1-888-601-9980
- Desjardins’ PerformPlus plan covers health, dental, life, and critical illness insurance
- Desjardins offers health and wellness features like Health PACT and Employee Assistance Programs
- Employers can adjust coverage options, including critical illness and Health Spending Accounts, to suit their business needs
- Employee benefits plans from Desjardins typically cost between $420 to $580 per month per employee, depending on plan design
- What are the key features of Desjardins’ Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan?
- What does Desjardins’ Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan cover?
- What is the cost of employee benefits for small businesses from Desjardins?
- Who is eligible for Desjardins' Employee Benefits for Small Businesses?
- What we like about Desjardins’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan
- Frequently asked questions
Desjardins offers the PerformPlus employee benefits plan, specifically designed for small businesses with 3 to 49 employees. This plan offers flexible coverage options with a focus on cost control and employee well-being.
In this article, we will take you through the key features of Desjardins employee benefits for small businesses plan, the different benefits offered, the cost of offering these benefits, and more.
What are the key features of Desjardins’ Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan?
Desjardins offers the PerformPlus employee benefits for small businesses that cover businesses with 3-49 employees. The company offers coverage between $10,000-$1,000,000 and is available for small businesses with permanent employees working at least 10 hours/week and temporary employees with a fixed contract of 35 hours/week or one year of service.
Key features of Desjardins’ small business group health plan
| Category | Details |
| Core/Mandatory benefits | Basic life insurance |
| Minimum group size | 3-49 employees |
| Minimum coverage amount | $10,000 for basic life insurance |
| Maximum coverage amount | $1,000,000 for basic life insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage |
| Reduction | 50% at age 65 (additional reduction of 50% at age 70 if termination age is 75) for basic life insurance |
| Employee eligibility | Permanent employees working at least 10 hours/week; temporary employees with a fixed contract of 35 hours/week or one year of service |
| Termination age | Age 71 or retirement, whichever comes first |
Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.
What does Desjardins’ Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan cover?
Desjardins’ PerformPlus employee benefits for small businesses plan covers expenses for health and dental care, vision care, prescription drugs, and travel.
Desjardins’ PerformPlus employee benefits plan options
| Benefit Category | Details |
| Basic life insurance (Mandatory) |
|
| Dependent life insurance | Spouse: Fixed amount (50% or equal to spouse’s insurance, max $25,000), no reduction, and termination with plan member’s basic life insurance
Dependent children: Fixed amount (max $25,000), no reduction, and termination with plan member’s basic life insurance (Newborn coverage from birth or 20 weeks gestation) |
| Optional life insurance | Plan member/spouse: Multiples of $10,000 (min $20,000, max $1,000,000), termination at age 71 or retirement
Dependent children: Multiples of $1,000 or fixed amount (max $25,000) |
| Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance | Plan member: Equal to basic life insurance (max $1,000,000), termination at age 71 or 75
Spouse & dependent children: Equal to dependent life insurance amount |
| Short-term disability insurance | Percentage of salary: 55-75% (taxable) or 55-66 2/3% (non-taxable)
Max benefit up to $2,000 or Employee Insurance (EI) maximum |
| Long-term disability insurance |
|
| Critical illness insurance |
|
| Extended healthcare insurance (drugs) |
amount equal to the pharmacist’s dispensing fee
|
| Hospitalization expenses | Hospital: Reasonable and customary charges for a semi-private room (unlimited days)
Palliative care: Reasonable and customary charges for a semi-private room up to $40 per day (lifetime maximum of 60 days) Convalescent/rehabilitation center: Reasonable and customary charges for a semi-private room up to $40 per day (maximum 180 days per stay) |
| Diagnostic services | A combined maximum of $1,000 per year for imaging and tests |
| Home nursing care | Maximum coverage of $10,000 per year |
| Detoxification treatment | Maximum $80 per day, lifetime maximum of $2,500 |
| Eye care | Coverage for eye exams and lenses (max $200/year for intraocular lenses, limits on orthopedic shoes, hearing aids, etc.) |
| Travel insurance | Medical emergency expenses up to $5 million lifetime maximum |
| Survivor benefits | 24 months of coverage without premium payment in case of the plan member’s death |
| Health and travel assistance services | Included as part of the plan |
| Vision care options | Coverage for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and laser surgery with varying maximums and reimbursement percentages |
| Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) | Choice of deposit frequencies: Annually, bi-annually, quarterly or monthly:
|
Does Desjardins offer any health and wellness benefits for small businesses?
Yes, Desjardins provides a range of health and wellness benefits tailored for small businesses, including the Health is Cool 360° online platform, a risk assessment questionnaire, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Here are some key features:
- Health is Cool 360°: This online platform offers a wealth of reliable information and advice on health, prevention, illnesses, and treatments
- Health risk assessment: An online questionnaire designed to identify and address health risks within your organization. Employees and their dependents can also receive a health status assessment, a personalized report, and useful advice, serving as a foundational step toward a successful wellness program
- Health PACT: This program allows your employees to consult with a licensed healthcare professional as soon as they notice symptoms of a chronic illness
- Employee and Manager Assistance Programs: These programs provide professional advice and easy access to dependable resources for employees facing challenging situations
Does Desjardins cover critical illness for employees in a small business?
Yes, Desjardins offers critical illness coverage for employees in small businesses through the PerformPlus plan. Employers can choose between two options:
- Basic coverage, which includes 4 illnesses (11 for children), or,
- Enhanced coverage, which covers 31 illnesses (38 for children)
Both the basic and enhanced plans offer coverage for multiple occurrences and cancer recurrence, although limitations apply. Additional features include an individual insurance conversion privilege and a 30-day survival period for heart conditions and surgeries.
