HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2015

BY DENNIS BLATCHFORD, HSA PENSIONS AND BENEFITS ADVOCATE

Q: I took a maternity leave in 2014. When I received my annual member benefit statement from the Municipal Pension Plan in June, I noticed there were no contributions made to my pension account even though the collective agreement says the employer will continue to make payments "as if the employee was not absent". Why didn't my employer make pension contributions during my maternity leave?

Following the successful launch of the pilot project in April, the Enhanced Disability Management Program for affiliate employers is expanding once again.

EDMP, which is already supporting thousands of HSA members working in health authorities, has a proven track record of helping members who are absent from work due either to a work-related or non-work related illness or injury, or when they are struggling at work.

Members holding a Chief Medical Technologist position can now breathe a little easier, given PHSA's agreement to have a Chief Medical Technologist position at every facility within its Lower Mainland Pathology & Laboratory Services. PHSA intends to title the position "Site Supervisor".

Pacific Blue Cross has circulated a bulletin explaining changes which may affect the Pharmacare coverage for some members.

Please read the full memo to see if this affects you.

The changes take effect April 1. You can contact Pacific Blue Cross with any questions at 604 419-2600 or 1-888-275-4672 (toll-free).

The following letter from HSA President Val Avery was sent to members December 11, 2014

Dear member,

Assaults on health care workers in Penticton and Kamloops have dominated the news this week. Incidents like these have become all too common in health care settings.

It is time for action.

HSA REPORT, DECEMBER 2014

Name: Alka Kundi.

Nickname in high school: Well, my name is Alka, so the nicknames should be obvious. Alkaseltzer, Alcoholic and Alkatraz. In retrospect, I'm not sure if these were nicknames or if people were just making fun of me, but oh well.

Job title and department: Labour Relations Officer, Servicing.

HSA REPORT, DECEMBER 2014

By David Durning, HSA Senior OHS Officer

Over the years, Canadian workers have fought for and gained important workplace health and safety rights.

The diligent exercise of these rights is proven to be the most effective way of ensuring workplace hazards are controlled.

These rights, enshrined in legislation and regulation, are:

Effective December 1, British Columbia will be in flu season, and HSA members who work in patient care areas in hospitals (ie, where patients are or are likely to be present) are reminded to be vaccinated against influenza or, alternatively, wear a protective mask during flu season.

HSA REPORT, DECEMBER 2014

By Laura Busheikin

There's no doubt that having to take time off work due to an injury or illness brings a multitude of challenges.

Aside from the medical demands, there are forms to fill out and anxiety around getting the proper benefits. There are often feelings of isolation. There is the uncertainty of not knowing when, how, or if you can return to work.

HSA REPORT, DECEMBER 2014

by Dennis Blatchford, Pensions and Benefits Advocate

I'm advised by Pacific Blue Cross that fertility drugs are not covered under the new 50 per cent cost share arrangement for non-PharmaCare formulary medications. Why are these drugs not covered?