Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                

Green Shield Coverage

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 33

College of New Caledonia Students’ Union

Billing Divisions: 32019, 32021 – Full Time

Revised Effective Date: September 1, 2023


MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

WELCOME TO YOUR BENEFIT PLAN


ABOUT THIS BOOKLET

This booklet provides a summary of your benefits under your benefit plan. It includes:
• a Table of Contents, to allow easy and quick access to the information you are looking for
• a Schedule of Benefits, listing all the deductibles, co-pays and maximums that may impact the
amount paid to you
• a Definitions section, to explain common terms used throughout the booklet
• detailed benefit descriptions for each benefit in your group benefits plan
• information you need to submit a claim
You are encouraged to read this booklet carefully; please keep it in a safe place so that you may refer to
it when submitting claims.
Your Green Shield Canada (GSC) Identification Number is to be used on all claims and correspondence.
Your unique GSC Identification Number is your student identification number with the prefix “CAL” and
ends with -00 – e.g. CAL111222333-00. If you have any eligible dependents, they share the same
number as you except their number ends with their own unique dependent code.

GSC EVERYWHERE – INFORMATION YOUR WAY

In addition to this booklet and our Customer Service Centre, we also provide you with access to our
secure website and free mobile app. Self-service through the GSC everywhere makes things quick,
convenient and easy. Register today to:
• View your Benefit Plan Booklet
• Access your claims history, including a breakdown of how your claims were processed
• Check your eligibility and coverage for health services or items to instantly find out what portion of
a claim will be covered
• Submit claims online (some claims can even be processed instantly if you are signed up for direct
deposit)
• Arrange for claim payments to be deposited directly into your bank account
• Print personalized claim forms
• Print personal Explanation of Benefits statements for when you need to co-ordinate benefits
• Search for a drug to get information specific to your own coverage (or coverage for your family)
• Search GSC-vetted health providers in a particular location (within Canada) that will submit your
claims for you
• Search for dental, vision and hearing care providers who offer discounts to GSC plan members
through our Preferred Provider Network

OUR COMMITMENT TO PRIVACY


The GSC Privacy Code balances the privacy rights of our group and benefit plan members and their
dependents, and our employees, with the legitimate information requirements to provide customer
service.
To read our privacy policies and procedures, please visit us at greenshield.ca.

greenshield.ca
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS...................................................................................................................... 1
DEFINITIONS ...........................................................................................................................................5
ELIGIBILITY .............................................................................................................................................7
For You .............................................................................................................................................. 7
For your Dependents ......................................................................................................................... 7
Coverage Effective Date .................................................................................................................... 7
Termination........................................................................................................................................ 7
Dependent Children Continuation of Coverage .................................................................................. 7
Group Conversion – GSC Health Assist LINK Program ..................................................................... 7
DESCRIPTION OF BENEFITS ................................................................................................................. 8
HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN ........................................................................................................................ 8
Prescription Drugs ............................................................................................................................. 8
Extended Health Services .................................................................................................................. 9
TRAVEL ................................................................................................................................................. 14
DENTAL BENEFIT PLAN ...................................................................................................................... 22
Basic Services ................................................................................................................................. 22
Comprehensive Basic Services ....................................................................................................... 23
CLAIM INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 27

greenshield.ca
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS

HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN


This schedule describes the deductibles, co-pays and maximums that may be applicable if you are included in the
Billing Division shown on the cover of this booklet.

Complete benefit details are provided in the Description of Benefits section of this booklet. Be sure to read these
pages carefully. They show the conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to the benefits. All dollar
maximums are expressed in Canadian dollars. You are covered for only those specific benefits for which you have
applied.

The health benefits are intended to supplement your provincial health insurance plan or provincial equivalent plan.
The benefits shown below will be eligible if they are medically necessary for the treatment of an illness or injury,
and reimbursement will be limited to reasonable and customary charges, in addition to any specific limitations and
maximums stated below.

Deductible: Nil Overall Maximum: Unlimited

Your Plan Covers: Your Co-Pay: Maximum Plan Pays:


Prescription Drugs – Pay Direct Drug Card 20% per $3,500 per benefit year
prescription or
refill Please note: BC residents are required to
register for the Fair PharmaCare Program
through the BC provincial plan prior to
reaching $500 in drug claim costs.

Once you are registered, your pharmacy will


submit your eligible prescription drug claims
to PharmaCare first and any unpaid portion
will then be submitted to GSC, payable up
to the maximum shown above.

For more information call our Customer


Service Centre at 1-888-711-1119.
Vaccines (including HPV vaccines): Reasonable and customary charges
(included in the Prescription Drug
 Gardasil Vaccine Maximum)
 Cervarix Vaccine
Medical Items and Services 0%
• Gender affirmation* Reasonable and customary charges, limited
*Diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a to $10,000 lifetime
physician (M.D.) or nurse practitioner is
required
• Footwear $300 every 12 months based on date of first
 custom made boots or shoes or paid claim combined
footwear as an integral part of a
brace
 custom made foot orthotics
• Bra (mastectomy) Reasonable and customary charges
• Compression Stockings Reasonable and customary charges

greenshield.ca
1
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Your Plan Covers: Your Co-Pay: Maximum Plan Pays:


• Incontinence/ Ostomy Supplies 20% Reasonable and customary charges
• Other items and services – See the Reasonable and customary charges
Description of Benefits section for
details
Emergency Transportation 0% Reasonable and customary charges
Private Duty Nursing in the Home 0% $10,000 per benefit year
Professional Services 0%
• Acupuncturist $300 per type of practitioner per benefit
• Chiropractor year
• Registered Massage Therapist
(Physician (M.D.) or nurse practitioner
recommendation required)
• Naturopath
• Physiotherapist
• Speech Therapist
• Chiropodist or Podiatrist $300 per benefit year combined
• Psychologist, Master of Social Work, $300 per benefit year combined
Social Worker/Counsellor, or
Psychotherapist
• Holistic Nutritional Consultant Combined with the overall maximum of
$300 per benefit year for Psychologist,
Master of Social Work, Social
Worker/Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Accidental Dental Reasonable and customary charges

Vision 0%
• prescription eye glasses or contact $200 every 24 consecutive months based
lenses, or medically necessary contact on date of first paid claim
lenses
• optometric eye exams $100 every 2 benefit years

Tutorial Benefit 0% $25 per hour up to $1,000 per


NOTE: Dependents are not eligible for disability/medical event for private tutorial
this benefit service of a qualified teacher. You must be
confined to home or hospital for a minimum
of 15 consecutive days to qualify (Physician
(M.D.) recommendation required)

For a full description of the Health Benefit, refer to the Description of Benefits section.

greenshield.ca
2
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

TRAVEL BENEFIT PLAN


This schedule describes the deductibles, co-pays and maximums that may be applicable if you are included in the
Billing Division shown on the cover of this booklet.

Complete benefit details are provided in the Description of Benefits section of this booklet. Be sure to read these
pages carefully. They show the conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to the benefits. All dollar
maximums are expressed in Canadian dollars. You are covered for only those specific benefits for which you have
applied.

This group benefit plan is intended to supplement provincial health insurance plans if you experience a medical
emergency while travelling outside your province of residence or Canada. If your provincial health plan includes
out-of-Canada benefits, hospital and medical services are eligible only if your provincial health insurance plan
provides payment toward the cost of incurred services. The benefits shown below will be eligible, if they are
medically necessary for the emergency treatment of a sudden illness or injury and reimbursement will be limited to
reasonable and customary charges for the area in which they are incurred.

The patient must contact GSC Travel Assistance within 48 hours of commencement of treatment. Failure to
notify us within 48 hours may result in benefits being limited to only those expenses incurred within the first 48
hours of any and each treatment/incident or the plan maximum, whichever is the lesser of the two.

Deductible: Does not apply Overall Maximum: Does not apply

Co-pay: Does not apply

Your Plan Covers: Maximum Plan Pays:

Maximum Number of Days per Trip 90 days

Emergency Services $5,000,000 per covered person per benefit year

Referral Services $75,000 per covered person per calendar year

For a full description of the Travel Benefit, refer to the Description of Benefits section.

greenshield.ca
3
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

DENTAL BENEFIT PLAN


This schedule describes the deductibles, co-pays and maximums that may be applicable if you are included in the
Billing Division shown on the cover of this booklet.

