Retirees Dental Plan FAQ
 
   

Dear Retiree,

Thank you for your interest in the above plan.

Plan Features include:

  1. Premiums are not based on age.
  2. World-wide coverage while traveling. (Snowbirds take note.)
  3. No loss of benefits if you move between provinces.
  4. No annual deductible.
  5. No dollar limit on basic dental services covered.
  6. Reimbursement based on current provincial dental fee guides.
  7. No limit on scaling.
  8. Coverage for root canals.
  9. Enhanced coverage in the second year. (e.g. crowns and bridges)
  10. No waiting period before coverage begins.

You may choose to be covered under this plan starting on the first day of any future month. You will find an enrollment form and bank authorization form about by clicking Enrollment Forms. The benefits outline can be found by clicking Coverage Details. Below is a list of commonly asked questions about the plan.

Sincerely,
K. Sargeant
Plan Administrator

Note: The above information is intended to be general in nature. In all cases the provisions of the contract will apply.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PLAN?

To qualify for this dental plan you must (A) be receiving or about to receive a pension (eg. OAS, CPP, or former employer), and (B) be a resident in a province where the plan is available. You may still be actively employed.

WHEN MAY I ENROLL?

You may choose to be covered under this plan starting on the first day of any future month.

IS THIS PLAN SPONSORED BY TREASURY OR YOUR FORMER EMPLOYER?

No. It is a private, strictly voluntary plan.

WHO MANAGES THIS PLAN?

The plan in administered by RMS Retirement Management Services which is a member of the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce in Victoria, BC, Canada.

WHO PAYS THE CLAIMS?

Green Shield Canada handles the claims part of the plan. They are a not for profit corporation which began in 1957 in Windsor, ON.

WHO DO I CONTACT ABOUT THIS PLAN?

For enrollment, banking, address and plan changes, contact the plan administrator, RMS Retirement Management Services. Because of the overwhelming response to this plan PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT Green Shield Canada until you are a member of the plan. They will be unable to answer your questions until that time.

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HOW DO I PAY MY PREMIUMS?

Premiums are paid monthly by pre-authorized cheque from your bank account. Plan rates and coverage are reviewed each year and may be changed June 1st for all members, regardless of how long they have been on the plan.

CAN I PAY ANNUALLY?

Annual payments are not possible at this time due to administrative reasons. You will be notified if annual payments become possible.

ARE MY PREMIUMS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

The premiums for this plan are an eligible medical expense on your income tax. You may be able to claim them.

HOW DO I CLAIM FOR MY DENTAL BILLS?

You pay your dentist directly and claim from Green Shield Canada or have Green Shield pay him/her directly and then pay the difference. The dentist will provide the Standard Dental Claim Form needed.

HOW MUCH DOES THIS PLAN PAY?

The plan pays 70% in the first year and 80% thereafter for the services covered according to the current provincial dental fee guide. If your dental provider charges above this rate, you are responsible for the difference.

WHAT DOES PREDETERMINATION MEAN?

When the cost of your dental work is expected to exceed $300.00 on one claim you must have your dentist ask for pre-approval from Green Shield Canada before work begins. Please refer to the plan benefits for details. This does not mean your coverage is limited to $300.00. There is no overall limit on the total amount you may claim for the services covered.

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IS MAJOR DENTAL WORK SUCH AS CROWNS, BRIDGES, NEW DENTURES, ORTHODONTICS ETC INCLUDED?

There is coverage after 12 months on the plan for crowns, bridges and new dentures at 50% up to $600.00 per person over a 12 month period. Orthodontics are not covered.

DOES THIS PLAN COVER DENTURISTS?

Yes, but not all services provided by denturists. Please check the plan benefits for details.

CAN MY SPOUSE BE THE ONLY ONE ON THE PLAN?

Yes, as long as the pensioner has coverage under another plan such as current employment, DVA etc.

CAN I COVER MY COMMON LAW SPOUSE?

Yes, as long as you have been living together for at least 12 months.

CAN MY DEPENDANT CHILDREN BE COVERED?

Yes, to the end of the year following their 21st birthday, or to the end of the year following their 25th birthday if enrolled in full-time attendance at a college, university or institute of higher learning.

I AM THE PENSIONER. CAN I BE ON THE PLAN MYSELF WITHOUT COVERING MY SPOUSE OR DEPENDANTS?

Yes.

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CAN I ADD MY SPOUSE OR DEPENDANTS LATER?

You may add them when they lose coverage under their present plan or at the next anniversary date of the plan.

I AM RECEIVING A SURVIVORS PENSION. AM I ELIGIBLE?

Yes.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO BE ON THE PLAN?

You are making a minimum commitment of one year.

WHEN DOES COVERAGE START?

Coverage begins on the first of the month you request but is subject to written confirmation from Green Shield Canada.

IS THERE A DEDUCTIBLE?

No. A deductible is a basic yearly charge that you pay before you may make a claim. This plan does not have such a charge. This is different from co-insurance which is 70% in year one and 80% in year two.

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS?

Yes. Showing your Green Shield card will allow you to receive a discount of 33% off the regular prices at "The Bay Optical", "Zellers Vision Centre" and up to 30% "Sears Optical" stores for most purchases. You also have online access to your personal dental file at GreenShield.

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E. & O. E.