October Preamble
Why wait until the New Year to start working on your health,
fitness and money resolutions?
Here's why you should get going now.
For many of us, the shift from summer to fall represents a fresh start. The change of season can be an ideal time to develop healthier, more productive lifestyle habits. And there's no absolute rule that says you can only make resolutions in the New Year. You're free to set your goals whenever you want. So why not now?!
Quote of the Month...
Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you avoid at all costs, and it is the risk of doing nothing.
~ Denis Waitley ~
As always, do not hesitate to
email
me.
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UBCM Group Benefits Newsletter
October 2018
The updated Pacific Blue Cross website gives its members the features they are already familiar with, redesigned for an enhanced online experience. A few highlights:
- Members can stay connected to their Pacific Blue Cross service while at home or on the go as the new site includes a fully responsive design for optimal viewing on desktop, tablet or mobile.
- The new Member Profile features all the functionality members currently enjoy from CARESnet, including the same log in process, but now with easier access to their coverage details and options for fast and easy claims.
- A new Benefits Summary Page allows members to quickly and easily find information on healthy service, savings and coverage.
New Limits on Blood Glucose Test Strips
Today, there are 11 million Canadians living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, including more than 1.4 million British Columbians. Treatment plans for individuals who manage their diabetes with insulin involve testing glucose levels on a regular basis. However, research has indicated that blood glucose test strips have a limited benefit for many patients who do not take insulin to treat their diabetes. Based on best evidence, and in alignment with BC PharmaCare's recommendations, a Pacific Blue Cross Member's annual limit of blood glucose test strips will now be determined by the diabetes treatment they are receiving (effective January 1st, 2019). By using evidence-based research to inform policies, Pacific Blue Cross is ensuring that Members have access to the treatments that keep them healthy, while keeping the sustainability of your plan in mind.
Learn more about this upcoming change
.
Expansion of Coverage for Insulin Pumps
As of July 3, 2018, there will no longer be an age restriction for insulin pump coverage in BC. Currently only people aged 25 or younger who meet eligibility criteria can receive PharmaCare coverage for insulin pumps. As of July 3, anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can work with their endocrinologist or diabetes specialist to apply for insulin pump coverage.
Read more in the June edition of BC PharmaCare Newsletter
.
Ch
anges to Sleep Apnea Devices
Pacific Blue Cross has the responsibility of ensuring health care plans remain affordable
and sustainable. As a result, on October 15th, 2018, they are intr
oducing new criteria for assessing eligibility for apnea device-level intervention. These changes will ensure the right member receives the right device, at the right time. If the member is purchasing a new apnea device or the current one no longer works, members must complete a pre-determination form. The primary pieces of information required include: Physician diagnosis of sleep apnea, a sleep study report, and the type of
device requested.
Click here
for more information.
Save Money with Biosimilars
Over the last decade, biologic drugs have become increasingly prescribed to treat a wide
range of conditions. A biologic is a complex drug made of proteins derived from living organisms and are used to treat a variety of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, anemia, cancer and skin conditions. They are the fastest growing segment of the pharmaceutical market, and one of the most
expensive. However, similar to traditional brand name and generic drugs, when the patent on the originator biologic expires, companies can release a biosimilar version of the drug. A number of biosimilars have already been approved by Health Canada and are being used to treat a variety of conditions. Biosimilars are considered to be equally as safe and effective as their originator biologic, but at a more affordable cost.
Learn more about the benefits of biosimilars.
New Blood Drug Concentration Levels
The law has long prohibited alcohol impaired driving. If drivers have a high enough blood alcohol concentration ("BAC"), it may be a breach of both the Criminal Code and the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act. Until recently, there were no similar blood concentration limits for drug impaired driving. However, in June 2018, in advance of the legalization and regulation of marijuana, the Government implemented new criminal offences with respect to drug impaired driving in An Act to amend the Criminal Code (offences relating to conveyances) and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (the "Act").
Employers will be interested to know that the Act prohibits individuals from having certain levels of impairing drugs in their blood within two hours of driving and sets out the legal limits for the blood drug concentration ("BDC") levels for particular drugs. Read the full article.
EI Parental Sharing Benefit
On September 26, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that it intends to launch the new parental sharing benefit on March 17, 2019 (originally anticipated for
June 2019).
This new measure is intended to create an incentive for all parents to take some leave when welcoming a new child and share the work of raising their children more equally.
It will provide an additional five weeks of Employment Insurance parental benefits when parents-including adoptive and same-sex parents-agree to share parental benefits, or an additional eight weeks for those who choose the extended parental benefit option. Parents with children born or placed for adoption on or after March 17, 2019, will be eligible.
British Columbia Employer Health Tax Legislation Introduced
British Columbia's February 2018 budget confirmed the previously announced elimination of Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums effective January 1, 2020.
It also announced a premium revenue replacement strategy that includes an Employer Health Tax (EHT) that will come into effect on January 1, 2019.
Some of the details of the new EHT were released in a July 4, 2018 Ministry of Finance Employer Health Tax Notice.
Legislation confirming the framework was introduced on October 16, 2018 and is expected to pass before the end of the year.
When passed, Bill 44, the Budget Measures Implementation (Employer Health Tax Act), 2018 will impose the new tax, effective for the 2019 calendar year, on the remuneration paid by employers to or on behalf of employees that report for work in British Columbia.
In general, the tax is to be paid at a rate of 1.95% of the remuneration paid by the employer during the calendar year. If the remuneration paid by the employer is less than $500,000, no tax is payable. If the remuneration paid by the employer is greater than $500,000 but not greater than $1,500,000, tax is paid at a rate of 2.925% of the amount by which the remuneration paid exceeds $500,000.
We're Sitting so Much at Work, It's Scary
Halloween is a time of creepy creatures like zombies, vampires, werewolves, witches and goblins. But there is another monster quietly lurking in the shadows and haunting workplaces across the country. It's our sedentary lifestyle - and it brings with it the threat of additional employee absences, increased drug and disability claims and decreased productivity. It's a very real phenomenon that organizations and their leaders can't afford to ignore. What can you do?
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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