Finally, we are pleased to have a framework for a new agreement in place starting July, 2024 and the financial basis for this agreement arises from our strong financial position, healthy reserves and our accumulated surplus.

This information was emailed to Chapter Presidents earlier and sent to all members earlier. The highlights of the new, one year agreement are as follows:

• To extend the current Agreement with Saskatchewan Blue Cross to June 30, 2025, keeping premiums charged to members unchanged for all aspects of the Plan.

• To utilize accumulated surpluses and/or reserves to cover expected shortfalls in the coming year resulting from keeping premiums unchanged.

• To approve the negotiated reduction of Saskatchewan Blue Cross administrative fees of 0.25%.

• To authorize the following ongoing and sustainable enhancements to be made to the Plan effective July 1, 2024:

— Increase the Prescription Drug maximum benefit from $2,250 to $2,500 per person per calendar year.

— Create a new Vaccine Benefit with a $500 annual maximum (at 80% coinsurance).

— Create a new paramedical practitioner benefit with a $500 annual maximum (at 80% coinsurance) for Registered Nurse Foot Care Outside the Home.

— Add Psychotherapist to the Psychology/Social Worker/Counsellor practitioner benefit with a $500 combined annual maximum.

— Add Myofascial Release Treatment within the Massage Therapy practitioner at $500 annual maximum

— Enhance flexibility within the Hearing Aid benefit by increasing from $1,000 every 3 years to $2,000 every 6 years

• To monitor the financial status of the Plan over the next year with a mind to consider the initiation of another Health Spending Account as early as January 1, 2025.