Cutbacks and cost-sharing have typically been the first response to increase healthcare costs. But in 2012, some plan sponsors started to think differently and put a focus on prevention and wellness.
The top five benefits-related stories on BenefitsCanada.com in 2012 highlight this trend and other lessons learned.
Budget sets out tax rules for sickness and AD&D plans
It was a little-acknowledged paragraph in the federal budget, but Canada has made some changes regarding taxation for group sickness and accident plans that could have big consequences for employers…read more.
Reflecting on the PharmaTrust situation, I think there may be some lessons that can be highlighted for plan sponsors and advisors with respect to how their prescription drug benefits plans are managed…
Investing in wellness critical to culture
“I’m going to irritate a lot of people today,” began Dee Edington, keynote speaker on health management as a serious business strategy, at the Benefits Canada 2012 Benefits & Pension Summit…read more.
How to build effective wellness programs
Corporate wellness initiatives have moved beyond simply providing discounts to gyms and offering healthy options in the cafeteria. While these changes are valuable, increasingly, employees expect more from their company’s wellness program…read more.
Five building blocks of disability management
Wellness programs have become more common in the workplace, and the benefits of having these programs make sense. However, they are not being offered everywhere—and even where they are, Canadians are still missing work…read more.