The University of Western Ontario
Contact Human Resources  |
Back to Human Resources Services Home
Human Resources Services HomeFor Applicants  |For Faculty and Staff  |For Leaders and Managers  |For Students |For Former Employees


   former employee > benefits  >


Benefits Frequently Asked Questions Welcome Graphic


What is the telephone number for our Extended Health and Dental benefits carrier?
When was the last time I made a Visioncare claim?
When I reach age 65, what happens with my prescription drug coverage?
Do I still have out-of-country emergency medical coverage while traveling?
Where can I get Extended Health, Visioncare and Dental claim forms?
Where should completed claim forms be sent?
Are we covered for visits to a licensed chiropractor, since they are no longer covered by OHIP?
Do we have coverage for such items as a wheelchair?
Do we have coverage for such items as a hospital bed?
Is there any coverage for nursing homes?
If I pre-decease my spouse, will they continue to have coverage under the Extended Health and Dental benefits plans?
Is there any life insurance coverage when I retire?
Are there any groups or associations I can join to keep in touch with the University?
Can I continue to park at Western?

What is the telephone number for our Extended Health and Dental benefits carrier?


The toll free telephone number for our Extended Health and Dental benefits carrier is 1-866-UWO-8515 or 1-866-896-8515.


When was the last time I made a Visioncare claim?


This information is maintained by our Extended Health and Dental benefits carrier. You can inquire about your claim via the Internet (click to log-in to Manulife Financial) or by contacting the call centre or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system at the numbers listed above. You will need to have your policy number and identification number ready when you contact the benefits carrier. See your Extended Health and Dental identification card for this information.

If you have misplaced your card, please contact Human Resources at 519-661-2194 or hrhelp@uwo.ca to request a replacement.


top


When I reach age 65, what happens with my prescription drug coverage?


When you reach age 65, your prescription drug costs are billed directly by your pharmacy to the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Plan. You will be responsible for the annual deductible and dispensing fees. Any drugs that are not eligible under ODB can be sent electronically to the benefits carrier for consideration.


top


Do I have out-of-country emergency medical coverage while traveling?


Yes, you do have out-of-country emergency medical coverage. On the reverse side of the Extended Health and Dental identification card provided by the benefits carrier, it lists telephone numbers to contact at the time of the emergency, depending on where you are in the world. For more details on this coverage, please contact Human Resources at 519-661-2194 or by e-mail at
hrhelp@uwo.ca.


top



Where can I get Extended Health, Visioncare and Dental claim forms?


You can download the forms here.
Please note that the Extended Health Care Claim Form should also be used when claiming for Visioncare.


top


Where should completed forms be sent?


Keep a copy of the receipts for your records. Mail the claim forms and original paid-in-full receipts to the benefits carrier at:

Manulife Financial Group Benefits
Health Claims
PO Box 1653
Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4W1


top


Are we covered for visits to a licensed chiropractor, since they are no longer covered by OHIP?


On December 1, 2004, chiropractic services were delisted by the Government of Ontario.

If you retired prior to April 1, 1994, you are eligible to claim $15 a visit under your Extended Health Plan.

If you retired on or after April 1, 1994, you are eligible to claim $15 a visit after the 15th visit per calendar year.

top


Do we have coverage for such items as a wheelchair?


Yes, the rental of a wheelchair may be approved by the benefits carrier with the written recommendation of a physician. If the physician feels that the need for this item would be long-term due to an extended illness or disability, a purchase may be approved by the benefits carrier, instead. Please contact Manulife Financial at 1-866-896-8515 for further information concerning this benefit

The purchase of this type of equipment may also be eligible for partial reimbursement by the government’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP). The ADP office can be reached at 1-800-268-6021 or you can visit their website.


top


Do we have coverage for such items as a hospital bed?


Yes, the rental of a hospital bed may be approved by the benefits carrier with the written recommendation of a physician. If the physician feels that the need for this item would be long-term due to an extended illness or disability, a purchase may be approved by the benefits carrier, instead. Please contact Manulife Financial at 1-866-896-8515 for further information concerning this benefit


top


Is there any coverage for nursing homes?


No, there is no coverage for nursing homes.


top


If I pre-decease my spouse/partner, will they continue to have coverage under the Extended Health and Dental benefits plans?


Yes, should you predecease your spouse/partner, coverage under the Extended Health and Dental plans for your spouse/partner and eligible dependent(s) continues for their lifetime or until the spouse/partner remarries.
Should you and your spouse/partner both predecease your eligible dependent child(ren), the eligible dependent(s) would continue to be eligible for coverage provided they continue to meet the definition of a dependent or becomes eligible for similar coverage under another group contract.


top


Is there any life insurance coverage when I retire?


Yes, you will have a Retirement Death Benefit equal to the lesser of 50% of your Basic Life Insurance in place immediately prior to your retirement or $15,000. You also have an option to convert your Basic Life Insurance to a private policy without providing medical evidence of good health, provided you apply within 30 days after your retirement date. Please note that you will be responsible for the cost associated with continuing the coverage between the $15,000 and the amount in force prior to your retirement.


top


Are there any groups or associations I can join to keep in touch with the University?


Yes, you may join either the University Retired Academic Group or the University Retired Staff Group which meet monthly to enjoy speakers and fellowship. Contact Human Resources at 519-661-2914 or by e-mail (hrhelp@uwo.ca) for information on the current agenda and meeting location.


top


Can I continue to park at Western?


Free parking is just one of the “perks” that you will enjoy as retiree of Western. Contact Western Parking Services to make the necessary arrangements.


top


Link to Help Line Link to HR Documents and Forms Link to HR Site Map Link to Access HRIS

Human Resources Services Address Information

Back to the University of Western Ontario

[ HRS home | applicant | faculty/staff | leader/manager | student | former employee ]

grey line at bottom of main table