Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Infertility is an extremely common, yet difficult issue that affects many people, and it is important for it to be dealt with fairly and sensitively in the workplace.
Your union has contacted the Deputy Minister, Treasury Board Secretariat about the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment in all workplaces across the Ontario Public Service (OPS).
See AMAPCEO’s letter to the Deputy Minister here »
See the Deputy Minister’s response here »
For Canadian Fertility Awareness Week (April 23-29), AMAPCEO wants our members in the OPS to be aware of the important provisions and resources you have access to that can help you navigate this period in your life.
AMAPCEO members have access to drugs, treatments, and support services through their workplace benefits coverage, their Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and the Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) that go above and beyond what Ontarians are entitled to through their Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP). You are also entitled to workplace accommodations and special leave provisions.
Drugs, treatments, and support services
Permanent employees have 90% coverage for fertility drugs (including injectable drugs) through the OPS Supplementary Health & Hospital Plan if they are:
- prescribed by a physician or other licensed health professional, and
- dispensed by a pharmacist.
Pre-approval from Canada Life is required for coverage of some prescription drugs. The “prior authorization list,” and instructions for requesting pre-approval, can be found on the Canada Life website.
If you make a claim for a fertility drug and it is denied, we encourage you to contact an AMAPCEO Workplace Advisor to discuss next steps, including the possibility of filing an appeal at the Joint Benefits Review Committee.
AMAPCEO has taken the position that other services such as IVF are covered in certain circumstances. Historically, the employer and Canada Life have disagreed with AMAPCEO’s position. If you have questions, or if you have had a claim denied for IVF or related services, you should contact an AMAPCEO Workplace Advisor for assistance.
Your workplace benefits include coverage for paramedical services, such as psychological services (including psychotherapy and social work services), naturopathy, physiotherapy, and massage therapy, which you may wish access while you undergo fertility treatments.
Members also have access to treatments through their Health Care Spending Accounts (HCAs). HCSAs can be used for eligible medical expenses as defined in the Income Tax Act, including paramedical services such as in-vitro fertility treatments, that are not covered by their insurance. They can also be used to top-up out-of-pocket expenses covered under their insured plans.
Finally, AMAPCEO members also have access to free and confidential counselling services through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), an employer-funded program offered through a third-party provider. EFAP can also refer you to additional services not covered by EFAP to help you if you need assistance with infertility.
Workplace accommodations and leave provisions
Infertility is recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization. If you have been diagnosed with infertility and have been actively pursuing treatment services to achieve pregnancy, you are entitled to an accommodation based on the ground of disability. You may also be entitled to accommodation for infertility based on other grounds.
Accommodations may include flexible work schedules, compressed work weeks, alternative work locations, and telework to enable you to attend fertility appointments and to other personal medical situations. Other accommodations can include modified work duties to align with medical restrictions and limitations.
If fertility treatment services have caused you to miss work or be unable to work due to sickness, you may be entitled to paid leave under the Short-Term Sickness Plan (STSP). You may be entitled to use STSP sick days or your attendance credits to attend medical appointments for fertility services.
If you have need assistance or support
If you have any questions about benefits or leave, or if you experience any issues accessing the provisions available to you, please contact an AMAPCEO Workplace Representative. Workplace Representatives are trained union members who have volunteered to confidentially assist members like you in the workplace.
If you would like to connect with others in the OPS also dealing with infertility, you can contact the OPS Fertility and Pregnancy Loss Group.
This informal, employee-run group for all OPS workers who are seeking support for themselves or would like to join as allies. The group's aim is to be a safe place for support, to consider potential improvements to OPS policies, and promote understanding and provide education in the OPS.
The group co-chairs are Michaela Kiss, Dione Thomas and Melissa Cesarini.