In our October issue, Benefits Canada looked into plan sponsors that include faith-based healing in their benefit plans, such as services provided by Christian Science practitioners.
Christian Science healing isn’t included in standard group policies, but plan sponsors can request that they are included, according to Joan Weir, director of health and dental policy at the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association.
Read: The pros and cons of including faith-based healing in benefits plans
The University of Manitoba began including Christian Science treatments, along with many other paramedical services, in its benefits plan in 2002. Before that, the university offered unlimited coverage for physiotherapy, chiropractic and podiatry, but a poll found staff wanted more paramedical options.
What do you think? Should benefits plans include faith-based services? Take our weekly poll to weigh in.
Read: Is personalized medicine the future of benefits plans?
Last week’s poll asked whether provinces should follow Quebec’s lead and do away with the solvency requirement for pension plans. Some 87 per cent of respondents said yes, plans can still meet their obligations with going-concern funding. The remaining 13 per cent, on the other hand, believe solvency funding is necessary to ensure plans can fulfill their promises.
