{"id":8825,"date":"2023-09-12T03:06:51","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T03:06:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=8825"},"modified":"2024-10-17T18:02:01","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T18:02:01","slug":"september-benefits-newsletter-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=8825","title":{"rendered":"September 2023 Benefits"},"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; bottom_padding=&#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; 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 bottom_padding_desktop=&#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; 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;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;8827&#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_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; 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 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=\"icon-salient-check\" data-animation=\"false\" data-animation-delay=\"0\" data-color=\"accent-color\" data-spacing=\"default\" data-alignment=\"left\"> \n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #005c84;\"><a style=\"color: #005c84;\" href=\"#hcsa\">Using the Health Care Spending Account<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#lsa\"><span style=\"color: #005c84;\">What Was the Updake of the LSA? A few statistics<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#gretchen\">Gretchen Peterson&#8217;s Reflections on the 2023 DOTAC Conference<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#manulife\">Manulife&#8217;s Updates on the New Travel Insurance Provider and the Ontario Biosimilar Initiative<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#humanacare\">Upcoming Humanacare Webinar on &#8220;Stress and Burnout&#8221;<\/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(199,215,216,0.24)&#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;hcsa&#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;8829&#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_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;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Using the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)&#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_1694397806134{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Are you maxing out your HSCA? Here are some tips to make better use of it.&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:center|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_1694319586305{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694322327712{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW71465295 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW71465295 BCX8\">The flexibility of the HCSA accommodates individuals and families with a <strong>wide range of medical needs<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW35568610 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35568610 BCX8\">Those who need extra funds for prescriptions can use it for that. But <strong>HCSA can be spent on many other things<\/strong>. The full listing is available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/forms-publications\/publications\/rc4065\/medical-expenses.html\">on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website<\/a>, but in general, anything covered by your Group Benefits module or your provincial health plan can also be paid for with HCSA. The amounts available in those pots of money often do not cover the full cost.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Here are some things you can do with your HCSA benefit:[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Get Prescription Sunglasses&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:left|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694366843904{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many people exceed their dental and vision allowance in their Group Benefits Module each year. These treatments are<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_234386338_S.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8833 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_234386338_S-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_234386338_S-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_234386338_S.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> essential but expensive. But did you know that if you used the regular Plan to buy glasses (and it covered the whole cost), the HCSA can be used for <strong>prescription sunglasses or contact lenses, <\/strong>for <strong>orthodontics,<\/strong> or for <strong>other dental treatments<\/strong> that are only partially covered?<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Cover Your Copays&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:left|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694320875577{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"auto\">The ELCIC plan has a copay for things like dental exams, prescription drugs, and professional services. You can use your HCSA to <strong>cover the cost of the copay<\/strong>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Visit the Professionals&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:left|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694321533406{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Professional services such as\u00a0<strong>acupuncture, chiropractor, podiatrist, and naturopath<\/strong>\u00a0generally cost close to $100 per visit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While the amount available for each of these practitioners under the GSI plan is higher than in many other plans, it still doesn\u2019t get you many visits per year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0HCSA can pay for<strong> extra visits<\/strong>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Upgrade Your Hospital Room&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:left|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694321139707{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Depositphotos_11479088_S.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8884 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Depositphotos_11479088_S-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Depositphotos_11479088_S-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Depositphotos_11479088_S-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Depositphotos_11479088_S-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Depositphotos_11479088_S.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hospital coverage is not included in any of the Group Benefits Modules, but fees for a <strong>semi-private or private room<\/strong>\u00a0can be covered by the HCSA.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Dispense with the Dispensing Fee&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:left|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694321622355{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your pharmacy may charge a higher\u00a0<strong>dispensing fee<\/strong> than the &#8220;Reasonable &amp; Customary&#8221; amount Manulife allows. The excess can be paid through HCSA.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Recover through Physio&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:left|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694321825821{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your athletic lifestyle has saved you from requiring expensive prescriptions, it may also position you to benefit from <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_268407578_S.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8832 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_268407578_S-300x200.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_268407578_S-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_268407578_S.jpg 500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a><strong>massages, physiotherapists, and chiropractors<\/strong>. Even the $500 that Teal Plan members are allocated for each of these practitioners does not go very far if you\u2019re experiencing musculoskeletal issues. Use the HCSA to access more treatments. