Sun Life Expands Coverage Connectivity

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Insurance companies are taking steps to make it easier for customers to file for coverage. Sun Life U.S. announced that it is providing its users with more connectivity between services when filing claims. The insurance provider offers multiple types of insurance, such as disability, supplemental health, and dental coverage. Previously, its customers would have to file a different claim for each service, even if the coverage was related to the same event.

Now, its users will only have to file one claim that can be used across each of the company’s different products.

In a press release, Sun Life U.S. president of group benefits Joi Tillman said, “Often, members do not realize they have enrolled in additional benefits that might also provide coverage for their health conditions. Now, we can do the work for them and provide complete claims coverage across these products. The more we connect our claims data across products, the better we can serve our members and ensure they receive all of their benefits quickly and seamlessly."

In the same press release, Sun Life’s assistant vice president of product management and development Bryan Burke said, “Data integration is the future of benefits, and we believe that when done securely and safely, it can vastly improve the benefits experience for workers everywhere. Automatic benefit payments are important mechanisms that save our members time and effort, allowing them to focus on taking care of themselves."

Tillman recently became president of group benefits at the beginning of this month.² At the time, Sun Life announced that the previous president of the group, David Healy, would be stepping into the role of president of dental business.

In a press release issued at the time, Sun Life U.S. president Dan Fishbein said, “I'm especially pleased to announce these leadership transitions from the exceptional talent within our company. David is a deeply experienced leader, who has modernized group digital capabilities, expanded our partnerships and added a focus on health services, all of which will be a continued focus in Dental. Joi has 35 years of broad experience in group benefits, driving successful innovations to help members navigate and use their benefits.”

He continued, “Steve is a strategic and insightful leader who has grown DentaQuest into the second-largest dental benefits provider in the country and the largest provider of Medicaid dental benefits. We have benefited greatly from his vision and passion for providing members with access to oral health. There are millions of people smiling today because of Steve's contributions! I'm excited for the future as we continue the important work of providing even more Americans with access to the care and coverage they need."

In August, Sun Life announced that it expanded its illness coverage to include family planning services, along with behavioral health coverage as well.³

In a press release issued at the time, Healy said, “Family planning issues can include complex health concerns that affect a broad range of workers and their families. By adding this extremely sought-after benefit to our CI coverage, we can serve our clients and members effectively and compassionately, helping people address their needs without the added concern of financial stress."

Bryan Burke, assistant vice president of product management and development at Sun Life added, “Critical illness coverage should grow with the evolving needs of today's workforce. We see that employees are prioritizing benefits more when they consider jobs, and seeking out specialized coverages that meet their needs. While conditions like cancer or cardiovascular disease are still prevalent and need to be covered, issues like family planning and mental health are of particular interest to employees."

Sources

1. Sun Life U.S. Enhances Claims Connectivity to Get Members Their Benefits Faster and Easier. Sun Life U.S. September 5, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sun-life-us-enhances-claims-connectivity-to-get-members-their-benefits-faster-and-easier-302240039.html
2. Sun Life U.S. Names Leaders for its Dental and Group Benefits Business. Sun Life U.S. August 21, 2024. Accessed September 6, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sun-life-us-names-leaders-for-its-dental-and-group-benefits-businesses-302227553.html
3. Sun Life U.S. Expands Critical Illness Coverage to Include Family Planning Services. Sun Life U.S. August 1, 2024. Accessed September 6, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sun-life-us-expands-critical-illness-coverage-to-include-family-planning-services-302212741.html