October 17, 2022

Extension of Employment Insurance (EI) | Travel Product Enhancements | Industry Trends | Group Benefits Sales Contest on Now | In Your Community

Extension of Employment Insurance (EI)

What you need to know about the Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefit extension

The Government of Canada has been working to modernize the Employment Insurance (EI) program. As part of this effort, the 2022 federal budget confirmed the extension of Employment Insurance sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks. This change is anticipated to take place later this year. While an official date and details are still to be announced, here’s a look at what plan sponsors can expect:

• Plan sponsors who offer Short-Term Disability (STD) benefits, integrated with EI on the plan, will need to consider realigning their benefits with the new 26-week extension.

• Plan sponsors who do not offer STD benefits will need to realign plans to the 26-week elimination period if members claim EI prior to Long-Term Disability (LTD). This will help avoid the payment of disability and EI benefits at the same time, where a member may be required to refund EI for benefits overpaid.

Premium Reduction Program (PRP)

The PRP gives employers the advantage of paying lower EI premium rates when they provide their employees with short-term disability plans that meet certain requirements. There are no immediate impacts to employers who currently qualify for the PRP and the eligibility remains the same. No changes are expected to this program until 2024 or later.

We remain committed to offering holistic disability management benefits that focus on member health and wellness. With early intervention and proactive communication, we help employers manage a productive workforce while mitigating business and financial risks associated with disability.

• Our disability case managers work together with members to provide recovery support and access to care that significantly reduces wait times through leading provider partnerships.

• Our dedication to the quality of case coordination and communication is driven by technological innovation that keeps our plan sponsors informed and updated through the claims process for a successful return-to-work accommodation.



• Our benefits plan gives claimants broad access to mental health and chronic disease management professionals and resources.

We will continue to offer meaningful solutions and keep you updated as more information becomes available. For questions about potential changes to your plan design and disability benefit offering, please reach out to your Account Executive.

New additions to our individual travel products are now available for your clients and include coverage for:

• Flight delay service
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Baggage
• Package plus and Canada package options
• Visitors to Canada

These new enhancements are available as supplementary coverage and are purchased in addition to existing Group travel plans. They can be purchased for any upcoming trips to provide additional piece of mind. For more information regarding travel products please visit our website. 

Industry Trends: Wellness Accounts on the Rise

According to the 2022 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey, half of benefits plan members (49 per cent) and plan sponsors (48 per cent) say they have a health-care spending account in 2022, compared to 39 per cent of both plan members and plan sponsors that said the same in 2021, according to the 2022 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey. 

For more information on the Wellness Account options Saskatchewan Blue Cross has to offer along with information on updated Administration fees, contact your Account Executive today!

Quote or close new business for the chance to win six tickets to the Grey Cup!

Saskatchewan Blue Cross values your business and the communities we serve and support. Quote, commit or close business during August 1 - October 28 for your chance to win six tickets to watch the Grey Cup game live at Mosaic Stadium on November 20, 2022!

Saskatchewan Blue Cross was proud to be the title sponsor of The Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (SYPE) Silver Spades Awards. This event was an opportunity to recognize young professionals and entrepreneurs that strive to make Saskatchewan a better place to live and do business. Attended by a wide variety of people for different industries, it is a great opportunity to foster connections between entrepreneurs, young professionals and the business community. Learn more about this event.

Saskatchewan Blue Cross is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Swinging with the Stars in support of Hope’s Home. Swinging with the Stars is similar to the popular reality TV show Dancing with the Stars.

The heartfelt evening is dedicated to raising funds for Hope’s Home; the first medically integrated daycare in Canada. Hope’s Home provides necessary care for children living with complex medical needs, their siblings and typically developing children in the community. From Early Learning & Childcare services to our Supportive Living homes, our inclusive services provide a place for all children to grow in a loving and supportive environment. Learn more about Hope's Home and this event.

Email to Plan Administrators

Here's your opportunity to review the information that Plan Administrators will receive from Saskatchewan Blue Cross in the afternoon on Monday October 17, 2022.