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Add Extra Sessions with Your Counsellor&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:left|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694322131483{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"auto\">The ELCIC plan offers a generous\u00a0<strong>mental health<\/strong> benefit, but some Plan Members are using all of it before year-end. HCSA can help make up the difference.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Share with Your Family&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:left|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694322245217{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]You can use your HCSA to cover any of the above expenses for\u00a0<strong>yourself, or you can use it for your spouse and dependent family members<\/strong>\u00a0who are covered under your plan.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694367009154{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW135359571 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW135359571 BCX8\">Manulife reports that most of their clients see Plan Members spending around 80% of the money set aside for Spending Accounts. With careful planning and time taken for self-care, <strong>most ELCIC Plan Members should be able to improve their quality of life by using their full HCSA<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/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; 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;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;lsa&#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; 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;8874&#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_custom_heading text=&#8221;What Was the Uptake of the LSA?&#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 css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694397999449{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element vc_custom_1692849494170 enews\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW118937366 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW118937366 BCX8\">In 2023, the two-year pilot\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW118937366 BCX8\">project<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW118937366 BCX8\"> of GSI\u2019s Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) came to an end. [2022 claims were able to be submitted and processed for the first months of 2023.] Here is some additional information that underpinned the decision to roll those funds into Plan Members&#8217; HCSA.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What Did the LSA Cover?&#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_1694366877926{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 00px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW87878642 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW87878642 BCX8\">Briefly, this was a benefit that could be used for a broad range of wellness-related activities: gym memberships, sports equipment, pet care, etc.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW87878642 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0The intent for the LSA was to provide another option for members to use their Benefits plan, but few people used it.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What Were Its Challenges?&#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_1694367054732{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW6421071 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW6421071 BCX8\">A significant disadvantage to Lifestyle Spending Accounts \u2014 in general, not just the ELCIC one \u2014 is that they are a\u00a0<strong>taxable<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_505902248_S.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8831 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_505902248_S-300x200.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_505902248_S-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_505902248_S.jpg 500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a>\u00a0benefit<\/strong>. That means the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW6421071 BCX8\">CRA<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW6421071 BCX8\"> requires any amount you spend from it to be added to your salary and housing for income tax purposes, and you then pay tax on it. This rule applies even if the expense you were applying it to would normally be non-taxable (i.e., anything covered under the regular Plan).\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW69038932 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69038932 BCX8\">Because it was a taxable benefit, Plan Members whose salaries were below YMPE (Yearly Maximum Pensionable Earnings) <strong>also paid CPP and EI on it<\/strong>. These costs only applied to amounts Plan Members used, so it was not a set amount per Member. It was challenging for Treasurers <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69038932 BCX8\">to record it and make the necessary calculations<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69038932 BCX8\">\u00a0correctly.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW69038932 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW258299699 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW258299699 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW6421071 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW6421071 BCX8\">Funds allocated to the regular Plan and for HCSA are <strong>not taxable income<\/strong>. <\/span><\/span>Now that the full spending account is a HCSA, the\u00a0<strong>extra costs of taxes, CPP, and EI do not apply<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW258299699 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Will Losing the LSA Impose a Financial Hardship on Plan Members?&#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_1694390172135{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]There is no loss in available funds to Plan Members. The monies that had been allocated to LSA were redistributed to the HCSA.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW6421071 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW6421071 BCX8\"><strong>Most people will come out further ahead financially now that the entire Spending Account amount is not taxable<\/strong>. The money that would have gone to taxes instead becomes available to them for other expenses (including the wellness items that had been available under LSA) rather than going to the government.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW6421071 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Can We Please See the Numbers?&#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_1694367557329{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]Sure! The charts below show the LSA&#8217;s usage during the two years GSI trialled it.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;LSA Claims in 2022 by Age Bracket&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:center|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694463316424{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#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; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; 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; 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column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; 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_raw_html]JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDg2JTIwJTJGJTVE[\/vc_raw_html][\/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_1694368277525{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#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;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;8886&#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;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_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;LSA Claims in 2021 and 2022 by Province&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:18px|text_align:center|color:%2373ba10&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694386558989{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#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_raw_html]JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDg3JTIwJTJGJTVE[\/vc_raw_html][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;8890&#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;center&#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_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]As these charts demonstrate, the only demographic that was making good use of the LSA was the 20-29 age group, which had seven Plan Members in 2022.