Roles and Responsibilities

Role of the National Financial Co-operative Benefit Plan Committee

• To serve in a resource and functional capacity to participating credit unions in providing employee benefits which are fair, equitable and competitive in all aspects.
• To serve in a decision-making capacity concerning The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan.
• To provide direction to CUIS regarding all matters relating to The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan.
• To provide direction for consistent employee benefits related to all coverages under The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan for all participating members.
• To endorse the concept of The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan to all existing and potential members (other Credit Union Centrals, etc.).
• To monitor the direction of The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan in conjunction with CUIS to ensure its competitiveness in relation to comparable programs offered and provided within the industry.
• To provide direction to CUIS on benefit claim disputes between individuals and for plan participants.

Role of Credit Union Centrals & Co-operative Organizations

• Act as master policy holder on behalf of participating credit unions
• Provide benefit reviews and seminars for credit unions
• Include benefits in the annual insurance review at credit unions
• Negotiate and communicate changes to rates and coverages
• Intermediary between The Co-operators/CUIS and the credit union

Role of CUIS/The Co-operators

• CUIS shall underwrite the insurance contracts held by the members based on its underwriting guidelines as they exist from time to time.
• CUIS shall act in a resource capacity to the Benefits Committee on any issues regarding the provision of employee benefits.
• CUIS shall make available, at least annually, a full written report regarding the experience generated under The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan insurance contracts. This report, plus proposed premium rates will be provided to each member by September 10th (approximately two weeks) prior to the annual renewal meeting.
• CUIS shall make underwriting, administration, and claims services available to all participants under The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan.
• CUIS shall market The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan to all credit unions and caisse populaires affiliated with any member as the plan of choice.
• CUIS shall provide and make available information to the Benefits Committee regarding its overall corporate operations as they may affect any decision or issue regarding The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan.
• CUIS shall provide complete terms, and definitions/explanations thereof, to the Benefits Committee regarding all aspects of the underwriting/administration of The National Financial Co-operatives Group Benefits Plan.

Role of the CUIS Group Benefits Call Center

• Respond to phone inquiries related to coverages, rates, claims and administration procedures. (i.e., respond directly or find the answer and follow-up)
• Answer claimant inquiries and be the liaison between the claimant and The Co-operators to resolve problem claims
• Assist in changing plans and coverages
• Publish the CUIS Newsletter for National Benefit Plan Credit Unions
• Provide proposals and price quotes on design options requested of participating credit unions

Role of a participating Credit Union

• Promote and educate staff on the plan
• Internal communications
• Benefit plan design selection for the credit union
• Timely and accurate submission of employee data and claim information to CUIS