With diabetes, heart disease, and obesity on the rise, Canada Life is pleased to introduce a new health coaching program, led by the Health Solutions by ShoppersTM team, to help Canadians prevent and manage chronic conditions.
“At Canada Life, we’re always on the lookout for programs and initiatives that support the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians,” says Ryan Weiss, Vice-President, Product & Experience for Group Customer. “The health coaching program evolved from a successful diabetes management coaching and medication counselling program that we launched together with Shoppers Drug Mart in 2013. By expanding that early program, we aim to build on that earlier success by tackling some known care gaps and empowering plan members to better manage their health.”
The health coaching program is delivered remotely by pharmacists, nurses, and dietitians, to make the program accessible from anywhere. This ease of access is especially important so employers can continue to support their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This program is led by the Health Solutions by ShoppersTM team, a group committed to helping employers and their benefits providers deliver more cost-effective and sustainable employee health benefits, with a focus on improving employee well-being and ultimately health outcomes. Tools available include Health Coaching, HealthwatchR Drug Plan, and a Medical Cannabis Program.
“Our purpose is to help Canadians live life well and that means providing the tools they need to successfully manage their overall health,” says Barbara Carnegie, Vice-President of Payor Partnerships at Shoppers Drug Mart. “Now more than ever, Canadians need convenient access to resources that help them navigate their health challenges. Through participating employers, our pharmacists, nurses, and dietitians from our health coaching team can provide the support required to help employees and their dependents both prevent and manage their conditions more effectively.”
According to The Sanofi Healthcare Report1, the incidence of chronic disease rose from 37 per cent to 58 per cent between 2007 and 2020. For employers with group benefits plans, this increase likely contributed to higher costs for prescription drugs and coverage for short-term disability (STD) leaves of absence, as well as lower employee productivity.
For example, recent industry surveys found:
- Chronic conditions accounted for 68 per cent of overall drug spending.2
- The average duration of STD absences was 49 days per claim.3
- Thirty-eight per cent of employees struggling with chronic conditions reported missing work or found it harder to do their job.4
By offering this health coaching program, Canada Life is continuing to support plan sponsors and plan members with programs and initiatives focused on improving the overall well-being of all Canadians.
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