Help your clients stay healthy this cold and flu season
As the weather turns colder, employers often see an increase in employee absences, healthcare needs and overall strain on workplace productivity. For advisors, it’s the perfect time to remind clients about the valuable health resources already available through their benefits plan.
Two resources in particular can make a meaningful difference during cold and flu season: Virtual Care and Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) services.
Convenient healthcare access with Virtual Care
Virtual Care continues to be one of the most appreciated benefits among plan members, offering convenient access to healthcare professionals without the need to visit a clinic or sit in a crowded waiting room.
For insured groups, Virtual Care is included as part of the benefits plan. For BASO and ASO groups, it is available as an optional enhancement, providing employers with another way to support employee health and well-being.
Through a secure virtual consultation, members and eligible dependents can connect with a nurse practitioner from the comfort of home. Depending on the individual’s needs, the practitioner may:
- Assess symptoms and provide a diagnosis
- Prescribe medications when clinically appropriate
- Order laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging
- Provide specialist referrals
- Recommend treatment plans and follow-up care
- Support healthcare needs while travelling within Canada
Many common non-emergency health concerns can be addressed through Virtual Care, including:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Upper respiratory infections
- Sinus infections
- Bronchitis
- Seasonal allergies
- Sore throats
- Coughs and congestion
- Minor skin conditions and rashes
Virtual Care is available 24/7 across Canada, excluding Québec, through Cleveland Clinic Canada’s Express Care Online platform.
Don’t overlook mental health support
While cold and flu season often focuses attention on physical health, many employees also experience increased stress during the fall and winter months. Caregiving responsibilities, financial pressures, shorter days and seasonal mental health challenges can all affect employee well-being.
For clients with an Employee and Family Assistance Program, now is an excellent time to remind plan members about the confidential support available to them and their families.
EFAP services can help with:
- Mental health and counselling support
- Stress, anxiety and burnout management
- Family and relationship concerns
- Financial and legal guidance
- Health and wellness coaching
- A timely reminder for clients
Helping clients promote the resources available through their benefits plan can improve awareness, encourage early intervention and support healthier workplaces throughout the busy fall and winter season.
Together, Virtual Care and EFAP provide employees with convenient access to both physical and mental health support when they need it most.
Check out the Virtual Care brochure for more.
Have a client that would like to know more? Contact us at 306.667.5861 or email Group Sales Support saskatoongroupsalessupport@sk.bluecross.ca.