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Health Care Spending Account Claim Submission Requirements

December 18, 2019

Claim Submission Deadline

If you have claims from the 2019 benefit year that you have not yet claimed against your HCSA balance, there is a 90 day claims run-off period to submit them. 2019 claims must be received by Great-West Life prior to March 31st, 2020 to be claimed against your 2019 HCSA dollars.

What does the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) cover?

The HCSA can be used to cover a range of benefits not normally covered under other types of group benefits plans or by provincial medical plans.

You are covered for 100% of eligible expenses that you incur while you and your dependents are covered, up to the total amount of dollars in your HCSA.

The Income Tax Act governs the types of expenses that can be reimbursed under the HCSA. This includes medical or dental services provided by a:

  • Licensed medical practitioner;
  • Dentist; or
  • Public or licensed private hospital.

Please visit www.canada.ca and search on medical expenses for a complete list.

Who does my HCSA cover?

You and your dependents, including your spouse and children, are eligible under the HCSA. The HCSA also offers two more ways a dependent can qualify:

  • if your child is no longer eligible for group benefits because of student age restrictions, he or she can qualify under the HCSA;
  • if there is another person for whom you are entitled to claim a medical expense tax credit under the Income Tax Act, that person is eligible under the HCSA.

This means that a dependent who doesn’t qualify under a regular group plan, may qualify under the HCSA.

When does my HCSA refresh?

On January 1st, 2020 your HCSA will refresh based on the Flex Option you have chosen and part-time/full-time status where applicable. Please visit www.greatwestlife.com to review your claims history and obtain your HCSA statement including balance.

What happens if I have excess claims from 2019?

Under the HCSA, you can carry forward claims up to 12 months from the date of service. This means if you had more 2019 expenses than you had 2019 HCSA dollars, you can carry forward those claims for reimbursement against your 2020 HCSA balance.

Supporting Your Wellness

The Homewood Health Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a professional, confidential, and proactive service to support you in all aspects of your life.

Your EFAP can help with a variety of situations such as stress, anxiety, life change and transitions, relationship concerns, etc. Your full suite of EFAP services includes counselling, Life Smart Coaching and Online resources.

For practical tips for Holiday Stress and Anxiety Prevention, please Click here.

To review all the Homewood Health EFAP resources available to you and to get contact information Click here.

I Am RRC

November 25, 2019

We believe that what we’re doing is working when it comes to fostering an environment where our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but we also believe we can and must do more to expand and enhance initiatives supporting our College community, as well as acknowledge and celebrate the unique differences that makes Red River Colleges so special.

This month we’re asking Red River College staff and students to declare their diversity via an online form. Here’s why some of your friends and peers are making their voices heard:

Vassanthanathan Aruljothi“It is important to declare my personal identity to remember my humble beginnings in life. This platform enables me to be proud of who I am. I have been beaten and bullied for the way I look, the way I speak, and the way I am. However, through this campaign, I have an opportunity to accept that I do not have to be embarrassed to be myself.”
 
Vassanthanathan Aruljothi
College and Public Relations

Rebecca Chartrand“I am a proud Anishinaabe, Inninew and Métis woman. I want people to know that I am proud of my heritage and that I play a significant role in creating training and employment opportunities for students. I also want to help demystify stereotypes. I am Indigenous, I am educated, and I am making a difference.”
 
Rebecca Chartrand
Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy

Jenny Wang“It is important for all people to declare who they are. By doing this, we are embracing diversities, appreciating differences and acknowledging our various roles in life. As an Asian woman and working professional, I want to be a supportive and visible piece of our diverse and beautiful community. I appreciate others’ differences, just as others appreciate my uniqueness.”
 
Jenny Wang
International Project/Student Recruitment Officer
Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships

Margarita Natcheva“As a new Canadian citizen, I know firsthand the benefits of diversity and inclusion. I love all the diversity at the College. I think it is beautiful and fascinating. I represent a little piece of this diversity and I want to learn about everyone else.”
 
Margarita Natcheva
International Student Support Representative
Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships

Melissa Ghidoni“As a woman with invisible disabilities, I want to help end the stigma that others may face. RRC gives me the ability to pursue a post-secondary education without having to worry about potential barriers. I’m proud to identify the way that I do. This is me, take it or leave it.”
 
