Benefits News
BC Pharmacare to cover Diabetes medication & Supplies, and Hormone Replacement Therapy
September 2024
BC has become the first province to sign a deal with the Federal government that will help fund Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and diabetes expenses for BC residents. This is a very exciting advancement for our medical system and a huge step for Women's Health. Funding will begin once the legislation has made it through senate, which is estimated to be by April 2025. There is an estimated 150,000 BC residents that require medications to help manage their diabetes. The cost of the medications and supplies required can be a major financial burden and source of stress.
The coverage of HRT and acknowledgment of Women's health is a major step for our medical system. Women spend one third of their lives in a post-menopausal state and the physical adjustment is not discussed enough. Research has shown that untreated menopausal symptoms can be detrimental on one's quality of life and health. An estimated 40,000 BC Women will benefit from the coverage of HRT. This recent deal is going to be lifechanging for many BC residents.
July 2024
Manulife - FollowMe Health Offer
FollowMe Health is a product offered to Manulife Group Benefits members that offers coverage for when their Group Benefit plan ends. This offer allows clients to choose the amount and type of health and dental coverage that fits their individual needs. This way, the client only pays for the individual coverage that they want, plus Manulife provides a discount of 5% savings on their premium.
If the plan member applies for FollowMe Health within 120 days of losing their Manulife Group Benefits plan, their acceptance is guaranteed with no medical questions or underwriting required.
If an employee is interested, they must get their Group Advisor to complete a paper application and submit it to Manulife, making sure to indicate this client is leaving a Group Benefits Plan and to apply the 5% savings on their premium.
This offer can be used by business owners by adding this benefit to your portfolio of options to attract and retain employees. Some other FollowMe Health benefits include: 3x Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage compared to standard FollowMe plans, 24/7 access to health care professionals with Telus Health Virtual Care, and optional Travel add-on of up to $5,000,000 per trip.
If you want any additional information, or you are interested in pursuing this option with Manulife, please don't hesitate to reach out to your team at CDW Benefits at Service@CDWbenefits.net
July 2024
Gender Affirmation Benefits
A lot more Insurance Providers are beginning to amend their base plans to include Gender Affirmation Benefits in Extended Health care (EHC).
Wawanesa was the first to provide this benefit, adding it onto their Choice Plans effective July 01, 2023
Empire Life has an amendment set to be effective on August 01, 2024 with lots of updates to their plans/services, including adding Gender Affirmation benefits to the EHC.
Manulife is also set to add Gender Affirmation to their group plan's EHC, unless the Plan Sponsor decides to opt-out, effective September 06, 2024.
For further information regarding Gender Affirmation being added to benefit plans, or inquiries about another Provider and how they are handling this, please feel free to email us at: Service@CDWbenefits.net
BENEFITS NEWS
2022 DENTAL FEE GUIDE INCREASES
It’s that time of year when most provincial and territorial dental associations release their annual dental fee guides. Typically, there is an overall increase for dental services provided by general practitioners.
Insurance carriers use the information contained in the provincial/territorial fee guides to establish reimbursement levels for the dental services your customers' employees receive and ensure that fees represent what the majority of dentists charge.
The following chart outlines the fee guide increases announced for 2022.