Since human papillomavirus can have a significant impact on the health of the working-age population, it’s necessary to talk to patients and employees at to look at the health benefits of vaccines, said Dr. Vivien Brown. Brown, a family physician and vice-president of medical affairs at Medisys Health Group, discussed the current issues and epidemiology of […]
When Betty-Lynn LaFrance was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, she was completely shocked as she’d never smoked and had been very active her entire life. Born and raised in Pembroke, Ont., where she still lives with her husband of 34 years, LaFrance has three children and seven grandchildren. When she was diagnosed with ALK+ non-small cell lung […]
Living her best life with her husband Jeremy, Karen Formosa was looking forward to retiring within the next six years. But all that changed when she was diagnosed in 2018, at the age of 56, with stage 3 BRAF melanoma. “The end of February 2018, I spotted the ball on the right side of my […]
With benefits fraud a growing issue for plan sponsors, the recent spate of fraudulent activities at large organizations has prompted the question of who’s responsible for identifying benefits fraud in the first place. Is it insurers, plan sponsors or plan members? Mark Russell, director of investigative services at the Toronto Transit Commission: Five years ago, […]
Despite changing demographics and rising health-care costs, it’s uncommon for employers to include retirees in their pension and benefits governance. However, the University of Waterloo Retirees Association, which has been around for more than 30 years, not only connects retired employees with each other and the university, but also allows them to weigh in on […]
Employees have multi-dimensional lives, with responsibilities outside the workplace that affect how they perform within it. This is why companies that are consistently recognized as family-friendly are maximizing their workers’ potential by helping take care of their families through benefits and wellness programs. Samuel, Son & Co., a family owned and operated metal and distribution […]
In June 2017, Doctors Without Borders added lifestyle and health-care spending accounts to its traditional benefits plan. The organization still provides insurance, drug coverage of up to $100,000 and extended health benefits, including hospital and dental expenses. But now it also provides permanent, full-time employees with $2,500 for other health-care services and $250 for wellness […]
Though many plan sponsors are still using step therapy to manage drug plan costs, pharmacogenetic testing is receiving attention as more providers enter the market, lower the cost and familiarize employers and insurers with the technology. As it becomes more sophisticated, there’s more information about how pharmacogentic testing works, says Sandra Ventin, associate vice-president at […]
While traditional health-care plans remain the most common form of employer offerings, 66 per cent of Canadian organizations are now providing health-care spending accounts, according to a new survey by the Conference Board of Canada. “As Canadian employers look to appeal to a multi-generational workforce, flexibility and choice are the key watchwords for health and wellness benefits,” said […]
Stress hurts, and it’s not just about mental and emotional health strain, it’s also about financial stress, according to a workforce well-being survey by Buck Consultants. Where physical well-being is concerned, “one of the headlines that screams at us is stress,” said Ruth Hunt, a principal in the engagement practice and global well-being survey lead at […]