The Benefits Connexion Podcast

In this podcast you’ll hear the discussion Denise Balch has with Justin Bates, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Pharmacists Association on the mandate of the OPA, why Ontario falls short on the role of pharmacists in primary care, the value of engaging pharmacists to reduce the burden of disease in the workplace, and the future of pharmacy.This podcast is free. Thank you to

In this podcast Denise Balch of Crosslinks and Connex Health speaks with John Ly, Director of Pharmacy Operations for the Sobeys National Pharmacy Group. They discuss the drivers of provincial changes to pharmacy scope of practice, how these vary provincially, and the specifics of the expanded scope, including the role of pharmacy in disease management.This podcast is free. Thank y

In this podcast Denise Balch of Connex Health speaks with Ned Pojskic, VP Pharmacy Benefits Management at Green Shield Canada about obesity, why obesity is a disease, and why Green Shield is changing their reimbursement philosophy across their block of business in 2023. Ned oversees the PBM portfolio at Green Shield, including product development, pharmaceutical partnerships, and o

Joining Denise Balch for this podcast is Joan Weir, recently appointed Vice President, Group Benefits, at the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA). Joan and Denise will explore key areas of change in employee benefits:The insurance industry response to COVID-19 and the aftermath, including insights into long COVID and COVID-related disability trendsThe CLHIA Fact

Joining Denise Balch as guests on this podcast are Dr. Jiwon Oh, a staff neurologist, scientist, and Medical Director of the Barlo Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program at St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto who specializes in the care of people living with MS, and Ardra Shephard, a sought-after writer, consultant and speaker who lives with MS. Ardra’s award-winning blog Tr

John Anacleto, Director of Private Payer Strategies & Data Insights, PDCI Market Access, joins Denise Balch to explore more on data analytics, why data is in higher demand than ever and how data can be used. John will give his insights into how data reporting and data analytics have changed, and how the industry is responding to the demand from advisors and plan sponsors for be

What has changed for SMEs in group benefits? Find out by signing up to the BPHA program to hear our latest of 16 recently-updated modules. Max Mahardi, Business Development Manager at Ontario Blue Cross describes health and dental benefit plan challenges for small businesses, and innovative solutions that are available to them. In the link below Max gives a brief overview of what y

We are pleased to welcome Cole Pinnow, President of Pfizer Canada and the recently appointed Chair of the Board for Innovative Medicines Canada to this podcast. Mr. Pinnow has a background as a microbiologist in the pharmaceutical industry and a masters in business administration. He is also a Board member of Montreal InVivo, and a co-lead for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s C

It’s a New Year and time to sign up for the BPHA program that includes invaluable education about the benefits industry, and comes with membership for access to additional programming and resources to makes sure you stay current with all the latest trends and developments.We’ll be updating some modules in 2022, and we added 3 brand new modules and updated 13 modules to the Bene

The BPHA program and membership offers invaluable education about the benefits industry, and allows you to stay current with all the latest trends and developments.Building professional credibility requires an understanding of the fundamentals of group benefits. This week we are featuring George Elliott, CEBS, and Senior Group Benefits Specialist at RBC Insurance. He’s been a mem