The Boilermakers' National Health and Welfare Plan (Canada) is continuously evolving, providing you and your eligible dependants with the best coverage and service possible. Along with your new all-in-one benefit card, the board of trustees is pleased to announce several additional benefit plan improvements. Note: this document is also available in French

Increased Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit (AD&D)

Effective with claims incurred on/after September 1, 2014, the Active Members' Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Benefit is increased from $75,000 to $100,000.

Increased Paramedical Practitioners Coverage

Effective with expenses incurred on/after September 1, 2014, the Annual Maximum for Active Members' Paramedical Practitioners coverage is increased from $200/per Practitioner per calendar year to $300/per Practitioner per calendar year. The following Practitioners are included: Chiropractor, Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), Acupuncturist, Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) Homeopathic Doctor (H.D.), Osteopath, Podiatrist and Speech Therapist. Please note that claims for Massage Therapy and Acupuncture will continue to be reimbursed at 50%.

Increased Disability Coverage

Effective with Short Term disabilities arising on/after July 1, 2014, the Weekly Indemnity (W.I.) Benefit will mirror the current Employment Insurance (E.I.) maximum benefit. Presently, the E.I. maximum weekly benefit is $514. Each time the E.I. maximum weekly benefit increases or decreases, the Plan will match the new E.I. maximum weekly benefit.

A significant increase to the Long Term Disability (LTD) Benefit was made effective for disabilities arising on/after July 1, 2013. The LTD Maximum Monthly Benefit increased from $1,400 to $2,400.

New Podiatry Coverage For Retirees

Effective with expenses incurred on/after July 1, 2014, the Plan's Retired Members' Benefit includes $200 of podiatry (foot care) services per calendar year. Services must be provided by licensed registered practitioner.

Funeral Planning And Concierge Service Benefit

Effective September 1, 2014, Everest Funeral Planning and Concierge Service will become available for all Plan Members. Everest is the 1st nationwide non-profit funeral planning service which helps to prepare for, and deal with, issues surrounding a funeral. Additional information can be found in the attached flyer or by calling Everest directly at 1-800-913-8318 or by visiting their web site at www.everestfuneral.ca

Prescription Drug Coverage

Effective with expenses incurred on/after September 1, 2014, the Plan will pay the lower of the Brand name drug ingredient cost or the Generic drug ingredient cost. The Plan will continue to pay up to $9.50 for the dispensing fee per prescription.

Monthly And Maximum Dollar Bank Drawdown

Effective with the September 2014 benefit month, the monthly Dollar Bank Drawdown will be $300. The Plan's Dollar Bank Maximum will also increase from $4,050 to $4,500 which provides 15 months of coverage. The dollar bank increase is the 1st change since 1994. Many Plan improvements have been provided to Members and their families without any increased contribution over this 20 year period.