2009 Highlights

Plan Amendments

The following is a description of Plan amendments effective January 1, 2009:

  • The premium rate has been reduced by 25% for all Plan members
  • Coverage has been extended to age 65 and over
  • Coverage beyond age 63 is limited to two years of benefits
  • Covered salary increased from $120,000 to $175,000
  • Increased benefit from 65% to 70% after three years in receipt of LTD
  • Rehabilitation income deducted is reduced from 50% to 35% after five years in receipt of LTD
  • The 80% All Source Maximum increased to 90% after five years in receipt of LTD

Plan Design

  • We continued to coordinate with partners on issuing 2008 tax information slips. 450 claimants received an increased LTD benefit on a go forward basis, and a retroactive payment to January 1, 2009
  • Proposals for investment consulting services were requested and received for consideration. A firm will be selected early in 2010

Participating Employers and Industry Peers

  • Discussions on implementing the STI RTW Program are continuing with participating employers
  • Approximately $3.5 million in premiums has been rebated as at December 31st
  • We’re working with the Institute of Work and Health on a project entitled “Workplace Disability Benchmarking (WDB)”. This work is designed to measure the effectiveness of disability programs in a group of sector peers

Communications

  • During the year, the following organizations and individuals were presented with an overview of the Plan, the programs and processes: New managers at the “Success through Managers” session developed by the Public Service Commission; CUPE local 1867 and Unit 09, Cumberland County; Committee on Ability Case Management, Nova Scotia Geomatics Centre
  • An online annual report was created and print copies were distributed to all participating employers
  • The changes to the Plan design were broadly communicated using a combination of print and video tools
  • Meetings were held with the Nova Scotia Pension Agency to ensure continued coordination of services for mutual clients
  • A survey was conducted among claimants who received indexing to gather feedback on their understanding of the services provided to them, and on how the Plan could better meet their needs. This survey was designed as a tool for the Plan to reach out to members and to incorporate their feedback into our processes. We anticipate conducting similar surveys periodically