Saskatchewan Blue Cross launches flexible unparalleled health plan for those 50+
SASKATOON, SK, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - As the residents of Saskatchewan retire, many are left navigating a new chapter without the security of health insurance. Rising healthcare costs and changing wellness needs make retiring confidently more complicated than ever.
In response to the need for accessible health plan solutions that can fit any health and financial situation and evolve with you as your needs change with age, Saskatchewan Blue Cross has launched a new Retiree Plan, providing extensive flexible health and travel benefits for individuals 50 and older.
"Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all journey, and your retirement health plan shouldn't be either," says Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "With unparalleled flexibility our new Retiree Plan adapts seamlessly to diverse health needs and financial situations and removes barriers to access by eliminating health questionnaires that exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. We're proud to empower retirees with a plan that supports their well-being every step of the way, through innovative services like virtual care, preventative wellness programs, comprehensive coverage and a commitment to providing benefits that support holistic, proactive healthcare."
Why this matters now
With 135,000 Saskatchewan residents approaching retirement in the next five years, the transition from workplace benefits to a strong personal health plan is key. People are living longer, managing complex health needs, and expecting more from their health plan. For rural retirees, access is everything. Our plans come with embedded virtual care, 24/7 navigation and support that meets you where you are.
What makes the Retiree Plan different
Unlike traditional products, Saskatchewan Blue Cross' new plan offers ultimate flexibility, including:
Expanded travel protection – up to 65 days per trip, with $5 million in out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical coverage.
No medical questionnaires or exclusions for pre-existing conditions – you're covered regardless of your health or prescription medications
36 plan combinations across three tiers (Basic, Classic and Enhanced) – allowing you to match your health and financial needs, with the option to adjust as needed*.
Expansive drug coverage, including vaccines and Exception Drug Status (EDS) medications – plus smoking cessation supports and more.
Robust health practitioner and extended benefits coverage – including annual eye exams, physiotherapy, counselling and more.
Virtual care on demand – providing unlimited access to Nurse Practitioners through Cleveland Clinic Canada, allowing you to address multiple concerns in one visit.
Enhanced mental wellness support – up to 20 counselling sessions with unlimited cases through Homewood Health's Individual Assistance Program (IAP).
Life Smart Coaching and preventative wellness – including Health Risk Assessments, nutrition, financial planning and more.
Optional dental coverage – the ability to tailor coverage and opt out, offering flexibility for those eligible under the Canada Dental Care Plan.
Ongoing plan flexibility – with the option to increase your coverage at any time or decrease after two years*.
Built for Saskatchewan, by Saskatchewan
As a not-for-profit organization trusted by generations, Saskatchewan Blue Cross understands and integrates with provincial health programs, ensuring you get the maximum value from your benefits plan and government plans you're eligible for.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Innovative Molecules Offer Good News in the Fight Against HIV and Other Viral Infections Français
INRS team is exploring the potential of saponins, a group of natural molecules found in many plants LAVAL, QC, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Innovative, nontoxic molecules developed by a research team at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) could pave the way for new safe and effective antiviral therapies for prevention and treatment purposes. Are there natural compounds with antiviral properties, particularly against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS? Betulinic acid has long been recognized in medical and scientific communities for its antiviral potential. This molecule, found in various plants, is especially abundant in the bark of white birch trees—a common byproduct of the forestry industry. However, the use of betulinic acid and some of its derivatives in medicine has been limited by a major drawback: the molecules are poorly soluble in water. This limits their absorption by the body and complicates their use in medicine. A discovery by INRS Professor Charles Gauthier 's team, part of the INRS-UQAC Joint Research Unit