At Benefits of Film, we want to ensure you and your family are financially protected if you can't work due to illness or injury. That's why, as of January 1, 2019, the plan increased the short-term disability (STD) benefit from $ 547 / week to $725 / week, for up to 40 weeks.

For those members who require further assistance after the 40-week STD benefit limit, a new long-term disability (LTD) benefit is being introduced as of July 1, 2019. The benefit of $725 / week, for up to 104 weeks will be available for members who are still unable to work after the STD benefit limit is reached.

The STD benefit assists members in immediate need if they are:

• off work due to a disability caused by a non-occupational illness or accidental injury;
• covered by the hour bank at the time of disability;
• approved by the Claims Ajudicator; and
• under the regular care of a physician, chiropractor or dentist

To be eligible to apply for LTD benefits, you must be covered under the Benefits of Film | IATSE 891 Active Health Plan (excluding full self pays) and become disabled on or after the July 1, 2019 benefit introduction date.

Active plan #58197

We're pleased to announce that the healthcare spending account (HCSA) amount will remain the same, a $500 deposit will be made into accounts of eligible members on July 1, 2019. Remember, the plan automatically rolls over unused funds deposited on July 1, 2018 for one additional year. For more information about your HCSA, click here.

Active plan #58197

Your plan will now include coverage for medical cannabis, up to a calendar year maximum of $2,500. Coverage starts July 1, 2019.

To claim it under your plan, it must be prescribed by a licensed physician and used to treat specific medical conditions. Contact GWL for process and more details.

Active plan #58197, 60+ plan #58198

Starting July 1, 2019, Occupational Therapy will be covered under your paramedical services - paired with Physiotherapy - for a combined limit of $700 / calendar year.

Active plan #58197, 60+ plan #58198

Starting July 1, 2019, the maximum reimbursement for rehabilitation for drug and/or alcohol misuse will change from 70% of the cost up to $5,000, two times per lifetime, to a total of $10,000 per lifetime at the same 70% of cost. The change will allow for multiple, smaller uses of the benefit. Detox has also been added to the list of eligible expenses.

Active plan #58197, 60+ plan #58198

The trustees are always looking at ways to improve your benefits and the member experience. If you have any questions, please contact benefitsoffilm@iatse.com.

© 2019 All Rights Reserved. IATSE 891 Employee Life and Health Trust

The content contained in this email is for informational purposes only. If any information should differ from the legal documents that govern the plans, the legal documents will apply in all cases.

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