Health and Wellness Program

Members do not need to be off work or on disability benefits to participate in the program. A referral to the program can be made on the basis that a member is struggling with a health issue that could result in disability if it is not addressed.

A member may use the online referral form or call the BCTF directly (604-871-2283 or toll-free 1-800-663-9163) and ask to speak with someone from the BCTF Health and Wellness Program to self-refer. A member may also be referred by the employer or Local President if there have been absences that would suggest the member might need some rehabilitation support to maintain their assignment successfully. Referrals are also generated by the Salary Indemnity Plan, short-term or long-term, if medical reports indicate that recovery/return-to-work could be enhanced through rehabilitation assistance.

There is no cost to the member for the rehabilitation consultant meetings that are undertaken for the benefit of the member. All costs associated with the involvement of the rehabilitation consultant are covered by the program. There may be costs for additional services that the rehabilitation consultant recommends, but some costs may be offset by the BCTF Health and Wellness Program and the member's extended health benefits. For example, if a physician recommends that physiotherapy would assist in a member’s recovery, and extended health benefits through the employer have been exhausted, the BCTF Health and Wellness Program is able to cost-share the sessions while the member is involved with the Health and Wellness Program.

You and your rehabilitation consultant will develop an individual rehabilitation plan in conjunction with your medical practitioners. It may include various therapies and services, as well as workplace accommodations that will enhance your medical recovery, quality of life, and/or return-to-work experience. Involvement is not limited to a set time frame, but it is based on the individual rehabilitation goals that are set. For example, if the rehabilitation goal is to assist you with returning to work after knee surgery, the rehabilitation plan may involve cost-sharing of physiotherapy, a work-site assessment, a gradual work re-entry, and discussions with your employer to supply workplace modifications such as a sit/stand stool.

Members participating in the BCTF Health and Wellness Program can apply for financial assistance to pay for treatments included in their wellness plan.

To apply for financial assistance, you must be participating in the Health and Wellness Program.

• Health and Wellness Program Application for financial assistance

Include the following information with your application form:

• Record of teaching service
• Amount requested
• Income
• Expenses
• Creditors
• Assets
• Financial Status
• References

Submit scanned copies of your application and necessary documents to benefits@bctf.ca

If you have further questions, please contact our office by email at benefits@bctf.ca or toll free: 1-800-663-9163, local 1921

A member may use the online referral form or call the BCTF directly (604-871-2283 or toll-free 1-800-663-9163) and ask to speak with someone from the BCTF Health and Wellness Program to self-refer. A member may also be referred by the employer or Local President if there have been absences that would suggest the member might need some rehabilitation support to maintain their assignment successfully. Referrals are also generated by the Salary Indemnity Plan, short-term or long-term, if medical reports indicate that recovery/return-to-work could be enhanced through rehabilitation assistance.

No, participation in the program is completely voluntary. Even if you initially choose to participate in the program, you may opt out of the rehabilitation process at any time.

If I decide to opt out of the BCTF Health and Wellness Program and I am receiving short-term or long-term disability benefits, will it jeopardize my benefits? No, the program is entirely voluntary. Your disability benefits will not be affected by your choice not to participate. However, you may miss out on supports that likely would have enhanced your recovery or your return-to-work experience.

You will then be referred to a community-based rehabilitation consultant, who will call you at home, generally within a few days, to set up an in-person meeting to tell you more about the services available to you through the BCTF Health and Wellness Program.

One-to-one meetings with the rehabilitation consultant take place in the member’s own home, or another location that is mutually agreed upon. If other services, such as physiotherapy, or psychological counseling are part of the rehabilitation plan, they will take place in the member’s own community or as close as possible.

You and your rehabilitation consultant will develop an individual rehabilitation plan in conjunction with your medical practitioners. It may include various therapies and services, as well as workplace accommodations that will enhance your medical recovery, quality of life, and/or return-to-work experience. Involvement is not limited to a set time frame, but it is based on the individual rehabilitation goals that are set. For example, if the rehabilitation goal is to assist you with returning to work after knee surgery, the rehabilitation plan may involve cost-sharing of physiotherapy, a work-site assessment, a gradual work re-entry, and discussions with your employer to supply workplace modifications such as a sit/stand stool. Once your return-to-work plan is completed and is durable, your case is closed.