In the midst of the enduring conversation about the changing nature of work and the workplace, some often underappreciated — and potentially underused — benefits have taken centre stage during the coronavirus pandemic. This month, Benefits Canada is exploring two black sheep of the benefits plan: employer-provided travel coverage and vision benefits. In English idiom, […]
While the provision of travel insurance has long been a staple in many group benefits plans, it was thrust into the spotlight during the coronavirus pandemic. The benefit helps cover unexpected costs that employees may incur while travelling outside of the country, including emergency travel assistance services and emergency medical costs. In addition, some policies […]
When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it triggered a flurry of questions — and some confusion — from employers on how they could continue to provide abortion coverage in their health benefits plans while complying with various state laws, says Sarah Raaii, a lawyer and senior associate with McDermott Will & Emery […]
An expert panel about the impact of environmental, social and governance-focused target-date funds on capital accumulation plans was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: Expert panel: How ESG-focused TDFs could impact workplace CAPs CPPIB investing in discount grocery chain, OMERS acquiring infrastructure […]
After the U.S. Supreme Court revoked the federal right to an abortion that’s been in place for half a century, companies like Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the Walt Disney Co. pledged to cover travel costs for employees who live in states where the procedure is now illegal so they can […]
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end the nation’s constitutional protections for abortion has catapulted employers of all types into the most divisive corner of politics. Some companies that stayed silent last month — when a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito was leaked to Politico — have spoken up for the first time, including […]
A decision by a British Columbia labour arbitrator on how a drug cost-control program violated a collective agreement was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Implementation of drug cost-control program violated collective agreement: arbitrator 2. Employers seeking to withhold termination entitlements must prove […]
Many U.S. employers are adding travel coverage for employees travelling for an abortion, amid recent restrictions imposed by several states. Among the employers offering this coverage are Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Citigroup Inc., Levi-Strauss & Co., Microsoft Inc. and Yelp Inc. Currently, 13 states have imposed restrictions to abortion access and, if the Supreme Court […]
In an art gallery, people often recognize and appreciate the arrangement of the pieces as much as the works of art themselves. When employers offer voluntary benefits, they’re hoping that employees appreciate the offering. Above and beyond that, if plan members recognize the program as a customized suite of benefits that supports their unique needs, even better. Another conclusion […]