Why Have Health Premium Rates Increased for 2019?
This past year plan members made much greater use of paramedical services than they had previously, largely due to the recent higher limit for psychology and counselling coverage. Rates for 2019 have seen a corresponding increase. GSI and our benefits consultants at Mercer have successfully negotiated that the combined health/dental increase remain under 15%.
In the long term, GSI believes the psychology benefit will be an excellent investment for both plan members and employers. Better mental health of both rostered and non-rostered plan members can have a positive impact on the whole congregation.