Latest news in Health 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

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

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

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

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

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…

By: Moira Potter
February 1, 2014 September 13, 2019
07:00

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 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

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

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

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

By: Stephen Frank
January 22, 2014 September 13, 2019
09:34

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

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, 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

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

By: Michael Biskey and John Herbert
January 14, 2014 September 13, 2019
07:00

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

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

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

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…

By: Jonathan Bohm
December 6, 2013 September 13, 2019
10:39

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…

By: Moira Potter
December 6, 2013 September 13, 2019
10:01

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