Many of your Clients have identified mental health issues as the leading driver of their disability claims. It is important we have solutions to get those on disability back to work. However, we also need to support the mental health of plan members who may be struggling while still actively at work.
To that end we are pleased to announce that effective immediately:
- Coverage for online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is now included for all EHC plans.
- Pharmacogenomic testing is an optional benefit that Clients can add to their EHC plan.
Both online CBT and pharmacogenomics are important supports for plan members experiencing a mental health issue.
- Online CBT helps people manage feelings of distress by changing the way they think and behave.
- Pharmacogenomic testing analyzes a person’s genetic makeup to determine how they will respond to a given drug. Pharmacogenomic testing can significantly reduce the time it takes for someone to find the most effective medication.
Both of these services initially launched as pilot programs. We recently completed both pilots. The pilots showed very positive results and both are important tools for supporting early intervention. We’ve made these available to the EHC benefit to:
- improve health outcomes,
- help plan members recover faster, and
- try to prevent disability leaves.
Here’s what you can do
Read our new Bright Paper From pilot to launch: closing the gaps around access to mental health care. This Bright Paper gives an in-depth look at our pilots. It also outlines how online CBT and pharmacogenomics can improve mental health outcomes for your Clients.
To learn more about how we can work with you and your Clients to address mental health in their workplaces, visit sunlife.ca/workplacementalhealth
Questions? We’re here to help.
If you have any questions about either solution, please talk to your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.
