Monthly Archives: October 2020

Updates From The STS

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  1. STS Office Opening 

The STS Office has opened by appointment only as of October 13, 2020. In order to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff, we ask that you:

  • call (306) 373-3879 to schedule an appointment
  • wear a mask as you enter the building at 2311 Arlington Avenue
  • read and follow the signage in the building
  • use the available hand sanitizer upon entering the office
  • wait in the hall if staff is seeing another member
  • not enter the office if you are feeling unwell

  1. Audited Financial Statements

 

Typically copies of the audited financial statements for both the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan and the STS Extended Health Fund are distributed at the fall Presidents Meeting.  Given the COVID-19 situation and the inability to gather for a Presidents Meeting, you will find the two sets of Audited Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2020 attached to this email.  Some summary comments about the statements are found below.  If you have further questions regarding these statements, or would like a hard copy of the statements mailed to you, please contact the office.

                STS Operating and Contingency Funds

  • The auditing firm Deloitte provided a clean audit with no concerns expressed
  • The Operating Fund is in a strong financial position and had 2019-20 revenues exceeding expenses by $410,137 largely due to the impacts of COVID-19, such as:
    • Postponement of 2020 AGM
    • Reduced Executive expenses due to electronic meetings
    • Reduced office expenses due to delays in technology enhancements
    • Reduced Outreach expenses due to cancelled issues
  • STS Policy Handbook Guideline 9 provides guidance regarding the allocation of this surplus to the Reserve Funds

 

                STS Extended Health Fund

  • The auditing firm Deloitte provided a clean audit with no concerns expressed
  • The Extended Health Fund is in a strong financial position and had 2019-20 revenues exceeding expenses by approximately $4.2M largely due to the impacts of COVID-19, such as:
    • Reduced claims for paramedical services
    • Reduced claims for regularly scheduled dental visits
    • Changed patterns of accessing benefits
  • This completes the second year of what is now a four-year agreement with Blue Cross extending to June 30, 2022

  1. Chapter Rebates

Chapter rebate cheques and membership lists will be mailed to Chapter Treasurers in the next week.

 

  1. STS Extended Health Plan Travel Benefits

 

Many questions are being asked regarding Extended Health Plan Travel Benefits.  Travel benefits have not specifically changed with the COVID-19 situation.  However, please be reminded if you contract COVID-19 or experience any kind of illness or injury prior to leaving on your trip for which symptoms occur and/or require medical investigation, diagnosis, treatment or hospitalization within three months immediately preceding your departure date, it will likely be considered a pre-existing condition and medical coverage will not occur.  Travelers are also recommended to be aware of, and follow, Government of Canada Travel Advisories.  See the Blue Cross website for more information

https://www.sk.bluecross.ca/covid-19-information.

 

Please Note: If you have further questions or concerns please use the sts@sts.sk.ca email. Do not reply to this email.