benefitsASSOCIUM Benefits - False Insurance Claims Cost Everyone
Fraud and Employee Benefits Plan

March is Fraud Awareness Month. Now is a good time to update our article on Fraud and your Employee Benefits Plan and share a recent example to remind readers of the impact fraud has on employee benefits.

As advisors, clients and employees both make us aware of the inconveniences that are experienced when claims are reviewed or their favourite practitioner is audited for her credentials. According to Benefits Canada, nearly 95% of all benefit plans have been affected by fraud. According to the Canadian Health Care Anti-Fraud Association nearly 20% of all claims are fraudulent, depending upon geographic location, meaning between $600 million and $3.4 billion is being stolen annually.

HRThe Differences between a Defined Contribution Pension Plan and a Group Registered Retired Savings Plan
There are many important considerations when establishing a group retirement program. 

A registered retirement savings vehicle allows contributions and interest to accumulate on a tax deferred basis. According to Statistics Canada, about 60% of working Canadians do not have a company-sponsored retirement program.

There are many important considerations when establishing a group retirement program. The following points are considered when comparing a Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP or RPP) versus Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (GRRSP). Each registered retirement savings vehicle allows contributions and investment earnings to accumulate on a tax deferred basis. The amount of savings available to fund retirement will depend upon contributions, employee's age and investment growth.

GAINOutsourcing Human Resources Administration
Retaining top employees and attracting qualified new ones is critical to any organization. However, seeing employees as a too easily renewable resource can mean the loss of top employees and a shortage of qualified replacements.

People are the most valuable resource of any organization, yet they are also, most often, the single largest expenditure. Consequently, employees represent the greatest potential for both gains and losses to an organization. Securing the most qualified workforce and keeping them motivated requires a planned approach to Human Resources administration. As such, more and more organizations are viewing the management of their "human capital" as a strategic priority.

Learn more about Outsourcing Human Resources Administration >
 
   
PharmMedicinal Cannabis and Migraines
Is cannabis an aid for patients suffering from migraines?

Migraines are extremely disruptive to a person's day to day life and level of productivity. As a result, the World Health Organization ranked it as one of  the top disabilities in Canada. To date, 2.7 million people in Canada are diagnosed with migraines. Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba have the highest incidence rate of migraines and affect people ages 30-40 predominantly.
PillarsPillars of the Community - The Ernestine Affair
Please join us on April 10, 2019 as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Ernestine Affair!

The Ernestine Affair is an occasion to raise support for Ernestine's Women's Shelter as well as celebrate and honour current and past clients of the shelter. Every year Ernestine's marks the arrival of spring with a special evening dedicated to women and children fleeing violence. This year's event will mark a momentous occasion as we celebrate 25 years of uniting as a community and recognize all that we have accomplished together for women and children. Please join us in celebration.

Date: Wednesday, April 10th, 2019
Time: 6pm Reception, 7pm Program
Attire: Business cocktail
Venue: The Carlu
Information and tickets:  https://ernestines.ca/how-to-help/ernestine-affair/
 
 
ASSOCIUM Divisionsdivisions
Since 1984, ASSOCIUM Consultants continues to lead the industry in specialized human resource services, organizational development and provides HR expertise across a broad range of services.
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.

ASSOCIUM Benefits 

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.  

Our procurement services division launched in 1996 as an added source of assistance to the not-for-profit sector ( GAIN). Recently this service has been expanded to include private small business under the Advantage banner. Our goal is to help your organization access preferred pricing for products and services as well as resolve any purchasing issues you may encounter.
Supporting the success of Canadian organizations since 1984.