[\/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; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; bottom_padding=&#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; id=&#8221;gretchen&#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; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; left_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; right_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=&#8221;rgba(57,182,198,0.15)&#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;custom&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; bottom_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; bottom_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; 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;8926&#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;10&#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_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_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; column_padding_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Report on the 2023 DOTAC Conference&#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; el_class=&#8221;enews-h2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694391088525{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;byline&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694391025177{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<em>from the desk of<\/em> &#8230; Deacon Gretchen Peterson<br \/>\nAssistant to the Bishop, Youth &amp; Leadership[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694456638906{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gretchen-Peterson-e1643813015112.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-8893\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gretchen-Peterson-e1643813015112-221x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"120\" height=\"163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gretchen-Peterson-e1643813015112-221x300.jpg 221w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gretchen-Peterson-e1643813015112.jpg 625w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>What is DOTAC you might ask? DOTAC stands for <strong>Diakonia of the Americas and Caribbean<\/strong>. It is an ecumenical group of Christian diaconal communities in North America, the Caribbean, Central America, &amp; South America. Twelve different diaconal communities from different Christian faith denominations are represented.<\/p>\n<p>DOTAC is a\u00a0member community of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/us-west-2.protection.sophos.com\/?d=diakonia-world.org&amp;u=aHR0cHM6Ly9kaWFrb25pYS13b3JsZC5vcmcv&amp;i=NjE3NmY3MjEwZTI4Y2MwZmQ2OWE2YTVi&amp;t=YitiZTBXMXc4LzMvK21xUmZHNHBpd3hPbzQ2NEhLeVdieFFhWitDNy9lND0=&amp;h=d95c5057c53e431a868f1188d70a7d0f&amp;s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVYZxg7hRTgO4rMi2I-IFwrabUMgG7Ecxqw9BoyqSitUxw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World DIAKONIA Federation<\/a>,\u00a0which\u00a0furthers the understanding of the diaconate, provides a network of mutual relationships <strong>crossing church traditions and cultural boundaries<\/strong>, and provides a forum for discussion of diaconal issues including social justice and reconciliation.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;The 2023 Conference&#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_1694388523036{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694456669055{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]The last DOTAC conference was in August of 2019, in Vancouver. This past August, the conference was in <strong>Minneapolis<\/strong>, and the <strong>ELCIC was represented by six deacons<\/strong>. It was a wonderful time of learning, worship, and just being deacons together!<\/p>\n<p>Deacon <strong>Michelle Collins<\/strong>, the Assistant to the Bishop of the MNO Synod, had this to share when reflecting on this year&#8217;s conference:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Gathering in the same room in Minneapolis with deacons, deaconesses, and home missioners from various denominations throughout North America, the Caribbean, and Brazil was a beautiful reflection of unity in diversity.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Each denomination understands and organizes itself, its ministries and its leaders differently, but the unifying language of diakonia and a commitment to be the physical presence of God&#8217;s love in the midst of the world&#8217;s pain draws us together.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Spending a few days singing, praying, learning, discussing, and laughing together reminded me of the incredible gift of the body of Christ. Prioritizing time for learning, fellowship and formation with other deacons is essential as I seek to stay attentive to how I am called to live out my baptismal identity.<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Visit to the George Floyd Memorial&#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_1694388591795{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694392924707{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]One of the most meaningful experiences for me while I was there was to <strong>visit the George Floyd memorial site<\/strong>. (See photos below.) Our group was hosted by local interpreters, men who lived in that community and who have been involved in it for their whole lives. It was amazing to learn from them about the impacts of that event, which impacted all of us, no matter where we lived at the time. We also appreciated hearing from them how the community has moved forward.<\/p>\n<p>That visit was a reminder of my <strong>sense of call to care for all neighbours<\/strong>, across the globe. It was a sacred morning, the memory of which will be woven into my sense of call to diakonia \u2014 to serve God in love and service to others.<\/p>\n<p>This conference is obviously only open to deacons, but I wanted to take this opportunity to lift it up to our whole GSI community. <strong>We are all called into service for the sake of telling the Good news of Jesus&#8217; love for all of creation.<\/strong> Hopefully this article and these pictures are a reminder to all of us of that.[\/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=&#8221;parallax_image_grid&#8221; images=&#8221;8898,8897,8896,8895,8894&#8243; img_size=&#8221;800&#215;500&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694476114574{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#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;center&#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_1694456442223{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}&#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; top_margin=&#8221;10&#8243; bottom_margin=&#8221;10&#8243; left_margin=&#8221;10&#8243; right_margin=&#8221;20&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; centered_text=&#8221;true&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;center&#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;small_depth&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;20px&#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;1px&#8221; column_border_color=&#8221;#26b3c7&#8243; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694456576733{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">More information about using your <strong>Continuing Education Plan<\/strong> (CEP) funds to attend church-related conferences such as the one Gretchen attended can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?page_id=3883\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CEP page<\/a> of the GSI website.