Our employees spoke and we listened!

Following a recent staff survey seeking input on our group benefits, Admiral Halifax has revised its Blue Cross plan to offer enhanced cover, at a reduced cost, to our workforce.

Some significant new additions to the revamped package include coverage for major restorative dental services such as crowns, bridges and implants at a 50% participant reimbursement; new orthodontic coverage to help employees with dependents under 19 that require braces; and coverage for semi-private hospital rooms with a 100% reimbursement.

Vision coverage for lenses, frames, contact lenses and laser eye surgery - which was previously $300.00 bi-annually - is being increased to $600.00 per participant for every 24 months. Costs for eye examinations continue to be reimbursed at 100%.

Coverage for expenses related to dieticians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and other paramedical services, has been increased to a maximum of $1,000 per professional which has been increased from the previous $850.00.

Dependent life insurance and long term disability coverage were removed from the restructured benefits package.

“We gave employees the opportunity to provide their candid feedback on what is most important to them and this guided the framework behind our amendments,” stated Wellness Executive, Stephanie Lines.

Admiral employees will see lower bi-weekly premiums under the new group plan which also includes drug coverage at an 80% reimbursement and medical expenses coverage at 80% for service slike nursing care, ambulance transportation, orthotics, hearing aids and diabetic equipment.

“We strive to go above and beyond with respect to the comprehensive nature of our plan,” Lines said.

“Our benefits also start on day one for any new employees. For example, there is no waiting period for drug coverage to take effect.”

The new changes are set to take effect on June 1, 2018.