Improved health benefits for TMU postdocs
TMU postdocs in conversation at professional development event.
The Yeates School of Graduate Studies (YSGS) is very pleased to announce that TMU will be introducing a redesigned and improved health benefits plan for postdoctoral fellows beginning in the new year.
Through much consultation with both postdocs and University leaders, it became clear that the current Health Care Spending Account system was not meeting the needs of many in the postdoc community. YSGS and HR, in consultation with an advisory committee of postdocs, worked together to propose a new and improved benefits plan, which was recently approved for implementation. “Through our continued dialogue, I’m very pleased that we have reached a common understanding on the essential supports our postdoctoral fellows need to flourish as scholars who play an integral role in advancing Scholarly, Research, and Creative (SRC) activities,” says Vice-Provost and Dean Dr. Cory Searcy.
Full details about the new plan will be made available in the coming months. A few notable highlights include:
- Annual deductible $25 single/$50 family
- 90% prescription drug coverage (a dispensing fee maximum of $9 and mandatory generic substitution)
- 100% Out of country emergency coverage
- 100% for the following paramedical practitioners with an overall combined maximum of $1000 per person per year: physiotherapist, massage therapist, chiropractor, speech therapist, naturopath, osteopath, podiatrist
- 100% up to $900 for psychological services provided by a psychologist, social worker, psychotherapist
- 100% up to $50 for optometrist
- 100% Audiology and hearing aids (with annual limits)
- 100% for orthotics - one pair per year
- 100% for vision care (glasses or contacts or laser eye surgery) $300 every 24 month
- Annual dental reimbursement maximum is $2000 per person, including 100% basic dental, 80% periodontic and endodontic, 50% major dental (does not include orthodontia)
These improvements are aimed at better supporting postdocs and their families. Please consult the HR website or view the (PDF file) Postdoc handbook for more information on all benefits and programs currently in place for Postdoctoral Fellows as TMU.