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/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; bottom_padding=&#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; id=&#8221;manulife&#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; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; left_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; right_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;custom&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; bottom_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; bottom_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; 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;8546&#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;10&#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_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;padding-2-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_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; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Change in Travel Coverage Provider&#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; el_class=&#8221;enews-h2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1692851033844{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694393006980{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"none\">Manulife is partnering with a new provider for <strong>out-of-country and emergency travel assistance<\/strong>. When the previous provider decided to withdraw from the market, Manulife explored the possible providers to determine which <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_105149780_S.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8834 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_105149780_S-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_105149780_S-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Depositphotos_105149780_S.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>was the best fit and the most suitable to meet the needs of plan members. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0fc\" data-font=\"Wingdings\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Wingdings&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0fc&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The new provider \u2014 <strong><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW29459350 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-CA\" xml:lang=\"EN-CA\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW29459350 BCX8\">Global Excel Management (<\/span><\/span>GEM)<\/strong> \u2014 has expertise that circles the globe, but its roots are Canadian. The company was founded (and remains) in Sherbrooke, QC in 1984. GEM is <strong>one of the largest independent providers<\/strong> servicing the Canadian out-of-country\/emergency travel market in <strong>assistance, cost containment, case management and claims adjudication<\/strong>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0fc\" data-font=\"Wingdings\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Wingdings&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0fc&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Beginning September 1, 2023, GEM is handling calls and <strong>supporting you, the member<\/strong>, when you have questions before you leave and when you are experiencing an out-of-country medical emergency. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The transition to GEM will be <strong>smooth and seamless<\/strong>. There aren\u2019t any changes to the coverage. The current phone numbers that you use will continue to work as expected. Calls will be answered by GEM representatives. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/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_custom_heading text=&#8221;Ontario Biosimilar Initiative&#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; el_class=&#8221;enews-h2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1692855628849{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What is this initiative?&#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_1692851835567{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694393022472{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"none\">In July, the Government of Ontario government announced a\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.on.ca\/en\/pro\/programs\/biosimilars\/default.aspx\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">biosimilar initiative<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fto expand the use of biosimilar drugs (in place of biologics) for specific conditions. Manulife has aligned their coverage to the Ontario plan, for those members who have provincial plan coverage. <\/span><i><\/i>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Who is affected?&#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_1692851880117{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694393039183{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"none\">Members who <strong>reside in Ontario<\/strong>, who are age <strong>65 and older<\/strong>, and who are <strong>taking certain biologic drugs<\/strong> (listed in the accordions below) will need to switch to a <strong>biosimilar drug<\/strong> to continue to receive coverage through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) and their GSI plan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:450}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Example: A member age 65 and over, who is taking Humira for one of the listed conditions, must change their prescription to a biosimilar drug before December 29, 2023, to receive ODB coverage<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Biologic drugs affected by the Ontario Biosimilar Initiative&#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_1692852977443{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text]<div id=\"accordions-8839\" class=\"accordions-8839 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:true,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;8839&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;true&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}>\r\n                <div id=\"accordions-lazy-8839\" class=\"accordions-lazy\" accordionsId=\"8839\">\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"items\"  style=\"display:none\" >\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"8839\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-1692852772955\" id=\"header-1692852772955\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1692852772955 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Adalimumab\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1692852772955\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1692852772955\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Adalimumab<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1692852772955 \">\r\n                <p>\n<table id=\"tablepress-77\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-77 green-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Biologic Drug <\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Biosimilar drug<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Treatment for these conditions:<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Humira\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Abrilada\u00ae<br \/>\nAmgevita\u00ae<br \/>\nHadlima\u00ae<br \/>\nHulio\u00ae<br \/>\nHyrimoz\u00ae<br \/>\nIdacio\u00ae<br \/>\nSimlandi\u00ae<br \/>\nYuflyma\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Ankylosing spondylitis<br \/>\nCrohn\u2019s disease<br \/>\nHidradenitis suppurativa<br \/>\nPolyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis<br \/>\nPlaque psoriasis<br \/>\nPsoriatic arthritis<br \/>\nRheumatoid arthritis<br \/>\nUlcerative colitis<br \/>\nUveitis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-77 from cache --><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"8839\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-1692852776436\" id=\"header-1692852776436\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1692852776436 