Benefits Provider Change – Empire Life
To: All MBS and Employees’ Association Members at Menno Home & Apartments that are enrolled for Benefits.
We sent this information out in an email on March 19th but it has come to our attention that there was a technical issue and not all intended recipients received the email. We apologize for the delay in getting this to you.
Effective April 01, 2024, all members that are eligible for benefits will be changing from Manulife to Empire Life. This transition is intended to enhance our overall benefits offerings. In the next few days you will receive an enrollment email directly from Empire Life. Please open that email and follow all of the instructions to confirm your enrollment details. If you do not receive this email please check your junk mail folder.
We are committed to making this transition as smooth and seamless for you as possible. Please read the following instructions carefully and complete the necessary steps.
Submit Outstanding Claims: If you have any outstanding claims that have not been submitted to your current carrier (Manulife), we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. This will help expedite the processing of your claims and ensure you receive reimbursement under the current plan. Please note: any receipts for expenses incurred prior to April 1, 2024 must be submitted by April 30, 2024 to be eligible for reimbursement.
Download Claims History: Before the transition date, download your claims history from your online portal with the current carrier or contact their customer service for assistance. This will ensure that you have access to your past claims information for reference, if needed, under the new carrier. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to request/ run an additional report of your claims history for the period of Jan 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024 for your tax records next year!
Watch for Enrolment Link: Please be on the lookout for an email (keep an eye on your junk mail folder) from Empire Life containing an enrolment link to complete your registration with the new carrier. The link will provide instructions on how to enroll in the new benefit plan and select your coverage options. It is essential that you complete this enrolment process within the specified timeframe to ensure coverage under the new policy.
Drug Grandfathering: If you are currently using any prescription medications, please be aware of the drug grandfathering process. Certain medications may require pre-authorization or special considerations under the new benefit plan. Every effort is being made to transfer this information from your old carrier to the new carrier. If you find a prescription you were previously covered for is not being covered under the new plan, or have any questions or concerns about the coverage of your medications, please contact Ascension Benefits at service@ascensionbenefits.com and they can assist you.
Fair Pharmacare Registration: If you area resident of British Columbia and are eligible for Fair Pharmacare coverage, please ensure that your registration is confirmed and up-to-date. You may be required to provide your new carrier with your Fair Pharmacare Registration number. Fair Pharmacare may provide additional coverage for prescription medications beyond your employer-sponsored benefit plan. Confirming your registration will help maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Update your Providers April 1, 2024: A digital copy of your benefit card will be available to you on your new plan member website. You can print or save a copy to your phone. Make sure you provide your new coverage information to any provider’s that direct billsuch as your dentist, pharmacy, and other service providers.
If you have any questions please contact Jessy Manhas, Manager of People and Culture Jessy.Manhas@mennoplace.ca.
