Smart Health Benefits Coalition Supports 10
Million Canadians Through 65,000 Employers, Including 4,500 Union
Plans
OTTAWA,
ON, Feb. 21, 2024 /CNW/ - As the deadline for
a pharmacare framework between the Liberal government and the
NDP nears, the Smart Health Benefits Coalition (SHBC) – a
new group made up of members who provide on-the-ground support and
service to over 10 million Canadians with their insurance plans -
is joining the discussion to help drive positive change for
uninsured and underinsured Canadians. Their mission is to enhance
the health and well-being of Canadians and their
families, while strengthening the healthcare system and
addressing longstanding gaps in care. The SHBC will
propose and champion smart solutions that address
the critical gaps and shortfalls, particularly for the
2.8% of Canadians that today do not have access to benefits
from a provincial drug program or through an employer
sponsored plan.
"It is time to develop swift and effective solutions that gets
coverage to everyone in need," says Carolyne Eagan, the principal spokesperson for
SHBC and President of Benefits Alliance, an SHBC member. "Proposed
solutions must be focussed on enhancing the health and affordable
access of Canadians to necessary medicines, but also protect
households and governments from new extraordinary costs."
SHBC members have a strong presence in all regions of
Canada as the on the ground, day
to day support network that helps employers, employees and benefit
plan members with their healthcare journey through the public and
employer paid plan experience. Their network spans more
than 65,000 employers across every province,
including over 4,800 union
plans. Together, they support robust benefit plans
for 10 million Canadians and their families.
Eagan adds that "it is unacceptable that today there are
many individuals and families who go without any coverage for
essential medications, or who are struggling with inadequate
coverage in the gaps between public and workplace systems."
The SHBC believes that both employers and the
public sector should play a pivotal role in ensuring comprehensive
healthcare for all Canadians. To that effect, the
Coalition will advocate for a hybrid approach to coverage
delivery and remains committed to advancing the cause of
accessible and sustainable healthcare. Over 27 million Canadians
currently have comprehensive coverage through employer-sponsored
plans which have considerable value for coverage and care, and
keeping this in place allows for a greater dedication of resources
towards those without insurance or who are underinsured. As on the
ground advisors right across the country, the SHBC brings an
important perspective and can work together with government and all
stakeholders to arrive at long term, sustainable solutions.
The SHBC comprises six member companies including HUB, Navacord,
Gallagher, GroupHEALTH, People Corporation, and Benefits
Alliance.
About the Smart Health Benefits
Coalition (SHBC): Formed in 2023, the SHBC is
a collective force dedicated to transforming healthcare in
Canada. As a necessary stakeholder at the table
on pharmacare, it is committed to constructive dialogue
that will shape efficient solutions for all Canadians. For
more information, visit www.smarthealthbenefits.ca
SOURCE Smart Health Benefits Coalition (SHBC)