Melissa Ghidoni
Vice-President External, RRC Students’ Association
Student, Business Administration

Wanita C. Masakeyash“As an Indigenous young adult, I have been afraid of being judged and stereotyped because of my background for so long. However, I’ve realized that it does not matter. Being Indigenous doesn’t change how I treat my neighbors. I believe our own intentions affect not only others but also ourselves. Self-awareness is important for self-growth.”
 
Wanita C. Masakeyash
Student, Indigenous Language–Cree and Justice and Public Safety

If you’d like to self-declare your diversity, please check your RRC email. An invitation with a link to the form was sent to you there. Or contact Priyani Mediwake, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist.

Find out more about our Diversity Matters campaign ›

Planning a winter vacation?

November 25, 2019

If you’re planning on traveling outside your province of residence this winter, it is important to know and understand your Out-of-Country Emergency Travel Health Coverage.

What to do during an out-of-country medical emergency

  1. Call Global Medical Assistance (GMA) as soon as possible, during or immediately following a medical situation, for medical assistance. Their worldwide communications network operates 24 hours a day. The GMA toll-free numbers are located on the back of your benefits card. If you need assistance during a medical emergency while traveling, call the number listed below:
    • From Canada or the U.S.: 1-855-222-4051
    • From Mexico: 0-1-800-522-0029
    • Dominican Republic: 1-800-203-9530
    • Universal countries: 1-800-9006-7555
    • Cuba: 1-204-946-2946 (call direct)
    • All other countries: 1-204-946-2577 (call direct or collect)
    • For tips before travelling and a list of all emergency assistance phone numbers (including a Universal countries listing), visit the Great-West Life website.
  1. Be prepared to provide the following information:
    • The name of the person covered
    • The group and contract number; and
    • A description of the problem

What is my out-of-country medical emergency coverage?

Eligible Red River College employees and their eligible dependents have 100% Emergency Travel Health Coverage. Provincial healthcare plan coverage must also be in place for this to apply.

How long am I covered for while traveling?

You are eligible for out-of-country medical emergency coverage for trips up to 90 days. As the Provincial healthcare plan includes travel length limitations, you may want to consider requesting a coverage extension for your provincial healthcare coverage if you are planning on travelling for an extended period of time.

What am I covered for while travelling?

Out-of-country medical emergency coverage includes coverage for medical emergencies, which are defined as “a sudden, unexpected injury or acute episode of disease” which cannot be reasonably anticipated based on your health in the few weeks leading up to your departure. In some cases, Great-West Life may request medical records for up to three months prior to your departure as evidence that the medical emergency was not anticipated.

Coverage does not include trip cancellation, trip interruption or loss or damage of baggage and you will not be covered if you are travelling against medical advice.

How can I purchase additional travel coverage?

If you would like to purchase additional travel coverage, contact our benefits consultant, HUB International for assistance with Travel Insurance. HUB can be reached toll free at 1-866-756-3281 or by emailing emerge@hubinternational.com.

Vacation Check List

  • Leave details of your insurance coverage and copies of other important documents with a contact person at home.
  • Talk to your doctor to address any concerns about travelling with a medical condition.
  • Check the Travel Advise and Advisories page on the Government of Canada’s website for destination specific travel information. The Government of Canada suggests you check the Travel Advice and Advisories page while you are planning your trip and again shortly before you leave.
  • Pack all of your important documents, including:
    • Your Great-West Life Benefits Card (either your Benefits Card with travel assistance contact numbers or your Travel Emergency Medical Card)
    • Your provincial health card
    • A valid passport
    • Medications; and
      • Be sure to bring sufficient quantities with you, keep it in the original container, pack it with you in your carry-on luggage and you may want to carry a copy of your prescription(s) with you.
    • Other important documents
      • Some countries may require confirmation of medical insurance from travelers. Check the Government of Canada’s Travel Advise and Advisories website for destination entry requirements. If you require proof of insurance and your provincial health insurance card is not sufficient, you can contact Great-West Life at 1-800-957-9777 to request a letter.

Supporting Your Wellness

The Homewood Health Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a professional, confidential, and proactive service to support you in all aspects of your life.

Your EFAP can help with a variety of situations such as stress, anxiety, life change and transitions, relationship concerns, etc. Your full suite of EFAP services includes counselling, Life Smart Coaching and Online resources.

Review the Homewood Health EFAP resources available to you and to get contact information.

Coordination of Benefits

October 22, 2019

Coordination of Benefits, or COB, is a benefit claim procedure developed by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) for individuals covered under two or more Health and/or Dental Plans.

