With fraud prevention month underway, just how big of a problem is the issue for plan sponsors? “As an industry, we estimate that benefits fraud is costing . . . hundreds of millions in terms of the impact, so certainly not a small problem,” says Karen Voin, vice-president of group benefits and anti-fraud at the Canadian Life […]
A former Atlas Copco Canada Inc. manager sentenced to jail time for his part in a benefits kickback scheme now faces a $20-million bill from his former employer after the multinational industrial giant won a civil judgment against him. Dirk Plate, a one-time manager of Atlas Copco’s construction and mining division at its Canadian base in […]
According to estimates from the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, benefits fraud results in the loss of two to 10 per cent of health-care dollars. In terms of preventative measures, Sun Life Financial estimates it saves plan sponsors about $20 million a year, while Great-West Life Assurance Co. suggests its strategies resulted in savings of […]
One of the biggest topics in the health and benefits industry in 2017 was the federal government’s new 18-month parental leave option. Three stories on this issue topped the list, with news about benefits fraud, health benefits tax and medical marijuana also ranking. Benefits Canada rounds up your favourite health and benefits stories of 2017: Budget boosts parental […]
While it might come as a surprise to some plan members, what may seem like a freebie or giveaway with the purchase of a medical device or service can actually count as benefits abuse. And in some case, offering incentives to customers will get a provider delisted by an insurance company. This week, for example, Shelley […]
Group benefits are an invaluable tool most companies harness to attract and retain the best talent. For employees, they characterize a noble intent of care, compassion and protection. For employers, they can embody inherent risk. “Benefits are a form of compensation. And most benefit plans do not give employers any control of that compensation. Fraud […]
An Ontario judge has sentenced a Toronto firefighter to six months in jail for benefits fraud. Bradley Evaschuk, 48, joined the Toronto fire service in 1996. During the period between February 2009 and October 2013, according to a sentencing ruling last week, Evaschuk submitted 23 fraudulent health benefits claims and 300 forged invoices, seeking payment […]