While the concept behind the federal government’s universal pharmacare plan is well intentioned, the program would make a larger impact for employers by focusing on high-cost and specialty drugs, says Pam Martin, vice-president and senior consultant at Baynes & White Inc. In theory, the way that the government is rolling out the program in small […]
More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of U.K. employees say their employee benefits didn’t meet their needs during their cancer journey, according to a new survey by Reframe Cancer. The survey, which polled 500 U.K. working adults who have personal experience of working with cancer, found among those unsatisfied with their benefits, more than half were male […]
The RBC’s senior director of North American benefits and global well-being discusses building flexibility into the modern benefits plan, harnessing AI capabilities in the banking world and finding wellness in the great outdoors. Q: What top challenges do you face in your role? A: Employees are looking for meaningful support in both their professional and […]
A story on how private payers are implementing preferred pharmacy networks to reduce benefits plan costs was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the past week: 1. More private payers seeking to reduce costs turning to preferred pharmacy networks: expert 2. Chipotle expanding […]
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 […]
Four years after the coronavirus pandemic fuelled increased usage of employee well-being interventions, some employers are questioning whether these support tools are actually beneficial to workers. A recent study by Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Center found little evidence that these interventions actually provide any benefits to workers. Indeed, the study found there was a “small […]
Health Minister Mark Holland tabled a long-awaited bill Thursday meant to pave the way for national pharmacare and preserve a deal that secures the New Democratic Party’s support for the government in the House of Commons. The bill includes a program to cover birth control as well as diabetes drugs and supplies for anyone with […]
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 […]
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 […]
Any employer focused on attracting and retaining great people understands the importance of providing a competitive benefits program that supports employees through all stages of their health and well-being. The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan’s annual Canadian employer pension survey found a growing number of businesses are opting to improve benefits as a means to […]