Continuation of Benefits While Awaiting LTD

February 27, 2013

This bulletin applies to NBA Members who have a disability date of April 1, 2012 or later.

If you have applied for LTD benefits and are in the LTD waiting period or you are appealing a decision of the LTD carrier, you may be eligible for premium maintenance for Health and Welfare benefits (Medical, Extended Health, Dental, Group Life and AD&D and LTD premiums). In order to be eligible you must meet the following criteria:

Exhausted your sick leave credits
Used up all available vacation entitlements (this means in the current year)
Exhausted all other paid leave and banks that you are entitled to, and
Used up your 20 days unpaid leave grace period

Continuance of benefit coverage is available for a maximum of 12 months.

BCNU has finalized a process with HEABC in regards to the implementation of this MOU. The Employer will continue to pay benefit premiums for eligible members and invoice the Union for reimbursement. This means nurses who meet the above criteria should maintain seamless benefit coverage until a determination of their LTD application or appeal is completed, up to the 12 month maximum.

Note: Nurses who are successful in their LTD Appeals will be required to remit the 50% cost of premiums they would have normally paid had their LTD application been approved. You will be required to complete an authorization form which BCNU will provide when you initiate an appeal.

Any members who meet the above criteria and have been paying for their benefit premiums should contact their Employer for reimbursement of those payments retroactive to April 1, 2012. Contact your BCNU Steward should you require assistance or have questions regarding your eligibility.