Applying for specialty drug coverage – what you need to know
If your doctor prescribes a specialty drug, you may need approval, or “prior authorization”, before the ONE-T Benefits Plan will reimburse the cost.
May 14, 2026
Principals/Vice-Principals (P/VP)
Learning Centre
Positive plan changes
It is the duty of the ONE-T Trustees to put members first, which includes continuously monitoring your benefits plan to ensure it remains affordable and sustainable. Over the past two years the Trust has conducted a number of surveys to help us better understand your benefits needs. Time has also been spent on cost and benefits benchmarking to gain knowledge about similar plans, the benefits and coverage levels they provide, as well as the costs to operate them.
The Trust is always looking to improve your benefits when financially viable and aligned with provincial agreements. Your survey feedback has been reviewed, projected financials have been assessed, and discussions with P/VP representatives have taken place. Now here’s some exciting news…
The most recent plan valuation, when combined with the negotiated funding in the September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2023 P/VP Provincial Terms and Conditions, allow the Trust to restore some benefits that had previously been scaled back in the Fall of 2020 and to provide members with access to new mental health services benefits.
Starting June 1, 2022, for some benefit restorations and improvements and subsequently on September 1, 2022 for others, several plan changes will come into effect:
| Category | As of June 1, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Paramedical services: | All paramedical services (except physiotherapy) are currently combined under the same maximum of $1,200 per benefit year. As of June 1st, mental health services will be divided into a new paramedical services maximum and the maximum for other paramedical services will be increased as noted below |
| 1. Mental Health Services: Psychologist/Social worker/ Marriage & Family therapist/ Psychotherapist | New! Separate $1,300 per benefit year for eligible mental health services |
2. Other paramedical services (combined)
| Increase to combined maximum of $1,300 per benefit year for all other paramedical practitioners (from $1,200) |
| 3. Physiotherapist/ Athletic therapist and Occupational therapist (combined) | Increase to $1,300 per benefit year (from $1,200) |
Note: 90% reimbursement remains applicable for all paramedical services
| Category | As of September 1, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | $8 maximum dispensing fee per prescription (increased from $6) For maintenance medications where the frequency of dispensing is more predicable and manageable, the dispensing fee frequency will be limited to five per year (from 12 per year). |
| Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) | $450 annual HCSA credits (increased from $300). |
Remember, your Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) is a valuable benefit that provides additional flexibility when managing your unique health care needs. The increase to your HCSA credit allocation allows you to add more coverage for eligible health-related expenses – for you and your dependents – wherever you need it most.
To stay informed and actively involved in your benefits, please read all communications that come your way. If you have further questions, the ONE-T website also features a wide range of plan resources – and you can always reach out to ONE-T or the plan service providers listed below:
For claims-related inquiries:
Contact Canada Life (our insurer)
1-866-800-8086 or GroupNet for Plan Members
For eligibility and enrollment inquiries: Contact Cowan (our administrator)
1-888-330-4010 or one-t@cowangroup.ca
For general questions about the Plan or Trust: info@one-t.ca
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More Resources
2026 Plan Member Survey
In January, we asked you to share your thoughts about the ONE-T Benefits Plan. Thank you to everyone who participated! Your feedback helps us understand what’s working and how we can strive to improve.
April 22, 2026
Annual Plan Member Update 2025
Each year, we publish an Annual Member Update to share important highlights about the ONE-T Benefits Plan.
February 18, 2026
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