These questions and answers have been compiled from inquiries we have received from both individual applicants and employers wishing to distribute the Program to eligible staff.

We hope you find them useful in evaluating the Menuflex™ SELECT Benefits Program. For additional information or to suggest a question, please contact us.

Q: Who is eligible for the SELECT 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 competitive cost.     Q: What is the cost? A: The monthly premium costs are based on the fact the Program incorporates a 20% co-payment on all benefits, and then whether you choose Single, Couple or Family coverage under Menuflex™ SELECT coverage. The premium rates for all benefits are contained in the Flyer and Application Form, available as a PDF download at right.         Q: How do I apply for coverage? A: In order to participate in the Menuflex™ SELECT Benefits Program you must complete the Application Form and the Personal Health Declaration in detail, ensuring that you provide complete information on the health declaration second page wherever you have answered "Yes" to one of the questions on page one. Please ensure that you indicate your family physician's name as well in the event he/she has to be contacted for clarification. No medical is required, you will be approved or declined based on the information provided on the Health Declaration. A separate Health Statement is required for Critical Illness Insurance. Fax or Mail the completed forms along to at the address indicated on the Application Form, along with a copy of a VOID cheque.     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 Alternative Benefit Solutions at 1-866-636-8359.     Q: Can I continue with service even if I'm between contracts? A: Yes, coverage may be continued between contracts, provided you make arrangements through Alternative Benefit Solutions Inc. to pay the required premium through pre-authorized bank withdrawals. Please contact ABS for details. 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 70, 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 through pre-authorized bank withdrawals. If you elect not to continue 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, please see 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. They 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 May 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 65 and remain covered to age 70.

	For additional information or to suggest a question, please Contact Us On the next page, please review How To Apply