, but clearly need to do some further educating.

3. Approximately 80% of the respondents to our survey were satisfied with Blue Cross as the carrier of our Extended Health plan, although some of the dissatisfied members are very unhappy. We have told Blue Cross that the members are generally pleased with how they administer the plan, but would like to see improvements in many specific aspects of the plan itself. We are eager to work with Blue Cross to accomplish that, but will be prepared, if necessary, to talk to other potential carriers.

4. Half the respondents felt that the current yearly limit for prescription drug coverage ($500 per family member) is insufficient. 11% report being denied specific drug coverage; for some the costs involved were substantial. We are presently investigating the options for improved drug coverage.

5. Many members suggested the following additional areas as requiring improved coverage:
        - eye care
        - psychology/counselling
        - physiotherapy
        - out of province medical costs

6.   A number of members would like to see better than 50% coverage for major Dental work such as crowns, bridges, etc. Also, many felt that the current lifetime limit of $1000 per family for orthodontic work was inadequate.

7. Additional premiums for better coverage? 61% said "yes." The average amount they'd be prepared to pay is $10.00 per month.

8. Many members would like to see some Extended Health Plan conversion option
available upon retirement. Our preliminary inquiries indicate that Blue Cross is working on a number of options, but may not have anything in place in time for June 2000 retirees. We have asked them to consider a transition arrangement.

As part of our follow up, we asked our benefits consultant, Ron Turner, for his input. He pointed out that any health benefits paid for by the employer are not a taxable benefit. Therefore every dollar goes twice as far as it would if we had to purchase the benefit with after-tax dollars. Mr. Turner's suggestions were consistent with what many members requested in the survey. They include: 100% coverage for prescription drugs; vision care up to $250 every two years; hearing aids up to $500 every five years.

On January 11th we met with a representative of Blue Cross and with Garry Schlichemeyer to discuss the information you provided us and to explore the various options for future improvements to our Health and Dental plans. We will submit a list of specific drugs that members would like to see covered. Blue Cross will then let us know about the costs of such additional coverage, as well as any other desired improvements. We will keep you informed of any progress over the next few months and will solicit your feedback again in the future.

NEWSLETTER