OASSIS has announced that all of its group benefit plans will close on December 31, 2026, after more than 36 years serving Canada’s voluntary sector. The closure means every participating non-profit needs to choose new coverage. There is no automatic OASSIS rollover.
Your replacement policy should start January 1, 2027. Starting early gives your organization time to compare the market, protect employees with complex claims and communicate the change clearly.
Ready to compare OASSIS replacement plans? NextGen Benefits can review your current coverage, obtain quotes and coordinate the move. Request a no-obligation quote.
What the OASSIS closure means
This is more than a routine renewal. Your organization will be moving to a different benefits arrangement with new contracts, enrolment requirements and claims procedures.
Without replacement coverage active for January 1, 2027, employees could face a gap in health, dental, life or disability protection. Plan sponsors should also understand their obligations and obtain legal or HR advice where needed.
According to the official OASSIS closure notice, all OASSIS plans end on December 31, 2026. Confirm plan-specific dates, claim deadlines and conversion rights directly with OASSIS and the applicable insurer.
When to start your OASSIS plan transition
A well-managed carrier change can take 60 to 120 days from initial review through enrolment. Timing varies by group size, plan complexity, the quality of your data and carrier underwriting.
For a January 1, 2027 start date, begin now. A practical transition looks like this:
- Collect your records. Gather your OASSIS booklet, latest billing statement, employee census, renewal history and available claims experience.
- Define what must be preserved. Identify valued benefits, budget limits, employees on leave and any ongoing high-cost treatments.
- Compare suitable options. Review insured plans, pooled arrangements and health care spending accounts based on coverage, cost and long-term stability.
- Select and implement. Complete underwriting and enrolment early enough to resolve missing information before the effective date.
- Explain the change. Give employees clear instructions for old claims, new claims, cards, portals and beneficiary forms.
What to compare in an OASSIS replacement plan
Group eligibility and participation
Minimum group size, employee eligibility and participation rules differ by provider. Some transition offers may require a minimum number of permanent full-time T4 employees or full participation. Smaller groups still have options, but they may be structured differently.
Claims history and plan design
Complete claims and premium history helps insurers assess your group and price customized coverage. If records are incomplete, a provider may offer a standardized plan, apply temporary conditions or request more information. An advisor can identify which markets fit your data instead of sending the same application everywhere.
Employees with active or complex claims
Flag anyone who is on disability leave, has a pending disability claim, uses a high-cost specialty drug or has an existing drug authorization. These cases require direct coordination. Never assume an authorization, maximum or disability arrangement transfers automatically.
Cost stability after year one
The lowest first-year quote is not always the lowest long-term cost. Compare renewal methodology, pooling, drug protection, reserves, administration fees and contract wording.
For smaller organizations, a pooled program may reduce year-to-year volatility. A Health Care Spending Account can also provide flexible, employer-funded reimbursement with a defined annual allowance. Eligibility and fit should be reviewed for your organization.
How NextGen guides your OASSIS transition
NextGen Benefits advisors manage the move from initial review through employee launch:
- Plan audit and market quotes: We review your current OASSIS coverage, budget and workforce, then approach suitable Canadian insurers and plan providers.
- Side-by-side recommendations: We explain coverage differences, exclusions, rate guarantees and likely renewal behaviour in plain language.
- Continuity planning: We coordinate effective dates and work through disability, specialty drug, leave and conversion issues with the relevant parties.
- Implementation support: We organize enrolment, employee communication and onboarding so your team knows what changes and when.
- Ongoing advice: After launch, we help manage the plan, review renewals and adjust coverage as your organization evolves.
What to send us for an OASSIS replacement quote
- Current OASSIS benefit booklet and plan design
- Up-to-date employee census, including age, status and role
- Latest billing statement and renewal information
- Up to three years of premiums and claims experience, if available
- Details of employees who are disabled, on leave or managing complex ongoing treatment
You do not need a perfect file before contacting us. We can help identify what is missing and request the right information.
OASSIS transition FAQ
When does OASSIS coverage end?
December 31, 2026. Aim for replacement coverage effective January 1, 2027.
Will our plan roll over automatically?
No. Your organization must select and enrol in a replacement plan.
What do we need for quotes?
Start with your plan booklet, employee census, recent billing and renewal information, and up to three years of claims history if available.
Can we get quotes without full claims history?
Often, yes. Your available options and pricing will depend on the provider and your group.
What happens to claims from 2026?
Claims are generally handled based on when the expense occurred. Ask OASSIS for the applicable submission deadline and claims run-out rules.
Start your OASSIS replacement plan review
The goal is simple: the right replacement coverage in force on January 1, with employees informed and no preventable surprises.
Speak with a NextGen Benefits advisor to compare OASSIS replacement options and build a transition plan for your non-profit.
Plan the move with confidence
Replace your OASSIS plan without a preventable gap.
NextGen will review your current plan, compare suitable options and guide your organization through implementation.
Request an OASSIS replacement quote