specialty drugs – Benefits Canada.com https://www.benefitscanada.com Canada's most influential pension and benefits publication for decision-makers Fri, 17 May 2024 19:40:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8 More private payers seeking to reduce costs turning to preferred pharmacy networks: expert https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-benefits/more-private-payers-seeking-to-reduce-costs-turning-to-preferred-pharmacy-networks-expert/ Wed, 01 May 2024 13:00:24 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=154972 As more insurers turn to preferred pharmacy networks to decrease costs, their efforts are being met with some resistance by plan members who may be finding it difficult and inconvenient to switch pharmacy providers. In January, Manulife Financial Corp.’s move to a preferred pharmacy network with Loblaw Cos. Ltd.’s Shoppers Drug Mart was met with […]

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]]> Diabetes medications remain leading drug category for eligible claims in 2023: report https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-benefits/diabetes-medications-remain-leading-drug-category-for-eligible-claims-in-2023-report/ Wed, 24 Apr 2024 13:00:23 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=154574 In 2023, diabetes medications remained the leading drug category for eligible private insurance claims for the second consecutive year, according to Telus Health’s annual drug trends report. The report, based on claims data from more than 15 million plan members in 2023, found the growing prevalence of diabetes, along with expanded heart failure treatment indications and […]

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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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]]> A closer look at preferred pharmacy networks https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-benefits/what-plan-sponsors-members-should-know-about-preferred-pharmacy-networks/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 14:00:36 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=152127 While preferred pharmacy networks have been around for nearly a decade, most benefits plan members aren’t aware that these arrangements have become standard, says Suzanne Lepage, a private health plan strategist. Preferred provider networks are common arrangements that businesses across a variety of industries enter into to help deliver consistent value, quality and cost containment, said the Canadian Life […]

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]]> Competition minister raises concerns over Manulife, Loblaw pharmacy deal https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-benefits/competition-minister-raises-concerns-over-manulife-loblaw-pharmacy-deal/ Fri, 02 Feb 2024 20:00:47 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=151545 The federal minister in charge of promoting competition says he’s concerned about a deal between Manulife Financial Corp. and Loblaw Cos. Ltd. that restricts patients from filling prescriptions for specialty drugs at other pharmacies under their insurance plans. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Wednesday the government is reviewing the arrangement, which affects around 260 medications […]

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]]> Top 5 HR, benefits, pension and investment stories of the week https://www.benefitscanada.com/news/bencan/top-5-hr-benefits-pension-and-investment-stories-of-the-week-71/ Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:00:43 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=151473 An article on the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association’s priorities for the coming year 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 week: 1. CLHIA focusing on improving pharmacare, rare disease drug coverage in 2024 2. Majority of Canadian employers expecting […]

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]]> Manulife, Loblaw deal to deliver specialty drugs sparks access, competition concerns https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-benefits/manulife-loblaw-deal-to-deliver-specialty-drugs-sparks-access-competition-concerns/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:00:44 +0000 https://www.benefitscanada.com/?p=151370 Some pharmacare policy experts are raising concerns about competition and patient access to much-needed medication after Manulife Financial Corp. announced its coverage of certain prescription drugs will only apply at Loblaw Cos. Ltd. pharmacies. The new arrangement, details of which were shared with plan holders earlier this month, affects around 260 medications under the insurance […]

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