Wednesday 20 March 2013

New Equity Extended Medical Benefits

I see a lot of actors in my practice, most of whom are members of Equity, The Canadian Actors Equity Association (CAEA). Recent changes to the Equity extended medical benefits package will have an impact on coverage for massage therapy.

On-Contract coverage stays the same (mostly)

When you're working:
  • You're still reimbursed up to $600 per year
  • Treatment can start any time during the life of the contract and up to one week after the show closes.
  • Coverage continues for 3 months after the contract ends (max 6 visits).
  • You don't need a doctor's referral; just submit your receipts with the official paramedical claim form.
What's new is a 15% co-pay for Premium Levels 1-3 (you'll get back $85 for every $100 you claim.) There is no co-pay for Level 4.


Massage Therapy now covered year round.

When you're not working (as long as you've had at least eight (8) weeks of work last year on Levels 2, 3, 4), you're covered year-round for massage therapy with a 50% co-pay.

Check your insurance premium tax receipt for 2012. It will your clarify your eligibility for year-round coverage in 2013. 

If you have any other questions about the new insurance plan, call the members-only toll-free line at 1-800-387-1856.