Complete benefit details are provided in the Description of Benefits section of this booklet. Be sure to read these
pages carefully. They show the conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to the benefits. All dollar
maximums are expressed in Canadian dollars. You are covered for only those specific benefits for which you have
applied.

Deductible: Nil

Fee Guide: The current Provincial Dental Association Fee Guide for General Practitioners in the
province where services are rendered

For independent Dental Hygienists, the lesser of, the current Provincial Dental Hygienists’
Association Fee Guide and Provincial Dental Association Fee Guide for General
Practitioners in the province where services are rendered

Your Plan Covers: Your Co-Pay: Maximum Plan Pays:

Basic Services and Comprehensive Basic 20% $700 per covered person per benefit year
Services (Basic and Comprehensive Basic Services
combined)

For a full description of the Dental Benefit, refer to the Description of Benefits section.

greenshield.ca
4
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

DEFINITIONS

Unless specifically stated otherwise, the following definitions will apply throughout this booklet.

Allowed amount means, as determined by GSC:


a) Drugs – the GSC National Pricing Policy and/or the reasonable and customary charge;
b) Extended Health Services – the reasonable and customary charge for the service or supply but
not more than the prevailing charge in the area in which the charge is made for a like service or
supply;
c) Dental – the fee guide as specified in the Schedule of Benefits.

Benefit Year means the 12 consecutive months September 1st to August 31st.of each year.

Biologic drug means a drug that is produced using living cells or microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) and
are often manufactured using a specific process known as DNA technology.

Biosimilar drug means a biologic drug demonstrated to be similar to a reference biologic drug already
authorized for sale by Health Canada.

Calendar year means the 12 consecutive months January 1st to December 31st.of each year.

For Drugs
Co-pay is the rendered amount that must be paid by you or your dependent before reimbursement of an
expense will be made.

For other Health and Dental Benefits


Co-pay is the eligible allowed amount that must be paid by you or your dependent before reimbursement
of an expense will be made.

Covered person means the plan member who has been enrolled in the plan or their enrolled
dependents.

Custom made boots or shoes means footwear used by an individual whose condition cannot be
accommodated by existing footwear products. The fabrication of the footwear involves making a unique
cast of the covered person’s feet and the use of 100% raw materials. (This footwear is used to
accommodate the bony and structural abnormalities of the feet and lower legs resulting from trauma,
disease or congenital deformities).

Custom made foot orthotics means a device made from a 3-dimensional model of an individual’s foot
and made from raw materials. (This device is used to relieve foot pain related to biomechanical
misalignment to the feet and lower limbs.)

Deductible is the amount that must be paid by or on behalf of you and your dependent in any benefit
year before reimbursement of an eligible expense will be made.

Dependent means
a) your spouse, if you are legally married or if not legally married, you have lived in a common-law
relationship for more than 12 continuous months. Only one spouse will be considered at any time
as being covered under the group contract;
b) your unmarried child under age 21;
c) your unmarried child under age 25, if enrolled and in full-time attendance at an accredited
college, university or educational institute;

greenshield.ca
5
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

d) your unmarried child (regardless of age) who became totally disabled while eligible under b) or c)
above, and has been continuously so disabled since that time and is considered a dependent as
defined under the Income Tax Act, also qualify as a dependent.

Your child (your or your spouse’s natural, legally adopted or stepchildren) must reside with you in a
parent-child relationship or be dependent upon you (or both) and not regularly employed.

Children who are in full-time attendance at an accredited school do not have to reside with you or
attend school in your province. If the school is in another province or country, you must apply to your
provincial health insurance plan for an extension of coverage to ensure your child continues to be
covered under a provincial health insurance plan.

Fee guide means the list of dental procedure codes developed by and maintained by the Canadian
Dental Association, adopted by the provincial or territorial dental association of the province or territory in
which the service is provided (or your province of residence if any dental service is provided outside
Canada) and in effect at the time the service is provided.

First paid claim means the actual date of service of the initial or a prior claim paid by GSC.

Injury means an unexpected or unforeseen event that occurs as a direct result of a violent, sudden and
unexpected action from an outside source.

Off-label use means using a drug for a purpose or to treat a condition other than what Health Canada
has approved that drug to be used.

Orthopedic shoes means off-the-shelf, ready-made footwear prescribed for covered persons diagnosed
with a specific medical condition that affects their feet and who require specialized footwear to treat their
condition and assist with mobility. The footwear may be modified or adjusted to fit the covered person’s
feet.

Plan member means you, the student, when you are enrolled for coverage.

Reasonable and customary means in the opinion of GSC, the usual charge of the provider for the
service or supply, in the absence of insurance, but not more than the prevailing charge in the area for a
like service or supply.

Reference biologic drug means a biologic drug that is first authorized for sale by Health Canada.

Rendered amount means the amount charged by a provider for a service and submitted for payment of
a claim.

greenshield.ca
6
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

ELIGIBILITY
For You
To be eligible for coverage, you must be a plan member who is:
a) a resident of Canada;
b) covered under your provincial health insurance plan;
c) under age 70 for Travel Benefit only;
d) a member or staff member of the student association shown on the cover of this booklet.

For your Dependents


To be eligible for coverage you must be:
a) covered under this plan; and;
b) each dependent must be covered under a provincial health insurance plan.

Coverage Effective Date


Your coverage begins on the date you become eligible for coverage, have satisfied the eligibility
requirements and you are enrolled under the plan.

Your plan sponsor is solely responsible for submitting all required forms to GSC as of the Effective Date
of this plan or as of the first date that you become eligible.

Your dependent coverage will begin on the same date as your coverage.

Termination
Your coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:
a) the date you are no longer a member or staff member of the student association shown on the
cover of this booklet;
b) the end of the period for which rates have been paid to GSC for your coverage;
c) the date you attain age 70 for travel benefits only;
d) the date the group contract terminates.

Dependent coverage will end on the earliest of the following dates:


a) the date your coverage terminates;
b) the date your dependent is no longer an eligible dependent;
c) the end of the calendar year in which your dependent child attains the specified age limit;
d) the end of the period for which rates have been paid for dependent coverage;
e) the date the group contract terminates.

Dependent Children Continuation of Coverage


Any child whose coverage would end because they have reached the specified age limit may qualify for
continued coverage, subject to the following conditions:
a) your child became dependent upon you by reason of a mental or physical disability prior to
reaching this age; and
b) your child has been continuously so disabled since that time.

Group Conversion – GSC Health Assist LINK Program

The GSC Health Assist LINK program offers guaranteed coverage (no medical questionnaire) for you
and your family for day-to-day medical, dental and travel expenses, as well as unforeseen health
expenses.

This program may be your solution if you, your spouse or your dependent children are losing or have lost
group health and/or dental benefits within the last 90 days and are looking for coverage.

Click here to apply, or contact Prosum Health Benefits Inc. at 1.855.751.6590 for assistance.
greenshield.ca
7
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

DESCRIPTION OF BENEFITS

HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN


The benefits shown below will be eligible, up to the amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits, if they are
reasonable and customary, and are medically necessary for the treatment of an illness or injury.

Prescription Drugs
Prescription drug benefits, up to the amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits, that:
a) are prescribed by a legally qualified medical practitioner or dental practitioner as permitted by law;
and
b) legally require a prescription and has a Drug Identification Number (DIN);
c) are approved under GSC’s drug review process; and
d) are paid on a Pay Direct basis.

GSC reserves the right to manage its drug formularies through an evidence-based review process in
which drugs are evaluated based on overall value taking into account clinical efficacy, safety, unmet
need and plan affordability. Formulary management includes the right to:
- add a drug to GSC’s formularies;
- exclude or remove a drug from GSC’s formularies regardless of Health Canada approval and/or
the existence of provincial coverage;
- place restrictions on a formulary drug as determined by GSC. Restrictions may include, but are
not limited to, GSC’s pre-approval of the drug before the claim can be reimbursed, requirement to
obtain the drug through an approved provider, and requirement to obtain a lower cost alternative
of the same treatment such as a generic or a biosimilar drug.

If approved by GSC, this plan includes drugs with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) that do not legally
require a prescription, including but not limited to nitroglycerin, insulin and all other approved injectables,
as well as related supplies such as diabetic syringes, needles, lancets and testing agents.

Certain drugs require prior authorization from GSC before your drug claim can be reimbursed. You can
find out if your drug requires prior authorization either by using the online drug search tool available to
you through GSC everywhere, or by contacting GSC’s Customer Service Centre.

