Product Update

Exclusive Free Access to Menopause Support Tool for Members

sanoMidLife is a key feature of our Women’s Health Resource Centre, which aims to support women navigating midlife transitions like perimenopause and menopause. Medavie Blue Cross members have exclusive access to a complimentary comprehensive assessment that offers personal insights, education, a symptom relief guide, and advanced digital tools for guided support (including an interactive chat feature). Members wishing to receive more in-depth support can benefit from the sanoMidLife program, that includes sessions with a health coach, clinical assessments, a personal care plan, and access to peer to peer support groups. sanoMidlife’s services are eligible under our Health Coaching and Chronic Disease Management Benefit, if available. Learn more in CTV’s interview with Angela Johnson, CEO and co-founder of sanoLiving, about this innovative platform.

New Mental Wellness Resources Page for Quick and Easy Connect

At Medavie Blue Cross, we’re dedicated to providing valuable health support and ensuring convenient access to care. We’ve established a Mental Health Resources Page for members designed to meet various mental health needs. Our leading mental wellness services on Connected Care ensure members can quickly and easily connect with experts:

• inConfidence (Employee and Family Assistance Program)
• Virtual and in-person counseling
• Text therapy (now includes couples counseling!)
• Guided iCBT
• Mindfulness App
• Health Connected (a wellness portal with free member health risk assessment and personalized insights)
  
  

Our Disability Management Solutions are Setting Industry Benchmarks

At Medavie Blue Cross, we’re outperforming the industry on key return-to-health-and-work metrics with our innovative disability management solutions. Key features include:

• Early mental health intervention and expedited access to care - our proactive case management services reduce claims transitioning to long-term disability (LTD) by up to 33%.
• Integrated service delivery, whole-health data - we’re Canada’s only all-lines group carrier and Pharmacy Benefits Manager.
• A focus on value and partnership - we’re always accessible and prioritize open communication and collaboration.
• Transparent and stable pricing - our annual average LTD renewal increases have remained below 5% for the last six years.

Speak to your Medavie Blue Cross Representative or visit medaviebc.ca/disability-management to learn how we can position you for success in an ever-changing, competitive market.

Note: Rates and adjustments are based on various factors, including, plan design, claims experience and regulatory changes among others. The information provided is based on claims data from Medavie Blue Cross up to June 2023. The performance of group disability plans can be influenced by a variety of factors, including plan design and market fluctuations. For further details, speak to your Medavie Blue Cross Representative.

Enhancements to Benefits for Small Business Plans

On June 1, 2024, we've rolled out significant updates to benefits for small business plans. Don't miss our detailed walk-through video that highlights these important changes, equipping advisors to better support their clients. For detailed information, please refer to the Benefits for Small Business Toolkit* which includes a new update: online Doctor visits have been increased from three to four per calendar year across all Benefits for Small Business plans.

* Password: MBCsmallbusinesspool

Notices

Update on Transition to New Claims System for Extended Health and Dental Claims

Following our notice in March regarding the gradual approach we are taking to transition to our new claims processing system for Extended Health and Dental Claims, we are pleased to inform you that our individual business has successfully transitioned last month, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance our services.   Our next phase of this journey is to successfully transition our group business, as previously mentioned, we will be reaching out to impacted group partners with additional detail as we progress.

What You Need to Know About the Canadian Dental Care Plan

Starting May 1, 2024, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has expanded to include coverage for seniors aged 70 and older, providing them with subsidized dental care. Seniors aged 65 and above who meet the criteria can also now apply for the dental plan. This significant expansion has now reached over one million approved applications for seniors, enhancing oral health and overall well-being for this demographic and easing the financial burden associated with dental services. Eligibility is expanding soon to other groups, including persons with disabilities and children under 18, who will have access to the dental plan

Digital First Updates

We're excited to release a new promotional video highlighting the latest updates to the Blue Cross Mobile App. Launched earlier this year, this major update enhances member experience with a fresh interface, improved navigation, and new features like biometric login options, a claims tracker, and simplified claim submissions. Check out the video to see these new features in action!

News from Medavie Blue Cross

Amplifying all Voices #MedaviePride

This summer, we are thrilled to participate in Pride Festivals across Toronto, Moncton, Halifax, St John’s and Montreal. Come together with us to amplify the voices. By participating in Pride events, you can support and uplift advocates and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Our commitment to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community extends well beyond a month-long celebration. It is reflected in our inclusive health benefits, our accreditation as a Rainbow Registered organization, and more. This progress is the result of a true team effort, with everyone at of our organization listening and learning from the diverse perspectives of our colleagues, clients, and community partners. By doing so, we ensure all voices are heard and valued.

Learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Medavie Blue Cross.

Happy Pride!

Highlights from our Benefits Together Conference

This spring, our Benefits Together Conference took place across three cities: Halifax, Toronto, and Montreal. The events brought together industry experts to discuss key topics relevant to the evolving landscape of healthcare benefits. Key sessions included:

• Industry Leadership Panel on AI in Health Care and Health Benefits: Explored the integration of generative artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare. Discussions focused on how AI can transform diagnostics, treatment, and the overall patient and member experience.
• Expert Fireside Chat on Sleep and Workplace Wellbeing: Addressed the critical impact of sleep on the performance, health and quality of life of many working Canadians. A blog post with key takeaways from this discussion has been posted.
• Keynote on Building Resilience and Preventing Stress and Burnout: Provided actionable strategies to help employers support their employees in managing stress and preventing burnout. By helping employees fortify their minds and bodies, employers can better tackle the business challenges before them with an engaged and productive workforce.
• CEO Perspective on Pharmacare: Discussed the future of pharmacare in Canada and how Bill C-64 could impact the industry.

Each conference was well attended with great participation, and the feedback on the overall event and content quality was outstanding.

Latest Insights Blogs on Virtual Care and Employee Self-Care

Read our newest Insights blog entries focused on the future of workplace health:

• Top 5 Reasons to Add Virtual Care to Benefit Plans: This blog examines how virtual care is transforming health access, enabling care anywhere and anytime. It’s becoming an integral part of the health management toolbox, aligning with the needs and lifestyles of today’s workforce.
• How Employers Can Empower Employees to Take Charge of their Health: This most recent post explores effective strategies for employee self-care. Discover how employers can empower their workforce to take charge of their health through technology-enabled tools and customized health plans. We offer a guide for employers on setting up these programs to create a healthier, more engaged workforce.