Allstate Benefits is rolling out its critical illness coverage with medical care support services for Canadian employers and employees. When a plan member is diagnosed with a covered critical illness, they receive a cash benefit based on the percentage payable for that condition. The cash benefit can be used for any example; for instance, to cover […]
On Dec. 11, the Mental Health Summit Vancouver highlighted how the stigma surrounding mental illness can be removed from the workplace and what employers can do to help facilitate a comfortable return to work for those with mental-health issues. Here are some of the highlights of the sessions: Dealing with stigma of returning to work […]
With the start of a new year, organizations have new goals and budgets to meet. Many organizations take the new year as an opportunity to take a critical look at current practices and processes, including the way these align with their business goals. One area gaining attention over the years, due to increasing costs, is […]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada attributes nearly one-third of short- and long-term disability claims to mental-health illnesses. As many employers grapple with helping employees receive the treatment they need so they can return to work, the Health Benefit Trust of Alberta has piloted a program that simplifies the process. The problem The trust, a […]
When considering the legal cases attracting the most attention from the pension and benefits industry in 2018, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal’s decision in Talos v. Grand Erie District School Board was one of the most talked about of the year. “This case is important because plan administrators who previously relied on the Employment Standards Act […]
At the annual Mental Health Summit Toronto on Nov. 12, industry experts provided insights on mental health and the workplace, including how to remove the stigma, a look at new technologies and ways to help facilitate a smooth return to work. Here are some of the highlights of the sessions: Accommodation an affordable path to […]
For employees who have been away from the workplace due to mental illness, providing treatment, reducing stigma and getting employees back to work comes down to workplace culture. “Very simply put, employees who feel valued and supported by their employers return to work,” said Michelle Harper, director of national best practices, wellness, disability and life at […]
Medavie Blue Cross has appointed Marc Avaria as vice-president of product and disability management. In the new role, Avaria will lead the development of new products for the insurer’s group and individual businesses with a focus on digital options and pharmacy benefit management functions. He will also help advance Medavie Blue Cross’ disability management business and […]
One young man is on the road to recovering from depression following timely pharmacogentic testing through his employer. Allison Hazell, director of genetics at Medcan, presented the case study during her presentation on genetics and pharmacogenetics at the company’s event in Toronto on Friday. The patient, a 28-year-old Medcan employee, had a history of depression. However, […]
A partnership focused on second opinions for mental-health issues is yielding positive results. The Co-operators Group Ltd. and WorldCare International Inc. formed the partnership to research medical second opinions for mental health, with the first phase looking at using second opinions for people on disability leave for mental-health conditions. Following the first phase, 90 per cent of participants […]