Paramedical Coverage Changes - PSBT
News and Updates
Back to School Coverage Reminder
As students head back to school in the coming weeks, we'd like to remind members about benefit coverage for dependant children/students to ensure continuous coverage (where applicable).
Children under age 19:
- Covered under your benefits until age 19.
- Coverage can continue until age 25, provided your child:
- Is enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies, and
- You submit proof of enrolment by August 20th of each year.
Please submit one of the following showing the students full name and current school year (2026-2027):
- Letter from the school confirming full-time enrolment
- Current transcript
- Tuition or financial statement
- Other official proof of admission or enrollment
Coverage ends at age 25:
- Student dependant coverage ends on your child's 25th birthday, even if they remain a full-time student.
To ensure continued coverage for your child or student, please send proof of enrolment to [email protected], by August 20, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] for further assistance.
Power Sector Benefit Trust
[email protected]
Plan Rates Update
The Power Sector Benefit Trust renews its contract for benefit services annually with Canada Life on May 1st of each year.
Following this year’s renewal review, Canada Life has advised PSBT of a required rate increase to maintain the current level of benefit coverage provided under the Plan.
Effective May 1, 2026, there will be an increase to premiums of $10.00 per month for each member. This adjustment does not change the contribution amounts negotiated within your collective agreement; however, it will increase the portion deducted from your Benefit account for your monthly benefit premium
The Trustees carefully review all renewal information before making these decisions. The increase was necessary to ensure the continued sustainability of the Plan and to maintain the current benefit levels available to members and their families.
PSBT has renewed its services with Canada Life for the period of May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027. The new plan rates will remain in effect until the next renewal on May 1, 2027.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at [email protected] or
1-800-250-2270.
Sincerely,
The Power Sector Benefit Trust Trustees
Upcoming changes to Paramedical Services Coverage - January, 1st, 2026
At the December 2025 trust meeting, the Trustees reviewed current member usage of paramedical services under the PSBT plan. This review showed a high level of utilization across several paramedical disciplines.
The PSBT is a pooled benefit plan for health and dental claims that is funded directly by its members. Higher levels of usage increase the overall cost of the plan. The PSBT Trustees are responsible for monitoring claim activity and establishing policies to ensure that plan resources remain sustainable and available for members who need them.
After careful consideration of how best to manage costs in a fair and responsible way, the Trustees have introduced the following change to paramedical coverage.
Effective January 1, 2026:
- An annual maximum of $3,000 per member will apply to combined paramedical services.
- The existing $1,000 per practitioner annual limit will remain in place.
Paramedical Services Include:
- Chiropractor
- Osteopaths
- Chiropodists/Podiatrists
- Physiotherapists
- Acupuncturists
- Naturopaths
- Speech Therapy (physician referral)
- Massage Therapy
- Clinical Psychologist (physician referral and with a registered Psychologist) – contact [email protected] for more information.
These adjustments are intended to support the continued stability of the plan and help manage shared costs responsibly.
Pre-Authorization For Treatment or Purchases Over $500.00
If any expense is estimated to be greater than $500.00, it is recommended that you submit a "Pre-determination" to Canada Life.
A Pre-determination is simply an outline of the required aid services or supplies which is prepared, by your physician, prior to any treatment or purchase. Canada Life will advise you of the portion that is covered by the Benefit plan, enabling you to determine your costs
Canada Life is the claims adjudicator for the PSBT Plan, for any claim related questions or concerns, please contact Canada Life Claims Support for further assistance.
Canada Life Claims Support: 1-800-957-9777
The Outline of Benefits and updated Plan Booklet will be posted on the website when available.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] for further information.
Sincerely,
PSBT Board of Trustees