COVID-19 – Relief measures and operational changes

No disability benefits are paid during a temporary layoff (regardless of cause, including a positive COVID-19 test), even if disability coverage is maintained throughout this period. In such cases, employees must file a claim with Service Canada.

If the disability benefit remains in force and the disability persists after the return-to-work date, the employee can submit a disability claim. The waiting period stipulated in the policy will begin on the date the disability began but benefit payments will only start after the date the waiting period ends or on the return-to-work date, whichever occurs last. For cases not related to COVID-19, please refer to your policy.

No, they're not eligible for short-term disability benefits, because the quarantine is preventive.

In such cases:

• We encourage you to talk to your employee to see whether they can work from home.
• If they can't work from home, your salary continuance measures apply.

If neither of these measures is possible, we encourage you to refer to the Service Canada External link. Opens in a new window. website for more information about the various government benefits available for your employees.

Yes. Given the current situation, we will estimate the amount payable by EI and pay the difference so that the insured isn't penalized. We'll make an adjustment once we've received confirmation of the amount paid by EI.

Most people recover quickly and have no complications. If there are complications from COVID-19 and the employee's condition meets the definition of total disability as stipulated by the long-term disability coverage, they would be eligible for benefits.

Scenario 1: You decide the employee can work from home or you'll pay them even if they don't.

We'll continue to pay disability benefits for days not worked until the total disability ends (date scheduled for return to full-time work) and then we'll close the file. You can then refer your employee to Service Canada External link. Opens in a new window. to see if they are eligible for government benefits.

Scenario 2: The employee can't work from home, or you can't pay them.

We'll pay full disability benefits until the total disability ends (date scheduled for return to full-time work) and then we'll close the file. You can then refer your employee to Service Canada External link. Opens in a new window. to see if they are eligible for government benefits.

We'll stop paying benefits as of the disability's scheduled end date. You can then refer your employee to Service Canada External link. Opens in a new window. to see if they are eligible for government benefits.

We'll be flexible as we assess each claim on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind that, in the current situation, it's difficult to obtain a medical report to analyze new claims.

When the situation allows, we will accept a medical report and information from other healthcare workers who are members of a professional order (nurse, psychologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, chiropractor, podiatrist, etc.) for a period of up to 4 weeks.

There are no restrictions related to the coronavirus.

Yes. The usual conversion procedure applies. Therefore, it's possible to convert the amount of life insurance that the insured was entitled to under the group insurance policy into an individual insurance policy.

No, the deadline remains the same.

The coronavirus isn't an accident as defined by the policy. This coverage will not pay any benefit for deaths caused by the coronavirus.

No.

If the pharmacist believes that the insured's situation (14-day quarantine with only 12 days of medication left, rural area with no home delivery, etc.) justifies an early refill, they can do so as long as they document the reasons in the patient's file and use the appropriate code to override this rule. The claim will then be processed in accordance with the plan specifications. The pharmacist is responsible for prescription drug supply and knows what quantities are required to meet their patients' needs.

No, we do not recommend stockpiling prescription drugs. Unnecessary stockpiling can create artificial shortages and endanger the health of other patients. The pharmacist can see the big picture, which will help them make the best decision. In addition, most pharmacies have a delivery service. If an insured has to stay at home, their drugs can be delivered to them without their having to leave home.

Since Monday, June 15, pharmacists have been able to prescribe drugs the same way they used to before the COVID-19 pandemic, that is, according to the patient’s needs and available supplies. However, many drugs for treating chronic illnesses are still in short supply and the ongoing situation means we still have to be careful, particularly in preparation for a possible second wave of COVID-19.

Our insureds’ health, safety and well-being are priorities for us. If they are having trouble getting the required form filled out by their treating physician, they can call us at 1-844-410-6485 This link opens your default phone software..

We added this coverage to your plan by default on July 15, 2020 (unless you told us you wanted to opt out of the coverage). It will remain in effect as long PPE charges are included in the provincial dental fee guides. You can still opt out of the coverage—just tell your Desjardins Insurance representative that you do not want it included your plan. However, if you opt out after July 15, some claims may already have been reimbursed.

Only fees charged specifically for personal protection equipment worn by dental care workers will be covered (e.g., masks, face shields, glasses, protective clothing, etc.). Any dental claims submitted after June 1 that included PPE fees and were refused, will be reassessed automatically.
PPE charges will only be reimbursable once the province has established set fees for them. We will then reimburse PPE charges based on the dental fee guide applicable to your contract and on the terms outlined in the “Basic Services” sections of your contract and the employee booklet. Any necessary rate adjustments will be made at your next renewal date.