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The rise of preferred provider networks

A year ago, the term preferred provider network (PPN) wasn’t liked in the pharmacy circle or within group benefits plans. Pharmacies detested the idea of…

  • October 18, 2010 September 13, 2019
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More targeted programs needed for those in poor health, low income

More targeted programs needed for those in poor health, low income

While the economy has wrought havoc on many plan members’ retirement savings, it seems it has been a positive for benefits plans. Three-quarters of respondents…

Pfizer buys King

Pfizer buys King

Pfizer Inc. has agreed to buy King Pharmaceuticals Inc. for $3.6 billion, expanding its presence in the market for pain drugs. On October 12, the…

  • By: Staff
  • October 12, 2010 September 13, 2019
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Behaviour: the key to improving workplace health

Behaviour: the key to improving workplace health

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that environment and genetics both carry a 20% stake in a person’s overall health. These…

Communication comes first when managing benefit changes

When you think about employee communications, what comes to mind? Websites, presentations, pamphlets, emails? If so, you’re not alone. For most organizations—and most plan sponsors—communication…

Benefits management key to successful M&A

Benefits management key to successful M&A

As corporate merger and acquisition activity continues to increase, companies need to adjust how they leverage their compensation and benefits programs. The restructuring of these…

Healthcare claims rising in U.S.

Healthcare claims rising in U.S.

U.S. employers should expect 2011 healthcare cost increases to be at their highest levels in the past five years, according to an analysis by Hewitt…

Great-West launches healthcare Visa

Great-West launches healthcare Visa

Great-West Life has launched a new credit card-based system, making it easier for plan members to pay for treatments covered under their respective plans. The…

Minority healthcare reform vital for plan sponsors

Minority healthcare reform vital for plan sponsors

Generic drugs aren’t the only aspect of the healthcare system that is in need of reform. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently…

  • By: Staff
  • September 21, 2010 September 13, 2019
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U.S. healthcare reform doesn’t increase confidence: survey

U.S. healthcare reform doesn’t increase confidence: survey

Americans remain generally unsatisfied with their healthcare system, but they are happy with the coverage they receive from their employer-sponsored plans, according to the 2010…

Wanted: Innovation in healthcare

Wanted: Innovation in healthcare

Do we have a great healthcare system in this country? Yes, we do, said Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, chair of the Ivey Centre for Health…

Critical-illness surpasses cancer coverage

Cancer insurance has taken a backseat to critical-illness coverage, with sales for the latter soaring 88% to $225 million between 2008 and 2009, according to…

Voluntary benefits could be tomorrow’s trend

Employers looking to reduce their risk when it comes to benefits plans should consider voluntary options, said Robyn Gray, a consultant for Strata Benefits Consulting…

National catastrophic drug plan urged

An advocacy group is pushing for a national catastrophic drug plan that may have ramifications for private insurance plans. The Campaign to Control Cancer—a Canadian…

  • By: Jody White
  • September 10, 2010 September 13, 2019
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U.S. employers trying to hold line on benefit cost increases

The new healthcare reform law in the U.S. is creating a dilemma for many employers—who face the choice of changing to comply, allowing their plans…

The cost of diabetes

The president of the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) delivered a warning Wednesday that diabetes not only threatens the physical health of Canadians, but the financial…

Federal finance minister proposes introduction of employee life and health trust

In February, Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty proposed to amend the Income Tax Act to permit a new vehicle for health and welfare benefits called…

Establishing your benefits plan GPS

You go on a trip. You know the final destination, just not necessarily how to get there. You make a few wrong turns. You arrive…

Watch out for benefits plan risk

A majority of multinational companies polled feel their employee benefits programs could do with an overhaul focused on improved risk management. A Mercer survey of…

  • By: Jody White
  • August 25, 2010 September 13, 2019
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Reform not to blame for drug shortage: generic companies

Courtesy of the Canadian Healthcare Network In a recent CanadianHealthcareNetwork (CHN) poll, an overwhelming number of respondents (97%) reported being affected by a shortage of…

Beyond drugs

Discussions on benefits cost trends quickly turn to big-ticket items such as prescription drug and disability coverage, as these typically make up the largest portion…

The perils of blind faith

In retrospect, it looks like it might have been wise for Alberta to follow the followers in BC and Quebec and let the Ontario Government…

  • August 12, 2010 September 13, 2019
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False hope for private-plan savings in Quebec?

Plan sponsors with operations in Quebec expecting savings on generic drug prices are in for a rude awakening, according to Aon Consulting. The recent decision…

  • By: Jody White
  • August 9, 2010 September 13, 2019
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Ontarians shocked to find some generic prices have risen

Courtesy of Canadian Healthcare Network Despite promises from Ontario’s Health Minister Deb Matthews that generic drug prices will fall as a result of the province’s…

Drug Benefits: Investment or expense?

Not surprisingly, the topic of drug plan reform trumped the Solutions in Drug Plan Management held on June 3, 2010, at the Delta Meadowvale Resort…