Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Insurer?
The CAUS plan selects insurers based upon the members requirements, service
and pricing. The market place is constantly reviewed to ensure the plan is
getting the best to meet the above mentioned criteria. Currently, one of our
main insurers is the SSQ Financial Group, (with in excess of 1,200 unionized
employees) it is both national and bilingual.
What benefits does the plan provide?
The plan provides for a full range of benefits including Life Insurance, Dependent
Life Insurance, Optional Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability Insurance as well as coverage for
Extended Health, Prescription Drug, Dental, Out Of Country coverage and Vision
care.
In addition, the plan can facilitate the provision of Employee and Family
Assistance programs as well as the administration of pension programs.
Who is the administrator of the plan?
FAS Benefit Administrators LTD, a national company, operating in both official
languages. The FAS group of companies provide over 35 years of extensive experience
utilizing an advanced computerized delivery system with sophisticated management
capabilities. FAS is a union owned operation.
Why is this plan better for our members than the current program?
In the majority of situations the union has very limited or no information
and zero input into the benefits program. The CAUS plan provides the same
information to both the union and the employer, (within the scope of the privacy
laws), thus enabling the participants to jointly make decisions regarding
the plan. This shifts the complete control of Health & Welfare Benefits from
the employer and enables the union to share some of the control and decision
making.
How will this effect the employer?
What we have found is that despite the fact that the employer is often initially
reluctant to share the control of the benefits program, they discover that
it is to their benefit to do so. Shared ownership of the plan creates an atmosphere
of trust and working together toward solutions that does not usually exist
when the employer has complete control. Additionally, both the plan's project
managers and the administrator have a great deal of experience with providing
full service to employers.
