Duplication of Benefits and Medical Coverage

Q. I am currently covered on my spouse’s benefit plan, another group plan or Indian Affairs for benefits. Should I apply for or maintain benefits on the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan?
A. The Benefits Plan Trust Document requires that you maintain eligibility for benefits for as long as there are employer hours in your hour-bank. When hours fall below the 125 monthly requirement, you are able to remain eligible either through the self-pay provision of the plan or election to cancel eligibility for benefits and make direct application for your individual B.C. Medical and/or other private health benefits.

Q. Are there any advantages to continuing my eligibility for benefits on the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan while covered on my spouse’s or alternate plan?
A. Yes, the advantages are based on your individual needs and may include the following:

1. Weekly Disability/Long Term Disability Benefits: Disability benefits are paid for periods of time during which you are prevented from working at your regular occupation as a result of non-occupational injury or illness. You are eligible for disability benefits provided you are eligible on the Full Plan. This benefit is not available to you on your spouse’s plan.

2. Dental: You and your family may be eligible for up to 100% of dental costs incurred for the following services where eligible for and billing on two plans:

Service	O.E. Reimbursement
Part “A” Basic Dentistry	90%
Part “B” (1) Crowns & Bridges	50%
Part “B” (2) Dentures	80%
Part “C” Orthodontia	50% Max.
($2,000/Dependent /Lifetime)

Costs are shared by both plans to the considered maximum(s). You must be maintaining eligibility on the Full or Limited Plans to be entitled to Dental benefits.

3. Extended Health Benefits: You and your family may be reimbursed for up to 100% of covered costs for Extended Health Benefits, including any co-insurance or deductible charges, while eligible for benefit reimbursement under two plans.

You must be maintaining eligibility on the Full, Limited, Mini or Retirees’ Benefit Plans to be entitled to Extended Health benefits.

4. Group Life & AD&D Insurance: Your life and specified accidental losses are each insured for $40,000 (to age 65) in the case of death or dismemberment. This benefit is not available to you on your spouse’s plan. In addition, the life of your spouse will continue to be insured for $5,000 (to member age 65), for as long as you maintain eligibility on the Full, Limited, Mini or Retirees’ Plans.

5. Member/Family Assistance Plan: This short-term assistance program is available to all members and dependents on all Plans and may provide you with a benefit not included with your alternate coverage.

Q. There are many advantages for me to continue eligibility for benefits on the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan while covered on an alternate plan, but are there any disadvantages or options?
A. If your alternate coverage includes B.C. Medical AND your family is covered on that Plan in addition to being eligible for benefits on the Operating Engineers’ Plan, the Medical Services Plan of B.C. (MSP) is unnecessarily receiving DUPLICATE PREMIUMS and you are unnecessarily taxed twice annually for one identical benefit.

Q. Can I do something to STOP these double payments?
A. You can immediately contact the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan office and request that the MEDICAL PORTION of your benefits be temporarily discontinued while you are eligible for alternate medical through another source. This action will allow you to avoid the duplication of taxable income for medical premiums on behalf of you and your family for as long as you have that alternate coverage.

Q. Do I save any money?
A. The reduction of group premiums ensures that overall costs are maintained thereby assisting all members of the Plan. In addition, you will be reducing the amount of income tax payable on the MSP premiums for you and your family. This benefit, where provided by employer-contributed hours, is considered taxable and you are issued a T4A from the Plan office representing this amount. As well, you would be taxed on the medical benefit that the alternate plan has provided, thereby duplicating your taxable income. Once you temporarily discontinue the MEDICAL PORTION of your benefits on the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan, you will cease to be taxed for premiums while alternately covered elsewhere.

Q. Who do I contact to temporarily discontinue my B.C. Medical portion of the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan?
A. The ENROLLMENT DEPARTMENT of the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan.

Q. Can I reinstate the MEDICAL PORTION of my benefits on the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan at any time?
A. Yes. The medical benefit can be reactivated at any time. It is advisable to wait until you have discontinued coverage on your alternate plan, or are aware of the exact date the plan will cancel, before applying to reactivate Group Medical with the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan.

For answers to any questions regarding duplication of benefits and your options, please contact the Enrollment Department of the Operating Engineers’ Benefits Plan Office at 604-299-8341.