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New Changes to Group Insurance Plan
The Group Insurance Trustees had their renewal meeting to make changes to the Group Insurance Plan for October. As was mentioned at the Area Association Meetings in May, the Trustees were looking at making some improvements to bring the plan in line with the coverage for other public sector plans. Fortunately, the plan had done well this past year with claims being lower than expected. This allowed for enhancements to the plan with only small increases to premiums at this time.
For the dental plan, starting in October 2019, there will be an addition to include 50% lifetime coverage to a maximum of$3,000 reimbursement for Orthodontics (which includes braces) and coverage of 50% to an annual maximum of $1,000 reimbursement for Major Restorative (which include crowns, bridges, dentures). The Health plan will also see some improvements that will be outlined at a later time when everything is finalized.
Also, through negotiations this past year, there was an increase to the life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance that is paid for by the employer that every active teacher receives. Currently, the amount is $20,000 for each, but it will be increasing to $48,000.
There will be general increases to amounts that can be claimed for hearing aids, orthotics, wigs, insulin pumps, and private duty nursing. Most notably, the amount for paramedical (massage, physio, etc) will increase to 80% of $70 for a total reimbursement of $56 and for Psychologists a maximum of 80% of $125 for a reimbursement of $100 per visit. There will also be some coverage for vaccines, erectile dysfunction drugs and laser eye surgery. More information will be provided in the fall.
The Trustees also wanted to thank the Chair of the Trustees, Anne Marie Muise, who is retiring from teaching and thus will be stepping down as chair. Anne Marie's guidance through many changes to the plan during her tenure as chair since 2007 has been invaluable.
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