Group Benefits news

Learn about the latest trends impacting women’s health in the workplace and find out how your benefits plan can offer support.

Recent Manulife claims data reveals that a percentage of women make mental health claims following pregnancy, with many not previously seeking treatment. Explore ways employers can better support women dealing with postpartum mental health conditions.

Find out how the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the use of fertility medications among Canadian women and why it's important for employers to provide fertility benefits to support employees dealing with the emotional and financial challenges of infertility treatments.

The Manitoba government has announced its biosimilar initiative–expanding the use of biosimilar medications.

There was a 20.7% increase in the number of women aged 45 to 65 seeking hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms from 2020 to 2023. We provide recommendations for employers to better support individuals experiencing menopause.

Manulife Group Benefits will be closed on September 30, 2024, for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The stories in this special report encourage you to consider how your employee benefits programs and company policies can support staff members from all backgrounds, genders, and identities.

Discover the importance of inclusive family policies in the workplace and consider strategies to support diverse family structures and reduce discrimination.

Gender-affirming care can play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive workplace. Explore the impact of comprehensive coverage, mental health support, workplace policies, and social affirmation in supporting the needs of trans and nonbinary employees.

Explore expert recommendations for fostering and sustaining a 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive workplace culture in this comprehensive guide for employers.

Building a supportive workplace for people who are working on weight management can go a long way in helping to create a healthy and inclusive environment for your employees. This can include ensuring that weight loss (anti-obesity) medications are covered by your group benefits.

Our aggregate drug claims data shows a 42.3% increase year-over-year in the number of people being treated with these drugs in 2023.

This article explores the concept of employee burnout, its impact on mental health, and the importance of addressing it in the workplace. It highlights the signs and symptoms of burnout, including physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators, and emphasizes the industries most at risk for burnout.

We share trends Manulife identified in the drug and disability claims we process for several health conditions impacting Canadian workers.

Substance use disorder and mental health challenges are prevalent in Canada, affecting workers and workplaces across industries.

On average, organizations are losing 49 days of productivity per employee per year due to absenteeism and presenteeism.

We are excited to announce Dr. Georgia Pomaki, Manulife’s Director of Mental Health Best Practices has been elected as Chair of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.

We’ve taken another step towards expanding our suite of mental health services – now providing your employees with faster and easier access to integrated and personalized mental health support when they need it most.

Efforts are being made to address the gender gap in mental health research and treatment for women. A community of philanthropists and scientists is working to raise awareness and improve the lives of women and girls by focusing on women-centered research and careers in science.

This article discusses the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, individuals who are simultaneously caring for their children and aging parents. These caregivers often struggle to find a balance between their caregiving responsibilities and their own needs, leading to increased stress and risk of burnout.

We are thrilled to announce the rollout of our enhanced Manulife Mobile app!

The Manulife Vitality Group Benefits program and associated app was retired in April 2024.

In December 2023, the Federal government announced its dental care plan for Canadians who don’t already have dental coverage.

We share trends Manulife identified in the drug and disability claims we process for heart-related conditions.

Women’s cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of premature death in women in Canada. However, it doesn’t always receive the attention it deserves. This article outlines the importance of women’s cardiovascular health and discusses the unique warning signs of a heart attack in women. It also explores an increase in the number of people submitting drug claims related to hypertension in pregnancy that we’re seeing in our data.

Our data has uncovered new trends around cardiovascular health including the number of younger individuals submitting claims for heart-related conditions and the rise in individuals seeking treatment for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

From a health, wellness, and longevity perspective, there’s no better story to listen to than the one the heart is telling.

Here are some tips, developed with Cleveland Clinic Canada, to help you make an informed decision and select a monitor that best meets your needs.

We share information on two topics known to affect workers across the country – conditions that are potentially affecting your own employees’ performances at work and in life – mental health and musculoskeletal injury and pain.

Our lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on our immune system and maintaining good health is vital. This report offers practical advice and tips to help you take charge of your health and well-being.

Through this first-of-its-kind agreement in Canada, the millions of Canadians who are eligible Manulife Group Benefits members will have the ability to earn Aeroplan points by engaging in behaviours and activities that encourage health and wellbeing.

Organizations can use on-site health clinics as a keystone in their wellness programs and as a way to encourage employees to take a proactive approach to their health.

Mental health disorders in Canada have implications for the workplace.

Musculoskeletal conditions are one of the most common health issues affecting workers’ productivity and morale.

