by Katie Gates

If you have ever made an investment , purchased a home or even booked a flight , you know that markets can change minute-byminute . Sometimes staying ahead of the curve means shifting strategy to ensure that you are getting the most for your money .

At ARTA , we have done just that . ARTA ’ s goal is to ensure our members continue to receive the same great ARTA Health and Wellness Benefit Plan coverage , rates , benefit options and service , while protecting the long-term sustainability of our plan . We are shifting to new benefit plan partners effective January 1 , 2013 , when we will be able to provide you with more comprehensive and easyto-access service for your benefit needs , while adding some features and programs that add even more value to the ARTA benefit offering .

What Does This Change Mean for You ?

There will be no change to your current coverage . Your rates , options and benefit plan provisions will remain the same . You will enjoy the same great ARTA education and public sector benefits coverage with more options for managing your overall health and wellness .

The following ARTA Health and Wellness Benefit Plan ’ s new provider partners have an exceptional depth of understanding of the benefits needs of retirees because these providers already provide coverage for active and retired teachers and support staff across the country .

• The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan ( ASEBP ) and their partner Alberta Blue Cross ( all administration , EHC and dental claims — including drugs );

• SSQ Financial and their partner AXA Assistance ( travel and emergency travel assistance ); and

• TW Insurance Brokers / The Ontario Teachers ’ Insurance Plan ( OTIP ) ( for home and auto ).

ARTA ’ s new provider partners will provide a very good match for ARTA ’ s current benefit plan participants ’ needs . There is a schematic at the end of this article that summarizes the changes in partners for the respective services provided to ARTA and plan participants as of January 1 , 2013 .

Did you know ?

The new ARTA provider partners have some of the most comprehensive interactive online benefit service options available in Canada . You will be able to access your health claims information online , while taking advantage of the improved electronic access to information on coverage and new health and wellness tools . Over 90 % of health and dental claims ( including vision care and most paramedical claims ) will be handled electronically in the new ARTA partner environment .

With the ARTA online member ’ s portal , you can review all of your coverage , plan information and options at any time , from anywhere in the world that you have Internet access !

ARTA ’ s Benefit Services and New Features

There are more tools coming in the first six months of 2013 to support all aspects of your health and wellness . These tools will include the following :

• Online Access to Your Benefit Account — Using your ARTA member login ( you need to register on the ARTA site ), you will have access to your benefit account at all times , allowing you to check your health and travel benefits , and get information about the nearest service

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS ’ ASSOCIATION News & Views Volume 19 21 , No . 32