Group Benefits News

Looking at plan member behaviours during pandemic

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.

What can sponsors learn from my embarrassing physical fitness?

A Manulife employee shares his struggle to be active during COVID-19 restrictions. Manulife’s 2020 Wellness Report shows your employees may face the same challenge.

Let’s get vaccinated, so we can be together again

Manulife supports Canada’s vaccine programs – Faster, Together

ONTARIO: COVID-19 period extended to September 25, 2021

On June 7, 2021 the Ontario government extended the COVID-19 period until September 25, 2021 (the period had been scheduled to end on July 3).

Employees grapple with mental health as pandemic continues

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.

Digital medical collection for absence & disability claims

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

Electronic claims for denturists & independent dental hygienists

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

New welcome digital experience

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.

Physical address required for Wire Payments

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

Health care on pause?

As an employer, you have a business and a workforce to protect. So, you can send a clear message to employees: Look after yourself. Don’t delay treatments or tests if they’re available.

The truth about COVID-19 vaccination and insurance coverage

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.

Ontario: Travel insurance reinstated under OHIP

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has reversed an earlier decision.

March is Fraud Prevention Month

Let’s help your members get Claim Smart!

Law, order and advanced analytics

Technology is changing the way we detect inappropriate claims.

MSK360 is here to help support plan members’ 360° musculoskeletal health

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

2020 – a year we’ll never forget!

Manulife’s Year in Review re-visits the significant moments that shaped your members’ experiences in 2020.

Opioid Management Program – Soon available in Quebec

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

Personalized Medicine Program

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

What you should know and expect when travelling outside Canada

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.

Manulife Vitality and COVID-19

Healthy habits encouraged by Manulife Vitality can help lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization by up to 11%, research by The Vitality Group shows.

Buzz about Health by Design

Healthy organizations don’t happen by accident. They happen by design. This Health by Design approach is getting a lot of industry attention.

A Look at the New Canadian Disability Management Standard

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

Conversations on Managing Mental Health in the Workplace

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

AccuCare, now part of our provider network for compression stockings

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

Change to our generic drug plans

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

New Lower Price for Healthcare Online

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

Waiting periods return for COVID-19 Confirmed STD claims

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.

Alberta Biosimilar Initiative

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

Reminder: Safe and fast ways to access healthcare virtually

As we enter the second wave of COVID-19 in Canada, having access to virtual care is more important than ever.

Health by design: a proactive care model for healthy employees

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

Here to Help you Return to Work

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.

Manulife EFAP: An improved online experience for your plan members

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.

COVID-19 and your Group Trip Cancellation insurance

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

Personal protective equipment and your benefits plan

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.

Stronger Minds by BEACON®

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

Worry less with electronic payment

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

Novel Coronavirus precautions

Under Group benefit news, business owners seeking information about COVID-19 precautions will find here an overview of information, resources, and FAQ.

March is Fraud Prevention Month

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

No Pre-Ex for mat leave returns

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.

New agreement with pharmacists in Quebec

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

Telepsychiatry: Accessible mental healthcare

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

Looking back on 2019 – a year of change

We made great progress on our transformation journey in 2019, with the aim of giving our customers the best digital experience in the industry.

The Wellness Report

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

BC & Biosimilars

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

Let’s help reduce the risk for people taking opioid painkillers

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

Moving to Pay-Direct Drug (PDD) Plan

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

Gov’t addresses rising drug costs

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

In-Canada Medical Travel

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

Healthcare Online

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

Quantity limits on blood glucose test strips

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

A new approach to opioid management

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

Helping to cut through the haze of confusion around medical marijuana

Access a detailed feature sheet describing Manulife's unique, fully integrated Medical Marijuana Program.

Smart pill bottle pilot

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

National Pharmacare

Learn how Manulife is representing plan sponsors' interests in the National Pharmacare discussion.

Controlled, caring support for members who need medical marijuana

Give plan members approved for marijuana coverage access to guidance from specially trained pharmacists through Manulife's partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart.

Your claim has been received...

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

Hello. ¡Hola! Ciao! Namasté.

No language barrier here.

Enhanced Private Duty Nursing Experience

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

Online Disability Claims

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

Learn how members can get more… with no extra costs or administration for your plan

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

Spending accounts

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

Quebec See Better to Succeed Program Updates

As noted in October Edition of Advance Hub effective September 1, 2019, RAMQ will reimburse $250 per two-year period for the purchase of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses for any child under 18 through the new financial assistance program See Better to Succeed.

Did you know?

The See Better to Succeed financial assistance program became effective September 1st, 2019. The program offers a reimbursement of $250 every 2 years following the purchase of eyeglasses or contact lenses for any child under the age of 18.

Quebec vision care program for children under 18 now available

As of September 1, 2019, RAMQ will reimburse $250 per two-year period for the purchase of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses for any child under 18 through the new financial assistance program See Better to Succeed.