The EHC plan is typically a core piece of any employee benefits plan. Employees and eligible dependents are covered for a variety of essential healthcare services and supplies typically not covered by a Canadian Provincial Health Plan. Some plans require cost sharing by employees in the form of deductibles, fees and co-insurance amounts. Often included are:

• Prescription drugs (some limitations may apply)
• Hospital expenses for semi-private or private rooms
• Medical services and equipment
• Paramedical services are known to promote health and wellness; these services often include registered massage therapy, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, nutrition, speech therapy, osteopaths, psychology and more
• Some plans offer orthotic coverage and vision care benefits
• Emergency travel assistance and out-of-country medical coverage is considered valuable for employees while traveling outside of Canada

Annual reviews of your extended health plan offers valuable due diligence. Some services offered in the JSL reviews are:

• Complete plan design and redesign
• Analysis of funding mechanisms
• Analysis of ASO and TPA in self-funded situations
• Development of bid specifications for insured groups
• Analysis of cost impact of new benefits or of modifications to existing plans
• Consolidation of two or more existing plans in acquisitions
• Evaluation and selection of alternates
• Evaluation and negotiation of appropriate rate renewals by incumbent insurance carriers