Statement on the “Bus-It” Referendum Result
February 1, 2018Dear Students,
As you review your fees for the upcoming year on SOLUS, you will find that the SGPS health and dental rate has increased from last year. I want to take this opportunity to explain the increased rate, as well as the increased value that accompanies it.
This 2017-18 single person health and dental rate is $567.58. Compared to last year’s rate of $500, this is an increase of $67.58. Part of this rate increase is attributable to drastic changes in plan usage. For example, the establishment of an on-campus dentist last year resulted in a sharp spike in dental claims. If you’re familiar with how insurance companies operate, you’ll know that such a spike leads to an unavoidable rate increase. Of course, this isn’t all negative: it means you are taking fuller advantage of your benefits.
The second – and more deliberate – reason for the rate increase was to address changes you requested. Last year’s health and dental survey (which was emailed to all SGPS members) provided us with important data that revealed common concerns and aspirations pertaining to plan benefits. In response, the following benefits were added:
- Dental maximum increased from $750 to $1000
- Scaling increased from 1 unit to 2 units
- Paramedical increased from $500 to $600
- The addition of mental health coverage at $500
- The addition of night guard coverage (predetermination required)
In total, these changes equate to over $1000 in increased benefits for an added $67.58.
I am confident that this year’s plan is a better reflection of the needs of SGPS members. Yet I also remain cognizant of the added financial barrier this change imposes. That is why we will be increasing the money allocated to the SGPS Bursary Program. In combination, the new plan benefits and increased bursary support will lead to improved wellness and access – a guiding principle of the Executive’s term.
Adam Grotsky
SGPS President