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By Canada Life

By Sunlife

We are honored to receive the Corporate Vision Most Innovative Employee Benefits Platform 2025 Canada award. Thank you to our teamfor their dedication and to our clients for their trust and support.

Written by: Jaclyn Dobing – Group Account Manager at benefitsConnect

The use of anti-obesity medications is increasing rapidly, driven by groundbreaking drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro. However, insurance coverage remains inconsistent, leaving employers to decide whether to include these medications in their health plans.

Obesity affects nearly 27% of Canadian adults, according to Statistics Canada. It is linked to higher risks of chronic diseases. While these medications offer significant benefits, some insurers classify them as lifestyle treatments, limiting coverage and making access difficult.

Employers must weigh several factors when deciding on coverage:

• Cost vs. Savings: Medications can cost over $1,000 per month, but coverage may reduce long-term healthcare expenses.
• Employee Health & Productivity: Obesity-related conditions lead to higher costs and absenteeism. Coverage could improve overall workforce health.
• Equity & Inclusion: Ensuring access to these medications aligns with broader health equity goals.
• Regulatory Pressures: As obesity is increasingly recognized as a disease, employers may face pressure to provide coverage.
• Alternative Treatment: Explore additional treatment options withinyour group benefit plan, including enhanced mental health supportand expanded paramedical services.

More than half (58 per cent) of Canadian workers aged 40 to 60 say financial stress is their No. 1 worry, according to a new survey by the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.

The survey, which polled 2,800 full-time employees, found six in 10 (60per cent) respondents said they thought about their current financial situation daily or weekly. By comparison, two-fifths (39 per cent) cited health concerns, worries about relationships or family issues (37 percent) and work or school-related stress (37 per cent) as a top stressor.