News Archive: Keeping you informed

Introducing our new Chair

Jan 24/24

Larry Nentwig has taken on the role of Trust Chair, while Sym Gill, Bob Romphf, and David Pennycook are all staying on to serve as your Trustees.

See the Trustee bios section for more about your plan Trustees.

Contact Carepath today for chronic disease and elder care support

Jan 2/24

Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging. That’s where Carepath’s chronic disease and elder care support services come in.

See our new Healthcare navigation services page for more information about the services and support available to you and your family.

More benefit improvements are coming January 1, 2024

Nov 29/23

We are pleased to announce seven more improvements to support your health and welfare.

View the Quick Reference Guide to see what’s improved!

Announcements from our annual member meeting

Oct 6/23

It was a pleasure to see many of you at our member meeting in September! If you were unable to attend, or would like a recap of what was discussed, view the meeting presentation slides and Q&A summary.

Your 2022 Member Report is here

May 29/23

View your 2022 Member Report for an overview of the plan’s 2022 financial performance and our member community, along with a summary of the members we’re honouring in memoriam.

Enhanced features for managing your benefits

Feb 15/23

Managing your benefits is now easier than ever before— thanks to the new features available when you log in to mb.bluecross.ca from your computer or mobile device!

View the enhancements feature sheet to see what’s improved!

Benefit improvements starting January 1, 2023

Dec 9/22

We are pleased to announce improvements to your coverage that can help you and your family access important services to get healthy and stay healthy!

View the Quick Reference Guide to see what’s improved!

Important HSA reminders

Do you have money left in your health spending account (HSA)? You can use your 2022 deposit to pay for eligible expenses up to December 31, 2022.

Good news! You will have a grace period to submit any final 2022 HSA claims. The deadline to submit your 2022 claims is March 31, 2023, but the expenses you submit must be for products or services you paid for in 2022.

Make sure to review your account so you can make the most of your money! If you have any questions, contact Manitoba Blue Cross toll-free at 1-888-596-1032.
[Dec 9/22]

LEARN MORE >>

Recorded presentation from the Member meeting

On September 27, 2022, friends and Trustees met for lunch at our 2022 member meeting. You can view a recording of the presentation by logging in to the Member Portal on this website. [Oct 28/22]

Your spring member report is here

Get Trust financial and member community updates; plus, we’re planning for a member meeting in late September, and considering some benefits enhancements later this year. [May 25/22]

LEARN MORE >>

Reminder: Do you have any receipts from 2021 that you can submit to your Healthcare Spending Account (HSA)? The deadline to file claims is March 31.

You may be able to claim expenses that you haven’t considered. Check the sample list of eligible expenses now – and keep in mind that you have another $750 you can spend for 2022. [Mar 9/22]

LEARN MORE >>

Don’t let your 2021 Healthcare Spending Account money expire on December 31!

Get an update on the Trust, and some ideas on what you can use your $750 HSA for – before the end of the year. [Dec 15/21]

LEARN MORE >>

Staying safe: No member meeting in September

To protect the health and wellbeing of all members, we will not hold an in-person member meeting this fall. Although the Covid-19 situation is improving quickly, September may be a bit soon to gather as a group. Hopefully we’ll be able to see each other again soon! Similar to last year, we’ll send you a short Trust update later in the fall, to help keep you informed. [July 12/21]

Alert: Manitoba Blue Cross system will not be available June 30 to July 4.

Find out what that means for you… [June 24/21]

LEARN MORE >>

Benefits enhancements for you

In your spring member report: Learn about a Healthcare Spending Account increase to $750 and new Eye Exam coverage, plus get Trust financial updates, and more. [May 14/21]

LEARN MORE >>

Good news! You have another $500 in your Healthcare Spending Account for 2021

Need some help to know what eligible expenses you can pay for with your HSA? Have a look at the sample list now, and keep in mind you can still submit receipts from last year, but just until March 31. [Feb 19/21]

LEARN MORE >>

Still have money left in your Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) for 2020?

Make sure you use it before December 31! [Nov 24/20]

LEARN MORE >>

A fall update to keep you in the loop

A reminder about your 2020 Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) and how to use it, plus get an update on the Trust’s investment performance and some rotations on the Board of Trustees. [Oct 5/20]

VIEW NOW >>

No September member meeting this year

To protect the health and wellbeing of all members, we will not hold an in-person member meeting this fall. We do hope that we’ll all be able to gather and see each other again soon! In October, we’ll send you a fall Trust update. [Aug 18/20]

5 years already? Where does the time go?

Here’s your new 5th anniversary annual member report! Get financial highlights and learn about your Trust community. [May 19/20]

VIEW NOW >>

Your new member portal is ready

NEW! Have you ever wanted to see your benefits details or update your personal information online? Now you can! Simply register to use the new direct access member portal. [May 19/20]

LEARN MORE >>

Is COVID-19 affecting your Trust?

Despite recent stock market declines, the Trust’s finances remain strong and healthy. Please make every effort to keep yourself healthy, too. [Mar 19/20]

GET MORE INFORMATION & TIPS >>

Getting ready for 2020: Things you need to know – starting January 1

A reminder of the benefits enhancements announced in September, and a couple of new changes – all starting January 1, 2020. We’re listening to your feedback and have now been able to make some additional changes based on what we’ve heard from you over the past year. [Dec 31/19]

VIEW DETAILS NOW >>

Couldn’t make it to the member meeting on Sept. 10?

