Teachers to get $.5M medical benefits

TEACHERS are now entitled to medical benefits of up to $500,000 under a new contributory health plan, signed yesterday between the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) and the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO). President of the union, Trevor Oliver, said it was “an historic day as it is the first such plan for teachers.” He envisioned the plan “improving the income of teachers,” as he pointed out that for far too long teachers have been paying large portions of their salaries toward medical bills and not getting anything back. Oliver noted that the plan comes on the heels of the very recent successful negotiations with the CPO for a new collective three-year agreement for enhanced wages. Rauston Job, TTUTA’s third vice president, told Newsday the plan was compulsory for all teachers and will be for a three-year period. The plan is single coverage only and up to the age of 60 years.

It takes effect from January 1, 2005, but claims can only be made three months after this date. Job said the cost is to be shared equally between Government and teachers, so that the contribution will be $26 per month by teachers. He said the plan will benefit the majority of teachers who are receiving a salary. They must be in the service for at least two years, giving continuous service as at January 1, 2005. Therefore, temporary teachers meeting the criterion will also benefit. “The main benefit is a coverage of $500,000 for major medical services, but the plan also includes coverage for dental, optical, maternity, accidental death and disability benefits,” said Job. He said the maximum coverage for dental was $2,000 per year. Teachers will also receive coverage up to $800 for one set of frames per person during any 24-month period and two pairs of lens of up to $400 during any 12-month period. The plan is to be administered by MM Insurance Service Ltd.