The Board of Directors approved policy amendments to implement changes to the Personal Optional Protection ("POP") coverage program. At the February 11, 2003 Board of Directors meeting, funding was approved for the Finance Division to develop and implement changes to the POP coverage program.

The following key changes to policies AP1-2-3, Personal Optional Protection and AP1-37-2, Classification - Multiple of the Assessment Manual were approved:

• all new POP registrants requesting coverage, any individuals reapplying for coverage, and any existing POP clients not in good standing, will be required to submit initial assessment payment within 20 days of the commencement of coverage; and
• removal of the ability to calculate the amount of POP coverage owing based on multiple classifications.

These policy changes were effective January 1, 2004.

In addition, effective January 1, 2005, the minimum POP coverage amount for all POP clients will be increased from $1,000 to the minimum wage amount of $1,500 per month. This amount is contained in Appendix A of the Assessment Manual.