Board Communique: July 11, 2018

You will pay less for your dental plan starting August 1, 2018

The amount you pay for your Municipal Pension Plan dental plan is decreasing August 1, 2018. You don't need to do anything; the amount deducted to cover your premium will automatically be reduced, starting with the pension payment you receive in July or your August direct payment.

What's changing?

The amount you pay for your dental plan. The table below shows the current premiums and the new premiums starting August 1, 2018.

Dental premiums are paid one month in advance. If your premium is deducted from your pension, the payment you receive July 30, 2018, will reflect the reduced premium. If you are signed up for pay direct, the amount will be reduced automatically.

Dental plan rates

Plan option	Single premiums ($)		Couple premiums ($)		Family premiums ($)
	Since Feb 1, 2018	As of Aug 1, 2018	Since Feb 1, 2018	As of Aug 1, 2018	Since Feb 1, 2018	As of Aug 1, 2018
Essential	29.29	27.36	55.81	52.14	93.87	87.69
Enhanced	54.11	45.08	102.52	85.41	145.08	120.87

Why is my rate changing?

We've been monitoring the new dental program since last year's changes and have seen lower-than-projected expenses. We worked with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to reduce the premiums for members participating in the program.

Because this is a new program, we're taking this unusual step of changing rates mid-year to reflect the right premiums. The premium calculation is based on actual expenses.

This change is an exception. After this change, premiums will be reviewed on the regular annual schedule and will reflect the experience of the new program.

What is not changing?

Your dental plan (essential or enhanced)
Your coverage
Timing of regular renewal premium changes
Extended health care premium rates

Premiums for the group dental program will continue to be reviewed annually and any future changes will occur on the standard renewal date of February 1, 2019. This is common for an insured plan. We will include information about premiums in the winter 2019 issue of Pension Life.

What do I need to do?

You don't need to do anything. Your premium deduction will decrease automatically, beginning with the payment you receive July 30, 2018. Or, if you're signed up for pay direct, the amount will automatically be reduced, starting with your August 1, 2018, payment.