Frequently asked questions regarding the Health and Dental Plan answered

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Why is the plan mandatory?
With a mandatory plan, the insurance risk is spread over a larger number of students, thereby lowering the cost per student, making the fee in a range that is affordable to students. The health and dental benefit plan is mandatory for all full time (minimum nine billable credits) students who do not have other comparable extended health and dental coverage.

Why can’t I opt out in January if I am a September start student?
As this is an annual plan (September 1 to August 31), students are given a period of time to opt-out or add family at the beginning of the policy.  After that period, the policy is activated, and we are unable to make changes to the policy until the anniversary date.  To alleviate the financial stress on the student, the plan fee is assessed in two payments, fall and winter terms.

Is this plan the same as my provincial health care?
No.  The Student Benefits Plan is an extended health and dental plan, which supplements your existing provincial health care.  It DOES NOT replace your provincial health care.  Student benefits are payable after any provincial health care benefits have been exhausted.  This plan does not cover user fees.

How do I pay the fee?
The fees for the health and dental plans will be assessed automatically by the institution at registration if you meet the eligibility criteria previously listed.

Who do I contact for claims related issues?
Students must contact Great West Life customer service (1-800-957-9777) directly to inquire about payment status and claims history details.  Your Benefit Plan Office does not have access to your claim details.

Who do I contact for eligibility and enrolment inquires?
Students must contact the SARDC Student Benefits Plan Office for eligibility and/or enrolment status.  What if I already have coverage?
You can co-ordinate your two benefit plans to increase your coverage up to a total of 100 percent of the actual expenses occurred.

Opting Out of the Student Benefits
If you are an eligible student and have comparable health and/or dental coverage you may apply to opt-out of the benefits.
Each student is given ONE opportunity to opt-out of the benefits under the health and/or dental plans each year.
All Opt-Out Forms must be completed online or through the SARDC Student Benefits Plan Office and must be received by the applicable deadline.

If you have any questions regarding your Extended Health and Dental Benefits, please contact Karen Krasowski, Room 2010A in the Students’ Association;  phone 403-356-4982; email [email protected]; website  www.mystudentplan.ca (choose Students’ Association of Red Deer College).

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: KAREN KRASOWSKI, BENEFIT PLAN COORDINATOR

Anti-stigma activity, Tea Talks return in Winter Mental Health Week

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Student life can be stressful at times. Many students face constraints of limited budgets, pressures of work-school-life balance, weight of nagging deadlines and looming exams coupled with anxiety, loneliness and other issues.

In recognition of these pressures, the Students’ Association of Red Deer College introduced its Mental Health Initiative aimed at promoting a positive atmosphere in which mental health can be explored and enhanced. The initiative is supported by funding from the Alberta Campus Mental Health Initiative Fund (ACMHI).

Through its Mental Health Initiative, the SA hosts mental health awareness events each term. The events are designed to give students a break and to help encourage discussion of mental health.

Mental Health Week activities

Monday, February 1
• Stigma Stick activity: break your stigma and symbolically break the hold of stigma
• Pro/Con Board
• Free Mac and Cheese Lunch

Tuesday, February 2
• Breakfast at Donald School of Business
• Bracelet making and colouring: Take a break and unwind while creating something
• Free snacks

Wednesday, February 3
• Tea Talk: Relax, have some tea and meet new people
• Yoga
• Games
• Free snacks
• Lantern Night

Thursday, February 4
• Finger painting: Take a break and unwind while creating something
• Speaker event: Frank Warren, sole founder of the PostSecret Project, will share his stories and secrets and listen to ours. This is a ticketed event; tickets are free for RDC students. Limited tickets available.

Friday, February 5
• Free breakfast in the Far Side Bar & Grill

PostSecret Live! at Red Deer College

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“We all carry a secret that would break your heart if you just knew what it was. And if we could remember that, there might be more understanding and peace in the world.” – Frank Warren

Frank Warren is the most trusted stranger in North America. He’s creator of the The PostSecret Project, a place where people share their private hopes, desires and fears. A place where the secrets they could not tell their friends and family would be treated with dignity in a non-judgmental way.

The result is PostSecret – a collection of intimately personal and artistic postcards mailed anonymously from individuals worldwide, sharing personal secrets. The PostSecret website has become a phenomenon earning over 700 million views, the world’s largest advertisement-free blog. The popularity of the project and its impact has earned Warren recognition as one of the top five influential people on the internet by Forbes.