There’s a 90-day waiting period for cancer claims, and medical definitions are subject to limitations and exclusions. This plan’s coverage terminates at age 65 or 70, or upon retirement, whichever comes first.
What is the cost of employee benefits for small businesses from Desjardins?
The cost of employee benefits for small businesses from Desjardins typically ranges between $420 and $580 per month per employee. However, this varies based on the specific benefits chosen and the demographics of the workforce.
Here’s a sample group health plan costing an employer $450 per employee monthly:
| Benefit | Coverage Amount | Estimated Monthly Cost (Per Employee) |
| Medical insurance | Prescription drugs: 80% coverage, up to $5,000/year | $250 |
| Paramedical services: 80% coverage, up to $500/year | ||
| Emergency care: 100% coverage | ||
| Dental insurance | Preventive care: 100% coverage (2 exams/year) | $50 |
| Basic restorative: 80% coverage, up to $1,500/year | ||
| Vision care | Eye exams: up to $100/year | $40 |
| Glasses/contacts: up to $250 every 2 years | ||
| Life insurance and AD&D | Life Insurance: 1x annual salary | $50 |
| AD&D: 1x annual salary | ||
| Short-Term Disability (STD) | 66.7% of weekly income, up to 26 weeks | $40 |
| Long-Term Disability (LTD) | 60% of monthly income, up to $5,000/month | $40 |
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | Counselling services, legal/financial advice | $30 |
Who is eligible for Desjardins’ Employee Benefits for Small Businesses?
Companies with 3 to 49 employees are eligible to enroll in Desjardins’ PerformPlus employee benefits plan.
- Permanent employees in a small business are eligible if they work a minimum of 10 hours per week
- Temporary employees qualify if they have a fixed contract of 35 hours per week or have completed one year of service
What we like about Desjardins’ Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan
Desjardins offers several benefits like the Health PACT, the IntelliFlex® platform, drug cost management, fraud protection, and client relations support for small businesses. Here are some of the features that we like:
- Health PACT provides employees access to licensed healthcare professionals at the early signs of chronic illness, ensuring timely care and support
- IntelliFlex® platform that simplifies employee enrollment and plan management with an automated, user-friendly system for easier administration
- Drug cost management to help manage drug costs efficiently for both employees and the organization with tools like a drug cost simulator and pharmacy value finder
- Fraud protection that offer safeguards against fraud and abuse with proactive claim monitoring, verification, and a watchlist to maintain plan integrity
- Disability cost prevention through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) reduces absenteeism, potentially saving $2,000 to $3,500 per employee
- Omni mobile app that allows employees to submit claims, access wellness resources, and manage group retirement plans conveniently from their mobile devices
- The Client Relations Centre (CRC) offers prompt, personalized support to both plan administrators and employees, ensuring quick assistance
How to get the best employee benefits rates from Desjardins?
To get the best employee benefits rates from Desjardins, it’s recommended to speak with one of our experienced advisors. They can help you compare different plans, get instant quotes, and find the most suitable employee benefits package for your small business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Desjardins take to process claims?
Desjardins typically processes online group health claims within two business days, offering one of the faster claim turnaround times in the industry. This claims process is streamlined through Desjardins’ online platform, allowing employees to submit and track claims electronically for added convenience. This quick processing is especially beneficial for small businesses, as it ensures that employees can access their benefits without unnecessary delays.
Can I get coverage for cannabis?
Yes, Desjardins offers coverage for medical cannabis, ranging between $1,500 to $6,000 per year. This coverage is available under group health plans, but it requires prior authorization. Desjardins follows strict guidelines to ensure that cannabis is used for legitimate medical purposes, making it essential to provide appropriate documentation and physician approval. As medical cannabis becomes more widely accepted in treatment plans, Desjardins’ cannabis coverage offers a valuable benefit for employees needing alternative medical solutions.
How do I check the status of my Desjardins claim?
To check the status of your Desjardins employee benefits claim, you can contact your claims advisor directly for updates, or call Desjardins’ toll-free customer service line for support. For those enrolled in the Desjardins online services, claims statuses can be checked through their secure portal, which provides real-time updates on submitted claims. This online platform also allows you to view payment details, manage account information, and even receive notifications when your claim has been processed, ensuring a seamless experience.
Does Desjardins cover vaccines?
Yes, Desjardins provides vaccine coverage under its extended health care plan. Preventive vaccinations are covered at 75% reimbursement, with a maximum payout of $100 per year for eligible expenses. This coverage is part of their group health benefits plan, designed to help small businesses support employee wellness by covering costs that aren’t typically reimbursed by provincial healthcare plans. Vaccines such as flu shots, travel vaccines, and other preventive immunizations can be included in the coverage, making it easier for employees to stay healthy and protected.
Who is eligible for Desjardins’ PerformPlus employee benefits plan?
Desjardins’ PerformPlus employee benefits plan is available for small businesses with 3 to 49 employees. To qualify, permanent employees must work at least 10 hours per week, while temporary employees are eligible if they have a 35-hour contract or have completed at least one year of service. This plan is customized to meet the needs of small businesses by offering flexibility in coverage and eligibility, making it easier for employers to provide comprehensive health benefits to their workforce. The plan includes essential benefits like medical, dental, and disability coverage, which helps businesses attract and retain talented employees.
Desjardins offers the PerformPlus employee benefits plan designed for small businesses with 3 to 49 employees. With basic life insurance as the core coverage, the plan provides a variety of customizable options, including health, dental, and critical illness insurance. It emphasizes wellness programs, drug cost control, and flexible coverage, making it a great choice for small businesses.
