Benefit Premium Changes April 1

Okanagan College is a member of the Colleges, Universities, and Institutes Benefits Consortium (Consortium) since inception in 1997. The Consortium is a group of public colleges, universities, and institutes created through a multi-institutional benefits initiative to ensure that benefits are procured and delivered in the most cost-effective manner for the collective participants, consistent with prudent risk management principles.

Okanagan College employees have access based on provisions of applicable employment policy or collective agreements to life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), long-term disability (LTD), extended health, dental and medical travel benefits. In addition, employees have access to Employee and Family assistance program (EFAP) through Lifeworks, a second opinion/referral service provided through Best Doctors (Teladoc Health) and paid sick leave.

Each year our benefit usage is reviewed and projections are made about future costs and how to fund them.  Any changes to the rates typically occur April 1 of each year.  This year the rates for Life Insurance and AD&D benefits remain the same; however, the rates for LTD, extended health, and dental are increasing effective April 1, 2021 for all employee groups.

Claim trends and risks within Okanagan College have been reviewed to ensure our benefits programs continue to enhance our employee experience and meet the needs of the organization. Most benefit premiums are paid by Okanagan College. Benefit premiums appear under the employer and/or employee section of your deposit slip.

Any questions may be directed to the HR department.