‘Digital assistants make it easier for consumers to get the information they need, when they need it’
Sun Life clients can now access their benefits’ coverage information for massage therapist, chiropractor, physiotherapist and psychologist services through Alexa-enabled devices.
Harnessing the voice technology of Alexa, clients can now access details such as remaining balances, deductibles, coverage limits and the percentage covered for each provider type. They can also check the status of a recently submitted medical or dental claim or look for a nearby provider.
"Through these interactive tools, we're working to help empower our clients to live healthier lives," says Dave Jones, senior vice-president of group benefits at Sun Life. "When our clients access the power of our provider network, we're making it easy for them to make informed decisions when managing their health and wellness needs."
"Digital assistants make it easier for consumers to get the information they need, when they need it," says Evan Young, senior manager at Alexa Skills.
Musculoskeletal conditions have the most impact on employers’ overall health-care costs, according to 53 per cent of respondents in the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans' Workplace Wellness Trends 2019 Survey Report. Cancer (47 per cent), diabetes (44 per cent) and cardiovascular disease or heart disease (32 per cent) are also costing employers.
More than half (54 per cent) of Canada’s workforce has at least one chronic disease or condition, according to the 2019 Sanofi Healthcare Survey. And each year, $2.1 billion is lost in wages due to long waits for surgery and medical treatment, according to a 2019 report from the Fraser Institute.