Applying this procedure ensures that you and your dependents receive the maximum eligible benefits available from all plans under which you are covered. It also outlines the method used for determining where to submit your claims first.

The Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is an important document in the application of COB. An EOB (also called a payment summary) is a letter from the insurance company which is sent to you with the claim reimbursement or available on GroupNet when the claim is submitted online. It outlines the amount of expenses and how much has been reimbursed. For drug claims paid via your drug card, your pharmacy receipt is considered your EOB.

Here is a brief summary of the EOB process:

Supporting Your Wellness

The Homewood Health Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a professional, confidential, and proactive service to support you in all aspects of your life.

Your EFAP can help with a variety of situations such as stress, anxiety, life change and transitions, relationship concerns, etc. Your full suite of EFAP services includes counselling, Life Smart Coaching and Online resources.

Click here to review the Homewood Health EFAP resources available to you and to get contact information.

Beneficiary Designation

September 23, 2019

It is important to review your beneficiary designations on a regular basis, at least once per year, to ensure it reflects your current situation. Careful planning and consideration should be taken to ensure proceeds reach the intended hands. If you have recently experienced a Life Event or a change in family situation, it may be a good time to review your beneficiary(ies).

What is a Beneficiary?

A beneficiary is the person, people or entity named on the insurance policy who will receive any proceeds from death benefit(s). For example, you may want to name your spouse or child as the beneficiary to receive proceeds in the event of your death.

Why should I designate a Beneficiary(ies)?

Life insurance proceeds are not taxable provided the named beneficiary is a person, and not the ‘Estate’. If you do not name a beneficiary, Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits will be paid to your estate, will be subject to estate taxes and may be vulnerable to claims from creditors. You should discuss the tax implications with your personal financial advisor.

How do I change my Beneficiary(ies)?

For further information on how to make these changes, please contact your Pay & Benefits Specialist.

Access to the specific change forms can be found at the following links:

When can I change my Beneficiary(ies)?

Generally, you may change your beneficiary at any time. Changes in life circumstances, including marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, are often good times to assess beneficiary changes. Note: Irrevocable beneficiary designations can only be changed with the prior written consent of the irrevocable beneficiary.

What is a Primary and Contingent Beneficiary?

Your primary beneficiary is the person or entity that first receives the proceeds of your account upon your death. The contingent (secondary) beneficiary is your second choice to receive the benefit, only if the primary beneficiary dies before you.

Supporting Your Wellness

The Homewood Health Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a professional, confidential, and proactive service to support you in all aspects of your life.

Your EFAP can help with a variety of situations such as stress, anxiety, life change and transitions, relationship concerns, etc. Your full suite of EFAP services includes counselling, Life Smart Coaching and Online resources.

Through your EFAP you can receive coaching support for a variety of life balance and health issues. Life Smart Coaching services are available by phone and can assist you with a variety of life balance and health issues including Financial Consultations.

Click here to review the Homewood Health EFAP resources available to you and to get contact information.

Is your child attending University or College?

August 19, 2019

If you have eligible dependent children who are age 22 or over and are full-time students, it is time to reconfirm student status.

To ensure your dependent children continue to receive uninterrupted Health and Dental coverage for the duration of their formal education, be sure to update their student status with Pay & Benefits by e-mailing paybenefits@rrc.ca. Read More →

Life Events

July 15, 2019

Once you elect a Health & Dental option, you are locked in to that option until the next re-enrolment period which occurs every two years. The only exception is if you experience a Life Event. Read More →

Paramedical Coverage

June 25, 2019

The Red River College benefits program provides coverage under applicable options for a variety of Paramedical Practitioners. Reimbursement of Paramedical expenses is based on your Flex Option with consideration of the reasonable and customary limits. Read More →

Prescription Drug Coverage

May 24, 2019

The Red River College benefits program provides coverage under applicable options for prescribed Drugs that are eligible under the provincial formulary. The Manitoba Formulary renews and updates eligible drugs on a regular basis. Read More →

Dental Pre-Authorizations

March 25, 2019

If the total cost of a course of dental treatment is expected to exceed $500, it is suggested that a treatment plan be submitted to Great-West Life prior to commencement of treatment. Great-West Life will review the treatment plan and determine the amount of eligible expenses. Ask your dentist to submit a treatment plan (also referred to as a pre-determination) to Great-West Life to determine your coverage amount. A dental pre-determination of benefits is only valid for 90 days. Read More →

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