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 […]
Three years ago this month, the world was grappling with the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Even then, with very little information available, people were beginning to turn their attention to the anticipated long-term ramifications of the public health crisis. With everyone experiencing this once-in-a-century moment simultaneously, no one had a response for how […]
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 […]
For almost 10 years, Benefits Canada’s Chronic Disease at Work conference has examined the current trends in chronic disease in Canada and what they mean for plan sponsors. The 2023 conference, which was hosted virtually, featured sessions on topics including disability management, substance-use disorder, multiple sclerosis, obesity management, mental health and much more. Find out what you […]
In just three months, Jennifer Krahn’s life completely changed. The vivacious and confident ex-athlete and biology teacher began her journey with alopecia areata when she noticed a small bald spot on her head 14 years ago. She tried to treat the spot with steroids, but wasn’t successful. Within three months, she experienced total hair loss, […]
In 2021, Marcy came into Pavithra Ravinatarajan’s pharmacy with a handful of blisters on her face, which she thought was the result of a new moisturizer or detergent. Ravinatarajan could tell that wasn’t the case: it was clear the patient, whose name has been changed, had shingles. When Marcy went to see a doctor at […]
We live in an information ecosystem — especially when talking about obesity — that’s full of misinformation, fads and gimmicks, said Ian Patton, director of advocacy and public engagement at Obesity Canada, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2023 Chronic Disease at Work conference in early February. In the session, supported by Desjardins Insurance, he noted […]
Changes to Ontario’s policy on the use of biosimilars in its public drug plan could result in savings for private benefits plans if they choose to follow the provincial model, says Theresa Tran, a principal in group benefits at Eckler Ltd. Starting March 31, Ontario Drug Benefit recipients who are on an originator biologic will […]
Two-fifths (40 per cent) of U.S. organizations currently offer fertility benefits, up from 30 per cent in 2020, according to a survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. The survey, which examined benchmarking data from more than 500 U.S. employers, also found 28 per cent of respondents said they cover fertility medications, up from […]
Between 2019 and 2021, mental-health drug claims skyrocketed among young Canadians, according to a new report by Sun Life Financial Inc. The report, which identified trends using the insurer’s data, found a 24 per cent increase in drug claims to treat mental-health disorders for people aged 30 and under. On the other hand, drug claims […]