{"id":9397,"date":"2023-12-12T08:00:15","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T08:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=9397"},"modified":"2024-10-17T18:01:18","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T18:01:18","slug":"november-pension-newsletter-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=9397","title":{"rendered":"December 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; 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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 href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=9397#deadline\">Deadline to Change Modules<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=9397#advanced-study\">Application for Advanced Study Grants<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=9397#vaccinations\">Using Your Plan: Vaccinations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=9397#governance\">Governance: Director Continuing Education<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=9397#webinar\">Webinar on Managing Family Stress<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;rgba(255,255,255,0.24)&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; top_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; left_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; top_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; left_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;20px&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;deadline&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; 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width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;9423&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; animation_easing=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-3-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;left-right&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Deadline to Change Benefits Modules is THIS WEEK&#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_1702244677314{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702251727276{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]You still have a couple more days to reflect on your benefits needs and <strong>select your benefits module option<\/strong> that will start on <strong>January 1st<\/strong>. Members can move to an adjacent module (e.g., from green to teal) by filling in a <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ELCIC-Group-Benefits-Enrollment-form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Group Benefits Enrollment form<\/a> and submitting it to the GSI office by Thursday, <strong>December <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">14<\/span>, 2023<\/strong>, not the 18th as previously indicated.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Additional Info about Changing Modules&#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_1702244668652{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;]Some coverage amounts, such as glasses\/contacts, are available <strong>every 24 months months<\/strong> (i.e., the funds become available again 24 months after use). Note that, unless stated, this does not mean every two calendar years; the clock starts only once you make a purchase that results in a claim. If you change modules, it can be tricky to calculate how much you have available.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<table id=\"tablepress-111\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-111 green-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Glasses\/Contacts<br \/>\nMaximums<br \/>\neach 24 months<\/th><th class=\"column-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/blue.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"30\" height=\"30\"> <br\/ >Blue<\/th><th class=\"column-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/green.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"30\" height=\"30\" \/> <br\/ >Green<\/th><th class=\"column-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/teal-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"30\" height=\"30\" \/> <br\/ >Teal<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$0<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$250<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-111 from cache -->[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702245955700{padding-top: 20px !important;}&#8221;]Let&#8217;s look at a couple of <strong>examples<\/strong> that show what happens when a Plan Member changes modules and buys contact lenses.[\/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;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; 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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;2\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;][\/vc_column_text][toggles style=&#8221;minimal_shadow&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221;][toggle color=&#8221;Extra-Color-1&#8243; heading_tag=&#8221;h3&#8243; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; 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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;9409&#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_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;Application for Advanced Study Grants&#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_1702012629947{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_1702013710300{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]by 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_1702244796611{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=\"size-medium wp-image-8893 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Gretchen-Peterson-e1643813015112-221x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" 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: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/><\/a>Every January, I look forward to receiving applications from CEP (Continuing Education Plan) members who have plans to either <strong>start an advanced education program or to continue in their studies<\/strong>, as they apply for the Advanced Study Grants.<\/p>\n<p>These applications are reviewed by the Program Committee for Leadership for Ministry (PCLM), which consists of a rep from each synod, a rep from each of our ELCIC Seminaries, and myself as National Office staff. It\u2019s exciting to see what type of studies our leaders are engaged in!<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Thinking of engaging in deeper learning through a program in advanced learning? Make sure to apply for the Advance Study Grant! The deadline is <strong>January 15, 2024<\/strong>. Find the application form\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?page_id=3775\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/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;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;][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;][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; open_new_tab=&#8221;true&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular-tilt&#8221; button_color=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;fontawesome&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-button&#8221; text=&#8221;Access the Form&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?page_id=3775&#8243; icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-pencil-square-o&#8221;][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; open_new_tab=&#8221;true&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular-tilt&#8221; button_color=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;fontawesome&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-button&#8221; text=&#8221;More about the Grant&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/elcic.ca\/treasurers-resources\/continuing-education-plan-cep-advanced-study-grants\/&#8221; icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-pencil-square-o&#8221; margin_left=&#8221;20&#8243;][\/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; 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;vaccinations&#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(164,186,139,0.15)&#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;9418&#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_custom_heading text=&#8221;Vaccinations and the ELCIC Group Benefits Plan&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702060617202{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !