Cornwall, ON – The Ontario government is seeking feedback from small and medium sized businesses to help develop a modern approach to delivering portable benefits for workers.
In 2021, the Ontario Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee (OWRAC) recommended that the Ontario government appoint an expert panel to design and test a portable benefits program, where contributors could be employers, workers and the government.
The Portable Benefits Advisory Panel was established in March 2022 to advise the government on the viability, design and implementation of a program that would provide portable benefits to millions of workers who change jobs often and may not have access to employer-provided benefits. The panel will issue a report with their recommendations in 2023.
The reasons for exploring portable benefits include health services that are not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), such as:
- telemedicine services
- professional wellness services
- prescription drugs
- dental services
- eye exams and prescription glasses
- many mental health services
A portable benefits program would provide innovative benefits that are attached to a worker, rather than an employer. This would allow part-time, temporary and contract workers to seamlessly access benefits, even if they move from job to job.
The goals of a portable benefits program would be to:
- improve workers’ health and financial security
- support labour mobility
- help businesses attract talent
The province is asking for input on key issues related to a portable benefits program. To provide feedback:
- complete a short survey
- email your feedback to the Portable Benefits Advisory Panel at portablebenefitspanel@ontario.ca
For more information:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-portable-benefits-program
