The objective of the Trustees is to provide our members and their families with a health & welfare program which supports their needs and a pension plan that enhances their retirement security. As part of our continuous efforts to improve and enhance the services we offer to our members, we have carefully evaluated the capabilities of several benefit administrators before selecting our new provider. The change allows us to leverage the expertise and technology of an industry leader in the benefits field to better meet your needs.
Effective November 1st, 2023, Ellement Consulting Group (“Ellement”) will begin administrating the Health & Welfare and Pension Plans.
Yes, Coughlin will transfer your information to Ellement. Privacy and data security is of utmost priority for both Coughlin and Ellement. Both providers will follow strict protocols to secure your personal and policy information.
Yes. All eligible dependents under your existing coverage will remain unchanged and fully intact following the transition.
Effective November 1st, 2023, tell your service provider (dentist, pharmacist, etc.) that you have had a change of benefits provider and give them the postcard with step-by-step change instructions that will be included in your benefits package. If they have difficulties submitting your claim, have them call Ellement at 1-877-679-0088 or email at providers@ellement.ca.
Booklets are currently being updated to include the new provider’s information. Copies will be available electronically by contacting Ellement and will also be available on the portal and websites.
You will have access to dedicated platforms online platforms:
You will not have to re-register for pre-authorized deposit as Coughlin & Associates Ltd. (“Coughlin”) will transfer your benefits information, including your banking information for claims reimbursement.
While there may be minor administrative and claims adjudication differences, your current pension and benefits will remain unaffected. If you are currently in coverage for benefits, your drug card, identification number and policy numbers will be changing effective November 1st , 2023, otherwise you can continue to rely on the same level of protection and service you have always enjoyed as a member of the Electrical Industry of Ottawa Trust Funds.
If you are covered for benefits in September 2023, you will receive by mail a comprehensive benefits package before November 1st, which will provide you with information on how to submit claims.
You can use your existing card until October 31st, 2023. Effective November 1st, 2023, you must use your new benefit card, which will be sent to you prior to this date.
No. There will be a new claims portal provided by Ellement, for which you will have to register. You will receive your username and temporary password in your benefits packages prior to November 1st, 2023.
The benefits packages will provide details on accessing and using the new portal and Ellement mobile app. You can also visit the Answers Hub to see how to register and use the Ellement web and mobile app.
Effective November 1st, 2023, you can contact Ellement with any questions about your pension. Any pension related requests that were sent to Coughlin prior to November 1st and are still in progress will be transferred to Ellement for completion.
Your pending claims and ongoing treatments will continue to be honored if your active coverage is maintained. There is no need to re-submit any pending or ongoing claim requests.
If you self-pay and already participate in the pre-authorized payment program with Coughlin, your banking information will be transferred to ensure a seamless transition to Ellement. Please note that the timing of pre-authorized payments will change from the 15th to the 1st of each month with our new provider. You will receive additional information about this transition prior to November 1st, 2023. Retirees currently self-paying premiums for monthly benefits will receive special correspondence in the coming weeks.
If you are currently receiving weekly indemnity, your payments will continue with our new provider. To ensure uninterrupted payments during the transition period, Coughlin will issue you the equivalent of two weekly payments at the end of October to carry you into the first week of November. Your weekly indemnity payments will resume with Ellement on November 9th, 2023. Members currently on disability will receive special correspondence in the coming weeks.
If you are currently receiving monthly pension payments, they will continue with our new provider. To ensure uninterrupted payments during the transition period, Coughlin will issue your November pension payment on October 30th. Your monthly pension payments will resume with Ellement on December 1st, 2023. Retirees and surviving spouses will receive special correspondence in the coming weeks.
Absolutely! Ellement’s Ottawa office is located at 1150 Cyrville Road and their team members are available to meet with members in person to answer questions about their benefits and/or pension.
Before going to their office, we ask that members schedule an appointment in advance so they can prepare themselves and use your time most efficiently.
Feel free to reach out to Ellement’s dedicated customer support team for any questions or assistance you may need. They are here to help you navigate through this transition smoothly.
See all our contact details, or book an appointment if you have questions about your benefits.
