Course Description

A course to assist you in designing, implementing and maintaining an employee benefit program for your Canadian company. This course is predominantly video-based, so pick the area you need some help with and start there. Or, invest 1 1/2 hours of your time and complete the entire course. If you need additional help or information, contact me at allan@silverberggroup.com

This course is currently being offered for free.

Disclaimer - my clients are located in Alberta. The vast majority of my clients are insured with Alberta Blue Cross. So, there may be references specifically to Alberta which may not be applicable to other parts of Canada. Further, there may be references to employee benefit programs / features and practices that are unique to Alberta Blue Cross.

As an example, the "Optimize your employee benefit cost-share" video makes reference to the Canada Revenue Agency taxation rules regarding employee benefit programs. Alberta, like almost all of Canada, does not have provincial rules regarding employee benefit taxation. But, British Columbia and Quebec do. Further, this course is probably not of value to a business / HR Practitioner in Quebec.

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist

Allan E Friesen

I contribute to the financial health of my employer clients by providing programs and services which contribute to the physical health and well-being of their employees.Almost all of my adult life has been in the insurance industry.For the last 20+ years I have specialized in group benefit programs or employee benefit programs. In order to specialize effectively, I continue my ongoing education and as well have amassed considerable experience. I hold both CEBS (Certified Employee benefit Specialist) and CPHR (Chartered Professional in HR) designations. I also complete the continuing education program offered every year through the ISCEBS (International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists).I serve employer groups in Southern Alberta, including Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Blairmore, Coleman, Pincher Creek, Fort Macleod, Picture Butte, Claresholm, Taber, Bow Island, Coutts, Milk River, Brooks, Bassano, Warner, Raymond, Welling and Cardston. I have considerable public speaking experience and have developed strong communication skills. I am actively seeking opportunities to put those skills to good use. If you have a need in this regard, please contact me and let’s explore whether I can effectively contribute to your goal.Specialties: Employee benefit programs, Group insurance, Group life, disability, extended health, dental and critical conditions benefits. Health Spending Accounts & Wellness Spending Accounts. Public speaking, facilitation, instruction.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Thinkific introduction
  • 2

    Designing your employee benefit program

    • Determining your benefit goals

    • Plan features to meet your goals

    • Is an individual plan a better choice for smaller employers? Maybe

    • Is "sharing" benefits a viable option?
  • 3

    Employee Benefit Plan Implementation

    • Should you include contractors?

    • What does an advisor or broker do for you?

    • Communication is key!

    • Optimizing your employee benefits cost-share.

    • The market test - confirming best value.
  • 4

    Disability and Critical Illness benefit considerations

    • Disability Benefits versus Critical Illness

    • Advantages of short-term disability

    • Critical Illness

    • Cost of Living Allowance

    • The LTD Top-Up
  • 5

    Benefit Enhancements and refinements

    • Health Spending Accounts

    • How long should employees be covered?

    • What you should know about IBNR.

    • Enrolling all or most employees?

    • Managing Drug plan costs.
  • 6

    Larger Client Considerations

    • Administrative Services Only (ASO) Advantages

    • ASO Cautions

    • Diligence about Fraud

    • Enhancing protection when health fails.

    • Managing dental costs - a sophisticated approach.

    • Encouraging Wellness initiatives

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