Just a reminder that you are able to make changes to your group benefits plan at any time. Please feel free to contact me if you want a review of your plan design. Being part of a bigger pool, the UBCM Group Benefits Plan allows you to offer better customized plans at a lower cost. Email me today!
One of my favourite quotes by American novelist Annie Dillard is: "How we spend our days is how we spend our lives."
Purpose gives all of us meaning beyond the circumstances that surround us. It's
our connection with "purpose" that allows our daily actions to tap into our own motivations and with that make it easier to go forward in the right direction.
If you have any comments or concerns, do not hesitate to
email
me.
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UBCM Group Benefits Newsletter
May 2019
Canadian Men's Health Week June 10 - 16, 2019
Canadian Men's Health Week is a time to bring awareness to health issues that affect men disproportionately and focuses on getting men to become aware of problems they may have or could develop, and gain the courage to do something about it.
A Canadian research study (in 2018) found seventy-two percent of men regularly demonstrated two or more unhealthy habits, including a poor diet, smoking cigarettes, problem drinking, not exercising or not getting regular sleep. For more info, click here.
BIOSIMILARS INITIATIVE LAUNCHED
Beginning May 27, 2019, PharmaCare is changing coverage of infliximab, etanercept and insulin glargine, for certain indications, as Phase 1 of the Biosimilars Initiative. This initiative is intended to switch PharmaCare patients from originator biologics to biosimilars, which are just as safe and effective, but less expensive. During a transition phase between May 27, 2019 and November 25, 2019, PharmaCare will cover both the originator drug and the biosimilar(s). After November 25, 2019, coverage for the originator drugs will only be available on an exceptional basis.
The Rising Cost of Biologics
Across Canada, biologic drugs are a major contributor to healthcare costs increasing at an unsustainable rate. In 2017, Canada spent over $1.1 billion on Remicade® alone-more than on any other drug. With new drugs (including new biologics and innovative therapies) entering the market frequently, the cost pressures for Canada's drug plans will only continue to increase.
A solution to this challenge is already available: biosimilar versions of originator drugs offer significant cost savings.
See attachment for more information.
On April 8, 2019, Bill 8, Employment Standards Amendment Act, 2079 received first reading. Among other matters, the bill purports to add the following new types of job protected leaves of absence:
Critical illness or injury leave
- up to 36 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care or support to a family member who is under 19 years of age at the start of the leave
- up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care or support to a family member who is 19 years of age or older
Domestic violence leave
- up to 10 days of unpaid leave, in units of one or more days or in one continuous period, and
- in addition to the period of time referred to above, up to 15 weeks of unpaid leave in one unit of time (or more than one unit of time with the employer's consent)
The proposed amendments touch on four priority areas of employment standards, with changes to:
- better protect children and youth from dangerous work;
- make it easier for workers to get help when they feel their rights have been violated;
- provide more job protection to people dealing with difficult personal circumstances; and
- ensure people are paid the wages they are owed - and that those that violate the law do not have an unfair economic advantage.
On April 30, 2019, Bill 30, Labour Relations Code Amendment Act, 2019 received first reading. This bill purports to reform the Labour Relations Code with respect to a number of initiatives, including the following:
- successorship (contract flipping)
- union certification
- raids
- education as an essential service
In March 2019, PharmaCare launched a new online registration system. The new system makes registration faster and easier. Also, on January 1, 2019, PharmaCare made changes to Fair PharmaCare coverage to provide additional support to BC families. All Regular Assistance families with net annual incomes up to $30,000 are not required to pay a deductible. Family maximums have also been lowered for Regular Assistance families with net incomes between $13,750 and $45,000.
National Pharmacare Strategy Inches Forward
While the Government awaits the final report of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, Budget 2019 is taking initial steps based on the Advisory Council's consultations and interim report, released in early March 2019. Budget 2019 announces the Government's intention to move forward on three foundational elements of national pharmacare.
CUPE 798 and City of Powell River - New Five-Year Deal
Workers with the City of Powell River, represented by CUPE 798, have ratified a new 5-year agreement following six days of bargaining.
Written by:
ParticipACTION
The arrival of spring naturally brings a sense of newness and enthusiasm. It's time to sweep away the gloom of winter, along with any less-than-ideal sedentary habits. In this lighter, brighter, warmer season, we're instinctively inspired to wake up and start fresh.
A sure-fire way to energize your workplace is to add physical activity to the work day. Here are some simple ways to renew your efforts and help your employees spring into action.
For more information, click here.
Anna-Maria Wijesinghe
Nathan Roeters
Manager, Member & Association Services
Account Executive
Union of BC Municipalities
Pacific Blue Cross
Phone: 604.270.8226 (ext. 111) Phone: 604.419.2412
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