Additional Information to Support You Through COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-changing situation and raises many questions about your group benefits. Below is information to provide clarity. The situation is fluid, so watch for new NewsLines with more updates as they arise.

What should I do about my drug supplies?

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) encourages Canadians to have common, nonprescription medications for cold, fever, and allergies on hand. If you need regular prescription medications, you should make sure your prescriptions are up to date, but don’t rush to get more because of the outbreak. This will help prevent the risk of drug shortages.

Some pharmacies may enact some restrictions on their own, to manage supplies. We respect their clinical judgement and our systems allow for them to dispense at their discretion based on the current situation.

Virtual health care can help

We’re all doing our part to help slow the spread of the virus by practicing social distancing. Virtual health care can help with that. You may have access to an app called Dialogue, where you can have a video chat with a health care provider without having to leave your home. It also has a free tool called Chloe that’s available to all Canadians to answer questions about COVID-19.

As well, we’ll accept receipts for virtual appointments from several providers:

Dietitian
Naturopath
Occupational therapist
Optometrist
Physiotherapist
Psychologist
Social worker
Speech therapist

These are all subject to your plan provisions, and usual reasonable and customary amounts. Please make sure to get proof of payment, and submit these claims via GroupNet for plan members like any other claim.

Government of Canada announcements

The Government of Canada announced an aid package to help Canadians and businesses cope with COVID-19, including income support, wage subsidies, and tax deferrals. The Emergency Care Benefit, of up to $900 bi-weekly and 15 weeks, provides income support for workers, including selfemployed who have to stay home and don’t qualify for employment insurance. There is also an Emergency Support Benefit to provide up to $5 billion for workers not eligible for EI and who are facing unemployment.