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Paperless referral process available from day one of an employee’s absence.
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86% of Early Intervention Service (EIS) referrals do not result in a claim, resulting in reduced claim incidences for employers.
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80% of mental health claims last only 7 months using EIS, compared to 2 years where EIS is not used - a 70% reduction in claim duration.
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52% of employees who are referred to EIS make a return to work before claim assessment.
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Mental health (25% of total claims) and musculoskeletal (21%) claims are addressed by the service.
All employers insured with Canada Life Group Insurance for Group Income Protection (GIP) are now able to access case-specific, vocational rehabilitation support immediately after an employee has called in with one of the following causes of absence:
• Depression, stress or anxiety
• Work-related stress
• Heart disease/attack or myocardial infarction
• Back pain
• Knee, leg, shoulder or arm pain (but not a serious injury)
• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
• Chronic fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Fatigued
• ‘Unknown’ or ‘undiagnosed’
If an EIS nurse believes early intervention can help, they will contact the employee direct to discuss their absence. They will then compile a report for the employer detailing recommendations and the support available. No paperwork needs to be completed to access EIS and Canada Life gains consent from the employee, so the employer does not have to.
Canada Life Group Insurance has found that 86% of its EIS referrals do not result in a claim. This is supported by the fact that over 90% of EIS users have reported a stable or improved claims experience, with 71% reporting an improved experience.
As well as a reduced incidence of claims, EIS has also reduced the duration of some claim types. Where EIS is used, 80% of claims due to mental health issues remained in payment for 7 months, compared to 2 years or more where the service was not used.
For clinical claims, such as those in respect of cancer and stroke, Canada Life offers a streamlined process in which all clinical claims are assessed and paid within 5 working days, provided medical evidence is submitted with the claim form.
Paul Avis, Marketing Director of Canada Life Group Insurance, comments:
“When we launched Early Intervention Services (EIS) for all in January 2014 it was with an eye on what was really needed to help facilitate an employee’s return to work from day one. From our research, it was clear that the area where most employers struggled is in dealing with mental health or complex absences. As a result, we have enhanced the offer of EIS for all with a new service, specifically aimed at these complex absences and would urge every adviser and employer to take advantage of this free service. We’ve also developed a range of employer communications including desk drop cards, webcasts and flyers to help employers understand and use the service.
“The benefits of EIS and support for complex conditions should be highly valued by employers. As well as helping to reduce occupational and statutory sick pay bills and helping to comply with the Equality Act (2010), employers should also benefit from a reduced incidence of claims, a shorter duration and higher acceptance rate. Hence the financial business case for referring employees early is compelling as both short term absence costs and sustainable, appropriate group income protection premiums are what we can evidence through getting in early.”
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