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; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702226700129{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner bottom_padding_desktop=&#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; 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_1702244898725{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"none\">Many vaccinations are covered under provincial health plans. The flu shot, for example, has been available to most Canadians for free for some time now. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Others are not. Luckily, some vaccinations that aren&#8217;t covered through your provincial health insurance <strong><em>are<\/em> covered by the ELCIC Group Benefits Plan<\/strong>. If you thinking about getting a vaccine that is not free in your province, please <strong>call the Manulife customer service<\/strong> line at 1-800-268-6195 to confirm whether the vaccine you are considering is eligible for coverage. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Vaccines that are not included in the list under prescription drugs but that are prescribed by a physician or pharmacist and dispensed by a pharmacist are <strong>eligible to be paid from your Health Care Spending Account<\/strong> (HCSA) \u2014 as is the co-insurance payment that accompanies a prescriptions claim.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Here are some <strong>examples of vaccines<\/strong> that are covered under the ELCIC Group Benefits Plan:<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Shingrix&#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_1702069259970{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;]<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cb309875-e6c1-4839-8f2e-51c5744572fb-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9510 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cb309875-e6c1-4839-8f2e-51c5744572fb-300x250.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cb309875-e6c1-4839-8f2e-51c5744572fb-300x250.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cb309875-e6c1-4839-8f2e-51c5744572fb-1024x853.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cb309875-e6c1-4839-8f2e-51c5744572fb-768x640.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cb309875-e6c1-4839-8f2e-51c5744572fb-1536x1280.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cb309875-e6c1-4839-8f2e-51c5744572fb-2048x1707.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Health Canada approved <strong>Shingrix<\/strong>\u00a0in Canada in 2017. Delivered in two doses, two to six months apart, Shingrix can <strong>prevent or significantly reduce<\/strong> the incidence of herpes zoster (rash with blisters) and post-herpetic neuralgia (prolonged and debilitating pain that can last for months after the rash is gone) if a person contracts shingles. It is still possible for a vaccinated person to get shingles, but the duration and severity of the symptoms are usually much less if vaccinated.<\/p>\n<p>In most provinces, Shingrix requires a prescription, and normally only those 50 and older are eligible to receive it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Shingles is relatively common in Canada<\/strong>, especially for those who have had chicken pox, so if you&#8217;re eligible, it&#8217;s a good idea to consider getting this vaccine.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Twinrix&#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_1702069251252{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_1702323001163{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/beachscene.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9542 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/beachscene-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"two chairs under an umbrella looking at the water\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/beachscene-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/beachscene-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/beachscene.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>This vaccine is used to prevent hepatitis A and B. If you are <strong>traveling<\/strong> this winter to popular<strong> warm destinations<\/strong>, you may want to consider getting this vaccine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Like Shingrix, Twinrix is administered in <strong>multiple doses<\/strong> for best protection, so ideally you would start the first one well in advance of your trip. Normally Twinrix requires three doses within six months. Unlike Shingrix, even children can receive Twinrix. (As always, those who are considering getting this vaccination should consult with their physician to ensure they are a good candidate for it.)[\/vc_column_text][\/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_1702318051565{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner top_padding_desktop=&#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; 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;Other Vaccinations for Travellers&#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_1702318142042{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_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]Most of the vaccines the Government of Canada <strong>recommends for travellers<\/strong> will be covered under your plan \u2014 in most cases as a prescription drug. (As noted, some may have to come out of your HCSA.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/travel.gc.ca\/travelling\/health-safety\/vaccines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">This page<\/a> presents the current recommended<strong> travel vaccinations per country<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702239211943{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-footnote&#8221;]Please note that this information is not intended to be medical advice. Readers are advised to consult their family physician or other medical practitioner for further information and recommendations.[\/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;governance&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;9410&#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;Continuing Ed for GSI Directors&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221;][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702227614107{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner 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; 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;byline&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702014386128{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]by Lisa Thiessen, Executive Director<br \/>\nwith Cath Wilke, Chair of Benefits Committee of GSI Board[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702249715157{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 id=\"attachment_9415\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cathy-scaled.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9415\" class=\"wp-image-9415 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cathy-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-9415\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cath Wilke<\/p><\/div>\n<p>High expectations are placed on GSI Directors (by regulators, Plan Members, congregations and especially themselves) to perform the role to which they were elected. In fact, one of the GSI\u2019s policies clearly requires this: &#8220;The board Directors should have the necessary knowledge to effectively perform their duties.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This knowledge should encompass both technical aspects and current industry developments. Directors bring knowledge with them from their careers and other life experiences. However, they also take advantage of opportunities to supplement and enhance that knowledge with<strong> professional development targeted specifically to the pension and benefits<\/strong> <strong>industry<\/strong> as it relates to GSI and the ELCIC.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">Various associations related to pension and benefits regularly provide opportunities<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\"> to<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">engage in learning via <strong>conferences<\/strong>, breakfast sessions and webinars. The November Pension Newsletter, for example, featured an article the Board Treasurer, Ray Henrickson, <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=9257#education\">wrote about a conference he attended<\/a>. <\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Consultant-Guided Education&#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_1702249724495{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_column_text]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">In addition, GSI asks their <strong>consultants<\/strong> to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">include educational content and current industry information when they deliver their annual presentations to the Board. <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">This is a <strong>cost-effective<\/strong> way for Directors to gain knowledge and for the consultants to provide support as added value.