Starting on January 1, 2024, the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) is changing how QPP disability recipients get their payments, as part of the Government of Quebec’s implementation of Bill 17.

More adults are claiming ADHD medication and a growing number of young people are seeking treatment for mental illness and diabetes, according to Manulife group benefits claims data. Read more about these trends.

Manulife aggregate drug claims data shows there are certain industries with more claims for sleep medications. This Special Report provides practical tips and strategies for employers to help their employees achieve better sleep quality and overall well-being, including recommendations for creating a sleep-friendly workplace environment and promoting healthy sleep habits.

We adapted this guide provided by our medical director, Cleveland Clinic Canada, so you and your employees can better understand and manage sleep and shift work.

Businesses in the agriculture, mining, and construction industries see more unique claimants for sleep-related medications.

Employees with diabetes are missing a chance to benefit from the services of dietitians and other supports available through their plans.

Diabetes foot care can be an important way to reduce the risk of complications from diabetes. This article outlines the importance of regular at-home foot care, foot examinations, and reviews common problems and what to watch out for when it comes to your foot health.

Manulife aggregate data shows there’s been an increase overall in unique claimants for diabetes medication over the past several years. Learn more and get resources on diabetes for employers and employees.

Find out what employers are required to report on tax forms to support the new public Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

This article explores the latest developments in diabetes management, including the breakthrough of continuous glucose monitoring and the smart insulin pen. Discover how these innovative devices are changing the lives of people with diabetes and how they are revolutionizing the way this chronic condition is treated.

For parents of a child with Type 1 diabetes, workplace supports and medical advancements can be game changers.

From monitoring air quality conditions to considering staff who work both indoors and outdoors, there are some precautions you can take to help prepare your business for the effects of wildfire smoke.

Prediabetes puts people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This article outlines prediabetes, how it relates to diabetes, and ways to help reduce the impact of the condition.

What is Ozempic, how does it work, and what is it approved for? Ozempic is a form of semaglutide that’s delivered by a self-injectable pen. The drug is designed to regulate insulin and lower blood glucose levels.

The global pandemic caused kids to miss out on some routine vaccinations. A child getting sick can be a stressful time that can have major impacts on the family. It can also require caregivers to take time off work. This article outlines ten important childhood vaccines that caregivers should be aware of.

Manulife’s data-driven insights, backed by League’s innovative CX platform, will help Group Benefits Members take control of their health and wellness.

Over the last five years, Manulife has seen a sharp spike in the number of adults submitting claims for ADHD medications, and newly released data suggests that this trend shows no signs of slowing.

More people are seeking treatment for ADHD, but what impact could the condition be having in your workplace? This article outlines actionable steps to support your team’s success, including educating leaders, encouraging discussions, and supporting accommodations.

Health Care Spending Accounts give employees coverage that goes beyond standard insurance coverage, but they might not be aware of all of the benefits. Here are four ways to help your employees get the most out of their Health Care Spending Account.

If you’re thinking about booking your winter travel, it’s important to prepare yourself with as much information about your destination as you can.

If employees don’t properly take their medication, it can come at a cost to their health and benefits plan. Learn how you can support employees.

This simple, one-time genetic test, done via a saliva sample that takes less than a minute, helps predict how effective certain medications may be depending on an individual’s genetic makeup. Based on the results, health care practitioners can then tailor treatment plans that are personalized and precise, reducing side effects and increasing the odds of successful patient outcomes.

More adults are claiming ADHD medications according to Manulife Group Benefits claim data. Read more on the trend we've seen over five years.

More than one in five employees aren’t getting the sleep they need to stay healthy and perform to their usual standards during the day. Here’s what’s keeping them up at night and how to help them get those much-needed ZZZs.

A growing number of people are seeking treatment for mental illness and diabetes, according to Manulife group benefits claims data. Read more about these trends.

A pharmacist explains how common travel vaccines can prevent illness when you travel and provides tips on how you could reduce the cost of the shots.

The Ontario government has announced a biosimilar initiative to expand the use of biosimilar drugs for specific conditions.

Manulife supports the Trans Canada Trails’ Accessibility Mapping Program.

The Wellness Report reveals that three years of COVID have taken a toll on employees’ health. Improvements haven’t happened quickly.

Sometimes, the best way to help yourself is by helping others. Volunteering your time and energy to help your community can be rewarding in ways you might not have imagined.

Organizations can help employees better manage the challenges they face so they can bring their best to work each day.

Even with a regular pay cheque, your employees may be struggling with the rising cost of healthy foods. Use these 6 tips to help your employees manage their grocery budget and their health.

