2025 Benefit Plan Updates

Each year, ASEBP evaluates our benefit plans in response to feedback, industry trends, and external environment changes to best serve covered members and employers while remaining financially sustainable. We're excited to share the upcoming changes to our benefit plans, effective January 1, 2025. 

Changes for 2025 

The following changes to diabetic supplies, foot orthotics, orthopedic shoes, and out-of-province treatment apply to both the ASEBP Group Plan and MyRetiree Plan. Changes to the Sick Leave Support Program and the Supplemental Package are noted in the respective sections below. 

ASEBP Group Plans and MyRetiree Plans 

DIABETIC SUPPLIES 

As the technology to support diabetes management has evolved and become more complex, ASEBP’s existing categories no longer align with industry practices. Our existing categories do not offer controls to help guide covered members to make economical purchases suitable for their diabetic state.   

ASEBP’s aim with these changes is to ensure funding is available where it is needed most to address rising costs with advanced technologies and ensuring covered members are making purchases that are clinically appropriate.  Whether you are insulin dependent or taking proactive and preventative measures to manage your health, there’s a category available for you! 

• Insulin Pumps: Reimbursement of $5,000 every four rolling years, with insulin dependency required. 

• Glucose Monitoring Supplies: Reimbursement of $6,000 every calendar year for items such as Omni pods, continuous glucose monitor receivers, transmitters, sensors, as well as flash glucose monitor sensors and readers. Insulin dependency required. 

• Diabetic Supplies: Reimbursement of $1,000 every calendar year for items such as test strips, lancets, alcohol swabs, pen needles, syringes, reservoirs, infusion sets, cartridges, lancing devices, and blood glucose meters. Insulin dependency will not be required.  

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, and SERVICES 

A wide range of orthotics are utilized for different foot problems. ASEBP believes in supplying orthotic products that provide a therapeutic benefit and are specifically designed to address covered members unique needs. To ensure these products offer a high degree of efficacy, ASEBP will be requiring these claims to be medically supported by healthcare professionals experienced in this practice.  

• Foot Orthotics: Reimbursement will require a written order by a recognized healthcare professional and an assessment that analyzes the foot and body to design a suitable product. Claims must include this assessment and a fabrication form from podiatrists, chiropodists, physiotherapists, chiropractors or pedorthists. 

• Orthopedic Shoes: Reimbursement will require a written order by a recognized healthcare professional and an assessment that analyzes the foot and body to determine the best product. Claims must include this assessment. 

• Out-of-Province Specialized Treatment: The outdated limitation on receiving specialized treatment within Canada will be removed, making it easier for covered members to access necessary treatments. 

ASEBP Group Plans Only 

EXTENDED DISABILITY BENEFITS 

• Sick Leave Support Program (SLSP): The SLSP will replace the Early Intervention Program, offering supportive and return-to-work services to covered members during the 90-day elimination period. This change aims to improve recovery times and workplace reintegration without increasing premium rates. The SLSP has been successful in the pilot phase, aiding members in their recovery and return to the workplace. ASEBP will provide more details to employers soon. 

Supplemental Package 

Effective September 1, 2024  

Previously, the Supplemental Plan was only offered to individuals who were ineligible for all benefits through their employer. This meant, if your employer only offered income replacement benefits, you were unable to enroll in the Supplemental Plan’s Extended Health Care (EHC) or Dental Care. ASEBP will be expanding eligibility to remove this restriction. This means if you are receiving only partial benefits through your employer, you can enroll in supplemental plan benefits to compensate for benefits not offered through your employer. 

• Benefit Details 

• Life Insurance (Life) and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D): Options for a flat $25,000 or $50,000 benefit. 

• Extended Health Care (EHC): 80% reimbursement for prescribed drugs and 100% for hospital accommodation and other medical services and supplies. 

• Dental Care: 100% reimbursement for basic dental services and 50% for major services, up to a combined maximum of $2,500. 

• A full breakdown can be found on our Supplemental Package page.  

These changes are meant to make our benefits more effective and ensure they stay accessible to those who need them, while also keeping costs manageable. 

Plan Sustainability: How ASEBP Listens to your Feedback  

ASEBP values your feedback and continuously strive to improve your benefits plan. Here’s how we work to meet your needs: 

Your input is crucial in helping us enhance your benefit plans. ASEBP greatly appreciates the time and effort you take to share your thoughts and suggestions with us. By listening to your feedback, ASEBP can make informed decisions that better meet your needs and ensure the sustainability of your plan. Thank you for being an integral part of this process and helping us continually improve. 

More Reminders to Come 

ASEBP will be sharing more reminders with covered members and employers throughout the year. One terrific way to stay in-the-know is to follow ASEBP on Instagram, Facebook, or X to view posts about benefit updates, important deadlines, changes, and more! If you have any questions, please contact us.