Industry News – PACE MGA

Can Employers mandate Employees to join Group Plan

Jenielle Jones-Arguello — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 16:38:05 +0000

Canadian employers know that their employees value benefit plans. Employer-sponsored plans often provide additional benefit coverage to employees beyond the basic medical treatment covered under the universal health care system. Every employer’s benefit plan may be different—some include mandatory benefit programs that do not allow employees to opt out while others may only allow opt-outs of specific plan elements. Employers must follow the law and plan rules, but when can employers mandate employees join a group benefit plan, and when can employees opt out?

Can Canadian Employers Require Employees to Join a Group Benefit Plan? – Word on Benefits (ifebp.org)

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Self Insurance as a Cost Saving Strategy

Jenielle Jones-Arguello — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 16:31:46 +0000

Short-term disability is sometimes considered by companies
looking to provide staff with an enhancement beyond the EI
sickness benefit. EI sickness pays 55% for those who meet the
qualification criteria. An employer may qualify for a small EI
premium contribution reduction by setting up a plan that mirrors
the EI sickness plan design.

Self-Insurance as a Cost Savings Strategy (orgsoln.com)

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EI Legislative Changes

Jenielle Jones-Arguello — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:18:05 +0000

As part of Budget 2022, the Federal Government is extending Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks.

Impact as of December 18, 2022

Companies who have Short-Term Disability (STD) plans that integrate with the EI sickness benefit will need to align to the new 26-week benefit period.
Companies without STD on their plan whose plan members claim EI benefits prior to Long-Term Disability (LTD), will need to align your LTD elimination period with the new 26 weeks.
There will be no immediate impact on companies who qualify for the Premium Reduction Program (PRP).
PRP eligibility won’t be subject to change at this time. This will likely occur closer to 2024/2025.

If you don’t make these changes, there’s a chance your plan members will receive EI and disability benefits at the same time. When this change is in effect, you may wish to advise plan members who receive EI sickness benefits to contact Service Canada to discuss potential impacts to their benefits.

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EI Adjustments for 2023

Jenielle Jones-Arguello — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:11:18 +0000

2023 EI adjustments communication

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WSIB On-Line

Jenielle Jones-Arguello — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:08:28 +0000

WSIB is moving all Account Information on-line in January 2023

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Dental Fee Guide Increases for 2023

Jenielle Jones-Arguello — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 13:53:55 +0000

Province	2022	2023
Alberta	3.90%	6.00%
Manitoba	5.79%	5.25%
Ontario	4.75%	8.50%
Prince Edward Island	4.75%	5.77%
Québec	5.00%	9.80%
Saskatchewan	5.99%	5.62%