On average, one in three Canadians will be disabled for 90 days or more at least once before they reach age 65, according to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association. Therefore, income protection is important, but it’s not always fully understood and cost is sometimes perceived as too high. As a result, some groups […]
Virtual-care options are gaining ground, according to the 2020 Sanofi Canada health-care survey. Looking at a scenario where plan members would receive health-care services through secure digital chat or video devices — where the health-care professionals aren’t the member’s usual providers, but would be able to share the consultation information with them if requested — […]
The results of a new study highlight the value of tailoring drug treatment to an individual’s genetic makeup. The pharmacogenetics clinical trial study by Green Shield Canada and the health benefits management division of HBM+ followed more than 200 outpatients who had been diagnosed with major mental-health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Participants were randomly […]
Green Shield Canada is investing in Canadian pharmacogenetics company GenXys Health Care Systems. The two companies will be collaborating on new pharmacogenetic products, which are set to launch later this year, with a focus on driving more informed prescribing, fewer adverse drug reactions and better health outcomes for patients and plan members. “GSC has a […]
Plan sponsors and insurers are increasingly wading into the waters of pharmacogenetic testing by offering the service to employees making long-term disability claims. In 2017, Sun Life partnered with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for a pilot project that offered pharmacogenetic testing to plan members on disability leave due to a mental-health condition. […]
Sun Life is expanding its suite of digital tools with a disability management toolkit. The new tools include virtual independent medical examination, a solution that aims to help employees on disability participate in an independent examination without leaving their home, as well as online cognitive behavioural therapy. Following a pharmacogenomics pilot project with LifeLabs Genetics and BiogeniQ […]
SSQ Life Insurance Co. Inc. is adding pharmacogenetic testing to its group insurance offering. Pharmacogenetic testing helps determine how a person’s DNA reacts to prescription drugs, which makes it easier for doctors to choose the most effective medications for their patients. SSQ said it expects the offering will make it easier for plan members to access […]
Compared to the preceding years, 2019 appears to be the year of steady when it comes to progress on hot topics that resonated in the industry in 2017 and 2018. While no single topic has disappeared from the slate, neither have any new ones risen to become topics of urgency among consultants. “Last year, we […]
Plan sponsors and members are increasingly interested in making non-core benefits like pharmacogenetic testing and medical cannabis part of their plans, according to the 2019 Sanofi Canada health-care survey. For pharmacogenetics, 74 per cent of plan members said they’d consent to giving a sample of their DNA so a physician could prescribe the most effective medication […]
Genetic testing is gradually growing in popularity as some employers adopt a more preventative benefits and wellness strategy. In its annual employee benefits report, the U.S.-based Society of Human Resources Management found 18 per cent of organizations offered genetic testing in 2018, up six per cent from 2016. It also found plan members are increasingly interested in learning […]