The Connex Benefits Network Podcast

Responsible AI Solutions for the Canadian Group Benefits Market

Join host Denise Balch as she sits down with Jason Spector, Co-Founder and CEO of Lucite [https://www.lucite.ai/], for a deep dive into how AI is reshaping the future of group benefits. Jason shares how Lucite’s AI-native platform is helping boutique Canadian insurance brokers and advisors automate their most time-consuming and error-prone tasks, from document data extraction to client reporting. Together, Jason and Denise explore the real-world applications of generative AI, what it means to build with cybersecurity in mind, and how advisors can adopt these tools without compromising client trust. You’ll also hear practical examples of how AI is delivering unexpected benefits: improving accuracy, reducing liability, and ultimately enhancing both client outcomes and firm efficiency.

Insights into the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

In this episode we explore the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the role of group dental care benefits, as well as the evolving dental landscape with Dr. Maneesh Jain, President of the Ontario Dental Association. We’ll discuss patient co-pays and maximums under the CDCP, and who is eligible. Plus we’ll share whether the CDCP is likely to be rolled out to working Canadians not covered by group dental benefits as planned in 2025, along with the risk of de-insurance to patients. We’ll also explore how dentists have engaged with the CDCP plan and the administration adjustments that have been necessary.     Join us for a lively discussion.

Why Immunization in the Workplace Makes Sense

Are you up to date? Many adults are not up to date with routine vaccination boosters, like tetanus and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). As we age vaccines are available, but not always publicly covered, for other preventable diseases like the flu, pneumococcal disease, and shingles.  Education, easy access and reimbursement can all help motivate plan members to update their vaccinations.  In this episode we explore vaccines and immunization with Ajit Johal, Director, Clinical Services at Immunize.io and Augustus (Gus) Lee, AScTT, CSO, Health and Safety Manager, Richmond School District No. 38 and the creative workplace vaccination program delivered to employees. More information on vaccinations for adults can be found on the Government of Canada website [https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/vaccination-adults.html#a3]. -- Thank you to GSK and other sponsors for making this podcast possible. Find out more information on upcoming podcasts and webinars at www.connexhc.com [https://connexhc.com/].

Pharmacy Today and Tomorrow from the Ontario Pharmacists Association

In this podcast you’ll hear the discussion Denise Balch has with Justin Bates, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Pharmacists Association on the mandate of the OPA, why Ontario falls short on the role of pharmacists in primary care, the value of engaging pharmacists to reduce the burden of disease in the workplace, and the future of pharmacy. This podcast is free. Thank you to our season sponsors of the Benefits Breakfast Club for making this podcast possible. Find out more information on upcoming podcasts and webinars at www.connexhc.com [https://connexhc.com/].

The Expanded Pharmacy Scope of Practice

In this podcast Denise Balch of Connex Health speaks with John Ly, Director of Pharmacy Operations for the Sobeys National Pharmacy Group. They discuss the drivers of provincial changes to pharmacy scope of practice, how these vary provincially, and the specifics of the expanded scope, including the role of pharmacy in disease management. This podcast is free. Thank you to our season sponsors of the Benefits Breakfast Club for making this podcast possible. Find out more information on upcoming podcasts and webinars at www.connexhc.com [https://connexhc.com/].