in Sustainable Health, could significantly unlock the potential of this molecule. Their findings * were recently published in Chemistry – A European Journal. Creating a Promising and Novel Molecule In their research, Professor Gauthier's team studied two natural molecules: betulinic acid and echinocystic acid. Both belong to a family of compounds known as triterpenes and share a similar chemical structure. The researchers chemically modified these molecules using a novel, controlled method by attaching a specific sugar called Lewis X. This sugar is structurally similar to those that define human blood groups. The modification resulted in new chimeric compounds known as "saponins." These saponins had never been described in scientific literature before. They offer several advantages for potential antiviral use: they are significantly more water-soluble than triterpenes, they dissolve well in biological environments, and unlike similar substances that can be toxic, they are safe for human cells and mice. Most importantly, they effectively block HIV activity. The team observed that saponins prevent the virus from using certain carbohydrate-specific proteins, known as Lewis-binding proteins, found on immune cells called DC-SIGN and L-SIGN, to spread to CD4+ cells, the main targets of HIV. "Our results show that these are among the most potent monovalent inhibitors ever identified for blocking this HIV transfer mechanism, even when used at very low concentrations," explains INRS Professor Gauthier, who specializes in chemistry of carbohydrates and natural products. He is also a member of the Pasteur Network. HIV, Ebola disease, dengue fever, coronaviruses: the potential is vast These chimeric molecules capable of blocking viral entry into immune cells—a critical step in infection—are a first of their kind. Saponins could serve as a foundation for developing broad-spectrum antiviral agents that block infection at the earliest stage, such as during sexual transmission of HIV. "While it's known that human breast milk contains oligosaccharides that protect infants from HIV infection during early breastfeeding, we are the first to demonstrate that saponins can inhibit HIV entry via DC-SIGN and L-SIGN receptors," says doctoral student in biology at INRS and lead author Oscar Javier Gamboa Marin. "Despite progress in this field, very few studies have focused on inhibiting DC-SIGN and L-SIGN using Lewis-type carbohydrates," he adds. Another promising feature of saponins is their ability to spontaneously form structures called micelles or to integrate into liposomes. This could further enhance their antiviral effectiveness, particularly through improved targeting of virus-infected cells, and holds out promising research potential. Moreover, since DC-SIGN and L-SIGN proteins are also exploited by other dangerous viruses such as Ebola, dengue, and SARS-CoV-2, saponins open new avenues for developing broad-spectrum antiviral agents against these diseases. About the studies* The article entitled Lewis-X-Containing Triterpenoid Saponins Inhibit DC-SIGN- and L-SIGN-Mediated Transfer of HIV-1 Infection was co-authored by Oscar Javier Gamboa Marin, Kurtis Ng, Nitish Verma, Assi Gérard Flavien Yapi, Ralph Pantophlet, and Charles Gauthier. The article entitled Immunological and Toxicological Assessment of Triterpenoid Saponins Bearing Lewis-X- and QS-21-Based Trisaccharides was co-authored by Oscar Javier Gamboa Marin, Yasmine Adda-Bouchard, Balla Sylla, Nitish Verma, Tania Charpentier, Maya Huber, Guillaume Lopez, André Pichette, Alain Lamarre, and Charles Gauthier. This work was made possible thanks to the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Fonds de recherche du Québec, the Armand-Frappier Foundation, and the Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center. INRS is an academic institution dedicated exclusively to graduate research and training in strategic sectors in Quebec. Since 1969, as per its mission, it has actively contributed to Quebec's economic, social, and cultural development. INRS ranks first in Quebec in research intensity. It is made up of five interdisciplinary research and training centres located in Quebec City, Montreal, Laval, and Varennes, and Charlevoix, which focus their efforts on strategic sectors: water, earth, and environment (Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre); energy, materials, and telecommunications (Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre); urbanization, culture, and society (Urbanisation Culture Société Research Centre); and health and biotechnology (Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre), and Ruralités Durables Research Centre (a center currently under development). Its community includes nearly 1,500 members, including students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty members, and staff.
