CDW Benefits News
Temporary Employment Insurance Measures - in response to major changes in economic conditions
March 2026
The following temporary measures have been put in place for Employment Insurance (EI) in order to support workers in response to major changes in economic conditions. The intention is to improve access to EI if needed.
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If you claims begins between 30 March 2050 and 11 April 2026, you have the option to waive the week-long waiting period. If the waitying period is to your advantage you can opt to fulfill the
waiting period, however it is not mandatory.
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There will also be a suspension of allocating separation earnings. Normally, earnings made because of a temporary or permanent separation are allocated from the week of the separation. Under the temporary measure, if the EI claim is within the eligible dates stated above, earnings from the separation will not be deducted from your benefits. Please note, a "separation" refers to payments like vacation pay, pay in lieu of notice, severance pay, closure bonuses, and sick leave credits.
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Regular, tenured workers will also see their maximum benefit period increase by 20 weeks, to a maximum of 65 weeks. To qualify for this special measure, your claim must start between 15 June 2025 - 11 April 2026, received 1 week of regular benefits, and are considered a long-tenured worker (ie. received fewer than 36 weeks of regular or fishing benefits in 3-years prior to your claim, have paid at least 30% of annual max EI premiums for 7 of 10 years prior to claim).
For further information please follow the link below.
BC PharmaCare Updates - Effective 01 March 2026
February 2026
British Columbia has been working on implementing the National PharmaCare plan, with updated coverage set to begin on 01 March 2026. BC PharmaCare will cover the cost of specific diabetes medications, and Menopausal Hormone Therapies.
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Fully covered medications for diabetes includes: Insulins, Metformin, Glyburide, Gliclazide, Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin, Empagliflozin with metformin. Medications that will require special authority include: Linagliptin, Linagliptin with metformin, Pioglitazone, Saxagliptin, Saxagliptin with metformin.
Your pharmacist or prescriber can often change your medication to an equally-safe, generic version in order to receive the 100% coverage under the update PharmaCare coverage. Expanded coverage for additional diabetes devices and supplies is expected to launch on 01 April 2026.
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The proposed National PharmaCare plan intended to cover diabetes medications and supplies, as well as, contraceptives. As BC PharmaCare already covers contraceptives, certain Menopausal Hormone Therapies (aka Hormone Replacement Therapy) will receive coverage in lieu. Covered therapies include: Oral conjugated estrogen, Oral medroxyprogesterone, Oral micronized progesterone, Vaginal estrogen, Topical estrogen and estrogen/progesterone (gels & patches), Oral estradiol.
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In order to be eligible, BC residents must be enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). As long as they are, coverage will be automatically applied at the pharmacy counter. You will only be required to present a valid prescription for a covered medication and a BC services card. Whenever possible, it is best to request your prescriber opt for a medication that is equally safe and effective, and has the best PharmaCare coverage.
2026 BC & AB Dental Fee Guide Updates
February 2026
The provincial and territorial dental associations have recently published their annual fee guides for 2026. This guide is used to base "reasonable & customary" amounts for dental reimbursement under most group providers.
"Reasonable & customary" amount means the amount of money a service should cost. Associations come together to determine what is fair and justified to charge and insurers base their reimbursement levels on this pricing level. This "reasonable & customary" guide is not unique to dental, and applies to most medical supplies and paramedical services as well.
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Dental offices, paramedical practitioners and medical suppliers can still charge above the fee guide, but your insurance coverage will still be based on the reasonable & customary amount. If you notice your coverage appears lower than what you'd expect based on your coinsurance level, this could be the reason why. This is a major factor in why it can be beneficial to look at your explanation of benefits after submitting a claim to ensure you are not going to a business that over charges for their services, and you get the best value out of your plan.
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Another common thing we see in dental offices is over charging for scaling units. One unit of scaling is equal to 15 minutes of time. If you see 4 units of scaling on your dental receipt, that means the dentist spent an entire hour doing just this service. Don't be afraid to question this if the amount appears unreasonable.
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If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our office.
