CDW Benefits News
Men's Mental Health Awareness Month
November 2025
November, or MOvember, marks men's mental health awareness month. This month is dedicated to help break the stigma around common barriers that prevent men from seeking help, and help build awareness to the resources available to the men in our lives.
​
In Canada, men account for a shocking 75% of deaths caused by suicide and are much less likely to seek support or professional help. The main barrier men face is traditional societal perceptions of masculinity, which includes stoicism, strength and self-reliance. However, seeking help does not take these traits away, and should not be viewed this way. Seeking help takes immense strength, and in order to remain self-reliant and involved with life it may be crucial to get help.
It is also important to understand that mental health is a fundamental aspect of our overall health and well being, and requires active maintenance and awareness. It is imperative to acknowledge the holistic side of people's well being. Research studies have shown that people who regularly suppress their emotions are more likely to experience physical health symptoms, including high blood pressure and compromised immune function.
Many workplaces are beginning to promote their mental health support resources, whether through clinical counsellor coverage or an Employee & Family Assistance Program. This month would be a great month to promote these benefits to your employees! If you need help creating an email template to send to your workforce outlining the benefits, or if you are an employer interested in adding mental health benefits for your employees, please reach out to our office so we can discuss the next steps.
Menopause in the Work Force - Providers Beginning to Add Support
October 2025
The Women's Health Research Institute (WHRI), in collaboration with the BC Women's Health Foundation and Pacific Blue Cross 9PBC), recently released the findings from their study on the impacts of menopause symptoms for women in BC. This revealed critical insights into physical, mental, social and economic impacts these symptoms can have on women and society.
They surveyed over 2000 people aged 39-60 and found 92% experience moderate - extremely severe menopause symptoms.
32% of respondents said it impacts their job, 24% reported missing work within the last 12 months due to symptoms, and 1 in 10 had either turned down a promotion/career advancement, or were fired. 43.5% of respondents accessed extended health care providers and had spent an average of $900 out-of-pocket. Of the people who sought additional support, 3/4 had reported improvements in symptoms. And finally, 41.2% reported menopause symptoms resulted in them developing a concurrent mental health condition.​​
It has also been reported that unmanaged menopause symptoms cost the Canadian economy $3.5billion annually, and that 1 in 10 women leave the workforce prematurely. Providers are waking up and realizing that people going through this phase of life need additional support.​​
​
PBC launched digital midlife and menopause support for BC women, available for free to PBC plan members and their dependents. Get access to personalized symptom assessment, 24/7 access to a virtual health assistant, educational resources and peer support platform.
Wawanesa also released a menopause care program within their Expert Medical Services (EMS) program. This will connect plan members to expert support and personalized care programs for navigating perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. You can get access to a dedicated registered nurse for coaching and support and get a personalized health assessment by a menopause specialist.
​
Manulife is also releasing a Women's and Family Health product, and one of the programs within this is the Menopause and Midlife Health program. This offers tailored support for women and men going through hormonal changes and navigating health concerns and midlife transitions. Get access to unlimited virtual appointments with over 30 specialists, 1 on 1 guidance, and care plans tailored to each individual.
​
If any of these programs interest you, or if you want to know what your group benefit plan is currently offering for menopause support, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
Mental Health in the Work Place - Employer's Role
August 2025
In Canada, the leading cause of absences from work is employee mental health. More specifically stress, anxiety, depression and burn out. A recent Canadian survey found 38% of employees have taken time off work for mental health reasons, and 80% of these respondents cited job demands and the work environment as the primary cause.
This demonstrates that the workplace has a profound impact on your employee's mental well being. If you think about it this makes sense, as a full-time employee is spending majority of their waking hours on workdays at your place of business. How they feel in this environment is very important.
As an employer, here are a couple suggestions you can consider to help foster a positive, comfortable space for your employees, and yourself.
-
Empower your managers - ensure they are equipped to recognize signs of decreasing mental wellness in a timely and appropriate way.
-
Engage in open dialogue - normalize conversations about mental health to help reduce any stigma and encourage employees to seek help when they need it.
-
Offer flexible work options - flexible schedules, remote/hybrid work, adaptable hours.
-
Promote mental health benefits - ensure your employees are aware of the support offered by their benefit plan. This can include paramedical coverage of mental health practitioner's or an Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP). If you are unsure about your benefit plan offering these, please reach out to our office and we will look into this for you.
