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3sHealth provides province-wide shared services to support a high performing,sustainable, patient and family centred health system in Saskatchewan.

for Patients & FamiliesWorking Together...

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3sHealth provides province-wide shared services to support a high performing,sustainable, patient and family centred health system in Saskatchewan.

for Patients & FamiliesWorking Together...

better

Those who were members of 3sHealth’s Retiree Benefit Plan on April 1, 2013 received rebate cheques in May, 2013. The refund was a result of contract negotiations with Group Medical Services (GMS) that adjusts the premium rate to reflect the actual claims experienced by plan members, compared to estimated claims costs. How was this accomplished?Rates are adjusted annually based on the group’s claims experience. Normally, the claims experience for an insured group is determined by comparing the premiums paid by the group against the claims incurred, plus any expenses. Each year GMS, the plan underwriter, establishes a trend factor based on industry

expectations and the claims experience. Last year 3sHealth observed that the established trend was in excess of the plan’s needs. As a result, 3sHealth negotiated a contract with GMS that would provide a refund if GMS overestimated what the claims cost would be on a go forward basis. In addition to the refund, the health premium rate for the period June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014 will decrease by 13.4% and the dental premium rate will decrease by 2.4%. The refund cheque and the rate reduction are a result of the due diligence the 3sHealth Employee Benefits Program provides in overseeing costs for its plan members “It is not often that you can

provide your customers a rate decrease AND a refund,” says Bud Anderson, Director of Employee Benefits for 3sHealth. “It is particularly satisfying to know that we have been able to provide this to members of our Retiree Program, who for the most part, are living on a fixed income.” The 3sHealth Retiree Plan is underwritten by Group Medical Services (GMS) and is available to retirees of participating employers. Those interested in participating in the plan must apply within 90 days of retirement from active work. There may be additional requirements.

Rebates and Rate Decreases for Retirees

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

“It is not often that you can provide your customers a rate decrease AND a refund,” Bud Anderson, Director, 3sHealth Employee Benefits

Retiree Benefit Plans 2012 2013

Members in the Health Plan 1921* (+17.5%**) 2,329* (+18%**)

Members in the Dental Plan 1754* (+17.0**) 2,016* (+18%**)

Premiums paid $4,038,235 $4,220,219

Claims paid $3,320,441 $3,790,088

3sHealth Retiree Benefits Program - By the Numbers:

* Number of plan members at the end of the calendar year** Percentage of membership increase from the beginning to the end of the calendar year