From the BCTF:
Currently, TTOCs are provided Provincial Extended Health Benefits through a separate plan that only enrolls TTOCs.
On July 20, 2023, Arbitrator Peltz issued a decision that determined the establishment of this separate plan violates Article B.11.3, which states Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOCs) shall have access to the Provincial Extended Health Benefit Plan. TTOCs accessing the Plan shall pay 100 per cent (100%) of the premium costs.
Arbitrator Peltz ruled that Article B.11.3 means that TTOCs have access to the same Provincial Extended Health Plan as contract teachers and pay 100% of the premium cost for access to the plan. This means TTOCs will enroll in the Provincial Extended Health Plan in the school district they work in. While all districts, except SD 39 (Vancouver) and SD 43 (Coquitlam), offer the standardized Provincial Extended Health Plan, premiums will vary from district to district based on claims experience and premium structure.
BCPSEA is working with Pacific Blue Cross on an implementation plan that will minimize the administrative burden on districts and TTOCs to take effect on November 1, 2023.
BCPSEA and the BCTF are currently in discussions to address remedy associated with implementing Arbitrator Peltz’s decision, including addressing the period since October 1, 2019 when the separate TTOC Plan was established.
Important Information for TTOCs:
- For TTOCs currently on the separate TTOC Provincial Extended Health Plan, there will be no interruption in benefits.
- New TTOCs can continue to enroll in the separate TTOC Provincial Extended Health Plan until September 30, 2023 and will be transferred to the district plan effective November 1, 2023.
- TTOCs can expect to see a change in the monthly premium they pay effective November 1, 2023. Most TTOCs will realize a savings in monthly premiums, but some TTOCs on a single plan may see an increase depending on the premium structure in place in their district.
- As a reminder, newly hired TTOCs have four months to enroll the Provincial Extended Health Plan before late applicant rules apply.