Why Keeping Your Benefits Information Updated is Crucial
Shannon Curry • February 13, 2025
Keeping your benefits information accurate and up to date with your provider is essential to ensure you and your family have access to the coverage you need. Missing or outdated information can lead to delays, penalties, or even declined claims.
Here are a few key updates to remember:
- Family Changes: If you’ve had a life event—like a marriage, divorce, new child, or a child starting or finishing school—let your provider know within 31 days of the change.
- Spousal Coverage Adjustments: If your spouse’s benefits have changed (e.g., they’ve gained or lost coverage), this could affect how your claims are paid.
- Dependent Information: For children attending post-secondary school, ensure their enrollment status is updated with your provider to maintain their coverage.
Failing to make timely updates may result in:
- Late Enrollment Penalties: You or your dependents might need to complete health questionnaires, risking coverage denial.
- Dental Coverage Limits: Late updates can limit dental benefits to as little as $125 during the first year, which may not cover even basic procedures.
Lastly, don’t forget to review your life insurance beneficiary details. If you’re naming minor children as beneficiaries, appointing a trustee ensures the funds are used as intended.
Stay proactive—reach out to your benefits administrator or update your details online today to avoid any disruptions.
When you use your group benefits, you expect it to cover the cost of health services like massages, physiotherapy, or medical equipment. But sometimes, you may find your reimbursement is lower than expected. A common reason. Reasonable and Customary (R&C) limits. At Curry Group Benefit Solutions, we believe that understanding R&C limits — and how to navigate them — can help you maximize your benefits and keep more money in your pocket. What Are Reasonable and Customary (R&C) Limits? R&C limits are the maximum amounts that your group benefits plan will reimburse for specific services. These limits are based on: Typical costs charged by service providers in your province Industry pricing trends that are reviewed and updated regularly If your provider charges more than the R&C limit , you are responsible for paying the difference. Example: If your plan's R&C limit for a massage therapy session is $100 but your therapist charges $120, your plan will reimburse only $100 — and you’ll pay the remaining $20 yourself. Why Do R&C Limits Exist? R&C limits are in place to: Help control claim costs for everyone Keep group benefit plans affordable and sustainable over time Protect the plan against inflated service prices Services such as paramedical care (massage therapy, chiropractic care, physiotherapy) and medical equipment are where R&C limits are most noticeable, since fee guidelines aren’t standardized like they are for physicians and dentists. How to Make the Most of Your Coverage To avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs: Ask upfront: Always confirm a provider’s fees before your appointment. Shop around: Compare fees between clinics or service providers when possible. Be pharmacy smart: Did you know that the cost of a prescription includes three parts? Drug cost: The pharmacy’s purchase price Markup: Additional margin set by the pharmacy Dispensing fee: A professional fee for preparing and providing the medication Dispensing fees can vary significantly between pharmacies. Two pharmacies may sell the same drug but have different dispensing fees, impacting your total cost. Quick Tips to Lower Your Health Costs ✅ Compare pharmacy dispensing fees before choosing where to fill your prescription ✅ Ask providers if their fees fall within your plan’s R&C limits ✅ Be proactive when selecting medical equipment or services Small steps like these can lead to meaningful savings over time — and ensure you're using your benefits as effectively as possible.
When it comes to life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) benefits, one of the most important steps you can take is declaring your beneficiaries and keeping this information current. Here’s why it matters and how it impacts your loved ones: What is a Beneficiary? A beneficiary is the person or people you designate to receive the benefit amount, tax-free, in the event of your passing. What is a Contingent Beneficiary? A contingent beneficiary is the person or people you choose to receive the benefit amount if your primary beneficiaries are no longer living. What if I Designate a Minor Child as a Beneficiary? When naming a minor as a beneficiary, it is crucial to appoint a trustee to manage and protect the funds until the child reaches the age of majority. The Importance of Keeping Beneficiaries Updated Updating your beneficiary information regularly ensures that your life insurance and AD&D benefit amounts are directed to the correct individuals. Life circumstances—like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child—can change over time, so it’s vital to review and adjust your beneficiary designations accordingly. The Impact of Not Declaring a Beneficiary If no beneficiary is declared, the proceeds from your life insurance claim will transfer to your estate. This can result in: Delays: Funds will only be distributed after the estate is settled, a process that could take months or even years. Reduced Payouts: Before your loved ones can receive any funds, the estate must settle debts, fees, and taxes. The Benefit of Declaring a Beneficiary If a beneficiary is declared, the proceeds will: Transfer directly to your listed beneficiary(ies) without delays. Be received as a tax-free payment, ensuring your loved ones have immediate financial support during a challenging time. Next Steps to Protect Your Loved Ones To ensure your benefits are distributed as intended, take the following steps: Download a new beneficiary form from your online portal or contact your plan administrator for instructions. Review and update your beneficiary information whenever there are significant life changes. Communicate your decisions to your beneficiaries so they are aware of your intentions. Keeping your beneficiary designations current is a simple yet essential step in safeguarding your family’s financial future. Take a moment today to review your records and make any necessary updates.
When travelling outside Canada, ensuring your emergency medical travel coverage is up-to-date and comprehensive is crucial. What You Need to Know About Emergency Travel Coverage: Definition: Coverage applies to unforeseen accidents, injuries, or illnesses starting while travelling. Pre-existing conditions diagnosed or treated in Canada might not be covered. Stability Clause: Many plans exclude conditions treated or changed 30–90 days before departure. This can include: Recent surgeries or medical treatments. Pending or scheduled medical tests. Medication adjustments, even dosage changes. Key Actions for Safe Travel: Ensure you are in good, stable health and do not have any travel restrictions from your doctor. Carry your OHIP card, travel insurance details, and coverage brochure while travelling. Notify your insurer immediately if you require medical attention abroad. Check government travel advisories at voyage.gc.ca. If you are a client and would like more details or a PDF copy of your travel coverage information, reach out to us at Curry Group Benefit Solutions.
