How much the Plan costs
How much does the Plan cost?
How can I pay my premiums?
How are the premiums determined?
What can I do to control premium increases?
Can I claim any expenses as an income-tax deduction?

 


How much does the Plan cost?

The cost of coverage effective January 1, 2012, is as follows:

Category of
coverage
Monthly cost
(CARRA deductions)
Annual cost (lump-sum payment to QPAT)

Retired teachers under 65

• You only
   
• You and your children
   
• You, your spouse, and your children (if any)
 
$158.40
 
$242.65
 
$316.52
 
 
$1,900.80
 
$2,911.80
 
$3,798.24
Retired teachers 65 and over, with drug coverage under RAMQ's universal drug plan
• You only
   
• You and your children
   
• You, your spouse, and children (if any)
 
$51.76
 
$79.30
 
$98.12
 
$621.12
 
$951.60
 
$1,177.44

Retired teachers 65 and over, with drug coverage under QPAT's Health Plan

   
• You only
   
• You and your children
   
• You, your spouse, and your children (if any)
$159.13
 
$192.10
 

$313.19

 

 
$1,909.56
 
$2,305.20
 
$3,758.28

You must add provincial sales tax (currently 9% in Québec and 8% in Ontario) to these amounts.

How can I pay my premiums?

You may choose to pay the premiums:

   
• by cheque in a lump sum, payable to QPAT at the beginning of the year; or
   
• in monthly instalments deducted directly from your pension by the Commission administrative des régimes de retraite et d'assurance (CARRA).

 

How are the premiums determined?

Contrary to popular belief, Industrial Alliance does not arbitrarily determine the premiums. Neither does QPAT.

In reality, you and other Plan participants determine the cost.

Each year, the premiums are essentially based on how much participants claimed from the Plan in the prior year and how much they are expected to use the Plan in the current year. The greater the total amount claimed, the higher the premiums in the following year. That's because the Plan works somewhat like a bank account:

  1. All premiums are deposited in the Plan's account.

  2. Whenever a participant makes a claim, the amount payable from the Plan is deducted from the account.

  3. At the end of the calendar year, there has to be enough in the account to pay all the claims made during the year as well as Industrial Alliance's expense to administer the Plan.

What can I do to control premium increases?

Here are some quick health tips to control premium increases … and stay healthy in the process.

•
 Make your health a priority
   
  Eating wisely and getting plenty of exercise are the two golden rules for healthy living. Sounds easier said than done, doesn't it? There's help: check out Health Canada's Food Guide and Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults for great tips. You will also find useful information on a number of health sites.
   
•
 Consider generic drugs
 
Ask your pharmacist about generic drugs. They cost less than brand-name drugs and can be just as effective.
   
•
 Compare prices
 
Not all pharmacies charge the same amount for prescription drugs. Compare prices and see for yourself.

Can I claim any expenses as an income-tax deduction?

Yes, you may be able to deduct the following health care expenses when you file your Quebec and federal income tax returns:

   
• the premium (including the sales tax) that you pay for your coverage under the Health Plan; and
   
• any medical and dental expenses eligible under the Income Tax Act that are not covered (in full or in part) by any plan.

Please consult your tax or financial advisor.