When seeking a health and benefits plan that truly supports better health outcomes, member convenience is key. Too often, the path to care is confusing, time-consuming, and inconvenient. New research from GreenShield, Canada’s only national non-profit health care and insurance organization, shows it doesn’t have to be that way.

GreenShield’s latest Health Outcomes Report: Measuring Better Health for All, reveals the organization is helping reduce the risk of chronic disease and improving health outcomes by connecting Canadians with convenient coverage and care before concerns escalate.

Although nearly half of Canadians live with at least one major chronic disease, up to 80 per cent of these conditions could be prevented through early intervention and lifestyle changes. With almost six million Canadians lacking a primary care provider and chronic disease rates rising, GreenShield’s integrated, digital-first model is enhancing access to personalized solutions, driving long-term health improvements, and reducing system strain.

“For every dollar invested in proactive health support, we see an estimated $14 in savings for the system and the economy,” said Joe Blomeley, Executive Vice President, Head of GreenShield Health. “Canadians increasingly expect accessible, high-quality health solutions that fit their lives, and GreenShield is committed to delivering that through our innovative care models.”

Front-and-centre in this effort is GreenShield+, the organization’s digital health care and insurance ecosystem, which streamlines the health-care journey by bringing together benefits, mental health services, telemedicine, pharmacy, and chronic disease management support in one easy-to-use platform. With GreenShield+, users can check coverage, access care, and get reimbursed all in one place – allowing Canadians to spend less time navigating the system and more time focusing on their health.

The Health Outcomes Report shows that GreenShield’s integrated payer-provider model is already making a significant impact. In the third quarter of 2025, over 14,000 GreenShield users completed virtual telemedicine consultations, helping reduce emergency room trips and unnecessary clinic visits.

In addition, GreenShield’s digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program was instrumental in helping 63 per cent of users reliably reduce anxiety symptoms and 44 per cent reduce depression symptoms before they escalated.

Continuity of care also played a key role in improving outcomes, as consistent relationships, frequent communication, and co-ordinated care teams support success. For example, finding the right mental health provider and building a lasting relationship is key. GreenShield’s therapist matching algorithm helped ensure that 94 per cent of members stayed with their matched therapist during the first year of care, and 87 per cent continued beyond that.

“Supporting employees today means more than providing coverage. It’s about delivering care that’s truly accessible and personal,” said Blomeley. “When people match with therapists who really understand their lived experience, it builds trust and improves engagement, often leading to better long-term outcomes.”

Those who stayed with their matched therapist reported a 90 per cent satisfaction rate and achieved 35 per cent greater progress in well-being compared to those who switched therapists.

The report also revealed that GreenShield’s integrated approach to medication delivery resulted in higher adherence rates compared to industry averages. Medication adherence for asthma was 95 per cent, pain treatment was 91 per cent, and diabetes was 88 per cent, all higher than the industry standard.

GreenShield’s latest data highlights a crucial shift in Canadian health care: with the right tools and a proactive model, Canadians can improve health outcomes while reducing strain on the system.

“Our comprehensive approach helps us identify needs sooner, close gaps faster, and measure impact more effectively, delivering real value for members and plan sponsors,” said Dr. Andrew Bond, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at GreenShield.

By acting on the insights from this report, organizations like GreenShield are driving meaningful change, allowing Canadian employees to spend less time navigating a complex system and more time focusing on what truly matters: their health.

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