Virtual health and telemedicine provider Dialogue has closed on a Series A funding round for $12 million. Dialogue has distribution agreements with Great-West Life Assurance Co. and SSQ Life Insurance Co. Inc. and is available through almost 150 plan sponsors, including Osler Harkin & Harcourt LLP, Ubisoft Entertainment Inc. and Wealthsimple Inc. Read: SSQ adds video […]
British Columbia’s plan to eliminate or reduce prescription drug deductibles for low-income earners could also lead to lower drug costs for plan sponsors in the province. While Nick Gubbay, a principal and group benefits consultant at Eckler Ltd. in Vancouver, says the impact is likely to be most material for group plans providing benefits to […]
It’s an exciting time for group benefits in Canada. That’s not a phrase you hear every day, but it’s one that’s coming up more and more often. Terms like “digital health” and “disruption” are new words to the Canadian benefits vernacular. All of a sudden, it seems like a new digital health startup launches every […]
While many Canadian organizations continue to search for solutions to rising health-care costs, most are falling short. That’s why they must investigate any opportunity to find substantial savings and then take action. One health-related cost that hasn’t gained much attention is absenteeism. As issue often linked to mental-health issues, it’s costing Canadian organizations billions of dollars in payroll costs, […]
Before making changes to a benefits plan or building one from scratch, plan sponsors should first determine what problems they’re trying to solve, according to a human resources consultant. The reasons for implementing changes can vary, but moving forward without a clear motivation can cause problems, said Phyllis Retty, owner and human resources consultant at Lift HR Consulting, during […]
Express Scripts Canada has won a five-year contract to process millions of pharmacy, dental, vision, mental health and medical supplies and equipment claims for Indigenous Canadians. The contract, awarded by Health Canada, includes options for renewal for up to 11 years. Read: Plan members need help with co-ordinating care: report “Express Scripts Canada is extremely pleased to have […]
Three of the world’s largest organizations are joining up to form an independent health-care company with the aim of providing U.S. employees and their families with simple, reasonably priced and transparent health care. While the move by Amazon.com Inc., Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and JPMorgan Chase and Co. is in the early stages, its initial focus will be on […]
Like many Canadians, I’ve witnessed first-hand the struggles people experience in obtaining a timely, affordable appointment with a mental-health professional. Loved ones often face lengthy wait times and disjointed care, while family members try to help as best they can. With one in five Canadians experiencing a mental-health problem or illness in any given year, […]
As the ways that Canadians use smartphones and apps continue to evolve, what are the implications for those technologies in health-care and wellness services? According to recent studies by digital marketing company Catalyst Canada, the number of apps per smartphone is declining, but the actual use of them is becoming more specialized. The studies note that, despite the […]
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 […]