Health Canada has approved two generic versions of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medication Ozempic, a move that could ease cost pressures for employer-sponsored benefits plans. The introduction of generics is a key lever for controlling drug costs in both private and public plans, says Philippe Laplante, a principal at Eckler Ltd. “As a rule of […]
A new generation of ultra-high-cost therapies is reshaping benefits plan risk, while the arrival of generic glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications is set to shift one of the largest drug categories, according to Telus Health’s annual drug report. The report found weight-management climbed six positions to rank No. 11 among all drug categories. The category […]
As Canada navigates the evolving drug coverage landscape, private drug plans remain a cornerstone of access, innovation and economic growth. Indeed, private drug plans are more than just a benefit for employees; they’re a critical driver for the Canadian health-care system and the economy, according to Joe Farago, executive director of market access and interim […]
A think tank is urging the federal government to abandon plans for a single-payer pharmacare program in the face of tariff-related fiscal uncertainty. Rosalie Wyonch, associate director of research at the C.D. Howe Institute, says in a new report released Thursday that the government should instead look to fill existing gaps in coverage. Ottawa should […]
An article announcing the finalists of the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Who are the finalists of the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards? 2. Employee’s termination following mental-health leave not discriminatory: […]
In its pre-budget submission to the federal government, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association highlighted variable payment life annuities, automatic features in pension plans, pharmacare and virtual health care as areas that require attention. While the CLHIA said it supports the concept of VPLAs as a decumulation solution for defined contribution plan members, it […]
Canada’s Drug Agency is seeking feedback on a national bulk purchasing strategy for prescription drugs and related products. Under the federal Pharmacare Act, the CDA is convening a panel that will develop advice on a national bulk purchasing strategy and is inviting interested parties to provide input on the proposed advice, particularly on approaches that […]
Weight management medications emerged as the fastest growing drug category in 2024, with claims for these drugs surging by 90.6 per cent since 2023, according to Telus Health’s annual drug report. The report, which is based on claims data from more than 15 million plan members in 2024, found the increase in claims was driven […]
While many benefits plan sponsors have traditionally considered moving their plan from an insured arrangement to an administrative-services only model upon reaching a certain threshold of employees, several external factors have impacted this decision in recent years. Todd Stephen, vice-president of employee benefits and pensions at Selectpath Benefits & Financial Inc., says these factors — […]
An article on how employers can prepare their benefits plans amid U.S. tariffs was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Expert panel: How employers can prepare their benefits plans, support employees amid U.S. tariff threat 2. […]