Maintenance drugs required to treat lifelong chronic conditions may be required to be purchased in a 90-
day supply of a prescription at any one time. Non-maintenance drugs may be purchased in a supply not
exceeding 3-months (90-day) supply of a prescription at any one time. However, for all drugs, 6 months
for a vacation supply may be purchased and not more than a 13-month supply in any 12 consecutive
months.

Generic drug substitution


Reimbursement will be made for the cost of the lowest priced equivalent drug based on specific provincial
regulations, unless your medical or dental practitioner has written that there is to be no substitution of the
prescribed drug or medicine.

NOTE:
Drug Benefit over age 65: The Drug Benefit co-pay and the deductible (where applicable) in your
province of residence are eligible benefits.

greenshield.ca
8
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Quebec residents only: The Student is responsible for complying with RAMQ rules, your student
drug plan does not replace the RAMQ (The Regie de l’assurance maladie
du Quebec) provincial plan, you are required to enrol for RAMQ. The
Student Health and Dental plan pays only to the stated maximums noted in
this booklet.

Eligible benefits do not include and no amount will be paid for:


a) Drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and infertility;
b) Reference biologic drugs that have an approved biosimilar;
c) Vitamins that do not legally require a prescription;
d) Smoking cessation drugs and Nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gum, lozenges, and
inhalers;
e) Products which may lawfully be sold or offered for sale other than through retail pharmacies, and
which are not normally considered by practitioners as medicines for which a prescription is necessary
or required, unless specifically identified and included as eligible in “Prescription Drugs”;
f) Ingredients or products which have not been approved by Health Canada for the treatment of a
medical condition or disease and are deemed to be experimental in nature and/or may be in the
testing stage;
g) Mixtures, compounded by a pharmacist, that do not conform to GSC’s current Compound Policy.

Extended Health Services

Medical Items and Services: When prescribed by a legally qualified medical practitioner, unless
specified otherwise below, reimbursement for reasonable and customary charges, up to the amount,
where applicable, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits for:
a) Aids for daily living: such as hospital style beds, including rails and mattresses; bedpans; standard
commodes; decubitus (bedridden) supplies; I.V. stands; portable patient lifts; trapezes/transfer poles;
urinals;
b) Footwear, when prescribed by your attending physician, nurse practitioner, podiatrist or chiropodist
and dispensed by your podiatrist, chiropodist, chiropractor, orthotist, or pedorthist:
i) custom made foot orthotics or adjustments to custom made foot orthotics;
ii) custom made boots or shoes, adjustments to orthopedic shoes, or footwear as an integral part of
a brace, (subject to a medical pre-authorization);
c) Braces, casts;
d) Diabetic equipment, such as:
i) blood glucose meters;
ii) lancets;
iii) glucose monitoring systems (GMS) such as continuous and flash type monitors subject to
medical pre-authorization and reimbursed to the cost of a blood glucose meter. Disposable
GMS supplies (used with the monitor), such as, but not limited to sensors and transmitters, are
included and subject to any overall annual maximum applicable to diabetic testing and
monitoring equipment and supplies;
e) Medical services, such as diagnostic tests, X-rays and laboratory tests;
f) Incontinence/Ostomy equipment, such as catheter supplies and ostomy supplies;
g) Mobility aids, such as canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs (including wheelchair batteries);
h) Standard prosthetics, such as an arm, hand, leg, foot, breast, eye and larynx;
i) Respiratory/Cardiology equipment, such as compressors, inhalant devices, tracheotomy supplies and
oxygen;
j) Compression stockings with a pressure measurement of 15 mmhg or higher.

Some items may require pre-authorization. To confirm eligibility prior to purchasing


or renting equipment, submit a Pre-Authorization Form to GSC.

greenshield.ca
9
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Limitations
a) The rental price of durable medical equipment will not exceed the purchase price. GSC’s decision to
purchase or rent will be based on the legally qualified medical practitioner’s estimate of the duration
of need as established by the original prescription. Rental authorization may be granted for the
prescribed duration. Equipment that has been refurbished by the supplier for resale is not an eligible
benefit;

b) Durable medical equipment must be appropriate for use in the home, able to withstand repeated use
and generally not useful in the absence of illness or injury;

c) When deluxe medical equipment is a covered benefit, reimbursement will be made only when deluxe
features are required in order for the covered person to effectively operate the equipment. Items that
are not primarily medical in nature or that are for comfort and convenience are not eligible.

Gender Affirmation: The following services not covered by your provincial/territorial health plan will be
considered eligible only when a diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a legally qualified physician (M.D.),
or nurse practitioner is provided to GSC. Reimbursement will be limited to reasonable and customary
charges, up to the amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits:
• Foundation (core) – Transition-related genital and chest/breast surgeries not covered by your
provincial/territorial health plan, as well as vocal surgery, tracheal shave, chest contouring/breast
construction, vaginal dilators, laser hair removal and facial feminization surgery.
• Focused – Non-genital, non-breast/chest enhancement surgeries as follows: nose surgery,
liposuction/lipofilling, face/eyelid lift, lip/cheek fillers, hair transplant/implants, and gluteal
lifts/implants.

Emergency Transportation: Reimbursement for professional land or air ambulance to the nearest
hospital equipped to provide the required treatment, when medically required as the result of an injury,
illness or acute physical disability, up to the amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits.

Private Duty Nursing in the Home: Reimbursement for the services of a Registered Nurse (R.N.) or
Registered Practical Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse (R.P.N./L.P.N.) in the home on a visit or shift basis,
up to the amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits. No amount will be paid for services which are
custodial and/or services which do not require the skill level of a Registered Nurse (R.N.) or Registered
Practical Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse (R.P.N./L.P.N.)

Professional Services: Reimbursement for the services of the practitioners included, up to the amount
shown in the Schedule of Benefits, when the practitioner rendering the service is licensed by their
provincial regulatory agency or a registered member of a professional association and that association is
recognized by GSC. Please contact the GSC Customer Service Centre to confirm practitioner eligibility.

NOTE:
• Podiatry services are not eligible until your provincial health insurance plan annual maximums have
been exhausted

greenshield.ca
10
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Accidental Dental: Reimbursement for the services of a licensed dental practitioner for dental care to
natural teeth when necessitated by a direct blow to the mouth and not by an object wittingly or unwittingly
placed in the mouth. The accident must occur while the coverage is in force. When natural teeth have
been damaged eligible services are limited to one set of artificial teeth. You must notify GSC immediately
following the accident and the treatment must commence within 180 days of the accident.

GSC will not be liable for any services performed after the earlier of a) 365 days following the accident,
or b) the date you or your dependent cease to be covered under this plan.

No amount will be paid for periodontia or orthodontia treatments or the repair or replacement of artificial
teeth.

Charges will be based on the current Provincial Dental Association Fee Guide for General Practitioners
in the province where services are rendered. Approval will be based on the current status and/or benefit
level of the covered person at the time that we are notified of the accident. Any change in coverage will
alter GSC’s liability.

In the event of a dental accident, claims should be submitted under the health benefit plan before
submitting them under the dental plan.

Vision: Reimbursement for the services performed by a licensed Optometrist, Optician or


Ophthalmologist, up to the amounts shown in the Schedule of Benefits, for:
a) Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
b) Medically necessary contact lenses when visual acuity cannot otherwise be corrected to at least
20/40 in the better eye or when medically necessary due to keratoconus, irregular astigmatism,
irregular corneal curvature or physical deformity resulting in an inability to wear normal frames.
c) Optometric eye examinations for visual acuity performed by a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist
or physician (available only in those provinces where eye examinations are not covered by the
provincial health insurance plan).
d) Replacement parts for prescription eyeglasses.
e) Non-prescription sunglasses prescribed by a legally qualified medical practitioner for the treatment of
specific ophthalmic diseases or conditions.

