Manitoba’s largest health care union says a newly improved benefits plan for healthcare workers–funded equally by employers and employees–will help make Manitoba a more competitive option for healthcare workers across Canada.
“This will make a big difference in the lives of healthcare workers,” said Margaret Schroeder, President of CUPE 204, representing healthcare support workers in the WRHA and Shared Health. “This is a really significant improvement.”
The updated plan increases prescription drug coverage from $650 to $20,000, optical coverage from $150 to $500, and orthodontic coverage from $1,250 to $2,000.
The plan also adds new flexibility to help healthcare workers make better use of their benefits. Coverage for paramedical services such as massage and chiropractic care is increasing from $450 per practitioner to a global $1,350.
Extended health and dental benefits are provided to eligible Manitoba health care workers through HEB Manitoba. HEB Manitoba is an independent organization governed by a board of Trustees that have an equal number of employer and health care union appointments.
“Healthcare workers have been advocating for benefit improvements for a long time, if we are going to recruit healthcare workers, we need a good, competitive benefits plan. Now we have that,” said Schroeder. “I want to thank government, the other healthcare unions, the health authorities, and HEB Manitoba for helping get the job done.”