Ash Desai, Head of Group Benefits for Manulife Canada, talks to Maclean's about how we’re changing the future of employee health care.

A psychiatrist from Cleveland Clinic Canada explains how subtle incidents can add up to have significant emotional impacts. Learn to relieve the stress of microtraumas.

Looking for information and guidance on employee health? We collected data trends and ask our experts to explain what you should know in a wide range of special reports and articles.

Manulife customer support eases a family’s orthodontic payment pain.

Living your best life means different things to different people, but many of us feel a little better when we have room, space, and time to breathe, relax, and recharge.

Starting September 1, 2023, GEM will be handling calls and supporting your employees who have questions or are experiencing an out-of-country medical emergency.

Here are some ideas to help you save money on this year’s vacation.

We’re seeing concerning trends of mental illness and diabetes among young Canadians. We're giving employers better data to design their future employee health programs.

“Personalized Medicine literally saved my son’s life and brought him back to us,” Lynn Oliver shares.

A stressed and strained workforce can reveal itself in absences, disability, or lower productivity. Where should employers and insurers focus to better support employee mental health? Find our recommendations in this special report on mental health.

We’re seeing more and more youth dealing with mental health concerns.

Dr. Bill Howatt explains how a mental fitness program may help your employees improve their resiliency and reduce the risk of absence due to mental illness.

Creating a culture that actively promotes mental well-being can go a long way to addressing smaller concerns before they become major challenges.

News Release

Many Canadians say they they’ve had trouble accessing healthcare. Two innovative companies show how new digital approaches can change the status quo.

Honouring World Health Day Canada, learn more about Manulife's Impact Agenda, commitment to the future of health and research partnership with CIFAR.

It’s not often talked about, but many Canadians are dealing with infertility. The challenge can be costly in physical, emotional, and financial terms. Today, there are more ways for organizations to support their people who are trying to start a family.

This basic guide will help you understand the roles and qualifications of the different types of health care experts who work with your employees when navigating mental health concerns.

Too often, access and coverage for mental health support simply runs out

Living your best life means different things to different people, but many of us feel a little better when we have room, space, and time to breathe, relax, and recharge. Share this series of articles with your plan members to remind them how often less is more when it comes to clutter, stress, and demands on our time.

The Joint Provider Fraud Investigation initiative will see all participating carriers, including Manulife, collaborate to conduct joint investigations into suspicious claims activities by providers.

Is the high cost of living making you rethink your gym membership? Here are 3 easy ways to exercise and stay in shape that are free, or almost free.

Our pharmacy expert explains the change. It could provide more convenience for residents and improve productivity for your organization.

There are lots of things you can do to live your best life. And the good news, it can cost less than you think.

Surveys show that virtual health care options have been favourably received by both your plan members and the physicians who care for them.

While you may feel powerless against rising prices, there are things you can do to take control of your food costs and still eat healthy.

News Release

We’re combining four of our most effective drug plan management solutions in one package – to help sponsors optimize savings & provide members with access to the medications they need.

Action required for members on biologics. Saskatchewanians using certain biologic drugs will need to switch to the biosimilar version by April 30, 2023. Read here to learn more about the change.

Manulife, in collaboration with Communitech, sponsored a Call for Solutions to address some of the biggest challenges facing the country’s health care system.

Our new Wellness on a budget series can help you keep your New Year’s resolutions.

What’s a virtual health coach? What do they do? And how does their role differ from more ‘traditional’ health care providers? Watch our interview with Dr. Noah Wayne, from NexJ Health, to learn what virtual health coaching is and how it’s helping Canadians.

Tough economic times mean you may want to rethink how much you spend this year. Here are 5 tips to keep your holidays bright and your debt load light.

Dr. Bill Howatt explains where your mental health programs may be going wrong and how to improve them.

On December 18th, 2022 EI Sickness Benefits increases from 15 to 26 weeks of coverage.

Learning the proper injection technique is an important part of administering diabetes medication.

News Release

Plan sponsors and administrators can use this chart to better understand the different devices.

Need some exercise and nutrition tips to manage your diabetes? A pharmacist recommends these foods for diabetics.

In this special report, Manulife experts share their thoughts on different aspects of illness and its costs.

An always-on approach to mental health programming

We’re enhancing our industry-leading Specialty Drug Care (SDC) program through a new collaboration with Shoppers Drug Mart

There’s an ever-growing list of tools and options to help plan members work with their doctors and pharmacists to get the best care and value from their drug plans. They just need to know where to find them.

