Benefits changes to acupuncture services take effect this summer
On April 1, 2013, acupuncture became a recognized registered profession in Ontario, and all practicing acupuncturists are now required to be registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario. Newfoundland and Labrador also announced in October 2012 that it would be making the change; practitioners in that province are required […]
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2013 increases to dental fee guides announced
It’s a new year now and that means an update to the provincial dental fee guides. These guides are a reference of suggested fees for dental services, updated annually by each province’s dental association and used to help set rates for both dental practitioners and employer-sponsored benefits plans. While these guides offer suggested rates, it’s […]
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Voluntary standards for mental health in the workplace: What do they mean?
Workplace mental health is one of the leading concerns for employers today; according to a recent report in theToronto Star, “it’s one of the top reasons for disability claims, absenteeism and lost productivity.” (http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/01/16/canada_launches_workplace_standards_for_mental_health_and_safety.html) And trying to minimize the impact of poor mental health in the workplace can be a daunting undertaking for many employers, […]
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Alberta and Nova Scotia providing coverage for insulin infusion pumps through provincial programs
New government programs may affect group benefits plans with extended health care coverage that include coverage for insulin pumps and supplies in Alberta and Nova Scotia. Alberta The Insulin Pump Therapy (IPT) program Effective June 1, 2013, the government of Alberta offers coverage of insulin-infusion pumps and some pump supplies to patients of all ages […]
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Insurers roll out drug cost pooling program
Canadian life and health insurers are coming together to offer a new drug pooling framework, which they say will help to protect benefits plan sponsors and members from the financial impact of high-cost drugs. The framework, which came into effect January 1, involves insurers banding together in order to share the costs of expensive and […]
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