Council for the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc approved a change in provider for their Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) during the June 3 council meeting.
Council motioned to receive a comprehensive report presented by Doug Payne, Director of Human Resources, detailing the transition from Telus Health to Green Shield.
Since April 1, 2018, the township has engaged with Telus Health for its EFAP services but has encountered several challenges, including a rebranding of the provider’s name and inconsistencies in service quality as reported by staff members.
In pursuit of improved services and cost efficiencies, the Human Resources department, under the guidance of Selectpath — a provider that administers the municipality’s medical and dental programs — recommended switching to Green Shield, which already handles other benefit plans for the municipality.
The proposed transition to Green Shield’s EFAP is not merely a financial decision but also a strategic one aimed at enhancing the continuity and quality of care for municipal employees. Payne highlighted that one of the significant advantages of switching to Green Shield is the seamless integration of services.
For instance, if employees exhaust their allocated counseling sessions under the EFAP, they can transition smoothly to their medical benefit plan without the need to change therapists or service providers, ensuring continuity of care.
Financially, the switch from Telus Health to Green Shield represents a substantial saving, reducing the cost from $3.977 to $2.89 per employee per month, amounting to an annual savings of approximately $2,608.80 based on the current staff levels.
The council’s decision was met with approval, with no further questions or objections raised following the presentation. This endorsement by council facilitates the initiation of the transition process, which is expected to provide a dual benefit of cost savings and improved support for the township’s employees.
By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
