Since your Basic Life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefits are paid for by the ETFO Employee Life and Health Trust (ELHT) benefits plan, you will be receiving T4A tax slips for these taxable benefits by the end of February.
These taxable benefit amounts were calculated based on the portion of the negotiated funding used to pay for the life and AD&D benefits for the 2017 calendar year (January to December). In the past, these amounts would have been reported to you on your T4A from your employer, if your board previously paid for your life premiums.
Review your benefits coverage
As we welcome the new year, consider reviewing your benefits coverage and beneficiary designations to ensure they still meet your needs. Here are a few things to check for:
| My benefits and life coverage | My beneficiary(ies) |
|---|---|
NOTE: You can increase, decrease or terminate your optional life or optional spousal life insurance at any time on OTIP’s secure member website. Increases to optional life or optional spousal life insurance are subject to evidence of insurability. |
Remember to print, sign, date and mail the Beneficiary Designation form to OTIP. This is required by law to ensure that we have accurate information on file. |
Need more help? Visit our Help Centre for frequently asked questions at www.otip.com/Help-Centre or call OTIP Benefits Services at 1-866-783-6847.
OHIP+ and Exceptional Access Program
On January 1, 2018, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) introduced OHIP+: Children and Youth Pharmacare. Ontario residents who are 24-years-old or younger will be able to get their prescription medications for free under the new OHIP+ program. Enrolment and drug coverage will be automatic, with no upfront costs such as co-payments or deductibles.
The new program will cover all drugs currently reimbursed through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program. This includes more than 4,400 drug products listed on the ODB Formulary/Comparative Drug Index and additional drugs eligible for funding through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Therefore, medication that may be considered for funding through the EAP will not be covered under the ETFO ELHT benefits plan effective April 1, 2018, unless you take one of the following steps:
Speak with your prescribing doctor/nurse practitioner to:
NOTE: At the beginning of January, a notice was sent out from the insurer (Manulife Financial) and OTIP to members who are currently using EAP drugs, to give them sufficient time to apply for EAP funding.
| For non-Prior Authorization drugs | For Prior Authorization drugs |
|---|---|
If EAP drug coverage is approved:
|
If EAP drug coverage is approved or denied:
Remember to print, sign, date and mail the Beneficiary Designation form to OTIP. This is required by law to ensure that we have accurate information on file. |
If EAP drug coverage is denied:
|
If you have questions about OHIP+, please visit www.ontario.ca/ohipplus.
Questions about this notice? Please call OTIP Benefits Services at 1-866-783-6847 or access our OHIP+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Sincerely,
OTIP Benefits Services
Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan
1-866-783-6847