6
paying the premiums and meeting the actively at work definition in their plan.
There is a limitation for pre-existing conditions during the first 12 months of coverage. Any
disability related to a new illness or injury would be assessed and the member may be
entitled to receive LTD benefits.
14) What should members do about individual coverage if they were not covered under
the current local plan?
If a member has a pre-existing condition they should seek professional advice from a
qualified financial analyst to evaluate the impact of continuing or discontinuing existing
private plan coverage. The member may choose to continue to maintain their individual
disability plan coverage. If the member has two plans (the provincial plan and their
individual plan) and becomes disabled a disability claim could be approved under both
plans. In this case, OTIP would not offset the benefits received under the individual plan
as this coverage is the member’s private coverage and it is
not a result of a member’s
affiliation within an association.
15) If conditions occur as a result of treatment from a pre-existing condition, is this
viewed as “pre
-
existing” (e.g. infection as a result of surgery)?
Yes.
16) What is the impact to a member in a Return To Work (RTW) accommodation or RTW
because they have refused treatment?
If a member refuses to participate in treatment required by the LTD plan, benefits available
under the plan would be suspended until the member complies with the requirement.
Plan Design, Mandatory Participation and Termination Provisions
1) What is the standard plan design for most ETFO locals?
The benefit level currently for the majority of ETFO local plans is 55%.
2) The provincial waiting period is 110 working days. What is the current average
wait period for locals?
The waiting period of 110 working days or later expiration of sick leave is based on the
new sick leave regime which provides a new 131 day sick leave balance to all teachers
annually. This approach provides the lowest premium rate for this design feature.
3) Please explain when LTD is payable (the later of 110 working days or expiration of
sick leave)?
When a member is absent from work and makes an LTD claim, their income is replaced
by sick leave paid by the Board. The LTD benefit is payable to the member after a
minimum period of absence of 110 working days or the expiration of Board sick leave if
this is longer than 110 working days.