GreenShield transition

Yes. The Entente Plus Group Insurance Program is still owned by RTOERO.

We are changing administrators to make sure our insurance program is managed as efficiently as possible, while enhancing member service and long-term sustainability.

In 2025, we undertook a request for proposals for the services of plan administrator for Entente Plus Group Insurance Program. We received detailed proposals from five companies – including our current administrator. These proposals were thoroughly reviewed, and we had meetings with each of the companies. Following our robust review process, the board and Benefits Committee selected GreenShield as the new administrator, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

GreenShield becomes the administrator on Jan. 1, 2026.

The administrator is responsible for managing claims and enrollments. They also provide the tools and support that keep the plan running smoothly for our insured members.

The renaming and the insurance administrator change are separate initiatives. Both reflect our commitment to strengthening the organization for the future — our new name better reflects who we are today, and the new administrator will enhance service and long-term sustainability for our insurance program.

GreenShield was selected for its ability to provide:

• Enhanced bilingual service with extended hours (8:30 am to 8:30 pm ET)
• A user-friendly, customized online claims portal and app
• Digital benefits card
• In-depth data and analytics to help manage the plan and member needs
• Efficiency and long-term sustainability

Members will see improved service and easier ways to manage their coverage, including:

• Extended bilingual support hours (8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET)
• A modern online portal and mobile app tailored to Entente Plus
• A digital benefits card
• Simpler and quicker claim reimbursements
• Enhanced tools and data to help us anticipate member needs and keep the plan sustainable long term

Your coverage itself is not changing — what’s new is the added convenience, support and service.

We will have a new claims portal. You will be invited to set up your portal access in mid-December. We’ll provide guidance to help you get started and understand how to use the portal.

No. You don’t need to rush your claims. Normally, claims must be received within six months of the date the expense was incurred. As we transition to a new plan administrator, we are providing extra flexibility:

Any claims for expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2025 can be submitted up to July 1, 2026.

Claims made before Dec. 31, 2025, will be processed by belairdirect. Any claims outstanding at belairdirect on Dec. 31 will be securely transferred to GreenShield.

If you would like a copy of your claims history, you should download it from belairdirect’s MyInsurance portal before the end of 2025. The portal will not be available in 2026.

You can continue mailing claims as you do now until Dec. 12. As of Dec. 13, hold your claims to submit in January.

In December, you’ll receive the new mailing address to use starting Jan. 1. For this transition period only, the six-month submission requirement is being relaxed. Any claims for expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2025 can be submitted up until July 1, 2026. This means you’ll have extra time to send in your 2025 claims while transitioning to the new administrator.

No, banking information on file with belairdirect will not be transferred as part of the change in administrators. If you pay premiums by bank deduction, our team will send a secure pre-authorized debit form to complete.

Members who pay premiums from their Ontario Teachers’ Pension will receive a pre-authorized debit form to set up their banking information to receive claims reimbursements.

You will need to provide the information on your new benefits card to your providers who submit claims on your behalf. That could be done at your next appointment with the provider or visit to the pharmacy after you receive your benefits card information in mid-December.

You can update your insurance information at your next appointment with the provider or visit to the pharmacy after you receive your benefits card information in December.

You will receive communication in mid-December that includes your benefits card information and instructions for accessing the portal.

A new drug prior authorization will not be required. This information will transfer from Belairdirect to the new administrator.

Your claim will be processed by the new administrator. Eligibility for these claims will not be impacted.

Yes, GreenShield will receive your recent claims history, so estimates and approvals will be accurate.

Yes – and more. You’ll continue to have the same comprehensive coverage, plus enhanced service in English and French, extended hours (8:30 am to 8:30 pm ET), and a new, user-friendly claims portal and app.

Entente Plus Assistance with GreenShield is available as of Jan. 2, 2026, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. They can be reached through our main line 1-800-361-9888 and by email at assistance@ententeplus.ca.

As always, our team is equipped to assist you with most insurance questions.

You’ll receive your 2025 Statement of Medical Expenses by mail.

Yes. The Entente Plus Group Insurance Program is still owned by RTOERO.

Your coverage stays the same. What’s new is improved support through GreenShield’s modern tools – including an easy-to-use online portal, digital benefits card and mobile app – and extended service hours in English and French.

