| For the first time in the history of
Canadian writing, everyone in the publishing industry will
be eligible for benefits under a new insurance plan designed
by The Writers' Union of Canada and ACTRA Fraternal.
As of Nov. 1 2009, all those working in the publishing industry
including editors, writers, agents, translators, and publishing
administrators will be able to sign up for the new plan.
After surveying over 600 writers, The Writers' Union of Canada
and ACTRA have designed a new health insurance plan that offers
comparatively cheaper rates than commercial companies. The
plan's rates are good because ACTRA Fraternal is a non-profit
organization so it doesn't have a built-in profit margin in
its premiums. In the first year, this plan includes coverage
for drugs at $1,000; dental care at $800, and extended health
care at $7,500. Prescription drugs go up to $2,000 in year
two and $3,000 in year three and dental increases to $1,250
in year three. The plan's home and auto insurance rates are
15 to 30 per cent cheaper than commercial rates so the money
saved on house and car insurance can be used to pay the premiums.
The new plan allows spousal benefits and doesn't discriminate
against pre-existing medical conditions. The premium is fully
deductible against employment income.
Individuals can sign up on the Writers' Coalition website
on November 1. Applicants must belong to one of the numerous
writerly organizations that fall under the umbrella organization
called Writers' Coalition that Susan Swan and Deborah Windsor
founded as a way to determine whether applicants are part
of the writing industry. For instance, truck drivers can't
sign up unless they write books too or work in publishing
too.
The Writers' Union of Canada is our country's national organization
representing professional authors of books. Founded in 1973,
the Union is dedicated to fostering writing in Canada, and
promoting the rights, freedoms, and economic well being of
all writers.
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For more information, please visit http://writerscoalition.com/public/index.php.
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