{"id":10468,"date":"2024-07-12T08:00:28","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T08:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10468"},"modified":"2024-10-17T18:37:43","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T18:37:43","slug":"july-benefits-newsletter-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10468","title":{"rendered":"Summer 2024 Retirees"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; top_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; class=&#8221;enews&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;10471&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; animation_easing=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column top_padding_desktop=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; top_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;In this Issue&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221;]<div class=\"nectar-fancy-ul link_style_opacity\" data-list-icon=\"fa fa-bookmark\" data-animation=\"false\" data-animation-delay=\"0\" data-color=\"accent-color\" data-spacing=\"default\" data-alignment=\"left\"> \n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10468#vision-care\">Enhancement to Vision Care Benefit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10468#personalized\">Personalized Medicine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10468#tips\">Claims Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10468#takingrx\">Taking Your Prescription Drugs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;rgba(255,255,255,0.24)&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; top_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; left_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; top_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; left_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;20px&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;vision-care&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; left_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; left_margin_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; left_margin_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;9575&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; animation_easing=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-3-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;left-right&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Enhancement to Vision Care Benefit&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1704948478080{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1705342005482{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/optometrist.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9628 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/optometrist-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/optometrist-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/optometrist.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Vision care has changed a lot<\/strong> through the years. You may have noticed at your last few visits to the eye doctor that quite a few tests are now part of a standard exam that were not available even ten years ago. Eye doctors <strong>screen for diseases and degeneration<\/strong> in addition to monitoring the sharpness of your vision.<\/p>\n<p><strong>GSI keeps abreast of changes<\/strong> in the medical field. Eye exams are subject to a maximum to protect the plan, but GSI\u2019s goal is that the coverage maximum will be enough for a <strong>complete eye exam<\/strong>. Manulife&#8217;s &#8220;Reasonable &amp; Customary&#8221; standard may not be enough to include what are now considered routine tests.<\/p>\n<p>Recognizing this, GSI has<strong> increased the maximum<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;New Maximums&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23005c84&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1704949481167{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;vision&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"none\">Coverage is provided for charges for eye exams including refractions, when prescribed by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or oculist:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>$200<\/strong> starting Jan 1, 2024 per<strong> 12 months for persons under age 18<\/strong><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:1170,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>$200<\/strong> starting Jan 1, 2024 per <strong>24 months for person 18<\/strong> and over<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The previous maximum for both groups had been $170.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;rgba(255,255,255,0.24)&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; top_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; left_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; top_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; left_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;20px&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;personalized&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; 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width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;10310&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; animation_easing=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-3-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;left-right&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Personalized Medicine Is Now Part of Your Plan&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1720278726974{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1720278751249{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]GSI is excited to announce that personalized medicine came to the ELCIC Group Benefits Plan on July 1. Here&#8217;s some information that might help you determine if it could be beneficial for you and your family.<\/p>\n<h3>What is Personalized Medicine?<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Personalized Medicine is about learning how<strong> your genetics can affect your response<\/strong> to medication. If you are about to start or currently are using drugs to treat one of the issues listed below, Personalized Medicine could help your doctor prescribe the best drug for you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>At your option<\/strong>, you can participate in a pharmacogenetic test that identifies how you may respond to medication. A Canadian company runs the test, and the<strong> results are only for you<\/strong> and anyone else you give consent to share it with, such as your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>All that is required for the test is a <strong>small saliva sample<\/strong>. A pharmacist from Personalized Prescribing Inc. will look at your genetics in the sample and create a report.<\/p>\n<p>This report can help you and your doctor anticipate which drugs are more likely to help and which may have side effects. It may also recommend changes to your medication. Your doctor can use these results to help prescribe <strong>the right drug for you<\/strong> at the right dose.<\/p>\n<h3>What Tests are Eligible for Coverage?<\/h3>\n<p>Manulife notes that this test is only covered for certain conditions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/doctor.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10418 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/doctor-300x158.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/doctor-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/doctor-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/doctor.