Advances in medical science and innovations in drug development necessitate updated drug plan strategies, according to Frédéric Leblanc (pictured far right), strategic leader of drug programs, group benefits and retirement solutions at iA Financial Group. During a panel discussion supported by EMD Serono Inc., GSK, iA Financial Group, Merck & Co. Inc., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. […]
Private drug plans play a pivotal role in ensuring faster and broader access to medications for 27 million Canadians, said Joe Farago, executive director of private payers and investment at Innovative Medicines Canada, during Benefits Canada’s 2024 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum. The federal government’s new pharmacare plan is designed as a universal, […]
One of the keys to managed care is to reflect on past experiences, understand lessons learned and consider their implications for the future, said Bobby Currie, director of drug evaluation at Manulife, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum. While traditional tools like caps, deductibles and co-insurance that employers […]
Bell Let’s Talk Day provides an opportunity to promote internal mental-health resources to employees and establish more open communication, says Jessica Reid, the company’s director of workplace practices, disability, mental health and well-being. For its internal campaign this year, Bell planned a series of activities spanning from Jan. 6 to 22 to help drive awareness […]
Six in 10 Canadian (57 per cent) employees say they’re either in the process of moving employers or may seek new employment in the next 12 months, according to a new survey by Aon. The survey — which polled more than 9,000 global workers, including more than 500 Canadian respondents — found a fifth (22 […]
The previous year was an interesting one in the world of employee benefits plans. Over the previous 12 months, employers have navigated the explosion of claims for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic, some forward momentum on national pharmacare and some employers changed their approach to diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Here are five […]
While ‘Blue Monday’ may highlight the importance of employee mental health, supporting workers’ psychological safety is a year-round duty, says Mara Notarfonzo, vice-president of total rewards at CAA Club Group. “I think a lot of organizations definitely do concentrate on specific initiatives or events on that day and during that week — so do we, […]
Calgary-based Acera Insurance Services Ltd. is expanding its group benefits division to Saskatchewan through a partnership with Saskatoon-based group benefits and retirement consultancy BMA Group. The deal closed in December and BMA will eventually transition to become Acera Benefits, according to a press release. This transaction marked Acera Insurance’s ninth partnership deal in 2024 and […]
An article on the impact of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation on financial markets was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Financial markets resilient in wake of Trump tariffs threat, […]
In 2025, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association hopes to see continued support for virtual health care and innovation, says Stephen Frank, the association’s president and chief executive officer. According to the CLHIA, at least 10 million Canadians are covered for virtual care through their employer plan and roughly half a million visit their […]
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