GreenShield transition
As of Jan. 1, 2026, GreenShield will become the administrator of the Entente Plus Group Insurance Program. Your coverage stays the same. What’s new is improved support through GreenShield’s modern tools — including an easy-to-use online portal, digital benefits card and mobile app — and extended service hours in English and French.
What’s on this page
What’s happening at a glance
- GreenShield will take over as administrator on Jan. 1, 2026, ending a 40+ year group insurance partnership with Johnson Insurance (now Belairdirect).
- Coverage is not changing. RTOERO (soon to be Entente Education Canada) continues to own and operate the program, designed by members for members.
- Member contact and coverage information will transfer securely. You will not need to enter your contact or plan coverage details.
- Banking details will not transfer. We will be in direct contact with you to complete a new pre-authorized debit form.
- Travel insurance continues. Your Entente Plus Extended Health Care Plan still includes built-in coverage for travel medical and trip cancellation/interruption. Global Excel continues to manage travel insurance claims at 1-877-346-1467.
- Members will receive a new benefits card in mid-December by email — printable and digital wallet versions. You will also receive guidance on setting up the new Entente Plus Portal.
- The Entente Plus app will be available Jan. 1, 2026 to help members file and track claims on the go.
Why GreenShield?
GreenShield was selected after a review of five companies, including the current administrator. They stood out for:
- Extended hours to serve our members across Canada
- User-friendly portal and app tailored to Entente Plus
- Enhanced bilingual service
- Cost effectiveness and long-term sustainability
- Advanced data to help us anticipate member needs
GreenShield is a proudly Canadian company dedicated to improving health and well-being for all.
Key dates
October 2025
- First communication to plan members about this change.
December
Belairdirect’s final premium deductions (for January coverage) through your bank account.
Premium deductions will continue in January through GreenShield.
Mid-December
- Members receive benefits card and portal setup instructions.
Dec. 22, 2025
Belairdirect portal stops accepting claims. Providers can continue submitting claims on your behalf directly to Belairdirect until Dec. 31, 2025.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026
GreenShield takes over as administrator. Claims submission opens in the Entente Plus Portal. GreenShield processes premium deductions in January for February coverage. Members can update their insurance policy information with their healthcare providers.
Claims process
Normally, claims must be received within six months of the date the expense was incurred. However, to make things easier during the transition, we’re providing additional flexibility. For this transition period only, the six-month submission requirement is being relaxed.
Any claims for expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2025 can be submitted up until July 1, 2026. You’ll have extra time to send in your 2025 claims while transitioning to the new administrator.
Digital claims submissions
- Claims can be submitted after Jan. 1, 2026 through the new Entente Plus Portal or submitted through the Belairdirect portal until Dec. 22, 2025.
- Providers submitting claims on your behalf can continue to submit to Belairdirect until Dec. 31, 2025.
- Share your new policy information with the pharmacy and providers at your first 2026 visit/appointment.
Claim submissions by mail
Send any mailed claims to Belairdirect until Dec. 12, 2025. After Jan. 1, 2026, use the new mailing address and form to send claims to GreenShield.
Claims sent to Belairdirect after Dec. 12 will be forwarded to GreenShield.
Share new policy information with pharmacy and providers at your first 2026 visit/appointment.
Getting answers to your questions
We are supporting members during this transition. Please check the FAQs first — we’re adding new information regularly.
Still have questions?
For inquiries about your coverage, claims or membership details – or to update your contact information
– connect with Member Services:
pga@ententeinsurance.ca
1-888-742-5450
About the change
Does RTOERO still own the Entente Plus Group Insurance Program?
Yes. The Entente Plus Group Insurance Program is still owned by RTOERO.
Why are you changing insurance plan administrators?
We are changing administrators to make sure our insurance program is managed as efficiently as possible, while enhancing member service and long-term sustainability.
How was GreenShield selected as the new administrator?
In 2025, we undertook a request for proposals for the services of plan administrator for Entente Plus Group Insurance Program. We received detailed proposals from five companies – including our current administrator. These proposals were thoroughly reviewed, and we had meetings with each of the companies. Following our robust review process, the board and Benefits Committee selected GreenShield as the new administrator, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
When does the change take effect?
GreenShield becomes the administrator on Jan. 1, 2026.
What does the administrator do?
The administrator is responsible for managing claims and enrollments. They also provide the tools and support that keep the plan running smoothly for our insured members.
Why was GreenShield selected?
GreenShield was selected for its ability to provide:
- Enhanced bilingual service with extended hours (8 am to 8 pm ET)
- A user-friendly, customized online claims portal and app
- Digital benefits card
- In-depth data and analytics to help manage the plan and member needs
- Efficiency and long-term sustainability
How will members benefit directly from this change?
Members will see improved service and easier ways to manage their coverage, including:
- Extended bilingual support hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET)
- A modern online portal and mobile app tailored to Entente Plus
- A digital benefits card
- Simpler and quicker claim reimbursements
- Enhanced tools and data to help us anticipate member needs and keep the plan sustainable long term
Your coverage itself is not changing — what’s new is the added convenience, support and service.
Claims
Are there changes in the way I submit claims?
We will have a new claims portal. You will be invited to set up your portal access in mid-December. We’ll provide guidance to help you get started and understand how to use the portal.
Do I have to submit my claims from the last 6 months before December 31?
