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Members will have access to oncology specialists.
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Sun Life US, a provider of medical stop-loss insurance, announced a new service for its members which will provide them with the opportunity to get a second opinion when diagnosed with cancer.1 Expert Cancer Review will be available starting on July 1 of this year. Members utilizing it will have access to independent oncology specialists to provide them with more trust in their diagnosis.
According to Sun Life, cancer is the most common and costly condition that its members face. Second opinions are important and can often play an important role in the decisions patients make in their treatment journey.
In a press release, Sun Life US president of health and risk solutions Jennifer Collier said, “As a former nurse, I recognize the profound impact a cancer diagnosis can have on people. By offering access to expert second opinions, we will be able to empower our members with knowledge and give them confidence in their cancer treatment plans. This new service reflects our commitment to helping members get the care they need, ensuring they are supported and well informed during a challenging time."
She continued, “Second opinions can be a game changer, potentially avoiding misdiagnoses, sparing people from unnecessary treatments, uncovering better-tailored therapies and even reducing medical costs."
Sun Life also recently announced a partnership with personalized care concierge company Wellthy to provide its members with enhanced care during end-of-life care.2 Not surprisingly, patients often require enhanced attention and care, which can be costly. Through the partnership, Sun Life members will have access to guidance for end-of-life care.
In a press release, Sheila Sokolski, vice president of product strategy and portfolio development, Group Benefits, Sun Life U.S., said, “Life insurance is more than just a death benefit––we are supporting people from the moment they start planning for their family's future, through the many emotional and logistical challenges associated with losing a loved one. By including Wellthy's services in our life insurance offering, we are helping our members and their families––regardless of which person carries the policy––through some of life's hardest experiences."
Wellthy CEO and co-founder Lindsay Jurist-Rosner said the in same press release, “The end-of-life process can be overwhelming—not just for families, but for the individual themselves. People want to ensure their loved ones are cared for, while also navigating a maze of legal, financial, and emotional challenges. We're honored to bring compassionate, expert support to Sun Life's members during one of life's most difficult moments."
Sun Life also recently released a statement in response to a proposed act by congressmen Mark DeSaulnier and Rober Scott called the Worker’s Disability Benefits Parity Act.3 Sun Life’s president Dan Fishbein, MD, said, “This legislation rightly recognizes that mental health is health and makes sure that workers will have the financial security they need to take care of themselves and their families, regardless of the cause of their disability. Mental health conditions must be given the same consideration as physical conditions in healthcare and in workplace benefits, especially disability coverage. A mental health condition can be just as disabling as a physical one, and can last just as long. Currently, most long-term disability benefits are typically capped at 24 months for mental health conditions. There should be a uniform federal standard to ensure long-term disability benefits cover mental health and physical conditions at the same level and length.”
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