Eligible benefits do not include and no amount will be paid for:


• Medical or surgical treatment;
• Special or unusual procedures such as, but not limited to, orthoptics, vision training, subnormal vision
aids and aniseikonic lenses;
• Follow-up visits associated with the dispensing and fitting of contact lenses;
• Charges for eyeglass cases.

greenshield.ca
11
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Health Exclusions

Eligible benefits do not include and reimbursement will not be made for:

1. Services or supplies received as a result of disease, illness or injury due to:


a) an act of war, declared or undeclared;
b) participation in a riot or civil commotion; or
c) attempting to commit or committing a criminal offence or illegal act;

2. Services or supplies provided while serving in the armed forces of any country;

3. Failure to keep a scheduled appointment with a legally qualified medical or dental practitioner;

4. Any treatment, drug, service, or supply received outside of Canada on a non-emergency basis;

5. Charges for the translation or completion of any claim forms and/or insurance reports;

6. Any form of medical cannabis for the treatment of any medical condition, regardless of whether it is
authorized by way of a medical document or prescription from a legally-authorized medical
practitioner and obtained from a Health Canada-licensed producer pursuant to any federal or
provincial legislation or regulation regarding access to and/or distribution of medical cannabis;

7. Any specific treatment or drug which:


a) does not meet accepted standards of medical, dental or ophthalmic practice, including charges
for services or supplies which are experimental in nature;
b) is not considered to be effective (either medically or from a cost perspective) as determined by
GSC’s drug review process regardless if Health Canada approved the drug;
c) is an adjunctive drug prescribed in connection with any treatment or drug that is not an eligible
service;
d) is administered in a hospital or is required to be administered in a hospital in accordance with
Health Canada's approved indication for use;
e) is not dispensed by the pharmacist in accordance with the payment method shown under the
Prescription Drugs benefit;
f) is not being used and/or administered in accordance with Health Canada’s approved indication
for use, even though such drug or procedure may customarily be used in the treatment of other
illnesses or injuries (i.e. off-label use);

8. Services or supplies that:


a) are not recommended, provided by or approved by the attending legally qualified (in the opinion
of GSC) medical practitioner or dental practitioner as permitted by law;
b) are legally prohibited by the government from coverage;
c) you are not obligated to pay for or for which no charge would be made in the absence of benefit
coverage or for which payment is made on your behalf by a not-for-profit prepayment association,
insurance carrier, third party administrator, like agency or a party other than GSC, your plan
sponsor or you;
d) are provided by a health practitioner whose license by the relevant provincial regulatory and/or
professional association has been suspended or revoked;
e) are not provided by a designated provider of service in response to a prescription issued by a
legally qualified health practitioner;
f) are used solely for recreational or sporting activities and which are not medically necessary for
regular activities;
g) are primarily for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes, or are to correct congenital malformations;

greenshield.ca
12
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

h) are provided by an immediate family member related to you by birth, adoption, or by marriage
and/or a practitioner who normally resides in your home. An immediate family member includes a
parent, spouse, child or sibling;
i) are provided by your plan sponsor and/or a practitioner employed by your plan sponsor, other
than as part of an employee assistance plan;
j) are a replacement of lost, missing or stolen items, or items that are damaged due to negligence.
Replacements are eligible when required due to natural wear, growth or relevant change in your
medical condition but only when the equipment/prostheses cannot be adjusted or repaired at a
lesser cost and the item is still medically required;
k) are video instructional kits, informational manuals or pamphlets;
l) are for medical or surgical audio and visual treatment;
m) are special or unusual procedures such as, but not limited to, orthoptics, vision training,
subnormal vision aids and aniseikonic lenses;
n) are delivery and transportation charges;
o) are for Insulin pumps and supplies (unless otherwise covered under the plan);
p) are for medical examinations, audiometric examinations or hearing aid evaluation tests;
q) are batteries, unless specifically included as an eligible benefit;
r) are a duplicate prosthetic device or appliance;
s) are from any governmental agency which are obtained without cost by compliance with laws or
regulations enacted by a federal, provincial, municipal or other governmental body;
t) would normally be paid through any provincial health insurance plan, Workplace Safety and
Insurance Board or tribunal, the Assistive Devices Program or any other government agency, or
which would have been payable under such a plan had proper application for coverage been
made, or had proper and timely claims submission been made;
u) were previously provided or paid for by any governmental body or agency, but which have been
modified, suspended or discontinued as a result of changes in provincial health plan legislation or
de-listing of any provincial health plan services or supplies;
v) may include but are not limited to, drugs, laboratory services, diagnostic testing or any other
service which is provided by and/or administered in any public or private health care clinic or like
facility, medical practitioner’s office or residence, where the treatment or drug does not meet the
accepted standards or is not considered to be effective (either medically or from a cost
perspective, based on Health Canada’s approved indication for use);
w) are provided by a medical practitioner who has opted out of any provincial health insurance plan
and the provincial health insurance plan would have otherwise paid for such eligible service;
x) relates to treatment of injuries arising from a motor vehicle accident;
Note: Payment of benefits for claims relating to automobile accidents for which coverage is
available under a motor vehicle liability policy providing no-fault benefits will be considered only
if–
i) the service or supplies being claimed is not eligible; or
ii) the financial commitment is complete;
A letter from your automobile insurance carrier will be required;
y) are cognitive or administrative services or other fees charged by a provider of service for services
other than those directly relating to the delivery of the service or supply.

greenshield.ca
13
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

TRAVEL

Important: This Travel benefit includes requirements, limitations, and exclusions that can affect
eligibility and/or reimbursement of incurred expenses. You must be accurate and
complete in your dealings with GSC at all times. Please take the time to read
through this benefit before you travel to ensure you are aware of the terms and
conditions, making note of the following:

• With the exception of the “Referral Services”, this Travel benefit is an emergency medical benefit
only and provides coverage while you are temporarily outside of your regular province/territory of
residence for vacation, education, or business reasons. It does not cover any non-emergency,
elective, cosmetic, or experimental treatment, surgery, procedure, or any other service a covered
person chooses to have performed outside of his or her home province/territory – whether pre-
planned or not.

• GSC reserves the right to review your medical information at the time of claim. Any invasive or
investigative procedures must be pre-approved by GSC Travel Assistance. If the covered person is
the patient and it is medically impossible for the covered person to call prior to obtaining emergency
treatment, it is extremely important to have someone call GSC Travel Assistance on the covered
person’s behalf within 48 hours. If GSC Travel Assistance is not notified within the first 48 hours,
reimbursement of incurred expenses may be limited to the lesser of the amount of only those
expenses incurred within the first 48 hours of any and each treatment/incident or the plan maximum.
This means the covered person will be responsible for all expenses thereafter.

Emergency means a sudden and unforeseen Medical Condition that requires Treatment. An
emergency no longer exists when the evidence reviewed by GSC Travel Assistance indicates that no
further Treatment is required at destination or you are able to return to your province/territory of
residence for further Treatment. If GSC Travel Assistance determines that you transfer to another
facility or return to your home province/territory of residence, and you choose not to, the benefits will not
be paid for further medical treatment and coverage will be limited for unrelated events.

Emergency excludes Treatment of a Pre-existing Condition that was not completely Stable for the 90-
day period immediately preceding the covered person’s departure.

Pre-existing Condition means any Medical Condition that exists prior to the date of the covered
person’s departure.

Medical Condition means any disease, illness or injury (including symptoms of undiagnosed
conditions).

A Medical Condition is considered Stable when all of the following statements are true during the 90-day
period immediately preceding the date of the covered person’s departure.
a) There has not been any new Treatment prescribed or recommended, or change(s) to existing
Treatment (including stoppage in Treatment), and
b) The Medical Condition has not become worse, and
c) There has not been any new, more frequent, or more severe symptoms, and
d) There has been no hospitalization or referral to a specialist, and
e) There have not been any tests, investigation or Treatment recommended, but not yet complete, nor
any outstanding test results, and
f) There is no planned or pending treatment, and

greenshield.ca
14
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

g) There has not been any change to an existing prescribed drug (including an increase, decrease, or
stoppage to prescribed dosage), or any recommendation or starting of a new prescription drug. The
following are not considered changes to existing prescribed drug Treatment.
i. Routine dosage adjustments of Coumadin, Warfarin, or insulin, as long as these medications
have not been newly prescribed or stopped;
ii. A change from a brand name to a generic equivalent product as long as the dosage is the
same – including a transition from a biologic to a biosimilar product;
iii. A decrease in the dosage of a medication due to the improvement of a condition

All of the above conditions must be met during the 90-day period prior to the covered person’s
departure in order for a Medical Condition to be considered Stable.

Travelling Companion means any person who has prepaid accommodation and/or transportation with
the Covered Person for the same covered trip.

Treat, Treated, Treatment means a procedure prescribed, performed, or recommended by a


Physician for a Medical Condition. This includes but is not limited to prescribed medication,
investigative testing, and surgery.

• To qualify for benefits, the claimants must be covered by their respective provincial/territorial
government health plan or equivalent at the time the expenses are incurred; otherwise, there is no
coverage under this benefit.

