Kelsey Rolfe

2024 Mental Health Summit: What’s contributing to declining percentage of LTD claims?

A decline in the number of long-term disability claims over the past three years may be the result of some employees prioritizing their financial health over physical and mental wellness, said William Lindsay, senior disability management advisor for Desjardins Insurance’s disability management and prevention team, during Benefits Canada’s 2024 Mental Health Summit in June. The […]

  • July 16, 2024 July 11, 2024
  • 07:55

2024 Vancouver Benefits Summit: A look at post-pandemic paramedical, drug claims

There has seen a “huge increase” in mental-health practitioner claims following the coronavirus pandemic, said Sylvana Leclerc, organizational health consultant for integrated health solutions at Sun Life Financial Inc., during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Vancouver Benefits Summit in May. Citing findings from the insurer’s annual Health by Design report, she said in 2022, […]

  • July 8, 2024 July 3, 2024
  • 07:58

2024 Vancouver Benefits Summit: What should plan sponsors know about covering obesity drugs?

With obesity now understood to be a chronic health condition, it’s time for plan sponsors to revisit their approach to weight loss medications, said Philippe Laplante, principal for pension and benefits at Eckler Ltd., during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Vancouver Benefits Summit in May. The conversation about extending coverage to new, high-cost anti-obesity […]

  • July 8, 2024 July 3, 2024
  • 07:57

2024 Vancouver Benefits Summit: How plan sponsors can boost vaccine uptake among employees

Employers can play a meaningful role in improving vaccine uptake, said Ajit Johal, a community pharmacist, clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and founder of vaccine education non-profit organization immunize.io, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Vancouver Benefits Summit in May. A recent partnership between the Richmond School District in British […]

  • July 8, 2024 July 3, 2024
  • 07:56

A closer look at menopause-inclusive workplaces

Employers can support employees going through menopause by improving their workplace culture, communication and accommodation policies and employee benefits, said Janet Ko, president and co-founder of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, during Benefits Canada’s 2024 Chronic Disease at Work conference in February. She said menopause came a barrage of symptoms that “blindsided” her and disrupted her […]

  • March 11, 2024 March 5, 2024
  • 07:59

Webinar coverage: Exploring the role of pharmacists in diagnosing, managing diabetes

Amid an increase in diabetes diagnoses among Canadians, pharmacists can play a greater role in employers’ and private payers’ chronic disease prevention and management strategies given their increasing scope of practice, said representatives for Health Solutions by Shoppers, during a webinar hosted by Benefits Canada and sponsored by Health Solutions by Shoppers in January. As […]

  • February 7, 2024 February 2, 2024
  • 09:00

2023 Defined Benefit Investment Forum: Housing unaffordability may launch ‘generational move’ toward multi-family segment

Canada has a real estate “supply and demand crisis” that is likely to get worse in the coming years with ineffectual government intervention and central bank policies and not-in-my-backyard movements stymying development, said Aaron Pittman, senior vice-president and head of Canadian institutional investments at Equiton, during the Canadian Investment Review’s 2023 Defined Benefit Investment Forum […]

  • January 24, 2024 January 19, 2024
  • 07:59

A closer look at growing asthma drug spend

Many Canadians living with asthma are experiencing poor control over their symptoms, impacting the workplace, said Anjila Arora, director of pharmaceutical benefits at Sun Life Financial Inc., during Benefits Canada’s 2023 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum. Between 53 and 90 per cent of asthmatic Canadians meet at least one criteria for poor control […]

  • January 22, 2024 January 18, 2024
  • 07:57

Plan sponsors, private payers can work together to help employees with rare diseases access novel treatments

It’s important for private payers and employers to be nimble and innovative to support plan members seeking access to novel drugs and treatments by addressing common hurdles within their own drug plans, said John Adams, chair of the board of directors for patient advocacy group Best Medicines Coalition, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2023 Face […]

  • January 22, 2024 January 18, 2024
  • 07:53

2023 Mental Health Summit: Positive work relationships can support employee mental health

Many employees try to carry on with work while dealing with stresses in their personal lives — and many wait too long before sharing their difficulties with their colleagues or managers, said Valérie Fernandez, senior advisor for workplace health best practices and strategic support for group insurance at Beneva Inc., during Benefits Canada’s 2023 Mental Health […]

  • November 29, 2023 November 24, 2023
  • 07:59