Frequently Asked Questions - Member

All permanent, full-time and part-time elementary teachers who work for the Peel District School Board are eligible for benefit coverage.

You are required to complete a Group Benefits Application Form.

This form must be submitted to OTIP no later than 31 days after you become eligible to join this group plan. For example: if you are hired on September 1, 2009 you must submit your forms before October 1, 2009.

You are eligible to participate in the plan on your first day of work provided you are a member in good standing of the Peel Elementary Teachers' Local.

You and your dependants will be covered as soon as eligibility is established.

You may waive health and dental coverage if you are already covered for these benefits under your spouse's plan. If your coverage under your spouse's plan terminates, you must apply for coverage under the Peel Elementary Teachers' Local plan no later than 31 days after termination from your spouse's plan. After 31 days, you must provide evidence of insurability for you and your dependants before you can participate. Your dental benefits will be subject to certain restrictions. You must be actively at work for coverage to take effect. You cannot increase your life insurance amount under this plan while you are on leave.

Your coverage terminates at the earlier of the date:

• Your employment ends;
• You are no longer in good standing of the Peel Elementary Teachers' Local;
• You turn age 70, if not actively teaching; or
• If actively teaching on your 70th birthday, at the end of that school year;
• The date the policy terminates.

Your dependants' coverage terminates at the earlier of:

• Your insurance termination;
• Your dependant no longer qualifies;
• Age 70.

The only time you will be required to submit evidence of insurability is if you do not submit a Group Benefits Application Form within 31 days from your date of hire. In that case, you will be considered a "late applicant" and must provide satisfactory evidence of insurability at your expense. Your benefits will become effective only if the evidence is approved by the insurance carrier. Please note that some or all of your benefits could be declined or restricted based on the evidence.

All changes must be reported to OTIP in writing. You may wish to contact an OTIP benefits services representative at 1-888-521-0023 to ensure you have met all requirements.

To add a family member to your plan, complete a Health and Dental Change Form and return it to OTIP.

You have 31 days to apply for coverage for your spouse/partner from the date he/she lost his/her coverage to avoid the late applicant status. To add a family member to your plan, complete a Health and Dental Change Form and return it to OTIP. After the 31 days you will be required to submit evidence of insurability. Reduction in coverage or decline in coverage may occur.

You must have coverage for life and long term disability insurance. However, you do have the right to waive benefit coverage for extended health, vision and dental care. If you are a part-time teacher or you are going on an unpaid leave (e.g., extended parental leave, deferred leave, long term disability or unpaid medical leave) and do not wish to pay the teacher's portion of the premium costs, you may waive extended health and dental coverage. You must continue your life insurance coverage and long term disability coverage and pay the pro-rated premium cost.

Anyone choosing to waive benefits should complete a Full-Time Leave Form.

For coverage specific information, please call the Great-West Life customer service line at 1-800-263-5742. They will be happy to assist you with any coverage inquires. Have your policy number and certificate number (ID number) ready for the representative.

Contact an OTIP benefits services representative at 1-888-521-0023 for assistance.

For all individuals who are part-time and/or on a leave of absence, premiums are to be paid in whole (or pro-rated for part-time) by the individual. An OTIP benefits services representative can assist you with calculating your monthly costs.

You should contact your employer to ensure you are eligible for your leave and that you have been approved. Once approved, you should contact an OTIP benefits services representative at 1-888-521-0023 for information about extending your benefits.

You will need to contact the Peel Elementary Teachers' Local at 905-564-7233 to obtain the necessary form for the insurer's consideration.

If you die while your coverage is still in force, the health and dental benefits for your dependants will be continued for a period of 12 months or until your dependants no longer qualify, whichever occurs first.

You may be eligible to apply for an individual conversion policy without providing proof of your insurability if any or all of your group insurance terminates. However, you must apply and pay the first premium no later than 31 days after your Basic Life Insurance terminates and within 60 days following the date of termination of your AD&D coverage. For more information, please contact an OTIP benefits services representative at 1-888-521-0023.

OTIP's Retired Teachers Insurance Plan (RTIP) offers a variety of retiree health, travel and dental insurance plans designed to suit your needs. Our plans incorporate choice, flexibility and understanding so you can choose the coverage that’s right for you. For more information, visit the retiree insurance page on www.otip.com or call 1-800-267-6847 and ask to speak to our life and living benefits department.