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Our benefits provider is Manulife. GSI has engaged <strong>Mercer<\/strong> as our consultant to review the options included in the benefits package, the premiums we are charged by Manulife, upcoming changes in the industry, and other aspects.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW77629660 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">At the most recent board meeting, <strong>Mercer Benefits Consultants<\/strong> gave a presentation that began as an <strong>orientation<\/strong> for the two new Directors and a refresher for the ongoing Board Directors. It then shifted focus to <strong>current industry trends and challenges<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW77629660 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\"> After the presentation, I had a chat with <strong>Cath Wilke<\/strong>, Benefits Committee Chair, for her thoughts. Her responses are in <span style=\"color: #800080;\">purple<\/span>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Interview with Cath about the Presentation&#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_1702184464525{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702323608559{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<em>What do you think was most helpful for the new Directors in the orientation portion of the Mercer presentation?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\">An understanding of the <strong>purpose of providing a group plan<\/strong> is the foundation for making decisions. So for me and I&#8217;m sure for the new Directors, it was helpful to be reminded that the benefits plan provides <strong>financial protection<\/strong> for health events. The board\u2019s role as the sponsor is to create a care package that provides support for the members.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Let\u2019s start with the heart of the session; what was the most important thing that you learned?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\">It was helpful to step back and remember that the purpose of a group benefits plan is to provide financial protection against events that cause significant hardship or stress for Plan Members and their families. It is important that we <strong>think specifically of Plan Members <em>and<\/em> congregation<\/strong>s as decisions are made. Our benefits package offerings are within the norms of plans other organizations provide to their members.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>What were some key takeaways regarding a group benefits plan?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Providing a group benefits plan is expensive, and the costs will continue to increase annually. It was significant to note that the <strong>funds available for counselling<\/strong> to our members and their families are <strong>four-to-five times greater<\/strong> than what most companies offer their membership.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Was there anything in the orientation that may have been surprising even after serving on the board for six years already?<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\">I was a little shocked to hear that the total group benefit insurer premium in 2021 was <strong>$48.9 billion<\/strong>. This just confirms to me that <strong>benefits is \u2018big business,\u2019<\/strong> and while part of GSI&#8217;s role has to be to make the Plan <strong>relevant<\/strong> for our Plan Members, we must also look at <strong>cost containment<\/strong>. We have<strong> built relationships with people at Manulife<\/strong> and are now considered and consulted when new products or processes are introduced. This allows us to continue to be diligent in the review of the benefits program we offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>The presentation got somewhat technical in educating directors on the factors that influence the annual contract renewal and rate setting for the coming year. Can you share a bit of what sorts of things are considered?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Understanding industry jargon can be quite challenging, as the <strong>benefits industry has its own language<\/strong>. Mercer explained it using this graphic, which provides some insight into all the considerations that go into the determination of premiums, what is covered, etc.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;9413&#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; margin_left=&#8221;20&#8243; margin_right=&#8221;20&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702320205958{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><em>Infographic \u00a9 Mercer 2023<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702323617190{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"color: #800080;\">We, as Directors, must be able to<strong> trust the information<\/strong> our consultants bring to the table to ensure we are able to balance the benefits our members need with the costs of those benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Thanks, Cath. I always appreciate hearing the takeaway Board Directors get from these sessions.<\/em>[\/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; 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;webinar&#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; 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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;8870&#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_custom_heading text=&#8221;Webinar: Managing Family Stress&#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_1702005664365{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !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_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;center&#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_1702319009935{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;]<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-scaled-e1702227884830.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9512 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a>The holiday season, already!? Many may be preparing for a traditionally joyful period but also one that leads to increased levels of stress. This is especially the case for clergy and other church workers.<\/p>\n<p>With all the hustle and bustle, you may feel like your emotional, mental, financial or time-related resources are stretched.<\/p>\n<p>The question addressed in the webinar is:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u201cMy family keeps stressing me out during the holidays. I want to make everyone happy but it seems impossible. How can I avoid the stress?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The webinar will be <strong>tomorrow<\/strong>, Wednesday December 13, at 12:00 pm EST. If you miss it, you should be able to view the recording afterwards using the same registration link.[\/vc_column_text][\/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;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_1702227951122{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; 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icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-pencil-square-o&#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; 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;9383&#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>Topics include: Deadline to change Benefits Modules, application for Advanced Study Grants, Using Your Plan: Vaccinations, Directors\u2019 Continuing Education, Webinar on Managing Family Stress<\/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-9397","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\/9397","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=9397"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9397\/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=9397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9397"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9397"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fpost_folder&post=9397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}