Plan sponsors worried about the expense and sustainability of their drug plan might initially embrace a pharmacare plan, hoping to shift drug costs to a new program funded by provincial and federal governments. However, this may not be the solution it seems. A single-payer universal pharmacare system might limit medication access for individuals with employer-sponsored benefits […]
Three-quarters of Canadian organizations (and 67 per cent of global employers) either offer or are keen to offer benefits choice or flexible benefits, according to a new survey by MBWL International, an international joint venture between Barnett Waddingham, Milliman Inc., Lurse and Normandin Beaudry. The survey, which polled more than 250 global employers, found 27 per cent […]
Nearly two-thirds (62.3 per cent) of Canadian employees rarely or never access mental-health services and more than three-quarters (78.6 per cent) say they’d access these services at least twice a year if cost wasn’t a factor, according to a new survey by Humi. The survey, which polled nearly 650 employees, found roughly a quarter aspired […]
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 […]
Two-fifths (40 per cent) of U.S. workers with employer-provided health benefits reported delaying care due to cost, which negatively impacted their mental health, workplace culture and productivity, according to a new survey by research group Nonfiction on behalf of health-care provider Paytient. The survey, which polled more than 1,500 U.S. workers with health insurance through […]
Nearly half (47 per cent) of Canadian employees say they’re interested in improving their well-being and plan on using workplace benefits to do so, according to a new report commissioned by Dialogue Health Technologies Inc. and conducted by Canadian market research firm Environics Research. The report, which analyzed multiple surveys polling more than 1,000 Canadian employees […]
An article on how a shorter workweek can support higher levels of employee health and happiness was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the past week: 1. Four-day workweek improves employee well-being, retention: expert 2. Report finds women taking 69% of all mental-health leaves of […]
With 2024 well underway, it’s important for employers to adapt their strategies in the ever-evolving landscape of employee benefits. Employee expectations continue to evolve and the emphasis on mental health, well-being and personalized benefits continues to grow, requiring plan sponsors to balance innovation with keeping costs in check during uncertain economic conditions. Read: How family-building […]
A story on how plan sponsors and insurers are considering covering weight-loss drugs as part of a broader push towards more inclusive benefits was the most-read benefits story on BenefitsCanada.com this year. Here are the 10 most popular benefits news stories of the year: 1. How plan sponsors, insurers are considering coverage of weight-loss drugs amid rising […]
With the end of the year approaching, some employers and health practitioners may feel the need to tell employees to use up their benefits, but Rob Van De Cappelle, national benefits consultant at Cowan Insurance Group, cautions against this approach. “I tell employers and employees the benefits plan is there to keep you healthy and […]