Gary Sawatzky | Chief Operating Officer , ARTA

Each year , the ARTA Health Benefits Committee reviews potential changes to the ARTA Benefit Plans . These potential changes often arise when covered members submit change requests to the Health Benefits Committee for consideration . Each request is reviewed to determine if our group benefit plans are allowed to cover the service or device and to ensure that a significant number of members would benefit .

The following changes became effective November 1 , 2021 , for all members covered by the ARTA Extended Health Care plans :

1 . The combined annual maximums for paramedical practitioners have increased by $ 200 : to $ 1,200 per person per year for Health Wise and Total Health plans , and to $ 1,400 per person per year for Health Wise Plus and Ultimate Health plans .

2 . The triennial hearing aids maximums have been increased by $ 400 : to $ 1,300 for the Health Wise and Total Health plans , and to $ 1,500 for the Health Wise Plus and Ultimate Health plans .

3 . A Member Assistance Program , provided by Inkblot ( see page 6 ), for members and their families has been introduced .

● On-demand counselling is accessible via telephone , online video , or in-person . Members can select their own counsellor .

4 . The purchase or rental of cryo-cooling units is now covered at 80 % to a five-year maximum of $ 250 .

● Cryotherapy ( or cold therapy ) is the use of low temperatures to treat a variety of tissue lesions and to relieve muscle pain , sprains , and swelling after soft tissue damage or surgery .

5 . CPAP battery packs have been added to the plans under the current CPAP benefit .

● CPAP machines are used to help people with obstructive sleep apnea to breathe more easily during sleep . Portable , battery-powered CPAP machines are used for travelling or camping .

6 . Coverage for continuous glucose monitors and sensors has been reallocated from the insulin pump benefit to the annual diabetes supplies maximum .

● This change provides greater benefits to members claiming these devices .

7 . CPAP machine sanitizers and cleaners are no longer covered .

● Sanitizers can damage the CPAP machine , voiding CPAP machine warranties and potentially causing higher CPAP machine expenses in the future .

8 . Usual and customary charges are updated to reflect marketplace charges for certain medical aids , devices , and services claims .

● These fees ensure that most claims will be covered , but claims that are significantly higher than marketplace standards do not introduce excess costs into the plan .

9 . Psychotherapists are now considered eligible paramedical practitioners .

● A psychotherapist is a physician or psychologist with special training in psychotherapy . Psychotherapy is offered mostly through talk therapy .

10 | arta . net CONNECTING