It is September again, the school year is already well underway and it is time again for my favourite activity, writing a newsletter article. I was looking for a topic where I could climb on my soapbox and really let my frustrations out but I am a fairly contented type of guy and there is nothing that is really bugging me at this time except writing a newsletter article. If I wrote an article on that topic it would not be fit to be printed in this publication.

I came across an article in the Nova Scotia Teachers Union’s publication "The Teacher" which explains the role of the Group Insurance Trustees, Johnson Inc., and the underwriters. This article is an adaptation and in some parts plagiarism of this article.

In 1972, the PEITF set up a Board of Trustees to oversee the Group Insurance Program of the Federation. There are eight Trustees, six of which are PEITF members and are appointed by the PEITF Executive. The Retired Teachers’ Association and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development name the other two Trustees. The Trustees must operate in accordance with a Trust Deed and operate the Group Insurance Plan in the best interests of the members.

Trustees establish policies, determine eligibility, make investments, enter into contracts, monitor the plans and hire professionals to advise them on all these matters and help them exercise their fiduciary responsibilities.

Johnson Inc. does not insure PEITF members. Johnson Inc. is the consultant to the PEITF Group Insurance Trustees and the administrator of the plan. As consultant, they review and update programs and go to market looking for underwriters to service the account. As administrators, they handle inquiries, perform accounting procedures, provide client systems, yearly benefit statements and day-to-day services to members under the direction of the trustees. They administer all plans including the health plan, the dental plan, all life insurance programs and the salary continuation. Johnson Inc. also offers other plans such as the Home and Auto Insurance.

Members are not insured by Johnson’s but by underwriters or individual insurance companies who have quoted on our business to provide coverage for our members. They also review applications and set criteria for insurability, process claims and recommend changes as a result of new legislation. In short, the underwriting companies provide the insurance to members.

In conclusion:

If you have any questions with regard to the above, contact Michel Plamondon at 569-4157 or 1-800-903-4157 toll free or Johnson Inc. at 628-3537 or 1-800-371-9516 toll free.