Q:

Who is eligible for the Individual Program?

A:

Virtually anyone who works a minimum of 20 hours per week as a self-employed entrepreneur, full-time, part-time, casual, or contract employee is eligible to participate. Alternative coverage is available for those who do not meet the minimum 20 hours per week. Please contact us for details.

Q:

How does Menuflex™ compare to other plans in the marketplace?

A:

The Program offers more comprehensive, needs-related protection than other plans across Canada at a very competitive cost.

Q:

What is the cost?

A:

The monthly premium costs are based your province of residence, your age and whether you choose Single, Couple or Family coverage under Menuflex™ BASIC or Menuflex™ PLUS coverage. The premium rates for all benefits are contained in the Application Form, available as a PDF download at right. You can also determine your premium rates using the Online Enrolment Form. Your monthly premiums are paid by pre-authorized debits

Q:

How do I apply for coverage?

A:

You have two options:

1. Use our Online Enrolment Form
   
   or
    
2. Simply complete the Application Form/Personal Health Declaration available as a PDF download, and mail it with a VOID cheque to the address indicated, or fax it for faster medical underwriting.

Note that the Application Form and the Personal Health Declaration must be completed in detail, ensuring that you provide complete information on the second page of the Health Declaration wherever you have answered "Yes" to one of the questions on page one.

No medical examination is required, you will be approved (or offered full coverage subject to a monthly surcharge on the rates to cover pre-existing conditions) based on the information provided on the Health Declaration. Alternatively you may be offered coverage with an exclusion for pre-existing conditions. Please also ensure that you indicate your family physician's name in the event he/she has to be contacted for clarification.

A separate Health Statement is required for Critical Illness Insurance.

Upon approval you will be notified, and coverage will commence on the 1st of the month coincident with, or next following, date of approval.

Q:

What is meant by the term "medical underwriting"?

A:

Each of the insurers underwriting portions of the Program reserve the right to consider the medical history of the applicant and eligible dependents based on the responses to the questions posed on the Personal Health Declaration or Health Statement (Critical Illness), any additional information requested from the family physician, as well as their height and weight and current medication usage, in determining if the applicant will be approved for coverage. No medicals are required.

Q:

What if I fail to disclose my full past medical history or current medication usage?

A:

All coverage can and will be terminated, and any pending claims will be declined.

Q:

When does coverage start?

A:

Coverage commences on the 1st of the month coincident with or next following date of approval of the Personal Health Declaration by the insurer. It is therefore important to submit these documents to Alternative Benefit Solutions as early in the month as possible.

Q:

How long will it take following approval will it be before I receive proof of coverage?

A:

Within 2-3 weeks you will receive your Booklet describing your coverage, a Pay-Direct Card and other information from the Program Administrator.

Q:

What do I do if I incur Medical or Dental expenses in the meantime?

A:

Simply pay for the expenses, obtain a receipt and submit a paper claim as outlined in the booklet. Claim forms are available from the Downloads page.

Q:

Who administers the program - who to contact?

A:

Alternative Benefit Solutions Inc., Toronto, Ontario acts as the Third Party Administrator and will be the one point of contact regarding coverage or claims once you have been approved. If you have questions in advance of submitting an Application please contact Scott Maclagan at 1-877-359-6368, the developer of the Program.

Q:

Can I continue with service even if I'm between employment / contracts?

A:

Yes, Menuflex™ coverage is fully portable. The insurer has a general requirement that participants work a minimum of 20 hours per week over a period of 9 months.

Q:

Are the benefits provided only while I'm on contract?

A:

No, once you have been approved for coverage you may continue to participate through to age 90, regardless of whether you are on contract or move to a full-time position, provided you make arrangements through Alternative Benefit Solutions Inc. to pay the entire premium on your own through pre-authorized bank withdrawals. If you elect not to continue on your own, and enter into a new contract within 6 months, you will not be required to provide new Health Evidence. Please contact Alternative Benefit Solutions for details.

Q:

Can I purchase Disability Insurance only?

A:

Yes, simply complete the Disability Quote request form under the Disability Insurance Section. If you have unique or special requirements please contact us.

Q:

Can I purchase Dental only?

A:

No, that would be considered "selection against the insurer", as only those who know that they have pending dental expenses would enroll. Dental must be purchased in conjunction with Extended Health Care Benefits.

Q:

Can I purchase Term Life optional coverage?

A:

Yes, complete the Term Life Quotation Request Form and submit it to Alternative Benefit Solutions. We will secure quotations based on your specified needs and respond as quickly as possible. Dependent on your location, we may refer you to a local Sub-Broker to assist you.

Q:

When is the renewal date and will my rates change?

A:

All Menuflex ™ participants are combined under one underwriting pool with the primary insurer. There is a common anniversary date of April 1st when all premium rates may be adjusted based on the claims experience of the overall group.

Q:

I am going to be working on a contract basis for several months in the United States, will the Program's health and dental coverage apply to me while I am working there?

A: 

The Out-of-Country Emergency Hospital/Medical coverage, as with all Canadian group and individual plans, is designed to cover incidental business travel, or vacations out of Canada, subject to the time limit contained in the contract. This Program, and competing programs, is not intended to cover individuals reporting to a work location in the United States, even those commuting on a weekly basis. It is essential to obtain proper coverage, designed to cover Canadians working out-of-Canada. Menuflex™ offers this coverage under a different program. Please visit the Odyssey™ Expatriate Benefits section of this web site for details on comprehensive protection on a world-wide basis.

Q:

To what age can an applicant remain covered under the Program?

A: 

Applicants may apply for coverage up to age 75 and remain covered to age 90.

Q:

I live and work in Quebec, what difference does that make?

A:

Due to the fact that Menuflex™ is an Individual Program, it cannot include drug coverage under the EHC Benefits. Drug coverage must be secured through RAMQ.