• Eligible travel benefits will be considered based on the reasonable and customary charges in the area
where they were received, less the amount payable by your provincial/territorial health insurance
plan, if your province/territory provides such coverage.

• All dollar maximums and limitations are stated in Canadian currency. Reimbursement will be made in
Canadian funds or U.S. funds for both providers and plan members, based on the country of the
payee. For payments that require currency conversion, the rate of exchange used will be the rate in
effect on the date of service of the claim.

• Eligible benefits are limited to the maximum days per trip shown in the Summary of Benefits
commencing with the date of departure from your province/territory of residence. If you are
hospitalized on the last day shown in the Summary of Benefits, your benefits will be extended until
the date of discharge.

Eligible travel expenses include the following:

Hospital services and accommodation


• up to a standard ward rate in a public general hospital;
• up to $350 for out-of-pocket expenses such as telephone, television rental, and parking

Medical/surgical services rendered by a legally qualified physician or surgeon to relieve the symptoms
of, or to cure an unforeseen illness or injury;

Emergency Transportation
• Land ambulance to the nearest qualified medical facility
• Air ambulance - the cost of air evacuation (including a medical attendant when necessary) between
hospitals and for hospital admission into Canada when approved in advance by your
provincial/territorial health insurance plan or to the nearest qualified medical facility
greenshield.ca
15
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Referral services – Reasonable and customary hospital, medical, surgical, and transportation expenses
in excess of those expenses covered by your provincial/territorial health insurance plan for you and an
approved escort

• Prior to the commencement of any referral treatment, written pre-authorization from your
provincial/territorial health insurance plan and GSC must be obtained. Your provincial/territorial
health insurance plan may cover this referral benefit entirely. You must provide GSC with a letter
from your attending physician stating the reason for the referral, and a letter from your
provincial/territorial health insurance plan outlining their liability. Failure to obtain pre-authorization
will result in non-payment.

Services of a registered private nurse up to a maximum of $10,000 per calendar year, at the
reasonable and customary rate charged by a qualified nurse registered and licensed in the jurisdiction in
which treatment is provided. You must contact GSC Travel Assistance for pre-approval;
Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays when prescribed by the attending physician. Except in
emergency situations, GSC Travel Assistance must pre-approve these services (i.e. cardiac
catheterization or angiogram, angioplasty and bypass surgery);
Reimbursement of prescriptions for drugs, serums and injectables which require a prescription by law
and are prescribed by a legally qualified medical practitioner (vitamins, patent and proprietary drugs are
excluded). Submit to GSC Travel Assistance the original paid receipt from the pharmacist, physician or
hospital outside your province/territory of residence showing the name of the prescribing physician,
prescription number, name of preparation, date, quantity and total cost;
Medical appliances including casts, crutches, canes, slings, splints and/or the temporary rental of a
wheelchair when deemed medically necessary and required due to an accident which occurs, and when
the devices are obtained outside your province/territory of residence;
Treatment by a dentist only when required on an emergency basis for:

• Services and treatment of a direct accidental blow to the mouth up to a maximum of $2,500.
Treatments (prior to and after return) must be provided within 90 days of the accident. Details of the
accident must be provided to GSC Travel Assistance along with dental X-rays;

• Treatment to relieve dental pain up to a maximum of $500 per trip


Coming Home - when your emergency illness or injury is such that:
• GSC Travel Assistance specifies in writing that you should immediately return to your
province/territory of residence for immediate medical attention, reimbursement will be made for the
extra cost incurred for the purchase of a one-way economy airfare, plus the additional economy
airfare if required to accommodate a stretcher, to return you and a Travelling Companion by the most
direct route to the major air terminal nearest the departure point in your province/territory of
residence;
This benefit assumes that you are not holding a valid open-return air ticket. Charges for upgrading,
departure taxes, cancellation penalties are not included;

• GSC Travel Assistance or commercial airline stipulates in writing that you must be accompanied by a
qualified medical attendant, reimbursement will be made for the cost incurred for one round trip
economy airfare and the reasonable and customary fee charged by a medical attendant who is not
your relative by birth, adoption or marriage and is registered in the jurisdiction in which treatment is
provided, plus overnight hotel and meal expenses if required by the attendant

greenshield.ca
16
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Cost of returning your personal use motor vehicle to your residence or nearest appropriate vehicle
rental agency when you are unable to due to sickness, physical injury or death, up to a maximum of
$10,000 per trip. GSC Travel Assistance requires original receipts for costs incurred, i.e. gasoline,
accommodation and airfares;
Meals and accommodation up to a maximum of $250 per day to a maximum of $5,000 per trip will be
reimbursed for the extra costs of commercial hotel accommodation and meals incurred by you or a
covered dependent when the trip is delayed or interrupted due to an illness, accidental injury to or death
of a Travelling Companion and the covered person remains until they or their Travelling Companion is fit
to travel. This must be verified in writing by the attending legally qualified physician or surgeon and
supported with original receipts from commercial organization;
Transportation to the bedside including round trip economy airfare by the most direct route from your
province/territory of residence, for any one spouse, parent, child, brother or sister, and up to $150 per
day for a maximum of 5 days for meals and accommodation at a commercial establishment will be paid
for that family member to:

• be with you or your covered dependent when confined in hospital. This benefit requires that the
covered person must eventually be an inpatient for at least 7 days outside your province/territory of
residence, plus the written verification of the attending physician that the situation was serious
enough to have required the visit

• identify a deceased prior to release of the body

Return airfare if the personal use motor vehicle of you or your covered dependent is stolen or rendered
inoperable due to an accident, reimbursement will be made for the cost of a one-way economy airfare to
return you and your covered dependents travelling with you, or a Travelling Companion by the most
direct route to the major airport nearest your departure point in your province/territory of residence. An
official report of the loss or accident is required;

Return of deceased up to a maximum of $15,000 toward the cost of preparation and transportation in
an appropriate container of yourself or your covered dependent when death is caused by illness or
accident. The body will be returned to the major airport nearest the point of departure in your
province/territory of residence. In the case of cremation and/or burial at the place of death, this benefit is
limited to $5,000. The benefit excludes the cost of a burial coffin, urn or any funeral-related expenses,
makeup, clothing, flowers, eulogy cards, church rental, etc.

Paramedical Practitioners up to a maximum of $500 per practitioner per Emergency (including x-rays)
for the services of a licensed chiropractor, physiotherapist, podiatrist/chiropodist, or osteopath in
conjunction with treatment for an Emergency.

Child Care when pre-approved by GSC Travel Assistance, up to $5,000 for one of the following benefits
for dependent children under the age of 16 in the event of an Emergency involving you or your spouse
while travelling:

• Additional cost of one-way economy airfare for the return home of accompanying dependent children
when you or your spouse are hospitalized, plus the cost of an escort if required

• The cost of services of a caregiver (who is not a relative) in the location where you or your spouse is
hospitalized

• The cost of services of a caregiver (who is not a relative) in your home province when the children
are left unattended due to the delayed return of you or your spouse

greenshield.ca
17
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Pet Return up to a maximum of $500 for the return of your accompanying pet(s) in the event you are
hospitalized or repatriated during an Emergency.

GSC TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICE

The following services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week through GSC's international
medical service organization.

These services include:


• Access to Pre-trip Assistance (prior to departure): Canada Direct Calling Codes; information about
vaccinations; government issued travel advisories; and VISA/document requirements for entry into
country of destination
• Multilingual assistance
• Assistance in locating the nearest, most appropriate medical care
• International preferred provider networks
• Medical consultation and monitoring to review appropriateness and quality of medical care
• Assistance in establishing contact with family, personal physician and employer as appropriate
• Monitoring of progress during treatment and recovery and confirming when the patient is medically fit
for transportation when a transfer or repatriation is necessary
• Emergency message transmittal services
• Translation services and referrals to local interpreters as necessary, pertaining to the medical
emergency
• Verification of coverage facilitating entry and admissions into hospitals and other medical care
providers
• Special assistance regarding the co-ordination of direct claims payment
• Co-ordination of embassy and consular services
• Management, arrangement and co-ordination of emergency medical transportation and evacuation
as necessary
• Management, arrangement and co-ordination of repatriation of remains
• Special assistance in making arrangements for interrupted and disrupted travel plans resulting from
emergency situations to include:
- the return of unaccompanied travel companions
- travel to the bedside of a stranded person
- rearrangement of ticketing due to accident or illness and other travel related emergencies
- the return of a stranded personal use motor vehicle and related personal items
• Knowledgeable legal referral assistance
• Co-ordination of securing bail bonds and other legal instruments
• Guidance in replacing lost or stolen travel documents including passports
• Courtesy assistance in securing incidental aid and other travel related services

How Travel Assistance Service Works

For assistance dial 1.800.936.6226 within Canada and the United States or call collect 0.519.742.3556
when traveling outside Canada and the United States.