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>a <strong>mental health<\/strong> condition, such as depression or anxiety<\/li>\n<li><strong>chronic pain<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>neurological conditions<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (<strong>ADHD<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And the test is only covered for people who are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>starting<\/strong> a new medication, or<\/li>\n<li>taking a medication that<strong> isn\u2019t working<\/strong>, or<\/li>\n<li>taking a medication that\u2019s causing<strong> side effects<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For more information, please visit the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.manulife.ca\/personal\/group-plans\/group-benefits\/personalized-medicine.html\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Manulife member site<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\"> (This page also explains how to order a test and how you will receive your results.)<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;tips&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;10474&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Helpful Suggestions from Barb&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221;][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<h3><span class=\"TextRun SCXW76863331 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76863331 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">Claim Tip #1:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW76863331 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-CA\" xml:lang=\"EN-CA\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW76863331 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">Medication when Travelling<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW76863331 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">Standard Policy<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Prescription drugs may be purchased for a limited number of days at a time:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"nectar-fancy-ul\" data-list-icon=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" data-animation=\"false\" data-animation-delay=\"0\" data-color=\"accent-color\" data-spacing=\"default\" data-alignment=\"left\"> \n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">maintenance drugs \u2013 100 days<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">non-maintenance drugs \u2013 34 days<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">Travel plans<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are travelling and your prescription refill date falls within your travel days, or if your travel is for <strong>more than 34 days<\/strong>, you may request an exception for certain eligible drugs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">To Apply for Exception<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/laurynas-me-1TL8AoEDj_c-unsplash.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-10281 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/laurynas-me-1TL8AoEDj_c-unsplash-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/laurynas-me-1TL8AoEDj_c-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/laurynas-me-1TL8AoEDj_c-unsplash.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Call Manulife customer service at 1-800-268-6195 and provide Manulife with the exact departure and return date from your trip as well as the DIN number(s) of your medication(s).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Manulife will need 7 to 10 business days to process the request, so allow for enough time before your trip for the request to be approved and for your prescription to be filled. This is a <strong>one-time exception<\/strong><\/span><strong>\u00a0for <\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>eligible drugs<\/strong>. Future requests if needed<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">will <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">have to be re-processed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;Small Line&#8221; line_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; line_thickness=&#8221;2&#8243; divider_color=&#8221;extra-color-1&#8243; custom_height=&#8221;3&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1718733620377{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<h3><span class=\"TextRun SCXW197587855 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197587855 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">Claim Tip #2:<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197587855 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">Provider Not Listed<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW197587855 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Professional services are a well used benefit, as indicated by the annual report from Manulife for the ELCIC Group Benefits Plan. The report showed there were 492 claimants (these could be a Plan Member, their spouse or a dependent child); as there were just over 400 active Plan Members in 2023, this averages to more than one claimant per household. Together, these claimants made 5,013 claims.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Some members have reported challenges with making a claim for professional services. The screen shot (<em>below<\/em>) <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">shows the list to select the type of professional services provider that you accessed, but it is not complete.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10584 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2.png 800w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2-768x769.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2-140x140.png 140w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Provider-Not-Listed-2-350x350.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a>Specifically, the following providers are covered under the ELCIC Group Benefits Plan but don\u2019t appear in the list:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"nectar-fancy-ul\" data-list-icon=\"fa fa-chevron-right\" data-animation=\"false\" data-animation-delay=\"0\" data-color=\"accent-color\" data-spacing=\"default\" data-alignment=\"left\"> \n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dietitian<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kinesiologist<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Clinical Therapist<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Marriage and Family Therapist<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Master in Social Work<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Registered Social Worker<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Registered Psychotherapist<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW197776812 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW197776812 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">If you are making a claim for any of these, please select &#8220;<strong>provider not listed<\/strong>&#8221; and continue with the prompts.