Effective November 1, 2019, your benefit plan has been enhanced with the following:

• Expanded Mental Health Benefits – Maximum coverage of $3,000 per person (including eligible dependents) per benefit year, in total for services received by registered psychologists, social workers and psychotherapists.
• Improved Dental Claims Process – The University will allow assignment of dental claims to the dental office, where available. Unifor Local 5555 (Unit 1) members will pay the dental office for the difference between the total bill and amount paid by the McMaster plan.

Effective July 1, 2020, your benefit plan will be further enhanced with the following:

• Increase in coverage for eyeglasses and cataract surgery: The maximum coverage increases from $250 to $400.
• Increase in coverage for hearing aids: Coverage increases to 80% of the costs of hearing aids prescribed by an ear, nose and throat specialist, up to a maximum of $1,000 per person per ear over a period of 3 benefit years. Repairs are included in this maximum.
• New coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): Coverage will be added for Continuous Glucose Monitors receivers, transmitters or sensors for persons diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, up to a combined maximum of $4,000 per person per benefit year.  Sun Life must be provided with a doctor’s note confirming the diagnosis.
• New coverage for licensed occupational therapists: Licensed occupational therapists will be added to the list of covered paramedical practitioners.   The benefit plan will cover 100% of the costs, up to a maximum of $500 per person in a benefit year.
• Increase in the optional life insurance maximum: Optional life insurance will be available in increments of 25% up to 1,000% (increase from 500%) and the maximum benefit is $1,000,000 (increase from $500,000).  Evidence of good health is required on all optional amounts of coverage.

Paid time off is detailed in the Unifor, Unit 1 Collective Agreement.