Annual Module Selection
As we move towards the end of the year, members will have the opportunity to reflect on their benefits needs and select their benefits module option that will start on January 1st.
Members can move to an adjacent module (e.g., from green to teal) by filling in a Group Benefits Enrollment form and submitting it to the GSI office by Monday, December 9, 2024.
Health module premiums will be posted on the GSI website in early November, so that you and your congregation will be able to consider cost in the decision.
Note that if a change is made, members’ claims history will be carried forward. This means that benefits with coverage maximums that extend over more than one year (e.g., vision care at 24 months) will not reset when a different module is selected at a later date.
Need a reminder as to what each module covers? You can find the full chart on the GSI website here.
Dependent Children Returning to School
Do you have a dependent child aged 21 to 24 who recently decided to return to school this fall after a gap year?
If their ELCIC Group Benefits ended when they reached age 21, they may be eligible to be re-enrolled in the Plan.
In order to qualify as a dependent, a child must be:
- unmarried
- under age 21, or under age 25 and a full-time student
- not employed on a full-time basis
- not eligible for insurance as an employee under this or any other group benefit program.
Please contact the GSI office to confirm they are listed as eligible with Manulife to ensure continuity of coverage.
Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)
As we swing into fall, it’s a good time to submit any unpaid claims for your HCSA. You can carry forward your balance for one year; so, your amount from 2023 must be used by the end of 2024.
Remember you can use it for:
- your portion of the co-insurance,
- benefit costs that exceed the maximum, or
- eligible health expenses that are not covered in the group plan.
Annual HCSA Amounts by Module
| Blue | Green | Teal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $450 | $550 | $650 |
| Family | $900 | $1,100 | $1,300 |
Calling All Non-Rostered (and Rostered) Plan Members:
Now is an Excellent Time to Join the GSI Board
Fall is in the air, and we are planning for the great work and opportunities before us. Having a full board with diverse thoughts and ideas makes for the best decisions, and right now we have a vacancy.
A Seat for a Plan Member
This spot is reserved for a Plan Member: ideally for a Non-Rostered Plan Member, to ensure we also hear that voice. If you’re a Plan Member — and especially if you’re a Non-Rostered Plan Member — please consider applying to join the Board. Or if you don’t think this is for you, send this ad to a colleague who you think might suit the role well.
Representation Matters
Having Plan Members serving on the Board is a real strength of the ELCIC Group Pension and Benefits Plans. The Board is responsible for making difficult decisions that will keep the Plans sustainable while keeping in mind the best interests of the rostered leaders and non-rostered employees in the ELCIC.
It’s important that a range of stakeholder groups be represented — including Plan Members and treasurers.
Offering a Unique Perspective
Plan Members are especially well suited to understanding the lived experience of those who use the Plans. Many times, the consultants will bring a suggestion to the Board that sounds good on paper, but the Plan Members who would be affected directly can see why it wouldn’t work for their colleagues; they also have the experience to be able to offer suggestions that would improve the Plans.
Where to Learn More?
You can read more about what is required of Board Directors and find the application form on the GSI Board of Directors page on the GSI website.
“As a former Non-Rostered Plan Member, I would like to encourage current lay employees to considered joining the board so they can help make sure that the needs of that group (which often overlap but are not identical to those of Rostered Plan Members) are heard.
During my time as a Board Director, I learned useful things about investments, how benefits are administered and adjudicated, how boards function, and other current trends like personalized medicine and cyber insurance. The pension and benefits industry is constantly changing, and serving as a Director will allow you to stay abreast of these trends and help determine if and how the ELCIC can (and should) implement them.
Serving on the Board was really great experience for me. Could it be for you as well?”
—Pamela Giles, former Non-Rostered Plan Member / Board Director
October Webinar: Creating a Supportive Work Culture
Ask an Expert Question / Concern: “I’ve noticed that a few of my colleagues seem out-of sorts lately – they’re less engaged, more negative. And honestly, I am feeling that way, too. What can we do to fix things?”
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 12:00 – 12:30 PM ET
Description: Work and mental health have a huge effect on one another, and workplace culture plays a big role in whether those effects are positive or negative. Join CloudMD this month to learn about how – as an employee and as a leader – you can help to create and contribute to a healthy, supportive workplace culture that fosters wellbeing, satisfaction, and productivity.
Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3326611349463065178
We welcome your questions & feedback!
please write to us: admin@elcicgsi.ca
or call toll free: 1-877-352-4247 (in Winnipeg 204-984-9181)
information and resources can also be found on the GSI website