Improvements to Benefits Launch January 1, 2024

In less than a month the new and greatly improved benefit plan will take effect. We know that folks are looking forward to the many improvements that we achieved in the last round of bargaining.

ICBC has posted details about these improvements on the Hub, and as well you can find them in the BU Sun Life plan booklet that will be effective January 1, 2024.

Here is a summary of what the improvements include:

• $1500 combined maximum for paramedical services. This includes massage therapist, speech therapist, acupuncturists, physiotherapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, podiatrists, chiropodists, osteopaths, and athletic therapists.
• $2500/year covered per person for mental health treatment. This includes psychologists, social workers, clinical counsellors, and psychotherapists.
• Vision Care will increase to $500 per covered person every two calendar years. In addition, eye exams will be covered separately so those costs will not have to come out of the $500.
• Vaccine coverage is now included. The list of vaccines is extensive and includes Shingrix, Twinrix, Cervarix, and Dukoral. The full list of covered vaccines will be listed on the SunLife web site after January 1, 2024.
• Gender affirmation coverage will be included up to $10,000 per year per covered person, with a lifetime maximum of $50,000.

Changes to Dependent Life Insurance

One of the changes that we made was to our dependent life insurance. As of January 1, 2024, the life insurance benefit for a dependent spouse will be $10,000 and $5,000 for a dependent child.

Some members may wish to purchase additional life insurance for their spouse and/or their dependent children. Information on the costs of this optional life insurance plan can be found on the Hub. Please see the information that ICBC is sharing. To take advantage of a special Sun Life offer and purchase optional life insurance (up to a maximum) for yourself, your spouse or children without having to answer health questions, members who are interested will need to do so between November 22 and December 6, 2023. Optional life insurance purchased after December 6, 2023, will require a proof of insurability before coverage can be approved.

If you are interested in purchasing optional dependent life insurance, we recommend you act quickly. 

ICBC has communicated these changes to staff as well, including providing webinars so that staff understand the changes that are coming in a few short weeks. If you have any questions, please contact askHR@icbc.com or check out all the information on the Hub.

 

In solidarity,

Annette Toth, Vice-President, ICBC

Trevor Hansen, Union Representative

File Number: 23-ICBC-BLTN-Improvements to Benefits Launch January 1, 2024-DEC4

Union Label: TH:kb usw2009

Reply to: kberikoff@moveuptogether.ca