Cision Canada
3 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Esaote presents at ECVS 2025 the new generation of veterinary MRI, Vet -MR Grande ELITE
GENOA, Italy and ANTWERP, Belgium, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- Esaote, a leading company in the field of medical diagnostic imaging, presents the new Vet -MR Grande ELITE, the next generation of veterinary MRI at the ECVS 2025, the Annual scientific meeting of European College of Veterinary Surgeon in Antwerp, Belgium held on July, 3-5 (Esaote Booth n. 32). Born from decades of expertise and developed in close collaboration with top veterinary clinics worldwide, the Vet-MR Grande ELITE is a revolutionary imaging solution tailored for both small animals and equines, which responds to the continuous evolution of market needs in terms of technologies, workflows and advanced imaging capabilities. "Putting our customers first is the driving force behind our innovation at Esaote," said Erminio Bassi, Esaote Vet Business Manager."The Vet-MR Grande ELITE builds on the proven success of the Vet-MR Grande, bringing smarter technology, greater sustainability, and introducing a suite of innovations designed to elevate the standards of veterinary imaging, with the aim of delivering outstanding image quality, enabling clearer, more reliable diagnoses." Developed in partnership with AIRS Medical, the advanced AI-powered platform e-SPADES enhances image reconstruction and scan efficiency. It enables shorter examination times compared to conventional methods while delivering exceptional image quality to support veterinary diagnostics with greater precision. The Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) sequence plays a key role in enhancing neurological examinations. It enables improved detection of cerebral infarction, stroke, and brain tumors, while supporting their classification, grading, and ongoing monitoring. Purpose-built for the realities of veterinary practice, the Vet-MR Grande ELITE features an intuitive interface tailored to animal anatomy, complete with species-specific tools and expert-developed protocols. Its open design, large patient table, and dedicated coils allow for quick, comfortable positioning—while also simplifying anesthesia management. Thanks to its compact, energy-efficient design, the system offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution that operates on a standard power supply—making advanced MRI more accessible from small practices to large referral centers. Esaote Group Leader in medical imaging (ultrasound, MRI, software to manage the diagnostic process). At the end of 2024, the Group had approximately 1,300 employees, half of whom in Italy. With facilities in Genoa and Florence, and its own production and research units in Italy and the Netherlands, Esaote maintains a presence in over 100 countries around the world.
Cision Canada
20 hours ago
- Cision Canada
OXLUMO® (lumasiran injection) Now Reimbursed in Canada For the Treatment of Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1) in Pediatric and Adult Patients
OXLUMO has been shown to significantly reduce urinary oxalate, which drives the progression of PH1 Disease 1 MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Alnylam Canada ULC is pleased to announce that OXLUMO ® (lumasiran) is now funded across Canada through both public and private plans. OXLUMO is an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic administered via subcutaneous injection, indicated for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) to lower urinary oxalate levels in paediatric and adult patients. 1 OXLUMO is the first therapy for PH1 approved in Canada, and among the first medications to be included on the common list of new drugs for rare diseases, as part of the Government of Canada's National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases. The common list was developed to help patients with rare diseases have access to treatments as early as possible. PH1 is an ultra-rare and debilitating genetic disease of the liver characterized by oxalate overproduction. 2 Oxalate is an end-product of metabolism and high levels of it are toxic because it cannot be broken down by the human body. Oxalate overproduction results in the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys and urinary tract and can lead to the formation of painful and recurrent kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis (renal deposition of calcium oxalate crystals), progression to kidney failure, and systemic organ dysfunction. 2 "Funding OXLUMO through the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases provides a new treatment option for people diagnosed with this debilitating, genetic disease – many of whom are infants and children," said Colleen Coxson, Country General Manager, Alnylam Canada ULC. "I want to congratulate the Canadian government for prioritizing access to therapies for those living with rare conditions, as there are often very limited options for patients." There are several types of primary hyperoxaluria (PH), however, PH1 is the most common and the most severe form, accounting for 70 to 80 per cent of all PH cases. 3 PH1 affects approximately four individuals per million, with some regions – such as the Middle East and North Africa – having a higher genetic prevalence. 4 Symptom onset ranges from early infancy to sixty years of age, with the median age being four to six years. 4 The remainder of affected cases present in adulthood with 20 to 50 per cent presenting late stages of chronic kidney disease when diagnosed. 