Quote your GSC Identification Number and explain your medical emergency. You must always be able
to provide your GSC Identification Number and your provincial/territorial health insurance plan
number.

A multilingual Assistance Specialist will provide direction to the best available medical facility or legally
qualified physician able to provide the appropriate care.

greenshield.ca
18
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Upon admission to a hospital or when consulting a legally qualified physician or surgeon for major
emergency treatment, we will guarantee the provider (hospital, clinic or physician), that you have the
required provincial/territorial health insurance plan coverage and GSC travel benefits as detailed above.

GSC Travel Assistance will follow your progress to ensure that you are receiving the best available
medical treatment. GSC Travel Assistance also keeps in constant communication with your family
physician and your family, depending on the severity of your condition.

When calling collect while travelling outside Canada and the United States, you may require a Canada
Direct Calling Code. In the event that a collect call is not possible, keep your receipts for phone calls
made to GSC Travel Assistance and submit them for reimbursement upon your return to Canada.

Travel Limitations

1. Coverage becomes effective at the time you or your dependent crosses the provincial/territorial
border departing from their province/territory of residence and terminates upon crossing the border
returning to their province/territory of residence on the return home. If traveling by air, coverage
becomes effective at the time the aircraft takes off in the province/territory of residence and
terminates when the aircraft lands in the province/territory of residence on the return home.

2. GSC Travel Assistance must be notified before obtaining Emergency Treatment in order for GSC
Travel Assistance to:
• confirm coverage; and
• provide pre-approval of treatment.

If it is medically impossible for the covered person to call prior to obtaining Emergency Treatment,
GSC Travel Assistance requires either the covered person or someone on behalf of the covered
person to call GSC Travel assistance within 48 hours of commencement of treatment.

If GSC Travel Assistance is not notified before the Emergency Treatment was received, benefits will
be limited to the lesser of the amount of only those expenses incurred within the first 48 hours of any
and each treatment/incident or the plan maximum. This mean you will be responsible for all
expenses thereafter.

3. After your medical emergency treatment has started, GSC Travel Assistance must assess and pre-
approve additional medical treatment. If you undergo tests as part of a medical investigation,
treatment or surgery, obtain treatment or undergo surgery that is not pre-approved, your claim will not
be paid. This includes invasive testing, surgery, cardiac catheterization, other cardiac procedures,
transplants, MRI.

4. Repatriation is mandatory when GSC Travel Assistance determines that the covered person should
transfer to another facility or return to the home province/territory of residence for treatment, or at the
end of the emergency. If you choose not to return:
• no benefits will be paid for any further medical treatment;
• no benefits will be paid for any recurrence or complications related directly or indirectly to the
Medical Condition that caused the emergency; and
• for the remainder of the trip, coverage will be limited to Medical Conditions completely unrelated
to the Medical Condition that caused the emergency.

greenshield.ca
19
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

5. Air ambulance services will only be eligible if:


• they are pre-approved by GSC Travel Assistance
• there is a medical need for you or your dependent to be confined to a stretcher or for a medical
attendant to accompany you during the journey
• you or your dependent are admitted directly to a hospital in your province/territory of residence,
and
• medical reports or certificates from the dispatching and receiving legally qualified physicians are
submitted to GSC Travel Assistance
• proof of payment (including air ticket vouchers or air carrier invoices) is submitted to GSC Travel
Assistance

6. If planning to travel in areas of political or civil unrest, or in areas where the Canadian government
has issued a formal travel warning regarding non-essential travel, contact GSC Travel Assistance for
pre-travel advice, as we may be unable to guarantee assistance services.

7. GSC Travel Assistance reserves the right, without notice, to suspend, curtail or limit its services in
any area if any of the following occur:
• political or civil unrest, rebellion, riot, or military uprising;
• labour disturbance or strike;
• act of God; or
• refusal of authorities in a foreign country to permit GSC Travel Assistance to provide service.

This includes travel if when you booked your trip (including delay of travel), or before your departure
date, the Canadian government issued a formal travel warning advising Canadians to avoid either all
travel or all non-essential travel regarding the country, region, city, or other key components of your
travel arrangements (e.g., cruise ship) due to a likely or actual epidemic or pandemic.

In this limitation, non-essential travel means anything other than a significant medical or family
emergency, such as the death of a family member.

Travel Exclusions
In addition to the Health Exclusions, Travel claims will not be paid for the following.

1. Any expenses incurred for the treatment related directly or indirectly to a Pre-existing Medical
Condition that, at the time of your departure from your province/territory of residence and the 90-day
period immediately preceding your departure from your province/territory of residence:
a) was not completely stable in the professional opinion of GSC Travel Assistance Team;
b) where medical evidence suggested a reasonable expectation that treatment or hospitalization
could be required while traveling; or
c) a physician advised the covered person not to travel.

GSC Travel Assistance reserves the right to review the covered person’s medical information at the
time of claim. A physician’s opinion that the covered person was fit to travel does not override or
eliminate the requirement for the covered person to satisfy all the conditions of Stable.

2. Any expenses submitted if the covered person or anyone acting on behalf of a covered person
attempts to deceive GSC Travel Assistance, or makes a fraudulent, false, or exaggerated statement
or claim.

greenshield.ca
20
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

3. Any expenses incurred for any services received that:


a) were not required to treat an Emergency;
b) were not recommended by a legally qualified physician or surgeon;
c) are not covered under your provincial/territorial health insurance plan;
d) are normally covered under the out-of-Canada benefits of your provincial/territorial health
insurance plan’s out-of-Canada coverage (where applicable), when the provincial/territorial
plan has declined payment; or
e) the services are for a recurrence or complication directly or indirectly related to the emergency
that GSC Travel Assistance determined 3.a), b), c), or d) above.

4. Any expenses incurred for services received after GSC Travel Assistance determined:
a) the covered person was to return to the province/territory of residence for treatment, but the
covered person chose not to return to the province/territory of residence;
b) the services could be reasonably delayed until the covered person returned to the
province/territory of residence;
c) the emergency had ended; or
d) the services are for a recurrence or complication directly or indirectly related to the emergency
that GSC Travel Assistance determined 4.a), b), or c) above.

5. Any expenses incurred for services to treat a medical condition or complications of a medical
condition directly or indirectly related to an epidemic or pandemic if, when the trip was booked, or
before the departure date an official travel advisory was issued by the Canadian government advising
Canadians to avoid either all travel or all non-essential travel regarding any country, region, city, or
other key components of your travel arrangements (e.g., cruise ship). To view the travel advisories,
visit the Government of Canada Travel site.

6. Any expenses incurred for services to treat:


a) any medical condition, including symptoms of withdrawal, arising from or in any way related to
the chronic use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants whether prior or during the trip;
b) any medical condition arising during the trip resulting from, or in any way related to, the abuse
of alcohol that results in a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrams in 100 millilitres of
blood, drugs or other intoxicants; or
c) any medical condition resulting from not following Treatment as prescribed, including
prescribed or over-the-counter medication.

7. Any expenses related to pregnancy, delivery, or complications of either, arising during the 8-week
period before and after the expected date of delivery.

8. Any expenses incurred for a child born during the trip within the 8-week period before and after the
expected date of delivery.

9. Any expenses incurred during any trip made for the purpose of obtaining a diagnosis, Treatment,
surgery, palliative care, or any alternative therapy, as well as any directly or indirectly related
complication.

GSC does not assume responsibility for nor will it be liable for any medical advice given, but not
limited to a physician, pharmacist or other healthcare provider or facility recommended by GSC
Travel Assistance.

greenshield.ca
21
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

DENTAL BENEFIT PLAN

The benefits shown below will be eligible, if based on the licensed dental practitioner’s reasonable and
customary charge in accordance with the Fee Guide and the maximum shown in the Schedule of
Benefits.

