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International Union of Painters and Allied TradesProvince of Ontario Health and Welfare Trust FundCoronavirus Update from the IUPAT Benefits OfficeThis update is being provided to help members who may have questions about their benefit program.Below, we answer some commonly asked questions.Benefit Eligibility and ClaimsWhat will happen to my benefits in the event that I’m unable to go to work?Your benefits will remain in force for you and your eligible dependents for as long as you satisfy theeligibility requirements of the Benefit Plans. The requirements are available in your Benefit Booklet, oryou can email the IUPAT Benefits Office at iupat@bpagroup.com and we will provide you a benefitsummary. We are encouraging members to contact us using email during this time of elevated phonecalls and potential work interruptions.If the city, province and/or country mandates a shut down, will my benefits remain active?Yes – in the event of shut down your benefits will remain active for as long as you are eligible under theeligibility provisions of the plan and have enough dollars in your dollar bank. Should you have anyquestions about your eligibility please contact the IUPAT Benefits Office at iupat@bpagroup.comWill my Drug Benefit Card work during this outbreak?As long as you are eligible for benefits your Benefit Drug card will remain active and will work in theevent that you, or your eligible dependents, require medication.How do I submit a claim for reimbursement consideration?Should you wish to submit claims for reimbursement during this time, please benefits/ to be able to print a dental, vision orsupplementary health claims expense form.All completed forms must be mailed to:IUPAT Benefits OfficeP.O Box 1280, Station BMississauga, Ontario L4Y 3W5Members may also drop off a claim form and applicable medical receipts in the MAIL BOX located in thedoor at the front of the UNION OFFICE BUILDING at 132 Toro Road, Toronto.
What will be the best way to get information and stay informed on developments and information onmy benefits?Information can be found at its/Should you require further assistance, please email us at iupat@bpagroup.com with your Name andUnion number. Our Customer service agents will respond to all member inquires as soon as possible.I am currently am out of benefits and would like to make a member payment as maintaining mybenefit program is important to me. Where do I send the payment to?When you are out of benefit the IUPAT Benefits Office will automatically mail you a notice indicatinghow much you need to pay to remain in benefit.If you would like to send in a member self-payment for benefits you have several choices. You can maila cheque payable to IUPAT Health & Welfare Trust fund to:IUPAT Benefits Office132 Toro RoadToronto, Ontario,M3J 2A9Members can also send payment through their personal banking bill payment functionality. Please usethe EFT details below to make a payment electronically or at your financial institution:The payee for direct deposit payments: IUPAT Health and Welfare.The account number: Your Canada Life (formerly GWL) Drug Card # (B000XXXXX).Please email your payment confirmation to iupat@bpagroup.com along with your full name andcertificate number.What are your hours of operation during this period?Currently the IUPAT BENEFITS OFFICE will be available to service you during the following businesshours, even if there is a mandated shut down. However, at this time our office is currently closed to allmembers and visitors due to the recent events surrounding COVID-19. This is in order to ensure thesafety of both our staff and the Union membership.Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm until further notice.We are encouraging members to contact us using email at iupat@bpagroup.com during this time ofelevated phone calls and potential work interruptions.MiscellaneousI have not received my T4A in the mail. How can I get a replacement?If you have not received your T4A in the mail, please email us at iupat@bpagroup.com with your Nameand Union number and our Customer Service agents will be ready to assist.Due to the sensitive nature and personal information on your T4A document, we will not be able to senda copy to you via fax or email.
