Queen’s has been working closely with the university’s benefits consultant and an external firm that specializes in procurement law to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an employee benefits provider. The RFP is now open to bidders for a six-week period.

In late 2016, the university asked all benefit-eligible employees for feedback on their employee benefits as part of the plan review process, including on potential areas for improvement. Throughout 2018, the university worked with the Multi-Employee Group Employee Benefits Committee (MEGEBC) to explore possible changes to the design of the current benefit plan. The MEGEBC was comprised of participants from university employee groups.

The university, with the support of the MEGEBC, identified some meaningful changes to the current benefit plan design that are responsive to a number of suggested areas for feedback. Some highlights include introducing a pay-direct drug card, introducing coverage for services of a registered psychologist, and an increase to vision coverage.

“The improvements to the Employee Benefit Plan will support the physical and mental health of employees and their families moving forward,” says Donna Janiec, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration).

The RFP was publicly posted on March 14 and will be open to bidders for a six-week period. Bid evaluation will follow including interviews with the top proponents. It is expected that the evaluation period will take a further six weeks. Once the successful proponent has been identified, an implementation timeline will be developed, including when and how the plan design changes will be added to existing coverage.

Find out more about the employee benefits review on the HR website. Employees can also send questions about the project to benefits.project@queensu.ca.