Basic Services
Basic Diagnostic and Preventive Services:
• complete oral examinations once every 3 years based on date of first paid claim
• emergency and specific oral examinations
• full series X-rays and panoramic X-rays once every 3 years based on date of first paid claim
• bitewing X-rays once every 9 months
• recall examinations once every 9 months
• cleaning of teeth (up to 1 unit of polishing plus up to 1 unit of scaling) once per recall period
• denture cleaning once per recall period
• pit and fissure sealants on molars only, for covered persons 14 years of age and under
• space maintainers
• protective mouth guards once every 12 months based on date of first paid claim

Basic Restorative Services:


• amalgam, tooth coloured filling restorations and temporary sedative fillings
• inlay restorations – these are considered basic restorations and will be paid to the equivalent non-
bonded amalgam

Basic oral surgery:


• extractions of teeth and/or residual roots

General anaesthesia, deep sedation, and intravenous sedation in conjunction with eligible oral surgery
only

greenshield.ca
22
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Comprehensive Basic Services


Standard denture services:
• denture repairs and/or tooth/teeth additions
• standard relining and rebasing of dentures, once every 3 years based on date of first paid claim, only
after 6 months have elapsed from the installation of a denture
• denture adjustments and remount and equilibration procedures, only after 3 months have elapsed
from the installation of a denture
• soft tissue conditioning linings for the gums to promote healing
• remake of a partial denture using existing framework, once every 5 years based on date of first paid
claim

Comprehensive oral surgery:


• surgical exposure, repositioning, transplantation or enucleation of teeth
• remodeling and recontouring - shaping or restructuring of bone or gum
• excision - removal of cysts and tumors
• incision - drainage and/or exploration of soft or hard tissue
• fractures including the treatment of the dislocation and/or fracture of the lower or upper jaw and
repair of soft tissue lacerations
• maxilofacial deformities - frenectomy - surgery on the fold of the tissue connecting the lip to the gum
or the tongue to the floor of the mouth

Endodontic treatment including:


• root canal therapy
• pulpotomy (removal of the pulp from the crown portion of the tooth)
• pulpectomy (removal of the pulp from the crown and root portion of the tooth)
• apexification (assistance of root tip closure)
• apical curettage, root resections and retrograde fillings (cleaning and removing diseased tissue of the
root tip)
• root amputation and hemisection
• bleaching of non-vital tooth/teeth
• emergency procedures including opening or draining of the gum/tooth

Periodontal treatment of diseased bone and gums including:


• periodontal scaling and/or root planing 4 time units every 12 months based on date of first paid claim
• occlusal equilibration - selective grinding of tooth surfaces to adjust a bite 2 time units every 12
months based on date of first paid claim

The fees for periodontal treatment are based on units of time (15 minutes per unit) and/or number of
teeth in a surgical site in accordance with the General Practitioners Fee Guide.

• bruxism appliance once every 12 months based on date of first paid claim

greenshield.ca
23
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Alternate Benefit Clause


This benefit plan will reimburse the amount shown in the Fee Guide for the least expensive service or
supply where two or more professionally accepted courses of treatment are a benefit under the plan.
The covered person can choose to have a more expensive treatment performed, however
reimbursement will be limited to the cost of the least expensive alternative.

Predetermination
Before your treatment begins, if the total cost of any other proposed treatment is expected to exceed
$500, it is recommended that you submit an estimate completed by your dental practitioner.

Limitations

1. Laboratory services must be completed in conjunction with other services and will be limited to the
co-pay of such services. Laboratory services that are in excess of 40% of the dentist's fee in the
applicable Fee Guide shown in the Schedule of Benefits will be reduced accordingly; co-pay is then
applied;

2. Reimbursement will be made according to standard and/or basic services, supplies or treatment.
Related expenses beyond the standard and/or basic services, supplies or treatment will remain your
responsibility;

3. Reimbursement will be pro-rated and reduced accordingly, when time spent by the dentist is less
than the average time assigned to a dental service procedure code in the applicable Fee Guide
shown in the Schedule of Benefits;

4. Reimbursement for root canal therapy will be limited to payment once only per tooth. Extra charges
for difficult access, exception anatomy, calcified canals and retreatments are not included. The total
fee for root canal includes all pulpotomies and pulpectomies performed on the same tooth;

5. Common surfaces on the same tooth/same day will be assessed as one surface. If individual
surfaces are restored on the same tooth/same day, payment will be assessed according to the
procedure code representing the combined surface. Payment will be limited to a maximum of 5
surfaces in any 36-month period;

6. When more than one surgical procedure, including multiple periodontal surgical procedures, is
performed during the same appointment in the same area of the mouth, only the most
comprehensive procedure will be eligible for reimbursement, as the fee for each procedure is based
on complete, comprehensive treatment, and is deemed part of the multiple services factor;

7. The multiple services factor occurs when a minimum of 6 or more restorations (fillings) or multiple
periodontal services are performed at the same appointment and the full fee guide price is charged
for each restoration or periodontal service, the first service will be paid in full and all remaining
services will be reduced by 20%;

8. Root planing is not eligible if done at the same time as gingival curettage;

9. In the event of a dental accident, claims should be submitted under the health benefits plan before
submitting them under the dental plan.

greenshield.ca
24
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Dental Exclusions

Eligible benefits do not include and reimbursement will not be made for:

1. Services or supplies received as a result of disease, illness or injury due to:


a) an act of war, declared or undeclared;
b) participation in a riot or civil commotion; or
c) attempting to commit or committing a criminal offence or illegal act;

2. Services or supplies provided while serving in the armed forces of any country;

3. Failure to keep a scheduled appointment with a legally qualified medical or dental practitioner;

4. Any treatment, drug, service, or supply received outside of Canada on a non-emergency basis;

5. Charges for the translation or completion of any claim forms and/or insurance reports;

6. Any dental service that is not contained in the procedure codes developed and maintained by the
Canadian Dental Association, adopted by the provincial or territorial dental association of the
province or territory in which the service is provided (or your province of residence if any dental
service is provided outside Canada) and in effect at the time the service is provided;

7. Implants;

8. Restorations necessary for wear, acid erosion, vertical dimension and/or restoring occlusion;

9. Appliances related to treatment of myofascial pain syndrome including all diagnostic models,
gnathological determinants, maintenance, adjustments, repairs and relines;

10. Posterior cantilever pontics/teeth and extra pontics/teeth to fill in diastemas/spaces;

11. Service and charges for sleep dentistry;

12. Diagnostic and/or intraoral repositioning appliances including maintenance, adjustments, repairs and
relines related to treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction;

13. Any specific treatment or drug which:


a) does not meet accepted standards of medical, dental or ophthalmic practice, including charges
for services or supplies which are experimental in nature;
b) is not considered to be effective (either medically or from a cost perspective) as determined by
GSC’s drug review process regardless if Health Canada approved the drug;
c) is an adjunctive drug prescribed in connection with any treatment or drug that is not an eligible
service;
d) is administered in a hospital or is required to be administered in a hospital in accordance with
Health Canada’s approved indication for use;
e) is not dispensed by the pharmacist in accordance with the payment method shown under the
Health Benefit Plan Prescription Drugs benefit;
f) is not being used and/or administered in accordance with Health Canada’s approved indication
for use, even though such drug or procedure may customarily be used in the treatment of other
illnesses or injuries (i.e. off-label use);

greenshield.ca
25
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

14. Services or supplies that:


a) are not recommended, provided by or approved by the attending legally qualified (in the opinion
of GSC) medical practitioner or dental practitioner as permitted by law;
b) are legally prohibited by the government from coverage;
c) you are not obligated to pay for or for which no charge would be made in the absence of benefit
coverage; or for which payment is made on your behalf by a not-for-profit prepayment
association, insurance carrier, third party administrator, like agency or a party other than GSC,
your plan sponsor or you;
d) are provided by a health practitioner whose license by the relevant provincial regulatory and/or
professional association has been suspended or revoked;
e) are not provided by a designated provider of service in response to a prescription issued by a
legally qualified health practitioner;
f) are used solely for recreational or sporting activities and which are not medically necessary for
regular activities;
g) are primarily for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes, or are to correct congenital malformations;
h) are provided by an immediate family member related to you by birth, adoption, or by marriage
and/or a practitioner who normally resides in your home. An immediate family member includes a
parent, spouse, child or sibling;
i) are provided by your plan sponsor and/or a practitioner employed by your plan sponsor, other
than as part of an employee assistance plan;
j) are a replacement of lost, missing or stolen items, or items that are damaged due to negligence.
Replacements are eligible when required due to natural wear, growth or relevant change in your
medical condition but only when the equipment/prostheses cannot be adjusted or repaired at a
lesser cost and the item is still medically required;
k) are video instructional kits, informational manuals or pamphlets;
l) are delivery and transportation charges;
m) are a duplicate prosthetic device or appliance;
n) are from any governmental agency which are obtained without cost by compliance with laws or
regulations enacted by a federal, provincial, municipal or other governmental body;
o) would normally be paid through any provincial health insurance plan, Workplace Safety and
Insurance Board or tribunal, or any other government agency, or which would have been payable
under such a plan had proper application for coverage been made, or had proper and timely
claims submission been made;
p) relates to treatment of injuries arising from a motor vehicle accident;
Note: Payment of benefits for claims relating to automobile accidents for which coverage is
available under a motor vehicle liability policy providing no-fault benefits will be considered only
if–
i) the service or supplies being claimed is not eligible; or
ii) the financial commitment is complete;
A letter from your automobile insurance carrier will be required;
q) are cognitive or administrative services or other fees charged by a provider of service for services
other than those directly relating to the delivery of the service or supply.

