CPBI Annual Benefit Outlook

Turn and Face the Change ~
Emerging Options for Health Program Sustainability


Canadians take a lot of drugs. Our drug spend numbers grow every year. And, hey, we are definitely living longer because of them ..... But taking more and more drugs, and knowing many are getting more and more expensive, reminds us that we need to look at different paths to good health and sustainable health program costs. David Willows, Vice President of Strategic Market Solutions at GSC will look at the trends and suggest paths that lead health program managers to more long-term value in the investment they make in employee health.

Speaker: David Willows, Green Shield Canada

David Willows is Vice President, Strategic Market Solutions at Green Shield Canada. He leads Product Development, Pharmacy Services and Marketing teams. Prior to moving to GSC, he had spent five years as the Toronto Health and Benefits Practice Leader for Aon Consulting and then the merged Aon Hewitt organization.

Over the past 20 years, he has split his time between the carrier and consulting community, primarily focused on attendance and disability management, but more recently focusing on the broader health management issues facing Canadian employers.


Controlling Costs through Effective Disability Management


The costs of disability–financial, workforce productivity, employee engagement–are spiraling upward. Employers can reduce the number of claims and the length of absences by adopting best practices in prevention, support for recovery, and return-to-work plans.  Sue Brown, Principal, Mercer will share best practices in disability management, including policies and procedures, early intervention, return-to-work accommodation and data analytics and measures.

Speaker: Sue Brown, Mercer

Susan is a Principal and Central Region leader for Mercer’s Health and Productivity Team. Her responsibilities include working with health and benefit consultants to develop and expand the business by helping clients develop strategies to contain/prevent absence and illness, review and /or develop disability management policies, practices and procedures, negotiate with providers and report outcomes for cost containment, employee engagement and productivity.

Susan has over 25 years of experience in the health and productivity field. Prior to joining Mercer, Susan worked in private and public sector organizations.