answering survey questions on laptop

In March, ARTA conducted an online Member Satisfaction Survey where ARTA members had the opportunity to answer questions anonymously and provide feedback.

The purpose of the survey was to help our organization gain more insight into how we can continue to deliver information and services relevant to your needs, and advocate on your behalf.
The results were insightful and highlighted which resources our members find most useful, as well as where improvements can be made to help fill in the gaps. Below are some of the key insights we received from the survey.

Demographics

5,439

Total Respondents

34% Male
65% female
1% did not disclose
Primary Residence
41.11% (Edmonton and surrounding area)
26.37% (Calgary and surrounding area)
Southern Alberta (9.10%)
Central Alberta (8.94%)
8.11% British Columbia
3.64% Northern Alberta
2.74% (Other)
Age
54 & under (0.37%), 55 to 64 (13.29%), 65 to 74 (52.55%), 75 to 84 (30.39%), 85 and over (3.4%)

Marital Status
Married or common law (69.72%), Separated or divorced (11.62%), Widowed (12.98%), Never married (5.68%)

ARTA Sector
Education sector (62.60%)
Public/private sector (32.25%)
Unsure of which sector (5.15%)

ARTA Benefit Plans

Overall members' rating of the ARTA Benefit Plans
Excellent (40.21%)
Very good (41.77%)
Good (15.77%)
Poor (1.29%)
Very poor (0.32%)
I don't know (0.65%)

Over 81% of members rated the ARTA Benefit Plans as excellent or very good.

Premium costs for benefit plans have been increasing due to inflation, plan enhancements, and member-requested design changes. We asked members to share their preferences for how to approach these rising costs in the future.
Continue current style of plan improvements and rate increases (55.72%)
Hold premiums at current levels and reduce benefits to cover inflation costs (10.50%)
Eliminate some benefits to reduce premiums (11.46%)
Unsure (22.32%)
Premium costs for benefit plans have been increasing due to inflation, plan enhancements, and member-requested design changes. We asked members to share their preferences for how to approach these rising costs in the future.
Prescription drygs (6.33 - highest score), Dental care (5.14), Emergency travel insurance (4.26), Paramedical practitioners (4.26), Vision care (4.15), Medical aids (2.54), Virtual telemedicine and/or mental health support (1.32 - lowest score)
Please rank the following benefit improvements in order of greatest importance
Prescription drugs (6.33 - highest score), Dental care (5.14), Emergency travel insurance (4.26), Paramedical practitioners (4.26), Vision care (4.15), Medical aids (2.54), Virtual telemedicine and/or mental health support (1.32 - lowest score)
When travelling, on average, what is the longest time you are away on a single trip?
0 to 15 days (23.63%), 16 to 30 (35.52%), 31 to 60 (15.42%), 61 to 91 (10.78%), 92 to 120 (3.95%), 121 to 150 (1.69%), 151 to 180 (2.95%). 181 or more (0.88%), Does not travel (5.19%)

Member Services

Overall, how satisfied are you with ARTA's member service?
Very satisfied (58.76%)
Satisfied (33.15%)
Neither satisfied or satisfied (5.74%)
Dissatisfied (2.02%)
Very dissatisfied (0.33%)

Over 91% of members rated the ARTA Benefit Plans as excellent or very good.

Ways Members reached out to ARTA over the past 6 months
Phone (46.14%)
Email (22.18%)
'Contact us' field in MyARTA (11.65%)
Visiting Edmonton or Calgary office (4.85%)
Social media (0.21%)
Virtual appointment via Zoom (0.32%)
Did not contact ARTA in the past 6 months (41.58%)
Were member issues resolved after contacting ARTA?
Yes (81.26%), No (5.16%), Required additional follow-up (13.45%)

ARTARx

How members rate their service from the ARTARx pharmacy
Average rating of 4.4 stars
5 stars (63.19%), 4 stars (24.13%), 3 stars (8.18%), 2 stars (2.45%), 1 star (2.04%)
Why do you use your primary pharmacy?
Convenient location (YEG 79.92%, YYC 79.90%), Relationship to pharmacist (YEG 43.4%, YYC 35.11%), Wait times (YEG 14.58%, YYC 13.21%)
Would Calgary-area members consider transferring prescriptions to the new ARTARx pharmacy opening in 2025?
Yes (all medications - 26.50%), Yes (only for maintenence medications - 23.05%), No (even if there was financial incentive, but would keep the ARTA Benefit Plans - 48.89%), Not applicable (not on the plan - 1.56%)

Communication

Very satisfied (32.33%)
Satisfied (49.98%)
Neither satisfied or satisfied (17.76%)
Dissatisfied (0.38%)

Over 81% of members rated the ARTA Benefit Plans as excellent or very good.

Do members feel informed about their ARTA membership and benefits?
Yes (82.93%), No (3.28%), Unsure (13.80%)

Do members find the news&views magazine content interesting and relevant?
Yes (89.86%), No (10.14%)
Do members find ARTAfacts e-newsletter content useful and relevant?
Yes (48.94%), No (2.51%), Sometimes (48.54%)

Advocacy

Members were asked to rank the following issues in order of importance for ARTA to prioritize in its advocacy efforts on behalf of retirees and members with similar interests. The results highlight the priorities that matter most to our retirees and members.

Seniors medical health, including gerontologist availability, surgery availability, and rural availability

9.42

Increasing costs associated with medical care

9.07

Increasing costs associated with dental care

7.97

Privatization of Healthcare in Alberta

7.23

Pension management and security

6.90

Stability of CPP and OAS

6.78

Elder Abuse

5.11

Current teaching conditions in the province of Alberta

4.25

Legalizing mail order pharmacy in Alberta

3.98

Legislated changes to curriculum

3.02

Supporting unions in Alberta

2.26

4,610
Total people