Postdoctoral Fellows Benefit Transition to Sun Life
The postdoctoral fellow (PDF) benefit program will be transitioned from Canada Life to Sun Life Financial effective March 1, 2023.
Eligibility rules and plan coverage will remain the same. However, there will be changes in how you access information and submit claims. We have outlined important information below and the key actions you need to take.
Need to Knows
Health and dental claims you incur up to and including February 28, 2023 should be submitted to Canada Life
- Electronic claims can be submitted up to February 28, 2023.
- Your access to the My Canada Life website will not be available as of March 1, 2023. If you have any claim details you would like to keep for your records, please log in and print the information prior to March 1.
- If you have a claim that needs to be submitted after February 28, you will need to use a paper health or dental claim form. The plan name is University of Alberta and the plan number is 155419. Please submit your paper claims to Canada Life by May 31, 2023.
- More information about submitting claims is available at the Postdoctoral Fellows Benefits Overview webpage.
Health and dental claims you incur on or after March 1, 2023 should be submitted to Sun Life
- You and your dependent information will automatically be set up at Sun Life.
- Dependent information has been transferred from Canada Life’s system. Should you need to make any updates, please contact the Staff Service Centre.
- Tell your providers, such as your pharmacist or dentist, that you have new coverage.
- Your coverage is now with Sun Life under policy 25379.
- Your ID is your seven-digit university ID number (not your CCID).
- Claims must be made no later than 90 days after the benefit year (January to December). For example, a claim incurred on April 1, 2023 must be submitted by March 31, 2024. Details on how to submit claims are available on the Making a Benefits Claim page.
- You can set-up your online account to submit claims electronically. Visit Sun Life Member Services for instructions on how to obtain your access ID and login. There is also information regarding the Sun Life mobile app and other features.
- Your new benefits booklet will be available in March.
Your Health Spending Account (HSA)
As a reminder, postdoctoral fellows are eligible for the health spending account. Trainees and guests are not.
- Any balance remaining from your 2022 HSA deposit at Canada Life will carry-forward to 2023.
- Your 2023 HSA deposit ($500 for eligible full-time employees) will be made to your Canada Life account in January.
- You will not be able to make HSA claims at Canada Life after February 28, 2023.
- Any HSA balance you have will be transferred to Sun Life in March 2023. We will send out an email confirming when the HSA transfer has been completed.
We are committed to ensuring you have a smooth transition with this provider change. Please find some frequently asked questions. Should you have any additional questions, please reach out to the contacts below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my coverage stay the same?
Yes, we are working with Sun Life to replicate the current coverage provided by Canada Life.
When will my coverage with Canada Life end?
When does coverage with Sun Life begin?
Coverage with Sun Life begins on March 1, 2023.
Will I need to enroll with Sun Life?
Your personal and dependent information on file with Canada Life will be transferred to Sun Life. If you wish to submit claims electronically, use the mobile app, and/or be reimbursed via direct deposit, you will need to set up your Sun Life account.
Visit Sun Life Member Services for instructions on how to obtain your access ID and login. There is also information regarding the Sun Life mobile app and other features.
How do I submit claims to Sun Life?
Claims can be submitted directly by most providers, such as your pharmacist and dentist. For other expenses, you can submit a claim by paper, or electronically via the website or Sun Life app. You will not be able to submit claims to Sun Life until March 1, 2023. More information on how to submit claims is available on the Making a Benefits Claim page.
Is there a deadline to submit claims to Sun Life?
Claims must be made no later than 90 days after the benefit year (January to December). For example, a claim incurred on April 1, 2023 must be submitted by March 31, 2024.
Do I need to tell my providers I have new coverage?
Yes, you will need to tell your health providers, such as your pharmacist or dentist, that you are covered under a new plan. Effective March 1, 2023, your plan will be with Sun Life under policy 25379, and your ID is your seven digit university ID number (not your CCID).
Will I receive a benefit card?
You can print a coverage card from your Sun Life account at any time. If you download the Sun Life app, you can also use the digital card directly from your phone.
I checked my Sun Life account and my dependent information is missing or incorrect. What should I do?
Dependent information has been transferred from Canada Life’s system. Should you need to make any updates, please contact the Staff Service Centre.
Sun Life has declined a claim for an expense that was previously covered by Canada Life. What should I do?
Please contact the Staff Service Centre. The benefits team will review your claim further with Sun Life.
What will happen to my 2022 Health Spending Account balance?
As a reminder, postdoctoral fellow employees are eligible for the health spending account (HSA). Trainees and Guests are not eligible. Any balance remaining from your 2022 HSA deposit at Canada Life will carry forward to 2023.
When will I receive the 2023 Health Spending Account deposit?
The 2023 HSA deposit ($500 for eligible full-time employees) will be made to your Canada Life account in January 2023.
Do the credits in my HSA expire?
Any unused credits in your HSA at the end of the year will be carried forward to the next benefit year. Credits cannot be carried forward beyond one year. Any unused credits after the second year are forfeited in accordance with the Income Tax Act.
Is the cost of the benefit plan changing?
No, the cost of the benefit plan remains the same. The current annual cost of the postdoctoral fellow supplemental benefits is $757.32 for single coverage; or $2,213.16 for family coverage as of August 1, 2022.
Contact information
For help with... |
Contact |
Phone/Website |
|
Claims up to February 28, 2023
|
Canada Life | 1-800-957-9777 My Canada Life |
|
Claims on or after March 1, 2023
|
Sun Life | 1-800-361-6212 My Sun Life |
|
Benefit plan transition
|
HR Shared Services | Staff Service Centre |