Dear Member,

The Healthcare Employees’ Benefits Plan (HEBP) is announcing changes to the current plan that will result in increased benefits for our members. These plan improvements are the result of negotiations between Manitoba’s health care unions and the employers.

Following is an overview of the changes and dates for their implementation.

Effective April 1, 2009 premiums will be shared equally between employers and members.

Effective April 1, 2010, employers will provide a Health Spending Account of $250 for full time employees and $125 for part-time employees.

This will increase to $500 and $250 respectively effective April 1, 2011. These are significant improvements.

Coverage:

• Members currently covered by the Enhanced Plan will be transferred directly into the new Group Enhanced Healthcare Plan.
• Employees currently covered under the Basic Plan will have the option to join the new enhanced plan.
• Effective April 1, 2009 HEBP will offer only the Enhanced Healthcare Plan to members. The Basic plan will be closed to new enrollments effective immediately.
• Those members who previously opted out will have the opportunity to join the plan.

(Note to members working in private Long Term Care facilities: The MNU is currently working towards your inclusion in the new Enhanced Group Healthcare plan. You will be notified as soon as this goal is achieved.)

You will be receiving more information from the HEBP over the next few months. Additional information will also be featured on our website (www.nursesunion.mb.ca) and the HEBP website (www.hepp.mb.ca).

Please read the information carefully and take note of the deadlines.

Yours in solidarity,

Sandi Mowat
President

Click to read the announcement and the changes proposed by HEBP.