Mental Health Supports within our NSTU Group Insurance Plan
PSAANS has been looking into digital support services for member mental health and wellness. This led us to investigate what was being offered by our own insurance provider through the NSTU Group Insurance Trustees. Through our exploration we discovered that there are multiple services that we have access to as part of our benefits plan, including new digital services.
Because each plan has unique features it is best to investigate the details of each one to see if it is an appropriate support for your current needs or for general information.
https://nstuinsurance.ca/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-MAP-booklet-Jan-23-2020.pdf?x59436
IN ADDITION THE NSTU GROUP INSURANCE TRUSTEES HAVE PROVIDED AN UPDATE REGARDING SERVICES DURING THE COVID-19 CLOSURE. SEE THE ATTACHMENTS BELOW OR FOLLOW THE LINK:
NEW - CAREpath - Your Wellness Partner
https://www.carepath.ca/clients/ and https://www.carepath.ca/clients/your-wellness-partner/ and https://nstuinsurance.ca/members/active/your-wellness-partner/
Mental health issues affect the health and well-being of 1 in 4 people, regardless of age, gender, or background. In Canada, workplace mental health issues are associated with an enormous degree of disability with significant emotional and financial burden to both members and employers. Research is showing there is a two-way connection:
- Stress and conflict in the workplace can contribute to mental health issues.
- Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or panic disorders, among others, can make it difficult for persons to perform their job, affecting concentration, decision-making, and communication with others.
This solution can help reduce the emotional and physical impact of such mental health concerns and provide a sounding board to treatment options and medical best practices.
Total Care - Medical
https://nstuinsurance.ca/members/active/total-care-medical/
Within the Extended Health Benefits of our General - Total Care Medical Insurance Plan - There is access to -
Extended Health Benefits - Medavie Blue Cross
This section of the plan includes 80% reimbursement for such items as the following (benefit maximums may apply):
Physiotherapy;
Practitioners services. (Acupuncturist, Chiropodist, Massage, Naturopath, Osteopath,Podiatrist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Speech Therapist)
Resilience
https://nstuinsurance.ca/members/active/resilience/
Resilience® is an Employee and Family Assistance Program for active NSTU members who have a permanent, probationary or term contract. Through Resilience® you can reach a team of experienced counsellors from Homewood Health who will listen to the issue, offer sound advice and help you create an action plan to address issues.
A copy of the Self-Care Starter Kits can be found here - https://nstuinsurance.ca/wp-content/uploads/HH_NSTU_SELF-CARE-KIT_EN_1119.pdf?x56993
More details on the online services and to register for the program can be found here - https://www.homewoodhumansolutions.com/MSA/Manulife/MyResilience
Early Intervention Program (EIP)
(Suspended during COVID-19 closure)
https://nstuinsurance.ca/members/active/early-intervention-program-eip/
The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a program for all NSTU/PSAANS members who are working or on paid sick leave and are experiencing illness or injury. The intent of the program is to provide encouragement, support and opportunity for active participation to facilitate early return to health and work or early application to disability benefits.
Participation in the program is voluntary and confidentiality is assured. NSTU/PSAANS members are encouraged to contact the EIP directly if they feel assistance is required or if they are at risk of disability.
Intervention may include telephone contact, assistance with coordinating health services (for example, physician, therapist, counsellor, chiropractor) or facilitation of a return to work plan. In the event a member is unable to return to work, he or she will be guided through the process of early application to disability benefits. Intervention services are provided by registered occupational therapists Leticia Richer and Maya Fallows.
More specifics and FAQ’s can be found here - https://nstuinsurance.ca/wp-content/uploads/eip-brochure-2011-eng.pdf?x56993
NSTU Counselling Services - Directly through NSTU
(new appointments suspended during COVID-19 closure)
Counselling sessions are made by appointment only. Appointments are available at a mutually acceptable time and place throughout all regions of the province. To arrange an appointment, please call Counselling Services between 8:30 am and 4:30 p.m. at the NSTU Central Office, 1-902-477-5621, or 1-800-565-6788 (toll free). NSTU provides these services to members at no additional charge.
https://nstuinsurance.ca/members/active/counselling-services/