A press release issued on Wednesday (Feb. 19) by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association indicates that caretakers with benefits currently provided by the Ontario Harness Horse Association may be at risk of losing benefit coverage at the end of the month.
The release from COSA is as follows:
COSA has received numerous calls from caretakers currently on the OHHA Benefits Program. They have advised COSA that these benefits will no longer be available to them after February 29, 2020.
Any full-time caretaker who has a valid Standardbred Canada Membership, AGCO license and a valid OHIP card can receive benefits through COSA free of charge. To become a COSA member, also free of charge, and enroll in the COSA Benefits Program, you may contact the COSA office at 905-854-2672 or visit the website at www.cosaonline.com.
This also applies to any paying member currently on the OHHA benefits program. They too must have a valid Standardbred Canada Membership, AGCO license and a valid OHIP card. Paying members are not required to undergo a medical to move over to the COSA benefits program. The deadline for moving over with no medical is March 31, 2020.
Grooms/caretakers must provide one of the following when enrolling in the plan:
• T-4 from the previous year; or
• Three cancelled payroll cheques; or
• Three proof of e-transfer deposits to their bank account
Grooms/caretakers who are paid cash by their employers are not eligible for COSA paid benefits.
If you require further information on the COSA Benefits Program you may contact the COSA office.
(COSA)