news&views Winter 2012 | Page 39

The workload of the Health and Wellness Benefits Committee increased dramatically as the year unfolded . Committee members were very busy dealing with issues related to consulting services , marketing and data reporting . ARTA enlisted the services of Perry Dorgan , formerly with Johnson Inc . but now with Aon Hewitt , as an independent consultant . With the separation of consulting services from Johnson Inc ., it was necessary to negotiate a new contract , effective January 1 , 2013 , for administration and claims services . Elder care has been added to the extended health care option and registered social workers and those with a Masters of Social Work degree are now included under paramedical coverage , all for no additional cost to the policyholder . The ARTA Benefit Plan grew by 16.2 % last year . Enrollment in the education sector is projected to accelerate in the coming year as a result of the increased focus of marketing efforts on that particular sector .
Trustees of the ARTA Health and Wellness Benefit Plan reported that the Trust Fund has reserve funds in excess of four million dollars .
Wordsmithing changes were made to several bylaws . A bylaw was added authorizing the ARTA Board of Directors to enter into an agreement with the Alberta Teachers ’ Association ( ATA ) to formally recognize ARTA as a Special Retired
ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS ’ ASSOCIATION News & Views Volume 19 21 , No . 32

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