Warren will share some of his extraordinary stories and secrets and listen to ours Thursday, February 4 as he brings PostSecret Live! to Red Deer College Cenovus Learning Common.

This event, presented by the Students’ Association’s Mental Health Initiative, is free of charge for Red Deer College students. Tickets can be picked up at the Students’ Association office. Limited tickets available.

The Details

What: Frank Warren’s PostSecret Live!
When: Thursday, February 4. Doors open at 5 p.m. Event begins at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Red Deer College Cenovus Learning Common
Tickets: Free of charge for RDC students. Available at the Students’ Association office.
Limited tickets are available.

Make multiple plans work together to receive 100 percent coverage

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Do you have health and dental insurance under more than one benefit plan? You can use more than one plan to maximize coverage.  Student plan, parent’s plan, employer plan and spouse’s plan can work together to make sure that you are getting the most out of your coverage.  One plan becomes your primary plan.  It pays your claims first.  Then the second plan pays towards the remaining cost.

If you have health and dental coverage through your student benefit plan, this plan will always pay first before any other plan where the student is covered as a dependent.

IMPORTANT—Make two copies of the original receipt, as you will need to send a copy to the secondary plan, and keep one for yourself.

To submit a claim for yourself:  Submit the claim to your Student Plan first (this is your primary benefit plan).  Next, an unpaid portion can be submitted to your secondary plan.

If you have more than one plan where you are the primary insured (student plan and employer plan), your primary plan will be the one you have had the longest.

Submitting Claims for your spouse:  Submit the claim to your spouse’s plan first (this is their primary benefit plan). The unpaid portion can be submitted to your student plan.

Submitting Claims for a Dependent Child:  Submit the claim to the parent’s plan whose birthday falls first in the year. The unpaid portion can then be submitted to the parent’s plan whose birthday falls second in the year.

Remember:  Include a copy of the Explanation of Benefits statement received from the first claim submission as well as a photocopy of the original submitted receipt when you submit to your secondary plan.

If you have any questions regarding your Health and Dental Benefits contact Karen Krasowski, Room 2010A in the Students’ Association, phone 403-356-4982, email [email protected], website www.mystudentplan.ca

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: KAREN KRASWOSKI, STUDENT BENEFITS COORDINATOR

Safety concerns surround e-cigarettes

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You may be hearing a lot about electronic smoking products (ESPs) lately, which are also called electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or vaping pens.

Because ESPs have not been fully tested for safety, quality and effectiveness, Health Canada warns Canadians not to purchase or use these products. Alberta Health Services supports Health Canada’s position and warnings.

Whether or not you choose to use them, you should know that there are safety issues to think about, especially if you have children.

What’s in the liquid?
There are no standards or labelling requirements for e-cigarettes. This includes no control over the packaging and marketing of these products, which makes it hard to know exactly what’s in the liquid. Common contents include a mix of water and propylene glycol, a man-made product used in antifreeze and theatre fog.

In Canada, it’s illegal to sell ESPs containing nicotine. However, tests of some ESPs labeled as nicotine-free have found nicotine in them. People may buy them from other countries where the regulations are different, and can also choose to add nicotine to the product after they buy them.
Because chemicals in the cartridges can vary, it’s hard to know what e-cigarette users and people nearby are breathing in. Parents and caregivers may have a false sense of security believing these products are nicotine-free or harmless.

The vapour from e-cigarettes is also a potential concern. Many companies that sell ESPs claim that the vapour is just water; however, tests on these products have shown they can contain toxic chemicals which may irritate the lungs and/or make asthma worse. These toxins can also increase the risks of inflammation and constriction in the lungs and airways. More research needs to be done to understand the impact of being exposed to these chemicals over time.

Many of these products contain tempting flavours (such as candy or fruit), which can make kids want to taste them. Health Canada warns that e-cigarettes may cause nicotine poisoning.

Electronic smoking products, even those labeled nicotine free, should be stored and disposed of like poison. Nicotine is poisonous and is easily absorbed if swallowed or spilled on the skin. Even a small amount of e-liquid can be harmful, or even fatal, to a young child.

Health Canada advises that these products and the cartridges be kept out of reach of children. In Alberta, calls about e-cigarettes to poison control centres appear to be rising.

If liquid comes in contact with skin or is swallowed, contact the Poison and Drug Information Service (PADIS) toll-free at 1-800-332-1414 for advice and referral. .

Along with the health hazards of ESPs, fires and explosions have been reported. It’s important not to leave the product unattended while charging, not to charge it while a vehicle is moving, and to use only the charging system approved for the product.

