PRESIDENT'S JOURNAL

Advocacy at Work - The Member Benefits Advisory Committee

One of the benefits CPCO offers its members is a Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan. Seventeen principals/vice-principals’ associations belong to the Plan. The CPCO LTD Plan was designed for principals and vice-principals by principals.

The Member Benefits Advisory Committee is made up of staff from the administrator of the Plan, Johnson Inc., and CPCO staff and member representatives. Currently, Interim Executive Director Dan Tighe, Member Services Director Nelly Kelders and member-at-large Carmine Settino are members of the Advisory Committee. They work with Johnson staff to ensure that the Plan meets the needs of CPCO members.

At quarterly meetings the committee reviews:

1. Claims Review (identified by file numbers only to ensure confidentiality)

• First alert files (members who have indicated they are off on sick leave and may require LTD)
• Files of members who have been on LTD less than 2 years
• Files of members who have been on LTD more than 2 years
• Trends in illnesses, length of time on LTD and age categories most affected

These reviews ensure that members on LTD are getting the service they need.

2. Participation and Refresher Meetings

• The number of participants in each board is reviewed.
• Recommendations are made to offer refresher meetings to groups who have been in the plan for several years and have seen a changeover in membership.
• The purpose of refresher meetings is to remind members of the benefits of the Plan, options they have within the Plan and enhancements to the Plan. They are also made aware of other programs they can purchase.

3. Plan Renewal

• The committee reviews the Plan, makes recommendations for improvements and discusses the premium levied to members each year.

4. Marketing Material

• CPCO and Johnson Inc. collaborate to create materials in print and for the website to promote the LTD program and other services available to members.

5. Advocacy

• Advocacy is an important part of the LTD Plan. Sonia Tarazi at Johnson Inc. and Nelly Kelders at CPCO work diligently as advocates for members who may require assistance in completing forms, dealing with doctors or school boards, and understanding the LTD process.

If you have any questions regarding the LTD program contact Nelly Kelders at nkelders@cpco.on.ca.

If you would like to comment or provide feedback on the President’s Journal, please contact Joan Duckitt at president@cpco.on.ca.