Snowflakes, snowmen and snow angels…without a doubt, the winter season is here and that means the holiday season is just weeks away! 

Pre-COVID-19, many of us would already have our holiday travel plans set, whether out of province or beyond, without a thought for travel restrictions and isolation protocols. With our present reality of precautions, rules and regulations, we thought some travel tips and benefits information might help as you navigate the holiday season.

The highs of trick-or-treating season are over now, and with the holiday season just around the corner it’s a great time to think about our health, and in particular, type 2 diabetes. November is diabetes awareness month, and we want to help you focus on creating a lifestyle that keeps you well along your lifelong health journey. Fun fact: type 2 diabetes is entirely preventable! This is a big deal because it’s completely within our power to manage our wellness and be a good example for others in our lives.

Whether you just had a Wellness Spending Account (WSA) added to your plan or need a refresher, here’s everything you need to know to get the most from your credits!

Who

You know you have access to a WSA, but who else does? Well, it’s simple—if you’re on a single plan, you can submit eligible wellness-related expenses just for you, but if you’re on a family plan, eligible expenses related to your dependants can be submitted.

If you’re returning to work in September to reduced hours, or in a casual position, you may discover that you no longer qualify for your employer’s ASEBP benefits. Eligibility for ASEBP benefits requires you to work a certain number of hours, as outlined by your employer.

Summer’s upon us! As you dip into summer mode, remember to keep your benefits in mind so they can continue to support you over the coming months. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

A new plan year is around the corner which means you have a very important decision to make this summer if you have both a Health Spending Account (HSA) and Wellness Spending Account (WSA).

Imagine having all the power of the tools and resources your Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) contains, in the palm of your hand. Well, that’s exactly what Homewood Health’s e-AP offers! With e-AP, you’ll have access to:

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but that doesn’t mean your health and wellness needs to be! Before the hubbub of the holiday season sweeps you away, we thought we’d send a little reminder to you and your colleagues about how to take care of YOU during this wonderful time of giving. 

Managing your finances isn't easy, especially when unexpected expenses pop up, but with a little planning, we're confident you can get—or stay—on track. Whether you're worried about your spending habits or need a full financial makeover, your Employee and Family Assistance Program can help.

A new school year brings the promise of so much excitement, opportunity and adventure. But even with all of the positives, some not-so-fun stuff can creep in, too—like stress and feeling overwhelmed. To help you take back control of your new year, we’ve pulled together some past articles and resources to help you keep your health and well-being in peak back-to-school form.