Hour Bank
Construction companies have been, and will remain, the backbone of our business. The Hour Bank plan is a unique benefit program that helps support construction companies in an innovative way.
Another rumour I have heard is that OpenCircle pockets the money from any hours that are reported above our program maximum. This is simply not true.
The hours above our maximum are reinvested back into our plan to make it less expensive for Members and to increase the long-term sustainability of the plan. Major insurers cannot administer an hour bank plan - eligibility must be constantly administered, and we are proud to offer this service and ensure your privacy in ways that large insurers simply cannot.
Benefit Premiums
As a non-profit organization, we keep long-term benefits costs lower by passing along all value earned to our Members, and we continue to subsidize rates to keep your costs lower and predictable.
Claims Processing
In recent months, we know our benefits program has not met the high level of service you have come to expect, with many Members experiencing claim delays. While we take responsibility for this, please know that we are working with our provider as they struggle with service levels and times.
I share your disappointment and concern and apologize for this. We assure you we are working closely with all our providers to ensure we once again exceed our service standards.
Staying Competitive
Through the strength of our 50,000 employees in benefit, OpenCircle can subsidize rates to help keep your costs down. We did this in 2021 and 2022, when we experienced inflationary pressures and increased benefit plan utilization. We are proud to be able to offer this advantage to you as we understand the pressures of your business in a challenging economy.
I would also like to share that some of our competitors are promising prices and services that are simply not possible. Some competitors who have recently entered Alberta are using rates based on claims experience in other provinces, and those are not applicable to our industry. Our long-standing claims experience allows us to smooth out the impacts on our benefit plans.
Please contact me if you receive an offer that seems too good to be true - it might be, and I am happy to discuss it with you openly and honestly.
Staying Connected
While we embark on this journey of improvement, I am committed to opening the lines of communication to ensure your voice is heard every step of the way.
I have initiated an outreach program to connect with business leaders and hear from you what we’re doing well and where we need to improve. With so many Members, it is impossible to connect with everyone in a short period of time, but if you would like to chat, please reach out to me at anytime and my office will be more than happy to set up a quick conversation.
Email: lporfon@opencircle.ca
Phone: 780-455-5999, extension 184
We are also planning Member connect events in the coming weeks where we want to hear directly from you. Please keep an eye out for more information in our newsletters. I also want to hear about what you think about the contents of this update and ask that you fill out the form linked at the bottom of this letter.
OpenCircle appreciates our Members
Our Members are at the core of what we do. I want to express my sincere gratitude for your continued partnership and trust in OpenCircle. Your feedback, insights, and commitment have been instrumental in shaping our journey thus far.
We will continue to offer exceptional and innovative solutions to Member companies that are cost-effective, simple, accessible, and tailor-made for hourly, seasonal, and salaried workers.
As a non-profit organization with over 35 years of trusted experience, OpenCircle proudly serves and represents construction industries in Alberta and across Canada. The construction industry is the backbone of our organization, and we are strongly committed to our roots.
Thank you for your trust. I look forward to the journey ahead.
Line Porfon, MAIS
Chief Executive Officer
OpenCircle Membership Services and Workforce Development Association &
OpenCircle Benefit Services
LPorfon@OpenCircle.ca
780-455-5999, extension 184
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