-
Listen & measure - conduct regular pulse surveys and mental health assessments to better understand employee needs.
The Rise of Virtual Health Care
May 2025
The Covid-19 Pandemic drastically changed our workforce and how we go about doing our jobs. It also led to a massive shift in the way people access health care providers. The Canadian population now has a greater appreciation for Virtual Care.
​
Virtual Care is beginning to be considered as a mainstream benefit by more insurers. Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) emphasized the importance of recognizing this trend, while also respecting traditional health care services, by looking into covering both traditional and new forms of health care.
The shift to virtual health care has been largely driven by the convenience of digital platforms and technology innovations, resonating with younger populations especially. ​There is also a need for insurance companies to look into expanding their definitions of health care. For example, a physiotherapist session guided over video.
​
To learn more, or look into adding Virtual Health Care services to your group plan, feel free to contact our team.
Canada Life Contest: "Paperless Pays Off"
April 2025
Canada Life is running a contest to encourage their clients to go paperless. From April 21 - May 30 2025 Canada Life members have the chance to win $5,000, and plan sponsors have the chance to win $10,000 as a cheque or credit towards their bill.
​
Eligible members can earn up to 3 entries by:
-
registering for My Canada Life at Work for the first time
-
Submitting an Online claim
-
Switching to paperless communications
​
​
​
​
The above actions must be completed within the designated time frame stated above.
​
Plan Sponsors are automatically entered into this contest when their plan members participate. For additional information about the contest, please follow the link below.
Government of Canada Work-Sharing Program Introduces Tariffs Special Measures
April 2025
Special measures have been put in place for the Government of Canada’s Work-Sharing Program in response to the threat and potential realization of tariffs. These measures will be in effect from 07 March 2025 – 06 March 2026.
​
The Work-Sharing program helps employers to avoid laying off employees when there is a temporary decrease in the normal level of business activity, and this decrease is beyond the control of the employer. The government will provide income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and are working a temporarily reduced work week while the employer is recovering from the strain. All employees participating in this agreement must experience a minimum 10% reduction to their normal weekly earnings. Employees on a Work-Sharing agreement agree to a reduced schedule of work and to share the availability of work equally over the term of the agreement. The Employer, Employees and Union (if applicable) must agree to participate in the Work-Share agreement, then the party’s representatives must apply to participate.
Special measures for this program can be introduced temporarily in order to provide additional support for affected businesses during periods of economic downturn, natural disaster or declaration of a national emergency. This provides targeted support for those businesses impacted and can help them to recover and avoid layoffs.
The Tariff special measure is in effect to help employers experiencing a decline in business activity due to the threat or realization of tariffs. Your business may qualify if it has been operating in Canada for at least 1-year, and has a minimum of 2 employees who are eligible for EI and agree to reduced hours and to share any available work. Work-Sharing agreements approved under tariffs special measure must have a minimum of 6-weeks and can be extended to a maximum of 76 total weeks if required.
​
If you have any questions about the Work-Sharing tariffs special measures, please contact the Work-Sharing Employer Inquiring Unit:
2025 BC & Alberta Dental Fee Guides
February 2025
Each provincial and territorial dental association has published their annual dental fee guide for 2025. These guides are followed by insurers to set maximum reimbursement amounts for specific dental services in each province.
​
This years increase is relatively modest compared to past adjustments. This trend will hopefully be a positive for plan members and sponsors, with lower amounts owed out-of-pocket and improved dental plan stability.
Please click on the links below to check out the BC or Alberta 2025 Dental Fee Guides
Medical Expense Tax Credit - What is it?
February 2025
The Medical Expense Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that you can use to reduce the amount of tax you paid or have to pay. Specific health care expenses, including medical expenses and dental care, can be claimed on your tax return in order to obtain the credit.
​
You can generally claim all medical expenses paid for, even if outside of Canada. It is advised by the CRA to claim the part of the eligible expense that you have not been and will not be reimbursed for.
You can also claim part of an eligible medical expense you paid, or your spouse/common-law paid, for persons dependent on your support. Dependents can include children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces or nephews who were residents of Canada at any time during the year. You can claim eligible expenses paid in any 12-month period ending in 2024 that has not already been claimed by you or anyone in 2023. The maximum amount you are allowed to claim may differ depending on where in Canada you reside, the specfic information will be contained in your income tax package.
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
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.