Appealing OPS Denied Benefit Claims
If you work in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and are represented by OPSEU, then you can appeal the denial of an insured benefit through the Joint Insurance Benefits Review Committee (JIBRC).
The JIBRC is comprised of OPSEU representatives and Employer representatives from Management Board Secretariat. The OPSEU member representatives are:
- For Corrections: Paula Van Dusen, Peter Figliola
- For Unified: Chris Eckert, Jamie Tynan-Byrd-Owen
- For the board: Kenneth Steinbrunner
The JIBRC will review the claim problems and attempt to resolve the appeal. OPSEU takes an active role in the Committee meetings as your advocate. All information submitted to the JIBRC is confidential. Meetings are usually held monthly.
If the appeal cannot be resolved at the Committee level, the appeal can be referred to the Claims Review Subcommittee and will be heard before designated arbitrators.
How do I commence an appeal to the Joint Insurance Benefits Review Committee?
- Discuss your complaint with your employer, the union and the insurance carrier when you become aware of the denial of benefits by the insurance carrier. Sometimes, submitting additional information directly to the insurance carrier may resolve the problem.
- If the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved, you can appeal in writing to the Joint Insurance Benefits Review Committee by mailing or faxing the written documentation about what you wish to appeal, copies of any denials from the insurance carrier and your contact information to:
Joint Insurance Benefit Review Committee – OPS
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
5757 Coopers Avenue
Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1R9
Telephone: (416) 443-8888 ext. 3560
Toll Free: 1-800-268-7376 ext. 3560
Fax: (905) 712-3009
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
What insured benefits can I appeal?
- Supplementary Health and Hospital Insurance
- Dental
- Long Term Income Protection (LTIP)
- Group Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplementary and Dependent Life Insurance)
- Any other benefits that may be added to the Group Insurance Plan
Why would I want to appeal an Insured Benefit claim that had been denied?
- Your claim may have been improperly denied.
- Claims that are denied today may highlight important bargaining demands for tomorrow.