Change of Coverage Period for New Graduate Teaching Assistants

Communication OfficerEvents, General

Did you start a graduate program in January 2013 OR are a new non-student CUPE 3906 member? If so, are you a TA or RA in lieu with a contract of at least 130 hours?

If you answered yes to both questions, you will be enrolled in the CUPE 3906 dental plan with Equitable Life of Canada.  All other new graduate students will be enrolled in the GSA plan with Sun Life (more info available at www.ihaveaplan.ca). New undergrad TAs will continue to have dental coverage through the MSU.

New members can opt out of the CUPE dental plan (with proof of alternate coverage) or opt in to the family plan ($67.79 per month) during the month of January.  Changes cannot be made after January 31, 2013.

To opt out of the CUPE plan, you must fill out a Unit 1 dental opt out form available and submit it to the CUPE office in the basement of Wentworth House (B108) by January 31, 2013. Proof of alternate dental coverage with your own name on it must be submitted with your opt out form.   Acceptable proof of coverage includes (but is not limited to): an insurance card, a letter from your insurance company, or an explanation of benefits from a recent claim.

To enroll in family coverage for $67.79 per month, you must fill out a family coverage enrollment and submit it to the CUPE office in the basement of Wentworth House (B108) by January 31.  To help offset the cost of premiums, a family plan rebate is automatically issued to members who enroll in the family plan in February and November. The rebate amount depends on how many people enroll in the family plan. Last November’s rebate was $171.43.

Opt out and family coverage enrollment forms are available at the CUPE office in the basement of Wentworth House (B108) or online on our website here: http://cupe3906.org/benefits-forms/unit-1-benefits/dental

More information about the CUPE dental plan (including an FAQ and the info you need to access your benefits) is available here: http://cupe3906.org/benefits-forms/unit-1-benefits/dental

New grad students please note: CUPE dental plan members are automatically opted out of GSA dental at the end of January. However, opting out of the GSA health and/or dental plans DOES NOT mean you have opted out of the CUPE dental plan. This is true regardless of what the ihaveaplan.ca website tells you. ihaveaplan.ca will generate an automatic confirmation of your opt out even if you are not entitled to the dental portion of the GSA plan.  The only way to opt out of the CUPE dental plan is by filling out an opt out form and submitting it to the CUPE 3906 office in the basement of Wentworth hall.

The January change of coverage period is open to new members only.

Questions can be directed to benefits@cupe3906.org or phone 905-525-9140 ext. 24003.