by Lorraine Allan Chair, MURA Pension and Benefits Committee

Until recently, with a few exceptions (such as dental implants and out-of-province/country emergency medical coverage), McMaster salaried employees retired with the health benefits that were in place for their employee group on the date of retirement. Moreover, the cost of providing these post-retirement health benefits was borne entirely by the University as per previous negotiations. In recent years, the picture has become more complicated. The provision of post-retirement benefits and the payment for these benefits now vary across employee groups. Post-retirement health benefits are no longer available to recent TMG hires. Recently hired salaried staff (CAW), hourly-rated staff (SEIU and IUOE), and librarians (MUALA), if they meet certain requirements, can opt for post-retirement benefits through a copayment plan. Future faculty (MUFA) retirees who qualify for post-retirement benefits can opt for these benefits through a copayment plan.

Information about your retiree health benefits can be downloaded from the Human Resources post-retirement benefits information page, or by calling the HR service centre (22247). If you call Sun Life directly (or Allianz Global Assistance for out-of province/country emergency medical coverage) to enquire about your benefits, it is essential to provide information about your employee group and your retirement year.

The MURA Pension and Benefits Committee can help you to understand your post-retirement health benefits and can provide assistance in connecting you to the appropriate HR contact in the event that your claim is denied by Sun Life or by Allianz Global Assistance. While sometimes a retiree claim is not covered by their benefit package, we are aware of instances where valid claims have been rejected.

You can contact the Chair of the MURA Pension and Benefit Committee by email or by leaving a message on MURA's voicemail: 905-525-9140 ext. 23171.