Private drug plan spending increased 5.4 per cent, according to Express Scripts Canada’s annual drug trends report. While up to a one per cent increase in private drug plan spending was anticipated, similar to the 0.6 per cent increase between 2018 to 2019; the report showed a decrease in the percentage of members who claimed, […]
High-cost drugs remain the primary cost driver for Canadian public and private drug plans, said the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board’s newly released 2019 annual report. Patty Hajdu, the federal government’s minister of health, tabled the report, which found the sales of patented drugs grew 3.5 per cent to over $17 billion in 2019. Additionally, […]
With many employees pausing paramedical care during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, two benefits experts weigh in on letting workers carry coverage over to 2021. Kevin Mcfadden, president of Mcfadden Benefits In the 30 years I’ve been advising employers in the benefits marketplace, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our industry unlike any other event. Many positives […]
Green Shield Holdings Inc. is acquiring Inkblot Technologies, a virtual mental-health platform that uses artificial intelligence-assisted technology, network effects and advanced analytics to match patients with counsellors. “Building on our previous . . . digital-health investments and partnerships, the acquisition of Inkblot fits with our strategic objective of increasing access for our clients to leading health services […]
Any do-it-yourself handyman’s toolbox isn’t complete without a roll a flexible multi-purpose cloth adhesive that has unlimited uses — a.k.a. duct tape. It’s been used for everything from repairing cracked tailpipes to preventing blisters and removing warts (it’s true). Comedian Jeff Foxworthy once said, “If you can’t fix it with duct tape, it’s broken.” Read: Back […]
Canadian businesses are taking a wider view of their social responsibilities amid the coronavirus pandemic, economic disparity and protests against racial injustice, according to a new survey by Mercer Canada. It found 65 per cent of Canadian human-resources leaders believe their company has continued or stepped up the pace towards an environmental, social and governance- […]
Only 15 per cent of employees feel their employer is offering enough resources to support well-being during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey by Lululemon Athletica Inc. It found less than one third (29 per cent) of global respondents indicated strong well-being across physical, mental and social dimensions. Canadian respondents reported a number […]
Navacord Corp. is further expanding its group benefits business by acquiring Penmore Benefits Inc. A division of The Penmore Group, Concord, Ont.-based Penmore Benefits Inc., provides comprehensive benefits and retirement programs, including international benefits, for small- to medium-sized businesses across both private and public sectors. The company will continue to operate independently and maintain its commitment […]
Only five per cent of Canadian employers provide coverage for both fertility drugs and related costs such as in-vitro fertilization procedures and testing, according to a new report commissioned by Conceivable Dreams and Fertility Matters Canada. It found more than 85 per cent of benefit plans that covered fertility-related issues had lifetime maximums in place […]
The Co-operators Life Insurance Co. is partnering with EQ Care to provide the benefits provider’s plan members with virtual health-care services. “The second wave of COVID-19 is having a major impact on our plan sponsors as they continue to keep their plan members safe while also taking care of their businesses,” said Conor Quinn, vice-president […]