Check out the enhanced Drug Coverage feature on the Manulife Mobile app!

A good sleep helps with a range of critical body functions, restores your energy, helps repair muscle tissue and boosts both your metabolism and immune system. And it improves your mental health by refining your cognitive skills and regulating emotions.

Karen Taylor is embarking on a new career journey – at age 59! And she credits Manulife for helping to pave her way.

Online mental health resources have proven to enable easy, immediate, and early access to mental health professionals.

Consider a worksite health screening. This could be an important evolution for your workplace wellness culture.

Day 1 and beyond. How to help employees make their best move back to the office.

A good exercise routine can add years to your life. Here’s one for every age.

Here are 6 ways you can coach managers to hit the reset button and support their teams through this transition.

Changes to Employment Insurance sickness benefits are scheduled for later in 2022. Read more about what’s happening and how it affects sponsors.

Here are 5 tips you can share with your plan members to help them smoothly transition back to the office.

It doesn’t have to be one or the other – plan members hinder recovery by limiting their treatment options.

Effective July 1 2022, Dexcom G6™ real-time continuous glucose monitor (rtCGM) will be available as part of our drug benefit for plans that include these devices.

Manulife’s Personalized Medicine program can help get members on the right mental health medication quicker to help prevent productivity loss and ineffective drug spend.

Over half of Canadian employees surveyed say they are experiencing one or more work-related mental health risk factors, according to Manulife’s 2020 Wellness Report.

Patient advocacy groups play a vital role seeking cures and treatments and helping Canadians manage illness

Check out the details and see how you can inform members.

Each of us has an inherent human intelligence system. But how can we tune that system to help us achieve health, happiness, and success?

Guest post by Dr. Shimi Kang. The human intelligence system is a fascinating and important part of who we are. But many people don’t often stop to think about how they think.

Watch our interview with award-winning psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Shimi Kang to learn how adopting a mindset of play can help you cope, adapt, and innovate.

Innovative, on-demand therapeutic resources and virtual physiotherapy to support members’ musculoskeletal health.

Entering the pandemic there were things Manulife Group Benefits expected to happen. Find out which predictions came true, and which ones didn’t unfold as expected.

A formulary is a defined list of clinically effective prescription drugs that are used in the treatment of most medical conditions.

I fear just about every medicine cabinet or bathroom drawer contains some unused, expired, or long-forgotten prescription or over-the-counter medications.

How to leverage tension for leadership success

How disability and critical illness insurance can help protect you from the high costs of illness

Plan members need help understanding how much coverage they need, and optional benefits can be part of the equation.

What does “the new normal” mean for employers who have already had to pivot, adjust and adapt? It means that pivoting, adjusting and adapting is the new normal.

BioPed Footcare has been added to our network of medical suppliers. Just one of the ways we’re improving the member experience.

Growing The Provider Network in 2022, to bring quality service and medical supplies to the forefront for members.

We’ve come a long way in these two years. But a look at the trends in disability claims shows there’s still a long way to go.

Watch our interview with Dr. Georgia Pomaki for insights on addressing employee burnout in your workplace.

On April 18, we’re introducing enhancements to our Opioid Management Program to further promote medication safety and help improve member health.

Protect plan members with Manulife's Opioid Management Program, which starts with a short-term supply and tries short-acting opioids first.

Lindsay Bell, Senior Health Management Consultant, offers insights on how business leaders can help address fatigue in the workplace.

McWilliams shared his insights on some of today’s biggest headlines.

Our new process will require everyone to have their own unique Manulife ID.

A trio of ways to help employees be present when they’re present

Learn about a first-to-market Manulife pilot that uses smart pill bottle technology to improve the way plan members take their medications.

Learn how creating a culture of connection can help at work.

Learn how loneliness may be affecting your employees’ health and their performance at work.

Max defines innovation and shares ideas on how to spark innovative thinking.

Some studies suggest presenteeism costs two, three or even 10 times more than absenteeism according to Eric Pfeiffer, a Senior Health Management Consultant at Manulife

We explain how Manulife is helping protect members with our opioid management program.

We’re ensuring our dedicated line is just for you.

“Post-pandemic” is a moving target that seems just out of reach.

During the pandemic, important health issues have taken a back seat, at least in terms of the public’s attention. In this Q and A, Pav Ravi, a pharmacist and product director at Manulife, says diabetes is one example.

For Group benefit plan administrators, Manulife's Wellness Report provides insights into the connection between employee health risks and business operations.

