Aon has introduced an interactive online tool that forecasts the impact of the coronavirus on employee populations across Canada, aiming to help employers anticipate the effect on their benefits plan costs, absenteeism and potential requirements for shifting work operations.
“COVID-19 has brought on uncertainties in many aspects of our lives and this application will help employers understand their risks,” said Greg Durant, Canadian chief actuary of health solutions at Aon, in a press release.
Read: Employers taking many approaches to leave, benefits during coronavirus pandemic
“Aon consultants will work with employers to build plans on how to keep employees safe while minimizing disruptions to their operations,” he added. “In these uncertain times, it is important that organizations have the most current information from which to base their decisions to safely maintain vital operations.”
The tool combines employer-specific data with geographic infection rates from reputable epidemiologic models. It’s updated daily based on the spread of the virus, social distancing measures taken by local governments and the current figures of confirmed patients, hospitalizations, deaths and testing and treatment patterns. It also allows employers to estimate the impact on dental care, health care and absenteeism costs associated with the pandemic.
Read: Should plan sponsors shift their benefits plan spend during coronavirus?