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!
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Mental health is about more than mental illness. It's more than being happy all the time. It's about feeling good about who you are, having balance in your life, and managing life's highs and lows. Everyone deserves to feel well, whatever their mental health experience. And we all need a support system to lean on.
One of the most important things employers can do for their organization is to help promote good mental health and to get people access to resources when they need it. Everyone in the organization benefits from having a workforce with strong mental health as it improves employee performance, stimulates a culture that promotes kindness and increase productivity.
Quote of the Month
"Beautiful fake smile.
All it takes is a beautiful fake smile to hide an injured soul and they will never notice how broken you really are."
~ Robin Williams
If you have any comments or concerns, do not hesitate to
email
me.
Cheers,
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UBCM Group Benefits Newsletter
January 2020
UBCM's Marketing Review - Update
UBCM is conducting a Plan Marketing Review of the UBCM Group Benefits Plan for group benefit insurance services. These services are currently provided by Pacific Blue Cross/BC Life, and the review is to ensure the UBCM is providing its membership with the best services and pricing available. The Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) was issued on BC Bid on October 11, 2019 and the deadline for submission was October 30, 2019. The insurers passing the RFEI requirements were then provided with the Request for Proposal (RFP) specifications, which included more detailed information for each insurance carrier to prepare their quote. In late December each insurer was requested to confirm their intent to quote and the deadline for the carriers to respond to the RFP was January 21, 2020. Further updates will be provided in the next newsletter or as required, but if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to
Anna Wijesinghe or
Kathleen Spalek.
Resources Available for Mental Health
Bell Let's Talk day, took place on Wednesday, January 29th, is a Canadian-led social media initiative that aims to create positive change by raising awareness of mental health and fighting stigma. Bell created a toolkit that includes a conversation guide, helpful templates for use in workplaces, as well as shareable images you can use all year round to show support. Get the Tool Kit!
The websites below can help your employees find free or low-cost mental health services, especially valuable information if you don't have an Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP):
They provide online coaching using cognitive behaviour therapy. The program is designed to help employees with stress, anxiety, and mild depression. Physician referral needed.
An online information resource in BC regarding counselling, psychological services, art therapy, and psychotherapy. Helps people find the right kind of person to talk to.
A non-profit that provides services and programs designed to improve the quality of life for people battling cancer. No cost to join.
Mental Health Becoming a Bigger Factor in Health Care Costs
Source: BenefitsPro.com - 2019/12/02
Employers should be prepared to handle rising health care costs to treat mental and behavioral health disorders - expected by insurers to become some of the top and most expensive conditions, according to Willis Tower Wilson's 2020 Global Medical Trends Survey.
While cancer, cardiovascular diseases and conditions affecting musculoskeletal and connective tissue continue to be the most prevalent and expensive conditions, mental and behavioral disorders will become increasingly significant, so say this year's survey of 296 leading medical insurers operating in 79 countries.
The report indicates that within the next five years, 27 percent of health insurers predict that mental and behavioral conditions will be among the three most common conditions, and 26 percent predict that they will be among the three most expensive.
The insurer survey also found that that globally, the cost of medical care is rising at a similar rate to previous years, a rate that remains relatively stable. The global medical trend is projected to increase 6.8 percent in 2020, slightly above this year's 6.7 percent increase.
The authors writes,"All employers should also focus on broader organizational factors such as creating an inclusive culture, reducing stigma, thinking about the work environment and policies that impact mental health."
24/7 Mental Health Support on the Way for Post-Secondary Students
The Province has selected Morneau Shepell to develop a free mental health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students throughout British Columbia.
Pacific Blue Cross's Insta-Claim is available at thousands of health provider offices across British Columbia. Book your next treatment with a participating provider and you'll never need to fill in another claim form. Use the Insta-Claim lookup tool to find a participating provider in your area.
The 2nd annual challenge will be taking place June 1-21, 2020. Mark your calendar and spread the word throughout your community!
Stay tuned for more details in the coming months, including when to apply for grants to help you get your community up and moving! Visit Community Better Challenge webpage for more information, including a video featuring the 2019 winning community, Enderby, BC! How'd they do it? Watch the video to find out!
Get together. Get active. Get winning.
Proposed Changes to the Employment Standards Act
Bill 8 - which amends the Employment Standards Act - aims to bolster support for workers who are 1) seeking assistance during a difficult time in their lives or 2) seeking redress of grievances and recompense for breaches committed by their employers.
The amendment, as proposed by the British Columbia government, covers a wide range of concerns. The most important changes, however, focus on:
- The awarding of additional leaves of absence for workers experiencing personal difficulty, i.e. caring for a sick family member or recovering from domestic violence
- The extension of the period during which workers can claim owed wages
- The enhancement of the collective agreement process
The legislation, therefore, touches on the following areas:
- Improving ways for workers to receive assistance, especially if they deem their rights have been violated
- Adding protective measures in the workplace for people facing difficult personal circumstances
- Ensuring workers receive just compensation
Bill 8 also specifically calls for children and youth to be protected from performing dangerous work.
Harnessing Talent: Alliance for Recruiting and Retaining Canadians with Disabilities
Harnessing Talent: Alliance for Recruiting and Retaining Canadians with Disabilities
a new three-year, federally funded Canadian research-to-practice project with a regional focus on BC, Alberta, Yukon Territory, Northwest Territory and Nunavut. The project's goal is to share best employer practices, identify gaps, and provide evidence-based knowledge, tools and resources to help employers, service providers and disability organizations base their work on what the research shows actually works in practice. Learn more and join the
Alliance.
Employers, HR professionals and disability organizations are encouraged to join a new alliance for retaining and recruiting Canadians with disabilities for free upcoming resources. To access these tools and tips, register
here.
New Year Kickstarter Workout
Natalie is back to help kickstart your year by adding some physical activity into your daily routine.
Open the ParticipACTION app to view the quick, easy Kickstarter Workout that you can do at home in the morning, before your busy day even starts.
If you haven't already, be sure to download the ParticipACTION app below to watch the full video today!
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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