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Etanercept\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1692852776436\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1692852776436\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Etanercept<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1692852776436 \">\r\n                <p>\n<table id=\"tablepress-78\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-78 green-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Biologic Drug <\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Biosimilar drug<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Treatment for these conditions:<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">\u200bEnbrel\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Brenzys\u00ae<br \/>\nErelzi\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Ankylosing spondylitis<br \/>\nPlaque psoriasis<br \/>\nPolyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis<br \/>\nPsoriatic arthritis<br \/>\nRheumatoid arthritis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-78 from cache --><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"8839\" itemcount=\"2\"  header_id=\"header-1692852792905\" id=\"header-1692852792905\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1692852792905 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Infliximab\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1692852792905\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1692852792905\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Infliximab<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1692852792905 \">\r\n                <p>\n<table id=\"tablepress-79\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-79 green-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Biologic Drug <\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Biosimilar drug<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Treatment for these conditions:<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Remicade\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Inflectra\u00ae<br \/>\nRenflexis\u00ae<br \/>\nAvsola\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Ankylosing spondylitis<br \/>\nCrohn\u2019s disease<br \/>\nPlaque psoriasis<br \/>\nPsoriatic arthritis<br \/>\nRheumatoid arthritis<br \/>\nUlcerative colitis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-79 from cache --><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"8839\" itemcount=\"3\"  header_id=\"header-1692852793787\" id=\"header-1692852793787\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1692852793787 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Insulin glargine\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1692852793787\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1692852793787\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Insulin glargine<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1692852793787 \">\r\n                <p>\n<table id=\"tablepress-80\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-80 green-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Biologic Drug <\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Biosimilar drug<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Treatment for these conditions:<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Lantus\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Basaglar\u00ae<br \/>\nSemglee\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Diabetes (type 1 and 2)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-80 from cache --><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"8839\" itemcount=\"4\"  header_id=\"header-1692852794718\" id=\"header-1692852794718\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1692852794718 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Insulin lispro\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1692852794718\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1692852794718\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Insulin lispro<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1692852794718 \">\r\n                <p>\n<table id=\"tablepress-81\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-81 green-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Biologic Drug <\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Biosimilar drug<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Treatment for these conditions:<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Humalog\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Admelog\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Diabetes (type 1 and 2)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-81 from cache --><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"8839\" itemcount=\"5\"  header_id=\"header-1692852795187\" id=\"header-1692852795187\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1692852795187 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Insulin aspart\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1692852795187\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1692852795187\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Insulin aspart<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1692852795187 \">\r\n                <p>\n<table id=\"tablepress-82\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-82 green-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Biologic Drug <\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Biosimilar drug<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Treatment for these conditions:<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">NovoRapid\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Kirsty\u00ae<br \/>\nTrurapi\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Diabetes (type 1 and 2)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-82 from cache --><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"8839\" itemcount=\"6\"  header_id=\"header-1692852796136\" id=\"header-1692852796136\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1692852796136 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Rituximab\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1692852796136\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1692852796136\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Rituximab<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1692852796136 \">\r\n                <p>\n<table id=\"tablepress-83\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-83 green-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Biologic Drug <\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Biosimilar drug<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Treatment for these conditions:<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Rituxan\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Truxima\u2122 <br \/>\nRiximyo\u00ae<br \/>\nRuxience\u00ae<br \/>\nRiabni\u00aeOhGo<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Rheumatoid arthritis<br \/>\nGranulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA or Wegener\u2019s granulomatosis)<br \/>\nMicroscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-83 from cache --><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"8839\" itemcount=\"7\"  header_id=\"header-1692852903404\" id=\"header-1692852903404\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1692852903404 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Glatiramer acetate*\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1692852903404\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1692852903404\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Glatiramer acetate*<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1692852903404 \">\r\n                <p>\n<table id=\"tablepress-84\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-84 green-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Biologic Drug <\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Biosimilar drug<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Treatment for these conditions:<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Copaxone\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Glatect\u00ae<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-84 from cache --><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\n<p><em>*Glatiramer is a non-biologic complex drug; however the ODB is including this drug in their biosimilar program.