Member Health ManagementNon-Occupation / Short Term & Long-Term DisabilityAm I eligible to receive short term disability benefits if I missed work due to COVID-19 or have beendirected to self-quarantine?Eligible members who miss work due to illness caused by COVID-19 or have been directed by a PublicHealth Office or a medical professional to self-quarantine, may be eligible for short term disabilitybenefits. Currently, the self-quarantine period is 14 days. If you develop symptoms during this period,the self-quarantine period may be extended. Please note that the one-week waiting period foremployment insurance sickness benefits will be waived for individuals who are quarantined so they canbe paid for the first week of their claim.What if I am unable to see a physician?In recognition of the increasing pressure on physicians and hospitals we will not require an AttendingPhysician's Statement as part of the application if you are unable to see a doctor. However, we willrequest confirmation of symptoms and medical treatment received for the condition. Once you havebeen cleared to return to work, appropriate medical confirmation will be obtained.If my worksite closes and I not able to work, am I entitled to receive short term disability benefits?No. In order for an absence to be supported, you must have a medical condition.During the closure, will Short-Term Disability (STD) payments be affected?No. Short term disability payments will continue to be mailed to eligible members.During the closure, am I required to maintain communication with or submit claim information tosupport my ongoing disability?Disability staff at BPA will continue to work with you during your absence from work and return tohealth. We encourage you to remain in contact with your Disability staff member at BPA during yourabsence at IUPATdisability@bpagroup.com to avoid any disruptions or delays once the office reopens.What if I need to apply for or receiving Long Term Disability (LTD) Benefits?The Benefits Office and the LTD insurer, Manulife, will continue to operate during this period. Pleasecontinue to work with your Disability staff member at BPA. If you encounter issues in having the LTDphysician statement completed, please contact the Benefits Office.We are encouraging members to contact us using email at IUPATdisability@bpagroup.comCan I present a Short-Term Disability (STD) claim during the office closure?Yes. The department will continue to assess new claims. Please ensure applications are sent toIUPATdisability@bpagroup.com.When emailing us, please include your full name, Benefit Card ID,nature of your inquiry, and attach any applicable documentation.
Occupational / WSIB benefitsCould I receive WSIB compensation if I contract COVID-19 through work or am directed to selfquarantine?When a worker contracts COVID-19 or directed to self-quarantine as a direct result of their employment,they are likely to be entitled to compensation providing certain criteria relating to the nature of theiremployment and the extent of their work-related exposure are met.How will my WSIB claim or payments be affected during the WSIB’s office closure?The WSIB has closed its office to the public as of March 11, 2020 but continue to be operational.You can also visit update for more informationand updates with respect to WSIB. You can call WSIB at 1-800-387-0750, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to5 p.m. Please be prepared for the possibility of longer wait times.You may also upload a WSIB claim document at https://www.wsib.ca/en/uploadAt this time, WSIB has stated that their online services are the quickest way to send the informationbecause as of March 16, WSIB will not be processing any hard copy mail that they receive. Please visitthe WSIB website noted above for updates to this information.What if I have an appeal or a return-to-work meeting scheduled during the WSIB’s office closure?At the moment the WSIB Appeals Branch and RTW/WT Services Divisions have yet to formally announcetheir approach to COVID-19 and impact to in-person meetings. We understand that WSIB has beenpostponing in-person meetings or have been coordinating meetings via teleconference.Please note that effective March 16, 2020 the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT)is postponing in-person hearings and rescheduling to a later date.Please visit the WSIB website noted above for updates to this information.I do not qualify for EI benefits – is there any financial aid available through the benefit plan?No, however there are currently government initiatives in place to assist people who do not qualify forEI. These initiatives currently include a new Emergency Care Benefit of up to 900 biweekly, up to 15weeks, to provide income support to workers, including the self-employed, who must stay home anddon't qualify for paid sick leave or employment insurance.Please contact Service Canada to receive more information on how to apply for any financial reliefprograms available.With respect to Out of Country Emergency Medical policies – Are there any changes in the AIG policiesin how they would respond to the COVID-19 virus with respect to the WHO organization calling thisnow a pandemic?Generally, AIG policies do not have travel advisory exclusions or specific exclusions referencing endemicor pandemic that would preclude coverage. When travelling, Insured Persons that contract COVID-19 oranother illness will be eligible for Out-of-Province/Country coverage for emergency medical treatments,subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
My family & I are having a difficult time coping with the current environment – is there any supportthe benefit plan is providing to the members and their families?There are numerous communication channels available to all members and their families. You areencouraged to utilize the following services:Member and Family Assistance ProgramHotline: #1-800-663-1142 (International calls #604-689-1717)Visit the website: www.HomeWeb.caQuikCare Confidential Mental HealthDedicated Phone Line: #1-844-900-8357Are there places I can find reliable information about COVID-19?Information about coronavirus and prevention: The World Health Organization (WHO) can be found at: www.who.intCenters for Disease Control and Prevention can be found at: www.cdc.govTravel Health notices: /none/canadaPlease contact the benefit office should you have any queries.I.U.P.A.T. Benefit Plan Administration Office132 Toro Road, Ground Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 2A9Toronto Number: 416-636-4700 Toll-Free Number: 1-888-863-2278 Fax Number: 416-636-4800E-mail Address: iupat@bpagroup.com
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades . Province of Ontario Health and Welfare Trust Fund . Coronavirus Update from the IUPAT Benefits Office . This update is being provided to help members who may have questions about their benefit program. Below, we answer some
