GROUP ENROLLMENT & ADMINISTRATION

Eligible Firms

The following firms are eligible to apply for group benefits:
Any firm of at least two eligible CAs and/or employees, engaged full-time in the practice of public accounting in one of the four western provinces or territory;

Any associated company or firm exclusively serving an eligible firm and consisting of at least two eligible CAs and/or employees, if authorized by a participating Institute and approved by Great-West Life. All eligible CAs and employees must participate in the group plan.

Eligible CAs and Employees

All CAs and employees of a firm that has established a group plan are eligible for insurance, provided they are a permanent resident of Canada, under age 65, and are actively working with the firm a minimum of 20 hours per week. Contract employees are also eligible for benefits provided they meet the same criteria.

Annual Earnings

Annual earnings means:
For an employee, the regular rate of remuneration paid by the employer, excluding bonuses, overtime, extra compensation or expense allowances. For a CA, the average income earned for their services whether paid as fees, salary, bonus, commissions or honorarium (excluding investment income) in the previous fiscal year or previous six months, whichever is greater.

Enrollment

Firms must complete a "Firm Application" selecting the benefits for all its eligible CAs and employees. A transaction card must be completed for each eligible CA and employee. Those eligible for benefits in excess of the firm's non-evidence maximums must complete a short medical questionnaire.

Commencement of Coverage

Insurance for an employee who is not a CA will commence after three months of continuous full-time employment, and in the case of a CA, on the first day of active employment, provided CAIPW receives notification within 31 days of this date. If evidence of insurability is required, the insurance will commence after the waiting period, on the date the application is approved by Great-West Life.

Evidence of Insurability

If evidence of insurability is required, a medical questionnaire must be completed. Usually this is sufficient, however Great-West Life reserves the right to request, at its expense, any additional medical information on any application.

Certificate of Insurance

Once your application has been accepted, a certificate confirming coverage will be issued. An updated certificate will be issued whenever a change is made.

Premium Payments

Premiums are payable to CAIPW on the 1st day of each month. If remittance is not received within 31 days of the billing date, all coverages under the plan will lapse, and may only be reinstated with the approval of Great-West Life.

Reporting of Additions, Changes and Terminations

A transaction card must be completed for each new employee. If the employee is eligible for insurance in excess of the firm's non-evidence maximums, the medical questionnaire form must be completed.

Changes in earnings or marital status can change an employee's coverage and must be reported. When an employee terminates, CAIPW must be notified within 31 days. Changes and terminations will be effective on the actual date of change or termination.

Application for benefits and notification of changes must be received by CAIPW within 31 days of the eligibility date. Application for new or increased insurance received after 31 days will be subject to evidence of insurability.

Beneficiary Designations

Members and employees appoint a beneficiary on their transaction card. A change of beneficiary may be made by providing written notice, signed, witnessed, and dated to CAIPW.

Claim Procedures

Forms for filing a death or disability claim are available from CAIPW. For prompt payment, the claim form should be completed and proof of the claim attached. Proof may include itemized bills, reports from doctors, and certified copies of hospital records and reports depending on the nature of the claim being filed.

The completed form should be submitted to CAIPW within 90 days of the date of the claim. If a delay in submitting a claim is anticipated, please contact CAIPW.

All applications, notice of changes / terminations, premiums, request for claim forms, and correspondence should be directed to:

CA Insurance Plans West
10309C – 100 Avenue
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
T8L 1Y9

Telephone 780.998.1798
Toll Free 1.800.661.6430
Fax 780.997.6467
mail@caipw.ca
www.caipw.ca

Master Contracts

This summary is for information purposes only. Benefits will be provided in accordance with the terms of the master contract. These contracts may be amended by mutual agreement between the insurer and CAIPW. Other Services available from CAIPW:

Home insurance (and auto in Alberta): Meloche Monnex 1-877-536-7755
Office contents: Gore Mutual 1-800-663-9437
Member/Employee Assistance Plan: Shepell-fgi 1-800-268-5211

Website Terms & Limitations

This website is for information purposes only. Benefits will be provided in accordance with the terms of the master contracts. These contracts may be amended by mutual agreement between the Insurer and CAIPW.

Term life, long term disability extended health and dental insurance is underwritten by Great West Life Assurance Company, policy 335693, 335694 and 56579. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance is underwritten by Idustrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company, group policy 100005361.