EQUIFLASH [IMPROVED INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR EQUITY MEMBERS AS OF APRIL 1, 2013]

[CAEA e-drive]

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IMPROVED INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR EQUITY MEMBERS AS OF APRIL 1, 2013
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We are pleased to announce important and potentially valuable
improvements being made to the Equity members insurance plan
underwritten by ACE Insurance.
 
The conclusions of a comprehensive membership survey helped us to
understand how the insurance plan could serve you better. With your
needs as our goals, the plan has been retooled to provide far more
comprehensive coverage beginning on April 1, 2013. A few plan details
remain to be worked out over the next month. A booklet outlining the
specific benefits will be mailed to you in early 2013 but the following
is a brief description of the improvements. 
 
* Year-round coverage for illness
Members who were insured for a minimum of eight (8) weeks in the
previous calendar year will be eligible for benefits 365 days a year.
Previously, only expenses incurred as a result of an accident were
covered while not working. Going forward, 50% of the cost of drugs and
paramedical services required because of accident or illness will be
reimbursed, subject to annual limits (coverage increases to 85% or 100%
on contract).
 
* Disability insurance increasing
The weekly income replacement benefit maximum is almost doubling. For
years, most members could receive a maximum benefit of $450 (Enhanced
insurance cap was $750). The new benefit will be 66% of the earnings on
any contract to a maximum benefit of $877.50 per week.
 
* Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine including naturopathy, homeopathy, Chinese medicine
and nutritional guidance will be covered to a combined maximum of $750
per year.
 
* Accidental dental
The maximums will go up to $2,500 and the terms will be more flexible
for better coverage in the event of accidental damage to teeth.
 
* Optional Dental and Family coverage
To compliment and expand on the available coverage, Equity has arranged
for an optional prescription drug, extended medical and dental plan to
be available to members and their families. Underwritten by ACTRA
Fraternal Benefit Society this plan will give those who wish to enrol
the peace of mind of having comprehensive coverage in place with the
lowest premium rates available. 
 
* Premiums
Insurance plan premiums have not increased since 2003, although an
increase was warranted in the last two years but was deferred pending
the introduction of this new policy. The four (4) new levels of
insurance premiums, will now be tied to weekly minimum fees as
stipulated under an agreement or policy. 
LEVEL   ---   MINIMUM FEE  ------  INSURANCE PREMIUM
Level 4   ---   $950 and over  ------  $32.00 
Level 3   ---   $700 to $949  ------  $22.00 
Level 2   ---   Up to $699  ------  $18.00 
Level 1   ---   Amateur Policy*  ------  $10.00
Level 1   ---   Festival Policy*  ------  $10.00
Level 1   ---   Collective (new)*  ------  $10.00
Daily   ------   Daily rate  ------  $5.00 
* Level 1 premiums are not included in the calculation for year round
illness coverage

* Co-insurance
Co-insurance is a percentage of the cost of a claim that is not paid by
the insurer and must be paid by a member. Claims made while on contract
at Level 4 insurance premiums will have no co-insurance. All other
coverage levels will have a 15% co-insurance while on contract. Off
contract claims will be at 50%.
 
Complete details of the benefits available to you will be mailed early
in 2013 and notice of your eligibility for year-round coverage will be
mailed to you with your tax receipts at the end of February.
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
44 Victoria Street, 12th floor
Toronto, ON M5C 3C4
tel: 416-867-9165 ext. 243
fax: 416-867-9246
communications at caea.com
http://www.caea.com

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