Almost 100 members and guests attended the luncheon this year! If you missed it, you can choose to watch and listen to a recording of the whole presentation, or just view the slides. [Sep 11/19]

For more detail: Watch and listen now (approx. 1 hour)
OR
For less detail: View slides only (at your pace)

Member meeting is September 10! Please RSVP by August 26.

Please let us know if you’re planning to attend this year. Email us at info@cwbrtrust.ca , or fill out the RSVP card being delivered to you by mail. Lunch is included and you may bring a guest. Just fill out your name and your guest’s name and send in your RSVP as soon as possible. [Aug 21/19]
VIEW DETAILS NOW >>

Good news – enhancements to your benefits! Watch your mailbox at home.

This week you should receive a package in the mail. It includes: an introduction to some benefits plan enhancements; an RSVP card for the upcoming Sept. 10 member meeting; and a new Quick Reference Guide for you to keep your benefits plan details handy. [Aug 21/19]
LEARN MORE NOW >>

Looking back at 2018 – and forward to some good news

Watch your mailbox for your new annual member report! Get financial highlights and learn what’s coming soon. If you don’t receive a report in the mail, please let us know. [May 22/19]
OR VIEW NOW >>

Life insurance premiums increased January 1

Life insurance premiums are paid by the Trust. However, this is a taxable benefit for you, and that means you’ll see a change when it’s time to file your 2019 taxes in 2020. Details have been emailed or mailed to you this week, along with your 2018 T4A. If you have questions, contact AGA Benefit Solutions.
[Jan 25/19]

Planning to travel this fall or winter?

Make sure you have enough emergency healthcare coverage! Members can get 10% off with Manitoba Blue Cross.
[Nov 8/18]
LEARN MORE >>

Missed the member meeting on September 6? You can watch a recording now.

About 85 members and guests joined us for lunch and a great meeting full of good information. You can watch and listen to a recording of the presentation. [Sept 17/18]
WATCH NOW >>

Have a look at member photos!

We snapped a few photos at the meeting. [Sept 17/18]
VIEW PHOTOS >>

Reminder: Member meeting is Thursday, September 6

If you've RSVP’d and are planning to attend the upcoming member meeting in person, we look forward to seeing you at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park (Ambassador Banquet Room 3). If you have to cancel, send a note to info@cwbrtrust.ca. [Aug 30/18]
GET DIRECTIONS >>

Member meeting webinar on Sept. 6 – call-in time updated to 12:30 CT

If you’re planning to call in, or join the webinar online, the presentation will begin at 12:30 p.m. CT. The RSVP indicates 11:30 a.m., but that is the start time for the in-person meeting, to allow time for lunch before the presentation.

Haven’t RSVP’d? You can still join in by phone or online! Get the phone number and webinar registration information now. [August 27/18]
LEARN MORE >>

Member survey – Now until Monday, July 30 only

You’re invited! If you haven’t already completed the survey, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts – we really want to know! [July 10/18]
TAKE THE SURVEY HERE >>

Mark your summer calendar!

Watch for a member survey in July, then plan for our member meeting on Sept. 6. [June 22/18]
LEARN MORE >>

Spring’s a good time for keeping up-to-date

Watch your mailbox for the new annual member report – now in the Spring! Get financial highlights and learn what’s coming soon. If you don’t receive one in the mail, please let us know. [May 29/18]
OR VIEW NOW >>

hange of roles for Trustees this year

David Pennycook has taken on the role of Trust Chair, while Bob Romphf, Larry Nentwig and Sym Gill are all staying on to serve as your Trustees.
[Apr 25/18] READ TRUSTEE BIOS >>

Your annual member report is available!

If you didn’t receive one in the mail, please let us know. [Nov 1/17] VIEW NOW >>

Keeping your trust: Working together to protect your benefits

Member presentation from CWBAA luncheon on Oct. 5 is now available.
[Oct 27/17] VIEW NOW >>

Going to the CWB Retirees Association luncheon on October 5?

The Trustees will be there to share news and a financial report on the Trust. The presentation will be available here soon afterward. [Oct 1/17]

Your Trustees are protecting your best interests

After recent concerns that the Federal Government might consider making employer contributions to health and dental benefits something that employers and pensioners would have to pay tax on, the Trustees wrote a compelling letter to the Health Minister. The good news? The government has now confirmed this tax is no longer being considered. Read both letters…[Mar 24/17]
LETTER TO THE MINISTER >>
RESPONSE TO CWBR TRUST >>

Happy New Year! Did you get your DRUG CARD in the mail?

A reminder to use your new drug card the next time you go to the pharmacy. If you haven’t received your card in the mail, please call Manitoba Blue Cross at 1-204-775-0151 or sign in to www.mb.bluecross.ca> My Account> Request ID card to print a copy or order a new card. VIEW LETTER… [Jan 11/17]

Great news! We’re getting DRUG CARDS

Starting January 1, 2017, filing prescription drug claims will get easier. Watch your mailbox at home – your new card and instructions should arrive just before the holidays. [Dec 1/16]

Missed the CWBAA luncheon on Sept 15?

Here’s the presentation made by your Trustees. [Sept 23/16] Read more »

Your first annual member report is available now

You should have received your copy in the mail in early September. Here’s a copy for reference. [Sept 14/16] Read more »

Your lower life insurance rates = a bigger tax break

The amount of your taxable benefit will be less in 2016 and beyond. Watch your mail or email for your personal details. Read more »

mybluecross®—Take a tour and register for online access now

Did you know you can submit and track claims, view all your benefits plan details and more, all online?
Read more »

mybluecross®—Missed the info session? Watch this video!

Learn more about the Trust, your Trustees, and where to go for information and to ask questions. Watch video »