greenshield.ca
26
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

CLAIM INFORMATION
Inquiries
For detailed inquiries:
 Call our Customer Service Centre at 1.888.711.1119 to determine eligibility for a specific item or
service and GSC’s pre-authorization requirements, or
 Visit our website at greenshield.ca to e-mail your question

Pre-authorization
For pre-authorization forward a pre-authorization form OR a physician’s prescription indicating the
diagnosis and what is prescribed.

Submitting Claims
All claims submitted to GSC require your GSC Identification number. Your GSC Identification Number is
your student number with the prefix “CAL” – e.g. CAL111222333.
Original itemized paid receipts are required for claims reimbursement (cash receipts or credit card
receipts alone are not acceptable as proof of payment).
GSC reserves the right to request supplementary claims information. Failure to respond to such requests
may result in the denial of the claim.
The intentional omission, misrepresentation or falsification of information relating to any claim constitutes
fraud. Submission of a fraudulent claim is a criminal offence and will be reported to the applicable law
enforcement and/or regulatory agencies and your plan sponsor. This could result in termination of your
coverage under this benefit plan.

Emergency Travel
GSC Travel Assistance must be contacted by phone within 48 hours of commencement of treatment.

For assistance and to obtain the proper claim form, dial 1.800.936.6226 within Canada and the United
States or call collect 0.519.742.3556 when traveling outside Canada and the United States.

If you have incurred out of pocket expenses, make sure you tell GSC Travel Assistance about all the
travel coverage you have when submitting claims. Claims must be submitted together with supporting
original receipts to GSC Travel Assistance who will then co-ordinate reimbursement of those approved,
eligible expenses from all sources (e.g., provincial plans that provide out-of-Canada coverage, a spousal
plan, travel coverage provided through your credit card, etc.).
When submitting your Emergency Medical claim, please include:
• Completed and signed claim form provided to you by GSC Travel Assistance when notice of claim
has been given, which you must complete and sign for the purpose of allowing GSC Travel
Assistance to recover payment from any other insurance contract or health plan (group, individual or
government).
• A fully completed and signed claim form with all original bills and receipts from commercial
organizations for any claims you paid out of pocket.
• Medical records including an emergency room report and diagnosis from the medical facility or a
Medical Certificate completed by the treating physician. Any fee for completion of the certificate is not
a benefit under this insurance.
• Completed appropriate Government Health Insurance Plan forms; see claim form for details.
• Proof of date of departure from your province or territory of residence.
• Any other documentation that may be required and/or requested by GSC Travel Assistance.

All claims must be received by GSC no later than 12 months from the date the eligible benefit was
incurred.
greenshield.ca
27
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Reimbursement
Reimbursement will be made by one of the following methods:
a) Direct deposit to your personal bank account, when requested;
b) A reimbursement cheque; or
c) Direct payment to the provider of services, where applicable.

All dollar maximums and limitations stated are expressed in Canadian dollars. Reimbursement will be
made in Canadian or U.S. funds for both providers and plan members, based on the country of the
payee.

Overpayments
GSC reserves the right to recover all amounts resulting from overpaid or unsupported claims for benefits
by deducting such amounts from future claims and/or by any other legal means.

Limitation on Legal Action


In Ontario, every action or proceeding against GSC for recovery of benefit payment under the plan is
absolutely barred unless commenced within the time set out in the Limitations Act, 2002.

In British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba, every action or proceeding against GSC for recovery of
benefit payment under the plan is absolutely barred unless commenced within the time set out in the
Insurance Act.

Direct Payment to the Provider of Service (where applicable)


Provide your GSC Identification number to your provider and, after you pay any applicable co-payment,
they may bill GSC directly and in many cases, payment will be made directly to your provider of service.
Most providers will also have a supply of claim forms.

Subrogation
GSC retains the right of subrogation of benefits. This means if GSC paid benefits on behalf of you or
your dependent, but the benefits either should have been paid, or are subsequently paid or provided, in
whole or in part, by a third party liability or other coverage(s), GSC has the right to recover such payment
or reimbursement. In cases of third party liability, you must advise your lawyer of our subrogation rights.

greenshield.ca
28
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

DENTAL DISCOUNT NETWORK ARRANGEMENT

GSC provides access to a Student Dental Discount Network. The intent of this network is to provide our
student plan members access to high quality dental services at an affordable cost.

Features of this great value-added service and how it works:


1. This national program includes more than 800 dental provider locations from coast to coast.
2. You may visit a dentist from the list of participating dental providers, or you may ask your existing
dentist to join this network; the advantage to your dentist of joining the network is the potential of
an increase in business. Your dentist can call our Customer Service Centre at 1.888.711.1119 for
more information.
3. The discount offer applies to most dental procedures and may be up to 30%.
4. Our system will automatically calculate the applicable discount when you visit a dental provider in
this network. The applicable discount is dependent on your particular college or university's plan
design, and will be subtracted from your co-pay, or share of the cost.

5. Eligible dental claims must be processed electronically; therefore, you must first be enrolled on
GSC’s system in order to be eligible for the discount. GSC will pay your dentist directly; you
only have to pay the dentist your share of the cost (if any) for services provided.
6. You will receive professional dental services while incurring lower out-of-pocket expenses and
maintain ongoing oral health.

greenshield.ca
29
MY BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET

Co-ordination of Benefits (COB)


If you are covered for extended health and dental benefits under more than one plan, your benefits under
this plan will be coordinated with the other plan so that you may be reimbursed up to 100% of the eligible
expense incurred.

Claims must be submitted to the primary payor first. Any unpaid balances should then be submitted to
the secondary plan(s). Use the following guidelines to identify the primary and secondary plans:

GSC Plan Member


This GSC student plan is always your primary plan. If you are the plan member under two group plans,
priority goes in the following order:
• The plan where you are a full-time plan member
• The plan where you are a part-time plan member
• The plan where you are a retiree

Spouse
If your spouse is a plan member under another benefit plan, this GSC coverage is always secondary.
Your spouse must first submit claims to his/her benefit plan.

Children
When dependent children are covered under both your GSC plan and your spouse’s benefit plan, use
the following order to determine where to submit the claims:
• The plan of the parent whose birth date (month and day) occurs earliest in the calendar year
• The plan of the parent whose first name begins with the earlier letter of the alphabet, if the
parents have the same birth date
• In cases of separation or divorce with multiple benefit plans for the children, the following order
applies:
- The benefit plan of the parent who has custody of the dependent child
- The plan of the spouse of the parent who has custody of the dependent child
- The plan of the parent who does not have custody of the dependent child
- The plan of the spouse of the parent who does not have custody of the dependent child

If the parents have joint custody and both have the children listed as dependents under their
plans, claims should first be submitted to the plan of the parent whose birth date (month and day)
occurs earliest in the calendar year. Balances can then be submitted to the other parent's plan.

Travel Benefits
In the event of a travel claim, all plans equally share the cost of the claim.

When GSC is identified as a secondary carrier, submit the original Explanation of Benefits statement
from the primary carrier and a copy of the claim form in order to receive any balances owing.

Access to Information
If you live in a province where the law permits you to request copies of your records, GSC will provide
one copy of the following at no charge:
a) any enrollment form you completed for coverage under this plan that was submitted to GSC;
b) any written statements or other record about your health that you submitted to GSC during the
course of applying for coverage under this plan;
c) one copy of the group contract.

GSC may charge you to provide any additional copies.

greenshield.ca
30

You might also like