FEBRUARY
2021
Since 1984
Topics In This Issue
  • How Dental Rates are Renewed
  • Ask the Pharmacist: What is Insomnia?
  • In The News: Congregant Care Settings
  • Know Who You're Hiring
  • How Fast can your Password be Hacked?
  • Canadian Hosted Cloud Phone and Video System
Employee Group Benefits
How Dental Rates are Renewed
 What factors are calculated into dental rates?
In the past we have discussed how rates and renewals are calculated. Here, we will reveal the mysteries of determining dental rates each year.

Dental benefits encompass a wide range of services and procedures ranging from simple check-ups and cleanings to major restorative procedures such as caps, crowns and even orthodontics. Depending on the plan design, most claims lie in the basic end of the spectrum such as check-ups and fillings.
Ask the Pharmacist: Insomnia
Restoring Your Relationship with Sleep
Not being able to have a restful sleep can have a huge impact on one’s daily activities, ability to perform at work, relationships and overall functionality.

  • What is Insomnia?
  • What causes Insomnia?
  • Can insomnia be treated?

Read on to learn more about insomnia and these frequently asked questions.
In The News
Congregant Care Settings find little support from the government
They require vaccines now

One of our GAIN Members - Peel Cheshire Homes Brampton – has been advocating for attention to the situation that they and other similar congregate living settings find themselves in during the pandemic. It appears that they have not been included in the very first wave of vaccinations directed to long term care facilities. We are supporting them by getting the word out. Watch the CBC interview with the Executive Director, Dianne Austen. Residents in these settings are highly vulnerable and their needs should be addressed as a priority. You can pass this link to your networks if you feel you can support their advocacy.
Human Resources Consulting
Background Checks
A bad hire can cost you TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars. Make sure you know who you are hiring!

Commissionaires – Canada’s leading security and background screening company offers a simple and secure solution to protect your company’s assets, brand and people.

Commissionaires background screening services:

  • CPIC / Criminal Record Check with RESULTS IN 15 MINUTES $40
  • Credit Checks $30
  • Reference Checks $30
  • Employment/Education/Credential Verification $20 + Institution Fees
  • Driver Abstract $20 + Provincial Fees
  • Employee Exit Interviews $30
  • Social Media Scans $75

Contact ASSOCIUM now to find out more about background screening and save on fees.
Procurement and Shared Services
Strong Passwords
Complex passwords are an important part of your cybersecurity plan
What is the time it takes a hacker to brute force your password?

  • 4 numbers, upper and lower case letters – instantly
  • 7 lower case letters – instantly
  • 10 numbers – instantly

Take a look at this chart and read more about password Do's and Don'ts.
SelectCloud - Phone Systems Made Easy
Canadian hosted cloud phone and video system
Thinking of a cloud or VOIP based phone system because you need more flexibility due to the pandemic? GAINtel has you covered with the SelectCloud Phone System.

Work Anywhere
Your users can connect to your phone system wherever high speed internet is available, easily allowing them to work from the home or the office as needed.

Use Any Device
Use a handset in your office or home, a headset with our PC or MAC softphone, or use our IOS or Android smartphone apps to talk or text.

Adapt Instantly
All system changes, including adding or removing users can be done from your self-service portal at the touch of a button, at no cost.

Now Including Video Conferencing!
Finally - simplified video conferencing without limits. No apps to download or install. No complicated dial-in numbers to share. No 40 minute limits to meetings. And no surprise fees. For a limited time, SelectConnect Video Conferencing is included with the SelectCloud Phone System at no additional cost. 
ASSOCIUM Divisions
Our employee group benefits division, being in business since 1997, gives us the experience to provide customized alternative plans and reduce administrative costs for our clients, while quoting sustainable rates at start up - and at renewal.
We're unique in the marketplace providing innovative and customized Advisor services: Managing General Agent, Third Party Administrator, Claims Adjudication, Specialty Drug Management / Preferred Pharmacy Network and Human Resources Consulting.
Since 1984, ASSOCIUM Consultants provides specialized human resource services, organizational development and expertise across a broad range of services.
Save money in all areas of your operational spend. Engage in shared services and group purchasing for your people, technology and product solutions. As a national affinity program, ASSOCIUM GAIN has huge buying power, which translates into significant discounts for our members. Membership fees are set annually according to the size of your organization and operating budget.
 Supporting the success of Canadian organizations since 1984. 
416-867-9350 or 1-888-761-1164
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