Frequently asked questions

1. Why is AST changing its billing structure?
   AST is adjusting its billing model to align with the CSST's new remittance schedule. We hope you will enjoy the convenience of the fixed, easy to budget monthly fee that will be replacing the yearly percentage of PMG savings billing formula.
2. Why do I have to renew my agreement with AST?
   The terms of your service agreement are changing and these changes need to be reflected in an updated service agreement between your company and AST. These changes include a new billing model based on a monthly fee instead of a percentage of savings as well as the addition of two high value services, medical and legal assistance at no additional charge.
3. Why is the CSST changing its procedures?
   The CSST wants to simplify procedures for employers. CSST premiums will be based on assessable earnings rather than evaluated assessable earnings, and payment frequency will be accelerated. For more information on the CSST legislative changes please visit: http://www.csst.qc.ca/portail/fr/lois_politiques/legislation..
4. When does the current agreement end and when does the new one take effect?
   The new service agreement will enter into force immediately upon signature. You will remain part of the prevention mutual group, start having access to the new services and pay a low monthly fee in exchange for keeping all the PMG-related savings.
5. Why do I have to act now?
   Renewing you service agreement with AST promptly will help ensure that you do not miss important deadlines and that you benefit from optimal service without any interruptions. We ask that you sign the upgraded service agreement no later than September 1, 2010, to ensure your membership to the prevention mutual group is confirmed to the CSST.
6. What are my other options, if I choose not to renew?
   If you do not sign the new service agreement, you will no longer be part of the prevention mutual group as of January 1, 2011. AST would be pleased to discuss your other options relating to safety and prevention in the workplace. Simply call us at 1-888-974-1522 to learn more about the best approach for your company.
   
   The following points are also important to consider when making your decision:

   • Once the period of coverage by the AST prevention mutual group ends, your company's performance and premiums will be evaluated by the CSST on the basis of your individual results. You will no longer share costs or risks with a larger pool of employers, a recognized advantage of belonging to a prevention mutual group, nor will you have access without additional fees to related AST support services, such as customized prevention programs, workplace visits, immediate telephone advice, CSST files support, training or medical and legal assistance.
   • It is important to remember that even though the current service agreement you have with AST will be terminated on December 31, 2010, you may still be bound to pay the trailer fees up to the year 2015, since you will be benefiting from CSST savings gained by your adherence to the mutual until that period.
   • You may need to plan extra time, internal resources or retain external services for developing and implementing prevention programs to ensure compliance and limit your exposure to penalties as well as oversee CSST-related paperwork and case management. These benefits are currently included in your AST service agreement, to which we are adding free medical and legal assistance. No other occupational health and safety service provider in Québec offers such a comprehensive package for such a low, easy to budget monthly fee.
7. How will AST calculate its monthly fees?
   Your monthly fees will be calculated based on a percentage of your unit rate assessments as they are established by the CSST. In exchange, you will be keeping all of the savings realized through your membership in an AST-managed prevention mutual group. Contact your AST service representative to discuss what these fees will be for your company at 1-888-974-1522.
8. How much am I currently saving?
   To find out exactly how much your company has been saving thanks to your membership in a performing AST-managed prevention mutual group, please contact your AST service representative at 1-888-974-1522.
   
   When calculating your savings, you should also consider the value of expertly-managed CSST cases and workplace prevention. In addition to generating 20% to 40% savings on CSST assessments to PMG members, our data shows that we have helped reduce claim costs for our clients by 25% over the last four year period.
9. Will my CSST savings remain at the same level as before?
   Your CSST savings are tied to the performance of the mutual group and on the principle of shared risk among all the mutual group members. These are benefits of taking part in an AST-managed PMG in the first place, and they remain valid reasons to maintain your membership. You will now be keeping the full savings realized from your membership in a PMG.
10. Is a PMG still worth it for me since I am now paying a fee for service?
    We recommend that you discuss this question with an AST service representative, so that you may obtain the actual data relating to your company. However, the following general points probably apply to your situation and you might want to consider them when deciding if a prevention mutual group is still an advantage to your company.

    • You are already paying a service fee for your membership in a prevention mutual group by remitting 25% of your annual savings to AST. These savings will continue to be the main advantage of being part of an AST-managed prevention mutual group.
    • AST will be adding two high value services, medical and legal assistance to your service agreement. You will potentially gain additional savings from speedier work accident case management.
    • Currently, our data shows that we have helped our clients reduce CSST claim costs by 25% over the past four years.
11. What is the monetary value of the added services?
    There is real value in having access to some legal and medical services as part of your new prevention mutual group agreement with AST. Employers should expect to pay about $750 per medical examination, and going through all levels of appeals for a CSST claim can easily reach $2500 and more in legal fees.
12. What are the real benefits for me if I renew my service agreement with AST?
    We see at least 10 good reasons for you to renew your service agreement with AST. We're pleased to list them below, as much as we will be pleased to keep serving you in 2011!

    1. Enriched offer: AST's full suite of services, plus medical examination and legal assistance.
    2. Convenience and efficiency: all prevention mutual group related services in one package and for a single, monthly fee.
    3. Hassle-free and easy to budget payment structure: monthly fees in exchange for first class expertise and reliable service.
    4. Retain 100% of savings from the prevention mutual group. Reap the full benefit of excellent performance of an AST-managed prevention mutual group.
    5. Take advantage of a service offer that is not available with any other provider in Québec.
    6. Improved process and support: now easier and faster file management thanks to the addition of legal and medical services.
    7. Continued risk management to help ensure zero impact from the increased fines the CSST will put into place starting as early as July 2010.
    8. No interruption of service and benefits: reap the full value of accumulated savings and benefits that come with a longer-term engagement in an AST prevention mutual group.
    9. Continue enjoying the peace of mind of being supported by the province's largest specialized OHS provider - the only one able to offer a full suite of services and immediate access to a multidisciplinary team, including OHS experts as well as health and legal professionals.
    10. Always the same excellent track record of PMG performance and savings you have experienced - no change there.