OKARTA Zoomed: Meeting Notes
Thanks to all who participated in our first ZOOM meeting. There will be more!
Here is a summary of the proceedings.
ZOOM Meeting: Tuesday Jan 19, 2021 (10am-12)
1. Welcome and Zoom Etiquette
– Few problems were experienced
– Future meetings will be recorded to be viewed at any time
2. Introductions
– Great to see and hear a short teaching bio from everyone
– Names on each zoom screen help to meet/remember each other
3. New & Additional Business
a. Easy access important websites:
OKARTA: artabranches.net/okarta …..for pertinent information from our meetings and more
ARTA: http://www.arta.net…..learn to navigate this comprehensive website
Register for the ARTA Benefit Plan: http://www.myarta.net
ARTA Benefit Plan: https://www.arta.net/member-services/ …..for general info and to make claims
– Self-Administration
– Retiree Benefits
– Forms & Documents
– Premiums
– Know Your Cards
ARTAfacts: https://www.arta.net/?s=ARTAfacts ….ARTA’s Monthly Newsletter
b. Membership update by Treasurer Carl McColl
– We have over 100 names on our contact list
– At present 51 paid members
– No fees are being collected at this time. In future, Branch fees may be covered by an ARTA Grant
– “Who’s who in the Okanagan” Sharing your name requires your permission. You will receive an email with a request for your approval in the near future.
c. BC Recovery Benefit Plan
https: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/recovery-benefit
Apply now for the BC Recovery Benefit, a one-time, tax-free deposit into your bank account of up to $1,000 for eligible families and single parents and up to $500 for eligible individuals. You have until June 30, 2021 to apply.
This website has all the necessary information for eligibility and application.
* Discussion arose regarding the donation of this benefit to a charity of your choice……both a generous act and a tax deduction.
A separate News item will include a list of charities suggested by our members.
d. Our Pension – The Alberta government has legislated the hand over of control of our pension from ATRF to AIMCo. We encourage everyone to send a letter of objection to an Alberta MLA and/or other government official.
Go to handsoffmypension.ca for information and a way to do your part.
List of Alberta MLA’s:
https: www.assembly.ab.ca/members/members-of-the-legislative-assembly
e. ARTA Benefit Plan Rollover
– On January 1, 2021, ARTA took over the administration of our Benefit Plan
– The new plan is now partnered with Green Shield Canada (Blue Cross is no more)
– Before using, we must REGISTER for the plan at myarta.net
– your previous ARTA Membership number and Benefit ID number are required
– Download your own card from this site
– Make all claims online (as far back as Jan 2020)
– doing so regularly helps to remember the process
– Contact your pharmacist/therapist/dentist etc. ahead of time to assure all is in order when needed
– Garry Hoffart, a former ARTA Benefit Plan Committee Chair and new Okanagan resident was present at our meeting.
Many questions were asked of him……the answers will be in a followup email.
We hope this information has been helpful. Any questions? Ideas for our next meeting?
Stay tuned, more information is on the way!
Cheerios,
Marilyn & Fred
