Frequently Asked Questions

Teachers on temporary or probationary contract on the last day of the school year who taught under contract for at least 80 teaching days during the school year shall have benefits continued during July and August.

To ensure full benefit coverage for eligible employees over the summer; benefit premiums are prorated from September to June.

Are substitute teachers eligible for benefits under the group plan?

In order for a teacher to become eligible for group plan benefits with Edmonton Catholic Schools, he/she must have either a temporary, probationary, or continuous contract.

According to your employee group, benefit costs vary.  Premiums are paid on a cost sharing basis between Edmonton Catholic Schools and the employee.  To find what percentage of premiums are paid on your behalf, please consult your union's collective agreement or "Terms and Conditions" booklet.

Certificated staff members participating in group coverage for Extended Health Care are eligible for coverage for physiotherapy.  Coverage will be provided for persons with ratings of 6 or below.  Charges approved for payment will be paid at $30 per treatment to a maximum $700 per person per year.  If rating is above 6 Regional Health Authority through the Community Rehabilitation program is responsible for expenses.  Maximum of one treatment per day.  To submit a claim complete an Extended Health Care Claim form and attach the following:

• The Community Rehabilitation Program determination of need (with rating)

• The service provider's written diagnosis of the disorder

• An original invoice/receipt providing a complete breakdown of charges

Classified staff members participating in group coverage for Extended Health Care are eligible for coverage for physiotherapy if they have a rating between 3 and 6.  There is an annual maximum of $500 per person per year.  If rating is above, Regional Health Authority, through the Community Rehabilitation program, is responsible for expenses.  Maximum of one treatment per day.  To submit a claim complete a claim form and attach the following:

• The Community Rehabilitation Program determination of need (with rating)

• The service provider's written diagnosis of the disorder

• An original invoice/receipt providing a complete breakdown of charges

Certificated staff members participating in Extended Health Care benefits do have coverage for foot orthotics and orthopedic shoes.  Coverage for orthopedic shoes to treat an anatomical deformity if a brace is attached to the shoe; the brace must extend part way up the leg.  Foot orthotics, excluding heel lifts, are covered to a maximum of $150 per calendar year and must be prescribed by a doctor or a podiatrist. (Repairs are excluded).

Classified staff members participating in Extended Health Care benefits do have coverage for foot orthotics and orthopedic shoes.  Coverage is for one pair of foot orthotics or orthopedic shoes at $200 per person, once in a 12 month consecutive period.

Employees participating in the Vision and Hearing Aid Care plan may purchase eyeglasses and/or contact lenses to a combined maximum of $250 every two years per person.  If you are over the age of 19, eye examinations are limited to $50 annually per covered person, which is subtracted from your $250 plan maximum.

Certificated staff participating in the Vision and Hearing Plan, is eligible for the purchase or replacement of hearing aids to a combined maximum of $1000 every three years for adults and dependent children over the age of 18, and $500 every two years for dependent children 18 and under. (Includes cost of repairs and maintenance)  Reimbursement of hearing aids expenses up to $1,500 per lifetime, per covered person, but only if replacement expenses are incurred as a result of an accident.

Classified staff participating in the Vision and Hearing plan is eligible for the purchase or replacement of hearing aids to a combined maximum of $500 every 36 consecutive months for adults and dependent children over the age of 18. Dependent children under the age of 18 receive $250 every 24 consecutive months.  Replacement of hearing aids up to $1,500 per lifetime, per covered person.  Repairs or maintenance of existing hearing aids to a maximum of $100 every 24 consecutive months for all covered persons.

If you participate in the Extended Health Care plan, you are eligible for the difference between the charges for public ward and semi-private room in Canada, and reasonable charges in excess of the Alberta Health & Wellness plan benefit for "semi-private" room accommodation outside Canada required due to a medical emergency.

If you participate in the Extended Health Care plan there is emergency medical coverage for outside province/Canada travel.  Employees and dependents have coverage for reasonable and customary charges, for emergency services only, in excess of the amount paid by Alberta Health & Wellness.

Certificated employees participating in the Dental plan, orthodontic expenses are covered to a maximum of $2000 per lifetime.  Orthodontic diagnostics and examination are covered at 100% of the ASEBP fee guide.  All other treatment is covered at 50%.

Classified employees participating in the Dental plan, the maximum coverage is $2000 (AUSE maximum coverage $1500) for dependent children under 19 years of age and is subject to the schedule's percentages and maximums. 

All staff must submit a pre-determination before the treatment begins, this includes:

• Anticipated length of time per course of treatment

• A breakdown of estimated costs

• An explanation of the proposed treatment program

Certificated employees participating in the Dental plan, dependents 15 years old or younger will be covered for fluoride applications.

Classified employees participating in the Dental plan, dependents under the age of 19, fluoride applications will be covered.

Employees and dependents may have their teeth cleaned once every nine months.

Employees participating in the Dental plan, crowns (which are considered a major restorative service) are reimbursed at 50% within the scheduled percentages and maximums.  Certificated employees may have crowns replaced after five years have elapsed since benefits were paid for the existing crown.  Classified employees may have crowns replaced after 12 months have elapsed since benefits were paid for the existing crown.  There is a combined maximum of $1,500 for basic and restorative services.

The calendar year is always January to December.

Twenty-four months since date the service was first provided or when a purchase was made.