drug costs – Benefits Canada.com https://www.benefitscanada.com Canada's most influential pension and benefits publication for decision-makers Fri, 03 May 2024 21:03:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8 2024 Group Benefits Providers Report: Leveraging AI to streamline benefits https://www.benefitscanada.com/archives_/benefits-canada-archive/2024-group-benefits-providers-report-leveraging-ai-to-streamline-benefits/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:57:54 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=154136 While there’s multiple opportunities for the use of artificial intelligence in the employee benefits space — including making the claims process more efficient and personalizing the plan member experience — one of the biggest advantages of the technology is the ability to streamline administrative tasks, allowing employees to focus on more value-added work in addition […]

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]]> What plan sponsors should know ahead of rollout of new obesity drugs in Canada https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-benefits/what-plan-sponsors-should-know-ahead-of-rollout-of-new-obesity-drugs-in-canada/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 13:00:03 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=153707 A new generation of glucagon-like peptide-1 drugs approved for the treatment of obesity will soon be available in Canada, presenting an opportunity for plan sponsors to meet members’ health and wellness needs. It’s important for employers to consider meeting with their insurer now to find out how the rollout of these drugs will affect their […]

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]]> Liberals table bill paving way for future pharmacare program a day before deadline https://www.benefitscanada.com/news/bencan/liberals-table-bill-paving-way-for-future-pharmacare-program-a-day-before-deadline/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:00:25 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=152559 Health Minister Mark Holland tabled a long-awaited bill Thursday meant to pave the way for national pharmacare and preserve a deal that secures the New Democratic Party’s support for the government in the House of Commons. The bill includes a program to cover birth control as well as diabetes drugs and supplies for anyone with […]

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]]> Webinar coverage: Exploring the role of pharmacists in diagnosing, managing diabetes https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-benefits/webinar-coverage-exploring-the-role-of-pharmacists-in-diagnosing-managing-diabetes/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:00:53 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=151575 Amid an increase in diabetes diagnoses among Canadians, pharmacists can play a greater role in employers’ and private payers’ chronic disease prevention and management strategies given their increasing scope of practice, said representatives for Health Solutions by Shoppers, during a webinar hosted by Benefits Canada and sponsored by Health Solutions by Shoppers in January. As […]

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]]> CLHIA focusing on improving pharmacare, rare disease drug coverage in 2024 https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-benefits/clhia-focusing-on-improving-pharmacare-rare-disease-drug-coverage-in-2024/ Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:00:29 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=151208 In the year ahead, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association will continue its advocacy efforts to ensure the federal government’s proposed pharmacare plan extends coverage for those who lack benefits without disrupting workplace benefits that millions of working Canadians rely on, says Stephen Frank, the association’s president and chief executive officer. The right approach to […]

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]]> High-cost drug claims lead to 20-times greater cost per claim for small plan sponsors https://www.benefitscanada.com/events/conference-coverage/high-cost-drug-claims-lead-to-20-times-greater-cost-per-claim-for-small-plan-sponsors/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:00:24 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=150385 A recent survey by Innovative Medicines Canada found there are growing listing delays among Canada’s private drug plans, said Joe Farago, the organization’s executive director of private payers and investment, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2023 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum in December. The survey noted private payer review times can take […]

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]]> How preferred pharmacy networks can lower drug plan costs, boost access to care https://www.benefitscanada.com/events/conference-coverage/how-preferred-pharmacy-networks-can-lower-drug-plan-costs-boost-access-to-care/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:58:55 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=150509 Pharmacists are now uniquely positioned to support Canadians at a time when the public health-care system is stretched thin, creating significant barriers for people looking to access care, said Dr. Jennifer Poh, senior director of drug plan solutions at Health Solutions by Shoppers, during Benefits Canada’s 2023 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum in […]

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]]> A closer look at growing asthma drug spend https://www.benefitscanada.com/events/conference-coverage/a-closer-look-at-growing-asthma-drug-spend/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:57:40 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=150552 Many Canadians living with asthma are experiencing poor control over their symptoms, impacting the workplace, said Anjila Arora, director of pharmaceutical benefits at Sun Life Financial Inc., during Benefits Canada’s 2023 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum. Between 53 and 90 per cent of asthmatic Canadians meet at least one criteria for poor control […]

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]]> How plan sponsors can improve employee health outcomes while optimizing drug plan spend https://www.benefitscanada.com/events/conference-coverage/how-plan-sponsors-can-improve-health-outcomes-while-optimizing-their-drug-plan-spend/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:56:14 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=150572 With chronic conditions growing in prevalence among plan members, plan sponsors have their work cut out for them in designing benefits plans that provide adequate health support and employee satisfaction while also being cost effective, said Marie-Hélène Dugal, manager of pharmacy benefit strategy for Medavie Blue Cross, during Benefits Canada’s 2023 Face to Face Drug […]

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]]> How plan sponsors can use biosimilars to support employee health, reduce drug costs https://www.benefitscanada.com/events/conference-coverage/how-plan-sponsors-can-use-biosimilars-to-support-employee-health-reduce-drug-costs/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:54:04 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=150607 Despite the safety and efficacy of biosimilars — and the potential cost savings they offer — uptake among private payers has been low historically and is only starting to gain steam, said Neda Nasseri, pharmacist and private payer product director at Desjardins Insurance, during Benefits Canada’s 2023 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum in December. The insurer first developed […]

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