GreenShield Crisis Support - Standing with Tumbler Ridge
February 2026
GreenShield in a non-profit insurance company with a mission to improve health care access to all Canadians. In light of the recent, tragic events that have taken place in Tumbler Ridge, BC, they are offering 3-hours of mental health support through GreenShield Cares to all Canadians. This would be provided in the form of culturally appropriate, virtual therapy.
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To access this support, hit the 'Greenshield Cares' button below and follow these steps:
1. Consent to the terms & conditions.
2. Enter your email and select 'continue'.
3. Enter the verification code that will be sent to the email address provided and 'continue'.
4. On the 'Organization Code' screen, enter the code: GSCARES3
5. Enter your info on the 'Personal Details' screen. Enter address info on the 'Contact Details' screen.
6. Create a password on the 'Create New Password' screen, then 'continue'.
7. Select 'Sign In' and enter details you just set-up.
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We are deeply saddened to hear of the events that unfolded in Tumbler Ridge, and our hearts are with the families, friends, and loved ones who have been affected by this incident.
Resources to Help Quit or Reduce Smoking in BC
February 2026
BC PharmaCare provides coverage to help eligible BC residents of any age to stop or reduce their nicotine of tobacco use. Each calendar year, PharmaCare will cover 1 continuous course of treatment of up to 12-weeks. There are 2 options for the treatment, PharmaCare will either cover the full cost of specific Nicotine Replacement Therapy (ie. nicotine gum, lozenges and/or patches), or it will cover some or all of the cost of smoking cessation prescription drugs (coverage level depends on your specific PharmaCare plan).
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During the course of treatment, you will receive 1-months supply at a time. The 12-weeks begins when you pick up your first product or fill your first prescription. If you are still smoking after the 12-weeks, you will be
eligible for another course of treatment the following calendar year.
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Quitting smoking can affect how your body metabolizes other substances including medications and caffeine. It is important to consult your healthcare provider about any medications or substances you take when considering quitting.
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On top of the BC PharmaCare coverage, there is also free resources that help to enhance your chances at successfully quitting or reducing smoking. QuitNow will help you set goals, track progress, monitor savings, access services from trained experts and join community of other BC people working on same thing. It is shown that your liklihood of success in changing your relationship with nicotine or tobacco doubles when you have access to external support systems. QuitNow offers support on the phone, in live chats, via text and email tips, supportive peer forums, and much more.
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For more information on both of these programs, follow the links below.
2026 Employment Insurance Update
December 2025
Effective 01 January 2026, the Federal Government is increasing the maximum insurable earnings for Employment Insurance (EI) from $65,700 to $68,900. This will mean the maximum weekly EI benefit will become $729 (ie. 55% of insurable earnings with a maximum benefit duration of 52-weeks).
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As a plan sponsor, if you offer a Short-Term Disability benefit as part of your group benefits package, you will need to check if you are still eligible for the Premium Reduction program. In order to qualify for this
premium reduction program, your STD plan must provide equal or better benefits than what EI is offering. We recommend checking your STD plan details and ensuring the non-evidence maximum and overall maximum meets or exceeds the 2026 updated weekly EI benefit.
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If it does not meet the updated EI benefit amount, and you still want to qualify for the Premium Reduction program, we can amend your plan to accommodate this. Please reach out to our office so we can assess the situation and go over your options.
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If you are currently a part of the Premium Reduction program and you are no longer eligible, you should receive a letter from Service Canada notifying you that your plan needs an update in order to remain eligible.
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.
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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.​​
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Empower your managers - ensure they are equipped to recognize signs of decreasing mental wellness in a timely and appropriate way.
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Engage in open dialogue - normalize conversations about mental health to help reduce any stigma and encourage employees to seek help when they need it.
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Offer flexible work options - flexible schedules, remote/hybrid work, adaptable hours.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Eligible members can earn up to 3 entries by:
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registering for My Canada Life at Work for the first time
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Submitting an Online claim
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Switching to paperless communications
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The above actions must be completed within the designated time frame stated above.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.