Health and Dental Benefits 101

The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s extended health and dental plan is a traditional benefit plan that provides coverage for a variety healthcare related expenses. The plan is an extension to provincial health coverage and is designed to assist plan members with providing some coverage towards a variety of out-of-pocket expenses not covered under your provincial plan.

• Our insurer is through Sun Life
• Our Benefits year is January – December however, some benefit maximums reset by purchase date.
• Drugs should be billed directly with your Pay Direct Drug Card , but many dentists and paramedical services will bill directly on your behalf.
• Easiest way to submit claims is online at mysunlife.ca or through the Sun Life app.
• All claims are confidential.
• All claims for the previous year need to be received 60 days from the end of the benefit year.
• If you have children who are aging out of dependent coverage, you can contact Sun Life to inquire about private plans for them within 30 days without medical evidence.
• If you leave the plan, you can contact Sun Life to convert to an individual plan within 30 days without medical evidence for both Health and Dental and Life Insurance. Visit www.mysunlife.ca for more information.

Mental Health Coverage Update

Mental health coverage is one of the benefits available through the Sun Life program. With the continued need for mental health support, while recognizing the importance of good mental health, the board was asked through an overture to consider increasing the mental health benefit coverage. In 2022, the board conducted a thorough review of the coverage available as well as the cost for various levels of increases to the mental health benefit. The overture was passed during the 2022 General Assembly to increase the mental health coverage from $300 to $700 per year.

In an effort to provide additional support to plan members through the Sun Life plan, the board has brought forward a new overture, requesting na further increase to the mental health coverage. Effective July 1, 2024, the current maximum of $700 per benefit year will increase to a new maximum of $1,500 per benefit year.

The list of practitioners covered under the policy include registered Clinical Counsellors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychotherapists, Psychoanalysts, Psychologists, and registered Social Workers. Updated benefit booklets will be available and posted to the Pension and Benefits webpage in July.

Life-Long Learning!

Life-long learning, no matter what the age, not only keeps the mind young and curious, but also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and decreases rates of depression and anxiety. In the age of accessible information for all, it can feel overwhelming trying to find free and reliable resources to continue learning. Here are 6 options that can help!

1. Your Library’s Workshops
Most public libraries offer a variety of free workshops or information sessions on various topics throughout the year. Visit your local library or hit up their website to find out what they have scheduled!

2. Podcasts and Audiobooks
Podcasts & audiobooks are convenient options for hands-free, on-the-go learning. Most libraries offer a huge selection of audiobooks that can be borrowed using a library card, and you can find access to free podcasts across multiple platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music & Podcast Addict.

3. Volunteer
Volunteering is a fun way to experience hands-on learning. Through volunteering, such as at your local animal shelter or retirement home, you are not only helping by providing your time and care, you are gaining knowledge through socializing, experience and trying something new.

4. Learn a New Language
Learning a new language is a great way to continue learning and keep your mind sharp. From using free apps such as Duolingo, or watching TV shows and movies in another language, to borrowing books from the library, there are a variety of ways to learn a new language for free!

5. Free Night at the Museum 
Many museums across the country offer free entry or discounted-rate visits once a month. Challenge yourself, friends or family by attending and picking one item in the museum to do further research on, then present your findings amongst each other!

6. Visit Your Local Historian
Do you have a burning question about the history of where you live? Cities and small towns across the country often have local historian or archivist that
may offer Open House days, where you can ask questions and view historical photos and documents for the surrounding areas.

Keeping your records up-to-date…

Life moves fast and making changes to your information can often slip your mind. The main methods used to communicate with our members are through email and updates to our webpages. To help make sure you are always informed and to keep your records updated, we ask that you contact us with any changes to your information. This includes:

• Changes to your address, phone number or email
• Life events that include marital status changes, birth, adoption or death
• A second contact or Power of Attorney
• Any changes that may include your Beneficiaries
• Plans to retire (a minimum of 4 months notice is required for processing)

Who to Contact

Liane Maki (lmaki [at] presbyterian [dot] ca) – Pension and Benefits Clerk
Patty Panagiotopoulos (ppanagiotopoulos [at] presbyterian [dot] ca) – Administrator
Perri Jeffery (pjeffery [at] presbyterian [dot] ca) – Communications Coordinator
Nicole Jeffrey (njeffrey [at] presbyterian [dot] ca) – Director, Pension and Benefits

Unsure who to contact?
Email the Pension & Benefits Office at pension [at] presbyterian [dot] ca
or visit our website to learn more about who to contact at www.presbyterian.ca/pensionandbenefits

Presbyterian Church – Pension and Benefits Department
50 Wynford Drive
Toronto, ON M3C 1J7
Phone: 1-800-619-7301
www.presbyterian.ca
pension [at] presbyterian [dot] ca

Sun Life Customer Care Centre
Phone: 1-800-361-6212
www.mysunlife.ca
App: MySunLife

ComPsych Guidance Resources Program
Phone: 1-866-641-3847
TDD: 1-877-373-4763
www.guidanceresources.com
App: GuidanceResources Now

Download a PDF copy of the newsletter here!