The majority of small U.S. employers currently offer at least one health benefit to their employees, according to a new report by business research organization LIMRA. This is a rise of 11 percentage points compared to the last survey results in 2012. Much of these increases can be attributed to a stronger economy and record-low unemployment, noted […]
Genetic testing is gradually growing in popularity as some employers adopt a more preventative benefits and wellness strategy. In its annual employee benefits report, the U.S.-based Society of Human Resources Management found 18 per cent of organizations offered genetic testing in 2018, up six per cent from 2016. It also found plan members are increasingly interested in learning […]
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association is withdrawing guideline G19 on advisor compensation for group benefits and retirement services. “Following extensive discussions with market players, including advisors and their associations, and careful consideration of what we heard, we have decided to withdraw this industry guideline,” said Stephen Frank, CLHIA’s president and chief executive officer, in […]
Though only half (50 per cent) of Canadians have disability coverage, 68 per cent have required time off work because of a disability, according to a survey by RBC Insurance Services Inc. The study, which looked at Canadians with coverage through their workplace benefits or personal insurance, found 67 per cent of working Canadians said if they suffered […]
British Columbia is expanding its use of biosimilars, effective November 2019. The move is expected to create opportunities for new drug listings and increase current coverage for patients, according to a press release from the B.C. government. The first two drugs to come into immediate effect are Jardiance, a diabetes drug, and Taltz, an arthritis drug. It will change the game considerably, says Suzanne Lepage, a private […]
Medavie Blue Cross is appointing Shane Reid as director of product, pharmacy and provider management. In the new role, Reid will be responsible for leading the development of products for the insurer’s group and individual business, as well as strengthening its position in group benefits and drug plan management. He brings extensive experience in group benefits, […]
DowDuPont Inc.’s specialty products division is adopting a comprehensive parental leave policy, which offers four weeks of paid leave for new parents, including adoptive and same-sex parents. “For birth mothers, the four paid weeks are in addition to an enhanced paid maternity leave which has been extended to 12 weeks,” said the company in a press […]
Given the volume and depth of data available in benefits plans, as well as the complexity of problems to be solved, machine learning and broader artificial intelligence are unquestionably the future of plan and member health management. That said, there are some important challenges for plan sponsors to consider as they look at these new […]
More than four out of five (83 per cent) Canadian workers are satisfied with their work, according to a study on the Canadian workplace by office supplies, technology products and furniture distributors Novexco Inc. The majority (90 per cent) of employee respondents said they’re very engaged, 81 per cent are motivated by their job and 75 per […]
The Ontario government is launching a review of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to ensure the province’s employees and their families remain supported and protected in the workplace. The review will be conducted by Linda Regner Dykeman and Sean Speer, special advisors who’ve been appointed based on their respective areas of expertise in insurance and […]