Canada Life has decided to postpone the takeover of the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan, a move that has sparked mixed feelings among retired federal government workers, CBC News reports.
The National Association of Federal Retirees expressed relief over the delay. Initially planned for next month, the transition from Sun Life to Canada Life will now occur in November, according to Hélène Nadeau, Vice-President of the association.
Concerns raised by association members about Canada Life’s recent performance, particularly with the administration of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP), prompted the request to delay the takeover. Issues such as delayed claims processing under the PSHCP, which covers both active and retired government employees and was taken over by Canada Life last year, contributed to these concerns.
“We were not confident that adding the retirees’ dental plan to Canada Life’s administration would ensure good service,” Nadeau commented. The association’s request for delay was made early in 2024 and confirmed in April.
Emphasizing the needs of older plan members uncomfortable with online services, the association has advocated for paper claim submissions and phone communications options. Concerns also revolve around Canada Life’s capacity to manage the workload effectively.
“While we remain cautious, we appreciate the measures currently being implemented,” Nadeau remarked. “We hope Canada Life learns from past experiences.”
Canada Life responded via email, stating its collaboration with the federal government to ensure the dental plan’s administration adheres to industry best practices. Their goal is to provide members with timely access to necessary care.
An email statement from Treasury Board President Anita Anand’s office explained that delaying the transition to November aims to minimize disruptions for plan members and dental providers. The Treasury Board Secretariat added that Canada Life has already trained staff in place, anticipating a smooth transition with minimal impact on current participants.