Saskatchewan Blue Cross has launched a new health insurance product targeting residents aged 50 and above as they move away from employer-sponsored benefits.
The new Retiree Plan is positioned as a response to changing healthcare needs and cost concerns that often come with aging and retirement.
The plan arrives as more than 135,000 Saskatchewan residents are projected to retire over the next five years. With people living longer and requiring continued medical attention beyond the workplace, the insurer said the new plan is structured to fill the gaps many retirees encounter once group benefits end.
Designed to be flexible, the Retiree Plan offers 36 plan combinations across three tiers—Basic, Classic, and Enhanced—enabling enrollees to choose coverage based on their health conditions and financial priorities. Adjustments to coverage levels are allowed, with increases available at any time and reductions permitted after two years or during a qualifying life event.
The offering does not require medical questionnaires and does not exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. Coverage includes virtual consultations with nurse practitioners through Cleveland Clinic Canada, up to 20 counseling sessions via the Individual Assistance Program with Homewood Health, and additional support in mental health, smoking cessation, and preventative care.
Other features include up to 65 days of travel protection per trip with $5 million in emergency medical coverage outside Saskatchewan or Canada. Prescription drug benefits cover a range of medications, including vaccines and Exception Drug Status (EDS) drugs. Eye exams, physiotherapy, counseling, and other extended health practitioner services are also part of the plan.
Optional dental coverage is available, with the ability to opt out, particularly for those already eligible under the Canada Dental Care Plan.
“Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all journey, and your retirement health plan shouldn't be either,” said Kelly Wilson, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. She said the plan’s design is intended to match various health scenarios and financial situations without excluding those with existing conditions.
Saskatchewan Blue Cross, a not-for-profit organization, said the plan is designed to work in conjunction with provincial health programs, helping retirees access benefits they qualify for under both public and private systems.
Does this approach meet the needs of today’s retirees? Join the discussion below.