On December 7, 2021 the Ontario government extended the COVID-19 period until July 30, 2022 (the period had been scheduled to end on January 1, 2022).

As provinces are reopening across Canada, industries are taking important steps to improve safety considering COVID-19. This is true for your business and for health care professionals.

Quebec members (18 years and older) using certain innovator biologic drugs will need to switch to a corresponding biosimilar.

Manulife Group Disability is rolling out a new telephone platform.

Manulife saw a steep drop in Emergency out-of-country medical claims in 2021 according to Jeff Alcock, Manulife Group Benefits Head of Claim and Administration Operations.

Mental health claims make up well over 30% of Manulife’s group disability claims in 2021.

Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 does not negatively affect your or your plan members’ existing life insurance or valid Group Benefits coverage in any way.

There are services you can access to care for your mental health, even while practicing physical distancing.

Reduced access to your office? Issuing cheques is getting harder with new challenges due to coronavirus? We’ve got you covered with electronic payment.

By waiving the waiting period, we supported the health of Canadians by providing immediate financial support to people who had to stay home from work due to COVID-19 illness.

Improved plan design options now possible for your plan members in Quebec – learn more

Address details for Wire Payments (sent to or from Manulife) must be accurate and include a full physical address.

Reduce plan member treatment delays with 24/7 access to doctors and nurses through Manulife's Healthcare Online.

Opioid misuse impacts members Canada-wide. We’re taking steps to help protect you and your members.

Help plan members get the healthcare they need far from home with Manulife's new In-Canada Medical travel coverage.

Advanced pharmacogenetic testing and pharmacist assistance to help your employees find more effective medication and live healthier lives sooner.

Learn why Manulife supports the federal government's recently announced steps to address rising drug costs.

Monday, October 19th, Manulife’s Dr. Georgia Pomaki joined a discussion about the CSA’s new Work Disability Management System Standard.

A new standard designed to help Canadian employers with disability management has been introduced by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Helping your members get the support they need to buy quality compression stockings

We’ve lowered the price for Healthcare online to $3.95 per member, per month.

We’re making it easier and more engaging for new plan members joining a Manulife group benefits plan with an improved and digital welcome experience.

We’re helping make the process simpler, faster, and more secure for members, case managers and doctors.

We’ve introduced electronic claims for these essential healthcare providers.

Members can get enhanced personalized guidance and support for their Private Duty Nursing (PDN) needs.

Manulife is expanding our list of interchangeable drugs in British Columbia, Alberta and New Brunswick.

What will a return to work look like? Whether it’s an office, work site or retail store, being back at work may mean heightened levels of risk – both to the mental and physical health of employees.

If members stop paying premiums while they’re on maternity leave, LTD coverage starts again once they restart their premiums and the pre-existing condition exclusion won’t apply.

Better manage drug costs with Manulife's annual limit on blood glucose test strips for plan members with diabetes.

Learn what actions plan members on biologics need to take based on Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative.

Share this message with your plan members if you have trip cancellation insurance under your group plan.

No language barrier here.

New fraud prevention tools help business owners educate, engage, and empower members to help prevent benefits fraud and abuse.

We’re introducing exciting digital enhancements to the Manulife Employee and Family Assistance Program that will make it easier for your plan members and their families to get the support they need.

Our proactive benefits strategy uses the latest in science and tech to help members stay healthy and at work.

Add Manulife's Personal Life to your benefits plan at no cost and with no medical questions for plan members.

Better control plan costs with Manulife's enhanced Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account.

Learn how Manulife's email claim confirmations notify plan members that their claims are being worked on.

We know the best experience for you and your members is a digital one. That’s why we just launched a new application experience for optional life, critical illness and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.

Effective September 29th, our Healthcare Online provider will be changing their name from Akira to TELUS Health Virtual Care

Improve cost management for group plans and convenience for plan members with Manulife's Pay-Direct Drug (PDD) Plan.

The Financial Wellness Assessment is temporarily offline as we make some important upgrades.

As part of our planned digital transformation improvements, as well as the ongoing challenges presented by the novel coronavirus, Manulife is no longer offering plastic benefit cards to new and existing plan members.

Discover our unique approach to Short Term Absences.

Canada has a serious shortage of psychiatrists which is likely to worsen, as demand for treatment grows and supply declines.

Find out from Manulife what actions plan members on biologics need to take based on British Columbia's Biosimilar Initiative.

Direct plan members to Manulife's opioid education materials to help reduce the risk for people taking opioid painkillers.

Learn how Manulife's introduction of online disability claims improves convenience for plan members.