The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) and Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) have each changed their health plans in order to better serve their constituents.
While CUSA has recently changed their health plan from Green Shield Canada to Studentcare, the GSA has continued with a re-vamped Green Shield plan.
Take a look at the table to see how the two plans compare.
| CUSA Health Plan(Studentcare – Desjardins Financial) | GSA Health Plan(Green Shield – National Student Health Network [CFS]) | |
| Total yearly cost | $178.00 per student | $178.00 per student |
| Prescription drug plan | If a student claims prescription pharmaceuticals on their health plan, there will be an initial discount at Shoppers Drug Mart, among other retailers. The rest of the cost can be claimed via claim form. | Instead of providing discounts, the GSA has implemented a pay cap through Loblaws-owned chains whereby the overall prices of all drugs are less than they would be at full price with a discount applied. |
| Dental coverage | The CUSA health plan covers 10 to 80 per cent of student dental costs depending on the procedure. By visiting a “dental network” member, students will receive an additional 20 to 30 per cent off dental services. This will enable the student to possibly be reimbursed up to 100 per cent of dental costs covered by the dental plan. A maximum of $600 per year is covered. | The GSA health plan covers 10 per cent to 80 per cent depending on the procedure. The plan itself covers up to $600 per year, excluding wisdom teeth. Should students require more than $600 for dental surgery, the GSA offers a dental grant available on request if needed, for up to $500. |
| Dental networks | All dental services are covered and if a student chooses a member of the “dental network,” they will receive a discount. The Carleton dental clinic is not included in the “dental network.” There are two of these networks in Ottawa and four in Gatineau. | All dental services are covered and if a student chooses a member of the “dental network,” they will be eligible for a discount of 20 to 30 per cent. The Carleton dental clinic is not included in these networks. There are over 30 of these partners in the Ottawa area. |
| Vision benefits | The CUSA health plan provides some reimbursement for all vision-related claims. However, students who choose a member of the “vision network” will receive a larger discount (30 per cent — or up to $150 — on prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and/or eye exams). | The GSA health plan covers up to $150 per 24 consecutive months based on the date of first paid claim. The plan includes prescription eyeglasses (and repair parts), contact lenses, and eye exams when not covered by the province. If the student uses Loblaws to purchase lenses and/or frames, they receive a 40 per cent discount. |
| Vision networks | Some of the major network service providers include LASIK MD and Clearly Contacts, as well as other independent optometrists in the Ottawa area. At Shoppers Drug Mart students receive an additional 10 per cent off vision services. | All vision services are covered under the plan, except for medical or surgical treatment and eyeglass cases. There are seven chains that are vision services partners in Ottawa, including LASIK MD. |
| Travel insurance | No travel insurance. | Out-of-country travel coverage of up to 60 days per year. |
| How claims are processed | Dentists and pharmacists should automatically charge the plan with students’ health plan information. Claim forms are available in the CUSA office and online if students do not have their health plan information with them. Students should receive reimbursement payments within two weeks. | Claim forms are available in the GSA office and online. Most dentists and pharmacists charge the plan, yet if it is not set up or the student doesn’t have the plan information, a claim form can be filed by the student and reimbursement will be sent to their address. Students usually receive the payment within two weeks. |
Source: Carleton University Students’ Association, ihaveaplan.ca, Graduate Students’ Association executive co-ordinator Phil Robinson, Graduate Students’ Association ‘My Benefit Plan Booklet.’
