Health

• Buck Outlook: August 2008

  Keynote articles in the August 2008 issue of Buck Outlook discuss incentives as rewards for working safely, the ODP competitive agreement initiative and remaining issues relating to mandatory retirement.

• Aon Forum August 2008

  This issue of the Aon Forum discusses a variety of features of the new Tax free savings account including using a TFSA to pay health costs during retirement.

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• Court upholds damage award for terminated bipolar employee

  Employers struggling with how best to accommodate mental health in the workforce, will be interested in a new decision of the Ontario Divisional Court upholding an $80,000 judgment against an Ottawa company that dismissed a man with bipolar disorder.

• "Five minutes about changes to the Medical Expense Tax Credit" with Mercer's Marcel Théroux

  In this week's podcast, Mercer principal and lawyer Marcel Théroux discusses draft amendments to the tax regulations that may further complicate -- rather than clarify -- the situation for group benefit plans currently covering over-the-counter drugs.

• METC rule changes: Muddying the waters for employer drug plans

  This Watson Wyatt InfoFlash discusses implications of draft regulations intended to clarify the eligibility of medications for the medical expense tax credit. Unfortunately, the draft legislation considerably complicates matters for employers with private health services plans that cover over-the-counter drugs, especially those covering Quebec residents.

• B.C. grants assist disability management

  It's been more than 30 years since a tree slammed into then 20-year-old Wolfgang Zimmermann, breaking his back the first week on the job as a civil forest engineer. While some would have written off working again, he was back at work six months later - now in a wheelchair.

• Workplace wellness programs need a boost: Employers can have an enormous positive influence

  Despite overwhelming evidence proving the benefits of workplace wellness programs, a new survey shows they are on the decline - frustrating, but not surprising, many in the industry.

• Push here for pills: An ATM-like prescription dispensary can provide 24/7 service

  The new centerpiece of a system that could have health care cost savings potential is an ATM-like drug dispensing machine that can be located in physician offices, clinics and even pharmacies.

• A perfect storm: Health care benefit changes give TPAs more traction

  A perfect storm in health care benefits is one reason why third-party administrators are gaining traction in the industry, administering about $2.5 billion a year in benefits for Canadian employers.

• Through the looking glass: U.S.-style pharmacy benefit management requires transparency

  Private drug plan sponsors continue to feel the pain of prescription drug plan cost inflation that has outpaced general wage inflation for decades. In response, Canadian pharmacy benefit managers are positioning themselves to offer a new price-control solution - aggressive formulary management coupled with U.S.-style rebating deals.

• Drug companies to compete for Ontario Public Drug Program contracts

  A study by the Fraser Institute revealing that in 2007 Canadians continued to pay more than double the prices paid by Americans for identical generic drugs may be one reason drug manufacturers will now have to compete to be listed on the Ontario Public Drug Program formulary.

• Buck Outlook: July 2008

  Keynote articles in the July 2008 issue of Buck Outlook discuss wellness deserves more than lip service, rethinking DC plans and investments and the impact of demographic transitions on pension fumding.

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• 2008 EI and CPP/QPP premiums are released

  Canadian employers and their employees will pay lower Employment Insurance premiums in 2008, and there will be no increase in CPP/QPP contribution levels. Employment Insurance

• "Five minutes about managing vacation envy" with Ceridian's Estelle Morrison

  Summer is almost over, and yet many Canadians have still not used up any of their annual vacation days. In this week's podcast, Ceridian Director of Health Management Estelle Morrison discusses managing the "vacation envy" of those who didn't get away, and practical strategies for employers who want to ensure their employees get regular R&R.

• Salary budgets in Canada, U.S. continue to climb

  Results from the 35th Annual WorldatWork Salary Budget Survey, the largest survey of its kind, show pay budgets growing steadily from 2008 to 2009 in the U.S. and Canada.

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• Salary budgets in Canada, U.S. continue to climb

• Mental health stigma still widespread in Canada

• Are you getting bangs for your tuition reimbursement bucks?