This is the first article in a two-part series. This information is provided by Alberta Health Services.

Five simple habits can help you save money

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Pungent peppermint informs your nose of your mouth’s first sip. Smooth mocha decorates your throat with a fresh coat of cream and cocoa. Whipped cream blankets your upper lip in white. $5.95 leaves your wallet.

Aristotle said that success is a habit, not an action. The small choices we make every day — not the ribbon-cutting ceremonies — determine who we are. We all know that every great pianist practiced their 10,000 hours; that every great athlete shot their 10,000 shots.

But what about that $5.95? What if it takes $10,000 to become a money pro?

Here are 5 habits that save money.

Imagine a scenario with me…

Walks past window.

Sees Star Wars t-shirt. Star Wars t-shirt is answer to romantic problems. T-shirt is $28.

Romance is priceless. Buys Star Wars t-shirt.

You buy the t-shirt ‘cause “why not”. You buy the coffee ‘cause “why not”. Too many “why not” purchases cause a lot of stress and wound your wallet.

Five habit that save you money

1. Start a budget!
When you budget, you are rationally deciding beforehand that it is okay to spend x on that sweater or that coffee. There’s peace of mind to that.

Download an app from the app store (I recommend “Budget Book Pro”) and keep track of your purchases and incomes. After a month of budgeting, you’ll know how much money you’ve spent on what and where you can cut back.

2. Invest.
If you like to spend, then you will love investing. While investing feels like spending, it is actually smart saving. Great investments include GICs or mutual funds (or if you have some financial experience, stocks).
Simply phone your bank and let them know your financial situation and goals. They’re extremely helpful.

3. Get the right credit card for you.
Do you love to travel? Sign up for a credit card that gives you travel points. Do you love free groceries? Get a card that gives you food points.
Remember to always pay your credit bill on time and to never spend on credit what you don’t have in your account RIGHT NOW. You never know if the next paycheque is coming or not.

4. Study hard.
The Students’ Association, RDC and the community contribute generously to scholarships for students. By volunteering, demonstrating leadership, and maintaining a high GPA, you could earn enough scholarships to pay for an entire year of college and residence fees!
Say goodbye to buzzfeed and hello to textbook.

5. Wait 30 days before making a big purchase.
The camera, scuba gear, sunglasses, and Star Wars t-shirt often seem much less necessary after sleeping on it for 30 days. You’ll save a lot of money by practicing patience.

 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: LUKE NEILSON, VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS

Mental Health Week dedicated to creating positive atmosphere

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Students can face a lot of pressure and stress in their academic and personal lives as they try to balance numerous stressors including deadlines, loneliness, tuition costs, exams, anxiety and more.

Current studies indicate the three most common factors affecting academic performance are stress, sleep difficulties and anxiety. The Students’ Association wants to help change that for Red Deer College students so it will be hosting a number of Mental Health related events throughout the coming months.

The upcoming Mental Health Week, a week dedicated to stress reduction and creating a positive atmosphere in which mental health can be explored and enhanced, is the first of these events. Mental Health Week activities will be taking place November 23 to 27.

Mental Health Week is full of diverse activities designed to raise awareness and to give students a break from the hectic end-of-term rush.

Activities include:
• Monday, November 23
– Pledge to Fight Stigma: Sign the pledge and stand up to stigma surrounding mental wellness and mental illness.
– Stick Stigma activity
• Tuesday, November 24
– Tea Talk: Sit, relax, have some tea and make some new friends.
– Craft Table: Take a break and unwind while creating something.
• Wednesday, November 25
– Oxygen Bar & Music in the Forum: Take a deep breath and revitalize with music.
– Free lunch in the Forum: Two words – comfort food.
• Thursday, November 26
– I Respect campaign: What do you respect? Take time to express it.
– Craft Table: Let your creative side free.
• Friday, November 27
– Free continental-style breakfast in the Far Side.        – Masquerade Party: Unmask stigma and celebrate mental health in the Far Side. Admission is $5 at the door  (free with a food bank donation)

The initiative
In 2013-2014, the Students’ Association introduced a Mental Health Initiative aimed at promoting a positive atmosphere at Red Deer College in which mental health can be explored and enhanced. The initiative will bring mental health information to the forefront for students, with the objective of helping the campus community identify the role of mental health in an individual’s well-being.

The initiative is supported by funding from the Alberta Campus Mental Health Initiative Fund (ACMHI).

