Latest news in Health benefits

LTD insurance required for federally regulated employers

LTD insurance required for federally regulated employers

The federal budget remained fairly silent on employer-provided benefits and healthcare provisions, but one quiet note in the document could play into future considerations for…

Fraud prevention tips for benefits plan members

Fraud prevention tips for benefits plan members

March is Fraud Prevention Month and over the past few weeks, several associations and companies have been working to get the message of fraud prevention…

Benefits without breaking the bank

Benefits without breaking the bank

On the group benefits side, those organizations with fewer plan members still face a few roadblocks when it comes to offering the flexibility that many…

TRW drives proactive workplace wellness

TRW drives proactive workplace wellness

In 2009, in partnership with Sun Life Financial Canada, the US$14.4-billion manufacturer of automotive safety systems began offering online health risk assessments (HRAs) and biometric…

Rewards and technology boost engagement

Rewards and technology boost engagement

Employers are increasingly adding more rewards and individualized tactics to their workplace cultures, according to a study by the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF).

Improving drug plan efficiencies

Improving drug plan efficiencies

The growing impact of high-cost specialty drugs, coupled with shifting roles for health practitioners, calls for stakeholders to work together to improve drug plan efficiencies.…

Drug plan lessons from the U.S.

Drug plan lessons from the U.S.

Magna International Inc., a global vehicle part manufacturer and assembler with a workforce of 104,000, has a decentralized management structure that allows every division to…

Biologics and the law

Biologics and the law

While Canadian drug innovators have to follow an arduous process when filing for regulatory approval for traditional small molecules, generic manufacturers “don’t have to prove…

U.S. employers consider corporate exchanges for health insurance

U.S. employers consider corporate exchanges for health insurance

According to research from Aon Hewitt, a number of employers are considering alternate healthcare models, such as corporate exchanges, to deliver cost-effective employee benefits.

  • By: Staff
  • March 7, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 12:50
The reality of chronic disease treatment

The reality of chronic disease treatment

Moderator Suzanne Lepage, a Toronto-based private plan strategist, launched the discussion by asking panellists what principles they followed when making decisions about drugs.

Mercer’s survey of Canadian drug plans

Mercer’s survey of Canadian drug plans

Barbara Martinez, a principal with Mercer, reported on the findings of the organization’s 2011 survey of Canadian private drug plans.

Internet claims conundrum

Internet claims conundrum

The demand for more expedient and convenient services in the world of health benefits grows every year. And the boundaries of what constitutes an expected…

  • March 2, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 10:46
Q&A: Getting unions on board

Q&A: Getting unions on board

Anne Harvey, vice-president of HR with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, discusses union involvement in her organization's disability program.

How to fix a disability management program

How to fix a disability management program

In 2008, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH)—comprising 500 worksites, 13 hospitals and 35 long-term care nursing homes in B.C. that provide services to more than…

Design your benefits to drive behaviour

Design your benefits to drive behaviour

However, employers are demanding more from their benefits plans, such as modern ways to incorporate them into a total rewards environment that recognizes positive contributions…

Tracking specialty drug spend a problem for plan sponsors

Tracking specialty drug spend a problem for plan sponsors

Less than 20% of plan sponsors are capable of tracking their specialty drug spend, according to a survey by the U.S.-based Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute…

  • By: Staff
  • February 24, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 13:08
Best ways to save on your drug spend

Best ways to save on your drug spend

Steve Moffatt, senior vice-president of sales and marketing with Green Shield Canada, questioned plan sponsors’ ongoing tendency to have their drug plans provide full coverage…

Living well with rheumatoid arthritis

Living well with rheumatoid arthritis

One morning, at age 21, Jeff Aarssen found himself unable to get out of bed.

Desjardins introduces critical illness product

Desjardins introduces critical illness product

Desjardins Financial Security has launched a new critical illness insurance product for employers who want to help their employees cope with the financial stress related…

  • By: Staff
  • February 14, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 10:35
Morneau Shepell acquires U.S. benefits administrator

Morneau Shepell acquires U.S. benefits administrator

Morneau Shepell has acquired SBC Systems Company, Inc., a U.S. provider of employee benefits administration systems, based in Atlanta, GA.

  • By: Staff
  • January 31, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 10:44

Randy McGlynn wins Benefits Canada’s 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award

It can easily be said that Randy McGlynn, CEO of the Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP) based in Waterloo, Ont., has a way with people.

  • By: Sonya Felix
  • January 26, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 08:30
How to select the right HCSA

How to select the right HCSA

With any financial product, a lack of industry standardization often causes confusion within the marketplace. No product within the benefits market today could be more…

Equitable Life launches drug plan tool kit

Equitable Life launches drug plan tool kit

Equitable Life of Canada has launched a new drug plan management tool kit, designed to help employers to better understand their drug plan risks and…

  • By: Staff
  • January 24, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 09:20

Halifax Professional Firefighters take health into their own hands

Five years ago, Halifax Professional Firefighters took a big step with their benefits plan when they chose to begin actively managing the plan themselves.

  • By: Sonya Felix
  • January 24, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 08:30
Look ahead with predictive modelling

Look ahead with predictive modelling

That’s unfortunate because this is a shining example of the wasted opportunity many plan sponsors and advisors incur year after year—they are not making use…

  • January 12, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 13:24