Latest news in Health benefits

Planning for data-driven preferred provider networks

Planning for data-driven preferred provider networks

It’s gratifying to see that the era of data-driven preferred provider networks (PPNs) is now upon us. The opportunities for plan sponsors and pharmacy providers…

  • March 4, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 11:34
Why communicating benefits costs pays off

Why communicating benefits costs pays off

If you’re not educating your employees about the cost of their group benefits plan, you’re missing an important opportunity. That’s because most plan members simply…

Changing the conversation about benefits cost management

Changing the conversation about benefits cost management

I have been in this business a long time—more than a few years. And since Day 1, benefits cost management has been the No. 1…

Canada’s off-label drug problem

Canada’s off-label drug problem

In January 2014, the Senate’s Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology released its report on the off-label use of prescription drugs in Canada.…

  • February 21, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 10:38
Ontario plans cost-sharing model for retiree benefits

Ontario plans cost-sharing model for retiree benefits

The Ontario government will transition to a cost-sharing model for retiree benefits for employees retiring on or after Jan. 1, 2017.

  • By: Staff
  • February 19, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 09:47
Few employers contain specialty drug costs

Few employers contain specialty drug costs

Although American employers express concerns over the growing proportion of drug costs attributable to specialty medications—currently exceeding 30% and expected to increase to more than…

  • By: Staff
  • February 13, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 09:15
Part of Affordable Care Act delayed for employers

Part of Affordable Care Act delayed for employers

Some American employers won't be required to provide health insurance to their workers next year.

  • By: Staff
  • February 11, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 10:29
Head to head: Comparing ASO to fully insured plans

Head to head: Comparing ASO to fully insured plans

The choice of whether to select an insured group benefits plan versus going the self-insured route depends on a number of variables. Often price plays…

  • February 10, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 09:42
Benefits column: Welcome wagon

Benefits column: Welcome wagon

Enrolling in benefits and pension plans isn’t top of mind for new employees. During the first few weeks on the job, they are often overwhelmed…

  • By: Chris Denys
  • February 5, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 07:00
Conference coverage: Navigating the shifting landscape

Conference coverage: Navigating the shifting landscape

Private drug plans in Canada are facing an uncertain future. While the costs of many medications have decreased over the past few years as generics…

Brand drug cards: Some plan observations

Brand drug cards: Some plan observations

The area of extended health benefits doesn’t often lend itself to controversy across multiple stakeholder groups. That’s not to say the challenges impacting the space…

  • January 27, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 10:11
Preventing illness cuts costs

Preventing illness cuts costs

Preventing disease will lead to higher productivity, lower benefit costs, happier employees and a better bottom line, according to Thorpe Benefits.

  • By: Staff
  • January 23, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 11:11
So you think you want a flex plan

So you think you want a flex plan

In a world where just about everything is becoming customizable, it’s no surprise that many plan sponsors want to offer flexible benefits that can be…

  • January 23, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 10:06
Greater pharmacist role enhances health and cost outcomes: Study

Greater pharmacist role enhances health and cost outcomes: Study

Pharmacists can play a crucial role in helping patients with hypertension improve their health by controlling their blood pressure—which would also result in reduced health…

  • By: Staff
  • January 22, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 10:24
How Canada can save workplace drug plans

How Canada can save workplace drug plans

To save workplace drug plans, Canada needs to change its drug pricing strategy.

Games employees play

Games employees play

As employers look for new and innovative ways to engage employees in wellness and motivate employees to commit to healthy behaviours, while reducing their healthcare…

  • January 20, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 10:30
Retiree cleared to launch class action over benefits plan changes

Retiree cleared to launch class action over benefits plan changes

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that a former employee of Vivendi Canada can file a class-action lawsuit against the company for altering the…

  • By: Staff
  • January 20, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 10:09
ClaimSecure offers monthly reimbursement

ClaimSecure offers monthly reimbursement

ClaimSecure, in collaboration with Royal and Sun Alliance (RSA), will offer a monthly reimbursement for pooled claims above the stop-loss attachment level to plan sponsors.…

  • By: Staff
  • January 17, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 10:43
How to eliminate prescription drug waste

How to eliminate prescription drug waste

To reduce costs, plan sponsors need to eliminate prescription drug waste

The Co-operators, Reformulary Group announce strategic alliance

The Co-operators, Reformulary Group announce strategic alliance

The Co-operators Life Insurance Company has signed a strategic alliance agreement with the Reformulary Group.

  • By: Staff
  • January 13, 2014 September 13, 2019
  • 15:43
Aligning corporate culture to benefits strategy

Aligning corporate culture to benefits strategy

Employers look to their employee benefits plans as a means to many ends—to attract and retain quality people, ensure that their valued employees and their…

  • December 20, 2013 September 13, 2019
  • 05:00
N.B. unveils drug plan

N.B. unveils drug plan

The New Brunswick drug plan, which will help the province's residents avoid catastrophic drug costs and ensure that prescription drug insurance is available to everyone,…

  • By: Staff
  • December 11, 2013 September 13, 2019
  • 12:28
A new approach in underwriting high-cost drugs

A new approach in underwriting high-cost drugs

In recent years, private drug plan sponsors have been faced with a serious issue: an increase in the number of covered individuals claiming very high-cost…

Balance, integration needed for pharmaceuticals

Balance, integration needed for pharmaceuticals

The world of pharmaceuticals is changing. New, more effective medications are replacing older ones, more biologic treatments are being developed, advances are being made in…

Lack of adherence and communication plague drug plans

Lack of adherence and communication plague drug plans

Non-adherence to prescribed medication and lack of communication among the various healthcare stakeholders are two of the main issues that continue to plague Canada’s workplace…

  • By: Staff
  • December 5, 2013 September 13, 2019
  • 10:25