This is intended to outline the Plan in everyday language and does not constitute the terms and conditions of any policy of insurance authorized by the Trustees.

Members should be aware the provisions outlined herein are subject to change at any time and this booklet is not intended to be a guarantee of any coverage.  This booklet outlines the eligibility requirements and procedures to be followed when claims arise. A pdf version of the booklet is available by clicking here.

The Dental and Extended Health Plan is carried by Manitoba Blue Cross under group # 7020 (Manitoba Members: # 7021).

The Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Weekly and Long Term Disability Benefits are insured by Manulife Financial under Group Policy # 31800.

Should you require any information on the operation of the Plan, please contact the Plan’s administration office.


Eligibility Requirements

Employee Eligibility

You are eligible to join the Plan provided you are a Member in Good Standing of the Union, are in the employ of an eligible employer, and meet the eligibility requirements.  All Group Enrollment forms must be completed before coverage will be effective.

Employer Eligibility

Any sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation which has in effect a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Union and participates in the Health and Welfare Plan established pursuant to the terms of such collective bargaining agreement.

Initial Eligibility For Coverage

You will be eligible for coverage under the Plan on the first day of the month following the month in which you have accumulated at least 260 credited hours.  For example, if you accumulate 260 or more hours by the end of May which are reported by your employer to the Administrator no later than June 15th, they are termed “credited hours” and your coverage under the Plan would commence July 1st.

Hour Bank Credits

You will receive one credit for each hour worked for which contributions have been made and reported in your name by your employer.  These credits are termed “credited hours” and are deposited in your individual “hour bank”

After you have satisfied the initial eligibility requirements 130 credited hours will be deducted from your hour bank for each month you are covered by the Plan.

Credits accumulated over and above those required to maintain your regular monthly coverage shall accumulate to a maximum of 2,600 hours.  Such credits will then be used to continue coverage should you have any months in which you work less than 130 hours.  Should you eventually accumulate the maximum of 2,600 credited hours, coverage would remain in force during a period of unemployment for up to 20 months.

Should you pass away while in coverage, coverage will continue for your dependents until your hour bank falls below 130 hours.

Disability Credits

If you become disabled due to illness or accident and you are receiving benefits under this plan’s Short Term Disability, WCB, or EI disability, no deductions will be made from your hour bank. 

Disability Credits will automatically be credited to your hour bank for applicable dates while collecting this plan’s Disability benefits.  However if you are receiving WCB or EI disability benefits, a confirmation of benefits paid (cheque stubs or letter confirming dates received) must be provided to the administration office to apply credits.   Disability credits will be applied for a maximum of 12 months.

If you qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits (LTD), you will receive Extended Health Care benefits (no dental) coverage at no cost.  This coverage will continue until you reach the age of 65 or terminate LTD benefits.

Continuation Of Coverage

You will be covered during any month  provided you had at least 130 credited hours in your hour bank as of the last day of the prior month and you have continued your union membership.

Termination Of Coverage

Besides what is provided in the Continuation of Insurance provision section of the Master Group Contract, coverage will terminate as follows:

  • At the end of the month in which your hour bank balance drops below 130 credited hours.
  • On the date the Master Group is terminated.
  • On enlistment in any navy, army, or air force.
  • Upon Suspension or Withdrawal from the Union.
  • All dependent benefits will terminate either when your coverage terminates (unless due to death when dependent coverage will continue until your hour bank balance falls below 130 hours), or when a dependent ceases to be a dependent as defined in this booklet.

Reinstatement Of Coverage

If you cease to be covered under the Plan but remain a member of the Union, you will again be eligible for coverage on the first day of the month following the month in which you have again accumulated at least 130 credited hours which have had reported on your behalf by your employer not later than the 15th of the month.  A member’s hour bank balance remaining after 24 consecutive months of no activity is lost and 260 accumulated hours are again required to become eligible for coverage.

A former member who rejoins the Union will be eligible for coverage under the rules applicable on the first day of the month following the month in which he accumulates at least 260 credited hours.

Who Is Covered By The Plan

All eligible members of Teamsters Locals 362, 395, 979, and their eligible dependents according to qualifications outlined as follows:

Dependent Spouses

Spouse means the person with whom the member is cohabiting.

A member’s Spouse will become effective on the first of the month following date of notification.

A member’s common-law/same sex Spouse will become effective on the first of the month following date of notification.

A member deleting a Spouse due to divorce and adding a Spouse due to marriage; coverage for the Spouse will become effective on the first of the month following the date of notification.

A member deleting a Spouse due to divorce and adding a common-law/same sex Spouse; the common-law/same sex Spouse shall be added the first of the month following one year after deleting the previous Spouse.

A member deleting a common-law/same sex Spouse and adding a new common-law/same sex Spouse; the new common-law/same sex Spouse shall be added the first of the month following one year after deleting the previous common-law/same sex Spouse.

Dependent Children

A member’s unmarried dependent child is eligible for coverage up to their 21st birthday, or longer if mentally or physically disabled prior to the attainment of age 21, or to their 25th birthday if attending a recognized educational institute in Canada as a full time student.  Proof of attendance will be required to establish eligibility.

All members and their dependents must be covered by a Provincial Health Plan in order to be covered by this plan.

All changes must be submitted to the Plan’s Administration Office for authorization and Manitoba Blue Cross will be notified accordingly. 

Change Forms are available from your Employer, your Plan’s Administration Office, or on the ‘form’ page on this site.

Plan Coverage Available (According to eligibility)

Regular Coverage

  • Group Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Extended Health Benefits
  • Dental Benefits
  • Vision Care Benefits
  • Travel Health Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Plan

Age 64 & Over Coverage

  • Group Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Short Term Disability
  • Extended Health Benefits
  • Dental Benefits
  • Vision Care Benefits
  • Travel Health Benefits *
  • Employee Assistance Plan

*Members age 70 and over and their dependents are not eligible for the Travel Health Benefits.

Long Term Disability coverage ceases at age 65.

Privacy

Prairie Teamsters Administration Services Ltd., the Administrator of your benefit plan, recognizes and respects every individual’s right to privacy.  When you become a participant in the Plan, a confidential file of personal information is established.  This information is used to administer the Health & Welfare Plan under which you are covered.  This includes many tasks:

  • Enrolling you for coverage.
  • Assessing and paying your claims.
  • Managing your claims.
  • Verifying and auditing eligibility and claims.
  • Underwriting activities including determining the cost of the plan and analyzing the design options of the Plan.
  • Preparing regulatory reports.
  • Providing Trustees, consultants and other with information necessary to effectively govern the Plan.

We limit access to information in your file to persons who require it to perform their duties, to persons to whom you have granted access, and to persons authorized by law.

Please contact the Plan Administrator if you have any questions or concerns regarding your personal information.