Effective March 1, 2024
Carpenters Local 18 Welfare Plan – Benefit Improvements
The Trustees of the Local 18 Welfare Plan have increased the following benefits effective March 1, 2024:
- Health Care – Semi-private hospital coverage – increasing from $240 daily maximum to $275 daily maximum.
- Health Care – Hearing aids – increasing from $1,000 every 5 years to $1,500 every 5 years maximum.
- Vision Care – Glasses / Contact Lenses – increasing from $300 every 24 months to $350 every 24 months.
- Safety Eyewear – increasing from $150 every 24 months to $200 every 24 months.
These benefits will increase for the members and any eligible spouse and dependents.
If you have any questions about Benefits or Eligibility, please contact the Local 18 Benefits Office:
Laura (905) 388-5300 Ext 227 or email lroubos@ubcja.ca.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Local 18 benefit plan, through TELUS Health, offers an Employee Assistance Program to support you and your family in managing a wide range of life’s challenges. The EAP is confidential and accessible through multiple channels—phone, in-person, online, and via mobile app. Access is available 24/7 by calling toll-free at 1-877-207-8833, visiting app.lifeworks.com, or through the mobile app.
Additional support may also be available from your family physician, covering resources under the Ontario Provincial Health card. Further community-based resources are available through our EAP program. See attached documents for full information.
Resources:
For EAP login information or further assistance, please contact Laura Roubos from the benefits department at 905-522-0752 ext.227.
March 23, 2020
Canada Life: Covid-19 Update - Important information about claims and coverage:
Canada Life Covid-19 Update
Effective January 1, 2020
NEW to your Benefit Plan! The following improvements have been made to the Local 18 Benefit Plan:
January 1, 2020 Updates
LifeWorks Features
Effective May 1, 2017
NEW to your Benefit Plan! The following additions have been made:
- Physiotherapy coverage is now a separate category with up to $1,000 per year ($60 per visit), in addition to existing paramedical benefits.
Effective October 1, 2016
The following updates have been made:
- Prescription Safety Eyewear benefit increased to $150 every two years (from $125).
Effective February 29, 2016
Important Information for Travelling to Cuba
As of February 29, 2016, visitors to Cuba must show proof of Health Insurance. If no proof is provided, you may need to purchase medical insurance in Cuba. Contact the Benefit Office for a letter of coverage through the Carpenters Local 18 Welfare Plan.
Contact Information for Medical Emergencies (Canada Life):
- Canada or USA: 1-855-222-4051
- Mexico: 0-1-800-522-0029
- Dominican Republic: 1-800-203-9530
- Cuba: 1-204-946-2946 (long distance charges reimbursable)
- Universal Countries: 1-800-9006-7555
- All other countries: 1-204-946-2577 (call direct or collect)
This information is available on GroupNet for Plan Members. Log into Profile > Forms & Cards to print a benefit card, including your policy and personal ID numbers.
Effective May 1, 2015
The following update has been made:
- Erectile Dysfunction medication is now covered to a maximum of $500 per year.
New Canada Life Benefit Card
As of September 2014, Canada Life offers a new "all-in-one" benefit card, replacing separate ID, Global Medical Assistance, and Drug Cards. New members or those replacing lost/stolen cards will receive the new card; current cards remain functional.
Effective June 1, 2014
Improvements to Welfare Plan Benefits
After review, the following benefits have been increased:
- Paramedical Practitioners: $60 per visit, yearly max. increased to $1,000 per person.
- Semi-private Hospital: Increased daily max. from $200 to $240.
- Annual Drug Benefit: Increased from $8,500 to $10,000 per year per person.