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;What about those living in other provinces?&#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_1692854885405{margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694393063935{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]Manulife previously announced alignment with Biosimilar Initiatives in <strong>several other provinces<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.manulife.ca\/business\/news\/group-benefits-news\/bc-biosimilars.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BC (2019)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.manulife.ca\/business\/news\/group-benefits-news\/alberta-biosimilar-initiative.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alberta (2021)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.manulife.ca\/business\/news\/group-benefits-news\/quebec-biosimilar-initiative.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Qu\u00e9bec (2021)<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.manulife.ca\/business\/news\/group-benefits-news\/saskatchewan-biosimilar-initiative.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Saskatchewan (2023)<\/a>. Note that the list of affected drugs is not identical across the provinces.[\/vc_column_text][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 top_padding_desktop=&#8221;5px&#8221; bottom_padding_desktop=&#8221;5 px&#8221; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;20px&#8221; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;20px&#8221; left_margin=&#8221;20&#8243; right_margin=&#8221;20&#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; 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; column_padding_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694495721666{margin-top: 5px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;background-color: #d6f2ff !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Interested in learning more about Biosimilars? The Government of Canada explains them pretty well in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/health-canada\/services\/drugs-health-products\/biologics-radiopharmaceuticals-genetic-therapies\/applications-submissions\/guidance-documents\/fact-sheet-biosimilars.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> this <strong>Factsheet<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][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_custom_heading text=&#8221;Benefits Card FAQ from Manulife&#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_1692855751593{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694393085082{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-23-at-23.48.26.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-8865 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-23-at-23.48.26-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-23-at-23.48.26-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-23-at-23.48.26-140x140.png 140w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-23-at-23.48.26-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-23-at-23.48.26-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-23-at-23.48.26-350x350.png 350w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Screenshot-2023-08-23-at-23.48.26-800x800.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>Wondering whether you can use your Benefits Card <strong>in another province<\/strong>? How to get a <strong>digital<\/strong> Benefits card? What to do if your Benefits Card is <strong>stolen<\/strong>?<\/p>\n<p>Manulife has prepared <strong>an excellent Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong> about your Benefits Card. You can read their answers to these and many other question in their FAQ <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Benefit-Card-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][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;padding-3-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;horizontal&#8221; column_element_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;center&#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; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-button&#8221; text=&#8221;Download the FAQ&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Benefit-Card-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/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; 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;humanacare&#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;8870&#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;Upcoming Webinar: Stress and Burnout&#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;]<span data-contrast=\"none\">Ask an Expert Question \/ Concern: \u201cI\u2019m so tired all the time, I feel like I don\u2019t have time or energy to give to <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8869 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a>my friends and family. What can I do\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:424,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Date: <strong>Wednesday, September 13<\/strong> (tomorrow!)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:424,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Time: 12:00 \u2013 12:30 PM ET\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:424,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:424,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Description: September is a busy month for many as the summer vacations come to an end and work ramps up full force. Join CloudMD this month to hear about stress management techniques and how to prevent burnout.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245417&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:424,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;large&#8221; open_new_tab=&#8221;true&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;fontawesome&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-button&#8221; text=&#8221;Register for Webinar&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/attendee.gotowebinar.com\/register\/2345756811719552096&#8243; icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-laptop&#8221;][\/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(113,199,216,0.1)&#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; 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;8514&#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;]We welcome your questions and feedback!<\/p>\n<p>Information and resources can also be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\">GSI website<\/a>.<br \/>\nGSI Website:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\">elcicgsi.ca<\/a><br \/>\nWinnipeg Residents: 204-984-9181<br \/>\nToll Free: 1-877-352-4247[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;large&#8221; open_new_tab=&#8221;true&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;fontawesome&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-button&#8221; text=&#8221;Email Us&#8221; url=&#8221;mailto:admin@elcicgsi.ca&#8221; icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-envelope-o&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Info about spending accounts, a conference reflection from Deacon Gretchen Peterson, updates from Manulife about travel insurance &#038; Biosimilars, and a &#8220;Stress &#038; Burnout&#8221; webinar from Humanacare.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":10965,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[31],"post_folder":[22,18],"class_list":{"0":"post-8825","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-planmembers","8":"tag-benefits"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Benefits-News.jpeg?ver=1727747897","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\/8825","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=8825"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8825\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10965"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8825"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fpost_folder&post=8825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}