AMA Insider Spring 2017 | Page 36

The couple at Calgary ’ s Beakerhead festival ; Erin in 2015 ( below )
Extended Health Savings
Members save on massage therapy *, health products and more at AMArewards partners in Alberta :
• Save 10 % on spa services and 50 % on drop-in yoga classes at Bliss YogaSpa
• Save 10 % on Float Wellness massages and floats
• Save 10 % on spa services and merchandise at Kaya Kama they ’ d be able to start a family once Erin ’ s illness was under control .
Erin remembers the moment she phoned in her claim to AMA . “ It ’ s shocking to have to make that call ,” she says . “ But our AMA insurance rep , Brent McConnell , was so compassionate . He came over and explained it all . I thought there would be a lot of paperwork and red tape and difficulty claiming the policy ; that maybe there would be a reason we wouldn ’ t get it or something . Brent reassured us , saying , ‘ Nope , it ’ s all good . I ’ ll bring you a cheque next week .’ And then he did . It was the easiest thing in the world .”
Fertility preservation was the first expense the funds covered , and it was a good thing : About six weeks after Erin ’ s chemotherapy ended , her cancer returned . This time , she needed a stem cell transplant — an aggressive treatment option that would wreak havoc on her reproductive system .
Freezing her embryos was the biggest upfront cost of Erin ’ s treatment ,
• Save up to 15 % on hearing aids from Connect Hearing
• Save up to 30 % on eyewear , accessories and more at LensCrafters
AMARewards . ca
* Massage therapy is covered by most private and group plans . However , not all massage therapists are recognized practitioners . Check with your insurer to confirm the eligibility and certification requirements of your plan .
Added Protection
Albertans are privileged to enjoy the benefits of public health insurance . But today ’ s healthcare needs are more complex than ever ; at times you ’ ll want more than the basics . AMA offers a variety of supplemental insurance options to help you bear the costs of essential healthcare needs and unexpected medical challenges .
Extended Health helps pay for products and services — such as
prescription medicine , massage therapy , psychologist visits , root canals or eyeglasses — that aren ’ t covered by Alberta health . it ’ s especially useful for those who are selfemployed , or who are employed but not covered under a group plan .
Critical Illness A lump sum , typically between $ 50,000 and $ 200,000 , is paid out to help ease the financial burden of recovering from a major illness or medical event . there are
no conditions on how the money is spent .
Disability A monthly tax-free benefit based on your salary if illness or injury prevents you from working . Disability is often included as part of group employment benefits plans , but make sure that you ’ re covered if you can ’ t perform your “ regular occupation .” otherwise , if you ’ re an arborist who can no longer climb trees but you are able to pour a cup of coffee ,
All photos : Erin WAllAcE photogrAphy
36 Spring 2017
AMA inSider