No. You don’t need to rush your claims. Normally, claims must be received within six months of the date the expense was incurred. As we transition to a new plan administrator, we are providing extra flexibility:
Any claims for expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2025 can be submitted up to July 1, 2026.
What happens to any claims submitted to the previous provider that are still pending?
Claims made before Dec. 31, 2025, will be processed by Belairdirect. Any claims outstanding at Belairdirect on Dec. 31 will be securely transferred to GreenShield.
Do I need to download or keep my old claims history before the switch?
If you would like a copy of your claims history, you should download it from Belairdirect’s MyInsurance portal before the end of 2025. The portal will not be available in 2026.
Will my banking information for premium payments or claims reimbursements be transferred automatically?
No, banking information on file with Belairdirect will not be transferred as part of the change in administrators. If you pay premiums by bank deduction, our team will send a secure pre-authorized debit form to complete.
Will my pharmacy, dental office or other providers need to do anything differently?
You will need to provide the information on your new benefits card to your providers who submit claims on your behalf. That could be done at your next appointment with the provider or visit to the pharmacy after you receive your benefits card information in mid-December.
When should I tell my health care provider about the change in coverage?
You can update your insurance information at your next appointment with the provider or visit to the pharmacy after you receive your benefits card information in mid-December.
When can I set up my new profile in the Entente Plus claims portal?
You will receive communication in mid-December that includes your benefits card information and instructions for accessing the portal.
I have a pre-authorized drug that was approved by the prior carrier. Will I need to have this drug approved again?
A new drug prior authorization will not be required. This information will transfer from Belairdirect to the new administrator.
I have approval for dental procedures from the prior carrier. How will approved work be handled?
Your claim will be processed by the new administrator. Eligibility for these claims will not be impacted.
Is my claims history being transferred? How will GreenShield know if I already filed a vision (or another claim with a limits) claim this year?
Yes, GreenShield will receive your recent claims history, so estimates and approvals will be accurate.
Service
Will I receive the same service with GreenShield that I had with the prior administrator?
Yes – and more. You’ll continue to have the same comprehensive coverage, plus enhanced service in English and French, extended hours (8 am to 8 pm ET), and a new, user-friendly claims portal and app.
What are the customer service hours and contact info for GreenShield?
Entente Plus Assistance with GreenShield is available as of Jan. 2, 2026, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. They can be reached through our main line 1-800-361-9888 and by email at assistance@ententeplus.ca.
I am travelling from December to February. Who do I call if I have travel insurance needs?
Please call Global Excel Management. They will continue to be our travel assistance provider after Jan 1,2026. The contact information can be found on the back of your benefits card.
What is the plan for the income tax document that is usually mailed in February?
You’ll receive your 2025 Statement of Medical Expenses by mail.
Coverage
Does RTOERO still own the Entente Plus Group Insurance Program?
Yes. The Entente Plus Group Insurance Program is still owned by RTOERO.
How has my insurance changed?
Your coverage stays the same. What’s new is improved support through GreenShield’s modern tools – including an easy-to-use online portal, digital benefits card and mobile app – and extended service hours in English and French.
How is travel insurance impacted?
Travel insurance will not be impacted.
Are you still offering supplemental travel insurance for additional days and top-up trip cancellation coverage?
Yes.
Member information
What do members need to do to prepare for the change?
If you pay premiums by bank deduction, you’ll receive a pre-authorized debit agreement to complete. Other than that, there is no action to take. Between October and January, we’ll provide clear instructions, step-by-step resources and FAQs to guide you in accessing the new Entente Plus coverage and claims portal.
Will my personal information be securely transferred to GreenShield?
Yes. We’ll transfer your information using secure APIs (application programming interfaces). APIs act as a bridge between two systems, ensuring data moves safely and accurately. All transfers are encrypted and meet strict privacy and security standards — protecting your information is a top priority.
When will I receive a new benefit card?
Members will receive a new benefits card in mid-December. Members with email addresses on file will receive digital cards (printable and digital wallet versions). Paper cards will be mailed to members without an email address on file.
Can I still use my old benefit card while I wait for the new one?
Yes, your current card remains valid until Dec. 31. You’ll have your new digital and printable card before January.
I will be traveling in December when you send out the card. How do I get it?
For members with an email address on file, you’ll receive your new card by email so you can save it or print it from wherever you are.
Why do I need a new benefits card?
GreenShield uses a different ID number system than our previous administrator. Your new card ensures that providers like pharmacies and dentists have correct information to process your claims through GreenShield starting Jan. 1.
Premiums
Are premiums changing?
There is a 2% increase in premiums for 2026, which is tied to inflation.
Are the premiums increase related to the change in administrators?
No, the increase would have happened regardless of the change in service provider.
Will my banking information for premium payments or claims reimbursements be transferred automatically?
No, banking information on file with Belairdirect will not be transferred as part of the change in administrators. If you pay premiums by bank deduction, our team will send a secure pre-authorized debit form to complete. Members who pay premiums from their Ontario Teachers’ Pension will receive a pre-authorized debit form from GreenShield to set up their banking information to receive claims reimbursements.
Will premiums continue to be deducted from my pension?
Yes, if you currently pay premiums by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan deductions, that will continue.
How are premiums being handled for January?
Premiums are deducted one month in advance. Belairdirect will be processing their final deductions in December, which are premiums for coverage in January. GreenShield will be deducting the premiums in January, which provides coverage for February.