End-of-Year Deadlines
Coverage maximums
This is the final month to use your benefits before the coverage maximums reset for 2025.
If you haven’t used the available amounts in your Professional Services coverage (such as chiropractor, massage therapist or counsellor), there may still be time to book a final visit and get set for the holidays.
If you used your benefits in 2024 and your provider doesn’t direct bill the insurance company, you have until March 31 2025 to submit the claim.
Health Care Spending Account
Also remember that if you had a carry-forward balance from 2023 in your health care spending account, it will expire at the end of December. If you’re in that situation, now would be a good time to review your claims and see if there are any portions unpaid that you can submit.
Your available balances can be found when you log onto your Manulife member account.
Modular Health Benefits - New Selections
The deadline for changing your module for 2025 has now passed. However, if you still want to make a change, contact the GSI office this week; we will make an effort to process your change. Remember, you can move to an adjacent module (e.g., from green to teal) by filling in a Group Benefits Enrollment form.
Health module premiums have been posted on the GSI website, so that you and your congregation will be able to consider those in the decision.
The DMin at the STU: A Journey of Exploration
Pastor Aneeta with Bishop Kathy Martin
This year, I re-entered the world of academic study and began a journey of exploration into practical and contextual theology. This was made possible with financial assistance from the ELCIC Advanced Study Grant.
So far, the Doctor of Ministry program at the STU (Saskatoon Theological Union) is promising to be a wonderful way for the congregation (Spirit of Life, Vancouver) that I serve — and for me — to understand our history, and also our present location and identity within the neighbourhood. This will help us to better understand our Christian mission together today and into the future.
The congregation is discovering that there are many people in our busy urban setting who are interested in a life of faith in community and who have not traditionally been part of the Lutheran church. The church must identify the ways God is active and alive outside of our traditions and ecclesiology to meet God’s diverse people where they are — while ensuring safe and hospitable space for all within the body of Christ.
The classes I’ve take so far in the DMin program are helping me to re-envision and articulate my theological imagination when it comes to where and with whom God is proclaiming the Good News.
Advanced Study Grant Application Deadlines
Every January, I look forward to receiving applications from CEP (Continuing Education Plan) members who have plans to either start an advanced education program or to continue in their studies, as they apply for the Advanced Study Grants.
These applications are reviewed by the Program Committee for Leadership for Ministry (PCLM), which consists of a rep from each synod, a rep from each of our ELCIC Seminaries, and myself as National Office staff. It’s exciting to see what type of studies our leaders are engaged in!
Thinking of engaging in deeper learning through a program in advanced learning? Make sure to apply for the Advanced Study Grant! The deadline is January 15, 2025. There’s also a deadline for May 15 each year. Find the application form here.
Remember to Breathe!
Advent can be an exciting time in the life of the church and its workers. The church may be humming with activities and excitement. Former youth group members are home from university. Choirs and Sunday Schools prepare concerts that underscore the special-ness of the season.
It can also be a difficult time. Those who have lost loved ones may feel the loss even more acutely. In Canada, December is cold and dark. For clergy, Advent can be very stressful even as it brings joy. There are just too many tasks, not enough time, and then somehow unexpected funerals appear on the calendar as well.
Nobody benefits from leadership burnout. Your mental and physical health matter. Sometimes, you (as clergy, administrative assistant, or whatever your role is) may have to say no. That’s okay. It’s okay to stop all the busy-ness for a minute and recenter: To pray. To exercise (even if that’s just a walk around the block). To enjoy a meal with friends or to retreat from the crowd and eat a quiet meal alone.
Remember to breathe.
Manitoba Plan Members & Biosimilar Drugs
Manulife has sent this useful information for our Plan Members in Manitoba.
The Manitoba government has announced its biosimilar initiative — expanding the use of biosimilar medications in place of biologic medications for certain conditions, where they are available. This means Manitoba residents with coverage under the provincial plan and using certain biologic drugs covered by the Manitoba provincial program will need to transition to the biosimilar versions, where they are available, to continue to receive coverage through the provincial plan.
How does this affect Manulife drug plans for members in Manitoba?
For Manulife Plan Members, Manulife is aligning to the coverage that is offered through the Manitoba provincial plan. As such, these Plan Members will be required to make the transition to the biosimilar drug as noted in this chart to receive continued coverage under their Manulife plan.
For members who make the transition before the transition period end date noted in the chart, there is no change to the process. Manulife will consider claims for any portion unpaid by the Manitoba provincial plan for biosimilars. They won’t consider claims for biologic drugs after the transition period end date.
How have Plan Members been informed?
Manitoba Health has communicated these changes publicly and provided resources to specialist, doctors and nurse practitioners. It is likely many affected members are already aware of the change. In some cases, they may have already made the transition. Also, Manulife is directly communicating with affected members to let them know what is happening and when.
What if a member is unable to transition to a Biosimilar?
Manitoba will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis for members who are medically unable to transfer to a biosimilar. The member’s doctor would need to submit a request for exceptional coverage on their behalf. If approved, the member would need to provide Manulife with proof of their approval, and Manulife will consider balances for the biologic drug according to policy provisions.
#1. Holiday Money Management
Description: Money remains one of the great taboo topics of our culture, which is very unfortunate. We have made strides in discussing mental health issues, but not in discussing income disparity. This comes strongly into play around traditional gift-giving events, like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and in particular holidays that have a gift-giving tradition.
In today’s economy, many of us struggle to manage our own daily finances without the added societal pressure to ‘keep up with the Joneses’, even when the ‘Joneses’ are part of your family. We are all under so much financial stress and this only compounds it.
Join CloudMD this month to learn more about managing your money through the holiday season and beyond. Learn how to discuss finances openly and to plan events that don’t overly stress you while allowing you to contribute meaningfully. Participants will be equipped with knowledge and skills to better prepare for the holiday season and to reduce some of the financial stress that can come with it.
Ask an Expert Question:
“My partner’s family exchanges gifts over the holidays, and they’re a big family. Money’s already tight right now and between our mortgage, utilities, and getting food on the table, we’re barely making ends meet. I’m feeling so much pressure and pulled in so many directions. What can I do?”
Date: Wednesday, December 11 Time: 12:00 – 12:30 PM ET
#2. ICYMI: Grief Awareness
Description: Despite the fact that it affects us all, grief can be an incredibly lonely and confusing experience. We’re often uncomfortable and unsure about how to deal with our own grief and how to support others in theirs.
Join CloudMD this month to learn more about grief, including debunking common myths; tips for navigating grief; and things to keep in mind when supporting others. Participants will be equipped with knowledge and skills to foster a more grief-literate, compassionate, and understanding environment.
Ask an Expert Question:
“My dad recently died, and I feel lost. I don’t know how I should feel or what I should do. And I don’t know who to turn to; everyone around me seems to have moved on and to think I should do the same. How do I get through this?”
Date: This was November’s webinar, but you can still access the recording.
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