Apply Now to Ensure Extended Health Care Coverage

One of the most significant steps forward in the new RSMC collective agreement is the inclusion of RSMCs in the Canada Post Extended Health Care Plan (EHCP).

Coverage for drugs is now included in the EHCP in addition to hospital coverage and a number of different paramedical expenses such as acupuncture, chiropractor, electrologist, massage therapy, midwife, naturopathic, osteopathic, physiotherapy, podiatrist, psychology,  social work, and speech therapy treatments.

RSMCs Must Apply for Coverage

It is very important that RSMCs understand that to be covered by the EHCP, you must submit an application.  Canada Post (CPC)’s ongoing policy will be that the coverage will be effective the day that CPC receives your application.  However, because the Plan was in effect starting January 1, 2013 and because it is new for RSMCs, if you submit your application by February 15, 2013, you will be covered retroactive to January 1, 2013.

According to Canada Post, if you were previously enrolled in the Controlled Drug Plan, you do not have to fill out a new application unless you wish to take advantage of the optional additional hospital coverage.  There is a small fee for this additional hospital coverage.

All RSMCs Eligible for EHCP

All RSMCs will be included the EHCP, except that those who hold routes with less than 12 hours will not be covered by the controlled drug portion of the plan.  This exclusion is a carryover from the 2011 contract, when these members were not included in the separate Controlled Drug Plan.

Some RSMCs may move from, or obtain a route of less than 12 hours.  CPC is still working out how it will administer the plan in this respect.  However, the Corporation did say that a 12 month waiting period will no longer apply when resuming coverage, and that as a matter of course, they won’t terminate coverage until the end of the month.  Anyone in this situation should keep their drug receipts and apply for reimbursement.

If in Doubt, Apply

If in doubt as to whether you need to fill out a new application, do so.  The Corporation said that they have mailed information packages to all members’ homes.  If you did not receive one, see your Supervisor.  If there is still a problem contact your shop steward.

Remember that you must apply to receive this important benefit.  According to CPC, some 1,300 eligible members did not apply for the controlled drug plan.