Giving back – RDC’s All Charities Campaign

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Giving back is an important personal choice and making a positive impact on our communities can happen in many ways.  As a College, RDC values the support we receive from our communities and encourages faculty, staff and students to give back in a way that is meaningful to each individual.

Each year, RDC facilitates an All Charities Campaign through October and November.  The All Charities Campaign recognizes that just as RDC is diverse, so too are the individuals in our communities and the tremendous charities that support our region.

As one of the many ways for the College to contribute to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of our region, the All Charities Campaign provides faculty and staff with another method to give back to the charity of their choice by arranging payroll deductions.

The All Charities Campaign emphasizes that giving is a personal choice and every contribution, big or small, really makes a difference.
Among the charities supported by this Campaign is RDC’s Foundation. With the generous support of people who take leadership roles and give to our College through the Foundation, RDC can support the learning success of you, our students, through scholarships and awards.

As a student, finances are often limited, but by using the skills you already have and sharing those with others, you can find plenty of creative ways to help others. If you are looking for ways to get involved in our communities, considering contacting a charity that is meaningful to you and find out how you can lend a helping hand.

Giving and supporting our communities is part of what makes RDC a great place and as a College we are extremely proud of the contributions our faculty, staff and students make that improve the wellbeing of our region!

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training taking place November 21 and 22

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ASIST, a practical training course for caregivers seeking to prevent the immediate risk of suicide, will be offered to Red Deer College students November 21 and 22.

This training course is being present by the Students’ Association of Red Deer College’s Mental Health Initiative. All sessions are coordinated by a Centre for Suicide Prevention certified trainer.

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) uses many different teaching processes to create a practice-oriented and interactive learning experience. The sessions are mostly small groups of one trainer to no more than 15 participants.

The course is open to Red Deer College students only and is being offered free of charge. There is a $40 deposit to register; deposit will be refunded upon course completion.

Course participants often include:
• people concerned about family, friends
• natural helpers and advisors
• emergency service workers
• counsellors, teachers and ministers,
• mental health practitioners
• workers in health, welfare or justice
• community volunteers.

The 411
Date: November 21 and 22

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days

Location: Red Deer College

Cost: Free ($40 deposit to register. Refundable upon course completion)

Register: Students’ Association office (Room 2010)

Questions: [email protected]

 

Student food bank valuable resource for students

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With winter just around the corner, many students are finding their funds are running low. Students face the continued struggle of making ends meet — often working one or more part-time jobs while being a full-time student. Sometimes even that isn’t enough.

“This can be a tough time of year for students — exams are nearing, deadlines are looming and money can be tight,” said Anne Cooper, SA food bank coordinator. “Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of help to make the picture brighter.”

Students requiring an emergency food hamper should call the Student Funding & Awards Office at 403-342-3254 or drop by the office in Room 1102. Clients are required to be a member of the Students’ Association. Additional services offered by Student Funding & Awards include assistance with budgeting and emergency financial assistance.

Bringing Hope
The Students’ Association Student Food Bank is looking for help Bringing Hope to the Table this fall and winter. From October 13 to November 30, it will be collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations to help spread a little hope this holiday season and into the new year. Items collected during this time will be used to build Student Food Bank hampers in December and beyond.

While every donation is appreciated there are some items which are not of high demand at the SA Student Food Bank. Items like baby formula, baby food and diapers are not as necessary. If those items are required the Red Deer Food Bank can help the Student Food Bank meet those needs.

Donations of unopened, non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the Students’ Association office, in the SA Student Food Bank collection bin (located by the Main Gym) or in the collection boxes located in the Patch or near Student Advising.

The Student Food Bank also accepts cash donations. These cash donations are used to purchase food vouchers, which students can then use to purchase perishable groceries like fresh fruit, vegetable, milk, bread and meat.

Outstanding Support
The SA Student Food Bank has always enjoyed outstanding support from the Red Deer College community — its staff, faculty, students and supporters.

“On behalf of the Students’ Association Student Food Bank, I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the past year,” said Cooper. “We appreciate the support we have received from faculty, departments, student groups/clubs, Red Deer City Food Bank Society, numerous individuals and special events on campus. Every donation — no matter how large or how small — makes a difference.

“The special events held by different groups on campus help out in two ways — not only do they bring in donations, they also help increase awareness of the Student Food Bank.”

The SA food bank is open to questions, comments or suggestions. Drop by and speak with Anne Cooper at the Students’ Association office or email [email protected]