4 "This funding decision marks a major step forward in the management of hyperoxaluria type 1, offering hope to patients of all ages living with this ultra-rare genetic condition," said Dr. Vladimir Belostotsky, Division Head for Pediatric Nephrology at McMaster Children's Hospital. "The medication has been shown to effectively lower urine oxalate levels, reducing the burden that leads to severe clinical symptoms." The positive recommendation for reimbursement was supported by results of the ILLUMINATE clinical studies, including ILLUMINATE-A: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in patients six years and older with PH1, ILLUMINATE-B: a single-arm clinical study in patients less than six years of age with PH1 1 and ILLUMINATE-C: a single-arm trial in patients of all ages with advanced PH1, including patients on dialysis. 5 The ILLUMINATE-A study showed that OXLUMO met its primary endpoint, evidenced by a 53 per cent mean reduction in urinary oxalate, and a 65 per cent mean reduction in urinary oxalate relative to baseline. 1 In ILLUMINATE-B, OXLUMO demonstrated a 72 per cent mean reduction in spot urinary oxalate:creatinine ratio from baseline to month six (averaged from months three to six), meeting its primary endpoint. 1 In ILLUMINATE-C, OXLUMO met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a 33% least squares (LS) mean reduction in plasma oxalate (POx) levels in patients not on dialysis (Cohort A) and a 42% LS mean reduction in POx levels in patients on hemodialysis (Cohort B) from baseline to month six. 6 About OXLUMO ® (lumasiran) 1 OXLUMO ® (lumasiran) is an RNAi therapeutic targeting hydroxyacid oxidase 1 (HAO1) in the liver to deplete the production of the glycolate oxidase (GO) enzyme. By silencing HAO1 and depleting the GO enzyme through RNA interference, OXLUMO in turn reduces the amount of oxalate that is produced. This process helps address the root cause of the rare, genetic disease since an overproduction of urinary and plasma oxalate levels is the underlying cause of PH1. About Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1) PH1 is an ultra-rare genetic disease that is characterized by oxalate overproduction in the liver, causing renal damage. Renal damage is caused by a combination of tubular toxicity from oxalate, calcium oxalate deposition in the kidneys, and urinary obstruction by calcium oxalate stones. PH1 is associated with a progressive decline in kidney function, which exacerbates the disease as the excess oxalate can no longer be effectively excreted, resulting in subsequent accumulation and deposition of oxalate in bones, eyes, skin, and heart, leading to severe illness and death. Management options to date have been limited to hyperhydration, crystallization inhibitors and, in a minority of patients with a specific genotype, pyridoxine (vitamin B6). These measures only delay the inevitable progression to kidney failure and the need for intensive dialysis as a bridge to a dual or sequential liver/kidney transplant. Other impacts of the disease include: infants often fail to thrive, meaning they are weak and not growing or developing at a normal rate. 7 Affected children frequently face developmental challenges, with social barriers and the requirement of accommodations to be made at school to meet their special medical needs. 6 About RNAi RNAi (RNA interference) is a natural cellular process of gene silencing that represents one of the most promising and rapidly advancing frontiers in biology and drug development today. Its discovery has been heralded as "a major scientific breakthrough that happens once every decade or so," and was recognized with the award of the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. By harnessing the natural biological process of RNAi occurring in our cells, a new class of medicines known as RNAi therapeutics is now a reality. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), the molecules that mediate RNAi and comprise Alnylam's RNAi therapeutic platform, function upstream of today's medicines by potently silencing messenger RNA (mRNA) – the genetic precursors that encode for disease-causing or disease pathway proteins – thus preventing them from being made.5 This is a revolutionary approach with the potential to transform the care of patients with genetic and other diseases. About Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Alnylam (Nasdaq: ALNY) has led the translation of RNA interference (RNAi) into a whole new class of innovative medicines with the potential to transform the lives of people afflicted with rare and prevalent diseases with unmet need. Based on Nobel Prize-winning science, RNAi therapeutics represent a powerful, clinically validated approach yielding transformative medicines. Since its founding in 2002, Alnylam has led the RNAi Revolution and continues to deliver on a bold vision to turn scientific possibility into reality. Alnylam has a deep pipeline of investigational medicines, including multiple product candidates that are in late-stage development. Alnylam is executing on its " Alnylam P 5 x25" strategy to deliver transformative medicines in both rare and common diseases benefiting patients around the world through sustainable innovation and exceptional financial performance, resulting in a leading biotech profile. Alnylam is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. Alnylam Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with established operations since June 2018.
