WUFA members who retire from the University of Windsor are no longer covered under the same health or dental plans that were in effect during employment. Before retirement, members will be informed by Human Resources about their option for continuing health and dental coverage under the Green Shield Retiree Plan at their own expense. The university does not cover the cost of premiums, with the exception of Article F of the Collective Agreement which allows the university to pay on behalf of all full-time retired members 50% of the Subscriber rate for the Green Shield Dental Plan, (including $1,500 additional cost) at current ODA rates.

If a retiree wishes to continue coverage under the Green Shield 'Retiree Healthcare Plan', they will not have to undergo any physical exam if the health insurance is commenced within 60 days of retirement. This plan is paid at the retiree's own expense and has a choice of single, family or couple rates.

To speak to someone about the University's Green Shield Retiree Health Care plan, contact Mr. Tom Puskas, Human Resources, ext. 2048 or email Mr. Tom Puskas.

To read about the coverage offered in the Green Shield Retiree Health Plan available through the University of Windsor, click on the attached items below.
 

CAUT Retiree Health Care Plan
Another option for retirees is a group health care plan developed through CAUT. WUFA has been advised that the CAUT plan is not as inclusive as the plan offered to U of Windsor retirees through Green Shield. To find out about the health care coverage for retirees offered through CAUT (the Canadian Association of University Teachers), go to the following website:

CARP
CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) offers a variety of discount services to those over 50 years of age when they become members. Their magazine often advertises insurance companies, travel discounts and other services on a regular basis. They may be able to direct their members to health insurance group plans. For further information,
Telephone (416) 363-8748

Retiree Health Care Premium Subsidy Plan
Established in the 2001-2004 Collective Agreement, the Retirees Health Care Premium Subsidy Plan was created to assist retirees with the payment of premiums for the Green Shield Retiree Health Care Plan. The Fund generates interest annually which is to be divided equally among retirees to help pay for their Green Shield Health Care premiums. Funds are added into the Trust Fund on an annual basis from a number of negotiated sources, including the GST Rebate, a levy on the salaries of professors who teach in the Executive Education Programs, and miscellaneous payments from arbitration or other cases that have been resolved in WUFA's favour.

The terms of the Subsidy Plan were finalized in early 2007 and letters were sent to eligible retirees to determine their interest in joining the plan for the initial year starting May 1, 2007. Retirees must be in the Green Shield Plan in order to receive the annual subsidy.

Vision Care discount: Announcement July 25, 2006 which applies to retired University faculty/librarians in the Green Shield Retiree Health Care Plan
Sears Optical has now joined the Green Shield Canada national preferred provider vision network. All Green Shield Canada plan members (regardless of whether they have vision benefits or not) are eligible to receive a discount of up to 33% off the regular prices available at The Bay Optical, Zellers Vision Centres and now Sears Optical. This offer also applies to all extra coatings and upgrades (excludes disposable contact lenses). Just present your Green Shield Identification Card as proof of being a Green Shield Canada plan member. The vision provider will apply the appropriate discount(s) to your claim and submit the claim directly to Green Shield for payment. You pay your vision provider any balance not covered under your vision benefit. If no vision benefits exist, you pay your provider the full balance owing after the applicable discounts have been applied.

A complete listing of participating Bay Optical, Zellers Vision Centres and Sears Optical stores is available on our website at www.greenshield.ca. If you need further assistance, you may contact Green Shield Customer Service with your inquiry via the web at www.greenshield.ca or by calling one of our Customer Service phone representatives who are ready to serve you:

Green Shield Customer Service Centre
Toll Free 1.888.711.1119
8:30 AM – 7:30 PM EST
Monday through Friday