Benefits Fraud

The University of Alberta benefits plan provides protection that helps cover the costs of health and dental services and supplies not paid for under provincial plans. The plan is paid for by members, which means fraud can significantly raise costs and limit the effectiveness for those who need it. The best way to prevent benefits fraud is to:

  • Know Your Plan - Don't Substitute Products or Services
  • Protect Your Information
  • Keep Records
  • Report Suspected Fraud

Lack of understanding and awareness about benefits and how to properly use them can turn everyday people into victims or offenders of fraud. Although the university and our benefits provider, Sun Life, have fraud protections in place, employees are responsible for the cost effective use of the benefits plan.

Know Your Plan - Don't Substitute Products or Services

Understand how to properly submit a claim using your benefits plan. Know which expenses are covered and the limits that apply to avoid fraud. If a service provider suggests substituting a product or service for something not covered, decline the offer. Claiming a product or service not covered is stealing. Learn more about the benefits plan by visiting the web pages below:

Protect Your Information

  • Submit claims online whenever possible. Online claim submission and direct deposit is the most secure form of claims processing.
  • Don't Sign Claims Forms in Advance. Sign one completed form at a time - never pre-sign blank forms.
  • Keep your information confidential. You information is valuable - keep your passwords and benefits access ID confidential and ensure your benefits card and other plan details are in a secure place.

Keep Records

Retain receipts for a year in case of verification requests from Sun Life and check your receipts to ensure they are correct and reflect the service you actually received. If your provider submits claims electronically for you, monitor your submission for errors or services/products you didn't receive and cross-check your copy of this information with the claim statement you get from Sun Life.

Report Suspected Fraud

If someone tries to persuade you to misuse your benefits plan or you encounter suspicious activity or requests, please call Sun Life's Fraud Hotline, toll free at: 1-888-882-2221. You can also email Sun Life at clues@sunlife.com. Your confidentiality will be protected. You may also contact the University of Alberta's Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights at 1-780-492-7325.

Our commitment to ethical conduct is stated in the Fraud and Irregularity Policy and we treat matters of fraud and irregularity with the utmost seriousness. Misuse of the benefits plan won't just cost you more money - it may cost you your job and reputation.