News

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 →

New EFAP Provider

March 18, 2019

Effective March 1, 2019, Red River College is pleased to launch a new Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Read More →

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