The annual spend per private drug plan member increased by 6.3 per cent in 2022, according to Express Scripts Canada’s annual drug trends report. Across both traditional and specialty drugs, the increase was primarily driven by a 5.4 per cent rise in plan members making a claim, which reversed the trend seen in 2020 and […]
An article on how British Columbia’s incoming pay transparency legislation could impact employers was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. How B.C.’s pay transparency legislation could impact employers 2. Report finds new diabetes, migraine treatments could impact private drug plans in 2023 3. CPPIB […]
A new diabetes treatment is expected to have the largest impact on private drug plans in 2023, according to a new report by Telus Health. The report, which analyzed more than 100 drug submissions currently under review by Health Canada, found Mounjaro, a new diabetes drug expected to become available in the first half of […]
As the coronavirus pandemic enters its fourth year, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the health crisis has taken its toll on employee mental health. Scotiabank saw a notable rise in claims for mental-health drugs in 2022, says Ayman Alvi, the bank’s vice-president of global pension and benefits, noting the increased use of these medications aligns with […]
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, employers will likely start to see more chronic diseases in their employee population and should consider proactive strategies for supporting workers’ overall health, said Peter Nord, chief medical officer at Medcan, during Benefits Canada’s 2023 Chronic Disease at Work conference in early February. “Employees are looking around for […]
The majority (88 per cent) of U.S. employers say they plan to change their health benefits provider over the next two years, according to a new survey by WTW. The survey, which polled more than 200 employers, found among respondents that offer well-being benefits, more than half (55 per cent) said they plan to make changes […]
Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd. is expanding its coverage for mental-health and family-building benefits as part of its strategy to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its benefits plan. The family-owned bottling company made a promise to its partner, the Coca-Cola Co., that it would build a multi-generational business and create a safe and inclusive workplace […]
Three-quarters (76 per cent) of benefits plan members agreed the overall culture or environment of their workplace encourages health and wellness, unchanged from 2021 and comparable with previous years, according to the 2022 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey. The survey found a wellness culture appeared to consistently influence results in other areas, including job satisfaction (91 […]
Total drug costs grew to $2 billion in 2021, rising steadily from $1.4 billion in 2017, according to Green Shield Canada’s annual drug trends report. The report, which is based on claims reported by Green Shield Canada, found the number of claimants also increased from 1.9 million to 2.1 million over the same period. While […]
Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of employers have increased their communications emphasis on mental-health and behavioural health offerings in the past two years, according to a new survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. In addition, the survey found 90 per cent of employers said they offer employee assistance programs, 86 per cent […]