Almost half (46 per cent) of multinational companies say they’re prioritizing the use of employee-facing technology to support benefits management, including the use of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to improve benefits navigation and decision-making, according to a new survey by WTW. The survey, which polled more than 260 employers, found more than half […]
The majority (91 per cent) of Canadian employers are planning to benchmark their benefits plan against market practices to remain competitive, with half (49 per cent) prioritizing this for next year and 42 per cent for the next three years, according to a new survey by MercerMarsh Benefits. The survey, which polled nearly 350 employers […]
It’s no secret that the cost of living has jumped significantly in Canada over the last five years. Between the price of groceries, mortgages/rents and everything else, life isn’t as affordable as in previous years and, with a new/returning U.S. president threatening tariffs on Canadian imports, costs don’t look like they’ll be dropping anytime soon. […]
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting up to nine per cent of children and five per cent of adults, said Marie-Hélène Dugal, manager of pharmacy benefit strategy at Medavie Blue Cross, during Benefits Canada’s 2024 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum. Diagnosis rates have increased among women and become more common […]
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, predominantly affecting women, with more than 29,000 diagnoses in 2023. It’s complexity is underscored by more than 50 unique types, making each diagnosis distinct and challenging to treat, according to Kimberly Carson, chief executive officer of Breast Cancer Canada, during a session supported by AstraZeneca Canada […]
Advances in medical science and innovations in drug development necessitate updated drug plan strategies, according to Frédéric Leblanc (pictured far right), strategic leader of drug programs, group benefits and retirement solutions at iA Financial Group. During a panel discussion supported by EMD Serono Inc., GSK, iA Financial Group, Merck & Co. Inc., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. […]
One of the keys to managed care is to reflect on past experiences, understand lessons learned and consider their implications for the future, said Bobby Currie, director of drug evaluation at Manulife, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum. While traditional tools like caps, deductibles and co-insurance that employers […]
The previous year was an interesting one in the world of employee benefits plans. Over the previous 12 months, employers have navigated the explosion of claims for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic, some forward momentum on national pharmacare and some employers changed their approach to diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Here are five […]
When a company is undergoing a merger or acquisition, it’s important to maintain consistency regarding benefits plans and streamline the process as much as possible. “It’s crucial to allocate the proper resources to make sure the process goes smoothly and benefits coverage is maintained or improved upon,” says Connie Cooper, associate vice-president of executive financial […]
Three-quarters (75 per cent) of Canadian employers and 66 per cent of U.S. employers say employee productivity is a key focus for 2025, with most planning to align total rewards — specifically compensation — with productivity metrics, according to a new survey by Hub International Ltd. The survey, which polled 900 employers across North America, […]
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