Yes, individual plans will continue to be offered through belairdirect. If you already have a plan with belairdirect, nothing changes for you.

We are producing a new insurance plan booklet that will be available online in December. Members who don’t have an email address on file will receive a printed copy in early 2026.

If you pay premiums by bank deduction, you’ll receive a pre-authorized debit agreement to complete. Other than that, there is no action to take. Between October and January, we’ll provide clear instructions, step-by-step resources and FAQs to guide you in accessing the new Entente Plus coverage and claims portal. Our team will support you every step of the way.

Yes. We’ll transfer your information using secure APIs (application programming interfaces). APIs act as a bridge between two systems, ensuring data moves safely and accurately. All transfers are encrypted and meet strict privacy and security standards — protecting your information is a top priority.

There is a 2% increase in premiums for 2026, which is tied to inflation.

No, the increase would have happened regardless of the change in service provider.

No, banking information on file with belairdirect will not be transferred as part of the change in administrators. If you pay premiums by bank deduction, our team will send a secure pre-authorized debit form to complete. Members who pay premiums from their Ontario Teachers’ Pension will receive a pre-authorized debit form from GreenShield to set up their banking information to receive claims reimbursements.

Yes, if you currently pay premiums by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan deductions, that will continue.

We’re not able to change premium payment settings during this transition. In January, you can update your premium payment option to your OTPP pension by logging into the Entente Plus portal or by contacting Entente Plus Assistance (GreenShield) at 1-800-361-9888 or assistance@ententeplus.ca.

Premiums are deducted one month in advance. belairdirect will be processing their final deductions in December, which are premiums for coverage in January. GreenShield will be deducting the premiums in January, which provides coverage for February.

Yes. The online form uses encrypted, bank-level security to protect your information. Your details are sent directly into our secure system, with no paper handling or mail delays. It’s the most secure and reliable way to share your banking information with us.

To complete the signature section, use your mouse or finger to sign a mark in the box. It’s hard to make it look like your real signature, and it doesn’t need to. This step is required for security verification, and the signature on this form.  doesn’t need to match your usual signature.

No, we are not allowed to take your banking information over the phone.

Please send us an email at membership@rtoero.ca to request the link again. Alternatively, if you haven’t completed it, we are sending automatic reminders so you’ll receive another email soon.

Yes. Once you have access to the Entente Plus portal in December, you’ll be able to update your banking information.

Yes — your coverage will remain fully valid even if you’re travelling when the information packages are delivered.

The travel insurance provider, Global Excel, stays the same, and you’ll continue to contact them at the same phone numbers if you need emergency assistance while away.

Once the Entente Plus portal is live, you’ll be able to access or download your new digital card and benefits ID number from anywhere in the world.

Even if you can’t access the portal while travelling, don’t worry — your coverage is still active.

So, you can travel with confidence knowing your protection continues exactly as before.

Please call Global Excel Management. They will continue to be our travel assistance provider after Jan 1, 2026. The contact information can be found on the back of your benefits card.

Travel insurance will not be impacted.

Yes.

For members with an email address on file, you’ll receive your new card by email so you can save it or print it from wherever you are. If you don’t have an email on file, you’ll receive a package by mail.

If you don’t currently have an email on file with us, please contact Member Services to add it as soon as possible at membership@rtoero.ca or 1-800-361-9888 so we can make sure you receive your new benefits card by email.

We’re no longer providing plastic cards as part of our commitment to environmental sustainability.

The good news is that you don’t need a plastic cards to use your benefits — your benefits ID number is all your providers need. You can download a digital card or print as many copies of the paper version as you need through the Entente Plus portal. Members without email will receive a paper card by mail.

Make sure to print out a copy of your card and keep it with your travel documents.

Members will receive a new benefits card in mid-December. You won’t receive a plastic card. Instead, members with email addresses on file will receive digital cards (printable and digital wallet versions). Paper cards will be mailed to members without an email address on file.

Yes, your current card remains valid until Dec. 31. You’ll have your new digital and printable card before January.

GreenShield uses a different ID number system than our previous administrator. Your new card ensures that providers like pharmacies and dentists have correct information to process your claims through GreenShield starting Jan. 1.

You’ll receive your new card in mid-December – digital for those with email on file, mailed for those without. Your current plastic card remains valid until Jan. 1, so there is no interruption to your benefits.