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW197776812 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;none&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;5&#8243; top_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;20px&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;both&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;takingrx&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;10486&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Taking Your Prescription Drugs&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1720492097620{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<em>This information has been prepared by Manulife and its Medical Director, Cleveland Clinic Canada. It is for your general education and is not intended to be interpreted as specific medical advice.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The ELCIC Group Benefits Plan\u2019s drug plan is there to <strong>support you<\/strong> and your covered family members in <strong>maintaining your health and well\u2011being<\/strong>. Here are some helpful reminders about why medications should be taken as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. Every situation is unique; if you have questions or concerns about <strong>your specific situation<\/strong>, please speak with an appropriate healthcare professional.<\/p>\n<h3>Taking Medication as Prescribed by Your Doctor or Pharmacist<\/h3>\n<p>For a variety of reasons, many people may not take their medication as directed by their healthcare team. One reason could be not having a <strong>clear understanding of why a medication is important <\/strong>or why a medication should be taken as prescribed. Some medications produce<strong> side effects<\/strong> that individuals may want to avoid. Additionally, it can be <strong>hard to remember<\/strong> to take a medication on a regular basis.<\/p>\n<p>However, not picking up a prescription or not taking a medication as prescribed has been linked to many <strong>worsening health outcomes<\/strong>. These include <strong>prolonged illness<\/strong>, <strong>lower quality of life<\/strong>, and more <strong>serious health complications<\/strong> in the future. It can also lead to <strong>higher costs<\/strong> for you, your drug plan, and the healthcare system.<\/p>\n<p>Do you have questions about <strong>how to take your medicine<\/strong>? How much? How often? Or for how long?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_235986641.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10495 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_235986641-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_235986641-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_235986641-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_235986641.jpeg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Medications (and health care in general) can be complicated and sometimes<strong> difficult to understand<\/strong>. It can be easy to get nervous or intimidated when visiting a doctor or pharmacist, and you might leave with unanswered questions. <strong>If you don\u2019t feel you understand<\/strong> the reason for a medication, how to take the medication, or have questions about how the medication will improve your health, be sure to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist. Make notes before or during the visit \u2014 or have a loved one accompany you, so you have a second set of ears and eyes. And if you think of something after your appointment, <strong>don\u2019t delay in reaching out<\/strong>. A quick phone call or e\u2011mail can often get you the information you need.<\/p>\n<h3>Continue Medications for the Time Prescribed<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes people stop taking a medication (or take it less often) <strong>when they begin to feel better<\/strong>. But you may risk getting sick again if you stop too soon. If you feel like stopping a medication before the end of a prescribed course, be sure to<strong> talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist<\/strong> about your concerns, so they can give you the best advice.<\/p>\n<h3>What about Side Effects?<\/h3>\n<p>In some cases, medications might not immediately make you feel better, or they may even make you feel worse because of unpleasant or even serious<strong> side effects<\/strong>. If you feel you are experiencing side effects, follow the instructions on the medication\u2019s packaging. In all these cases, reach out to your pharmacist or doctor.<\/p>\n<p>They will review your concerns and symptoms, and they may talk to you about options to <strong>adjust your dosage, the frequency with which you take your medicine, or the type of medicine<\/strong> you are taking. There might be other additional approaches to managing your condition that you can explore with your doctor.<\/p>\n<h3>Remember to Take Your Medicine<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/remembering.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10494 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/remembering-277x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"277\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/remembering-277x300.png 277w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/remembering-768x831.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/remembering.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 277px) 100vw, 277px\" \/><\/a>One of the most common reasons people don\u2019t take their medicine is that <strong>they simply forget<\/strong>. Fortunately, there are <strong>tools and strategies you can try to help you remember<\/strong>. Options include simple pill boxes, reminder notes, medication journals, calendars, and cues from loved ones. <strong>Digital tools<\/strong> allow you to program reminders into your phone or computer, wearable devices, and\/or apps on your smart phone.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Habit stacking<\/strong> is another strategy to explore. This is a technique in which you create a new habit by associating it with a current habit, such as taking your medicine after brushing your teeth or immediately after your morning shower.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;none&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;5&#8243; top_margin=&#8221;20&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;20px&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;both&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;contact&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;9586&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Have a Question for GSI?&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">We welcome your questions and feedback!<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Email <a href=\"mailto:admin@elcicgsi.ca\">admin@elcicgsi.ca<\/a><br \/>\nInformation and resources can also be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\">GSI website<\/a>.<br \/>\nWinnipeg Residents: 204-984-9181 | Toll Free: 1-877-352-4247[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Topics include: Enhancements to vision care benefit, personalized medicine, claims tips, taking your prescription drugs<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":10964,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[33],"post_folder":[18,21],"class_list":{"0":"post-10468","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-retirees","8":"tag-retirees"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retirees-News.jpeg?ver=1727747918","author_info":{"display_name":"Faithful Servant","author_link":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?author=13"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10468"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10468\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10468"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fpost_folder&post=10468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}