Chronic diseases, such as asthma, can have a major effect in your workplace. Asthma is one of the leading causes of productivity loss through absenteeism and presenteeism.1 Across our group benefits block of business, asthma was the fifth largest disease category for overall drug spend in 2022.2

Sun Life is taking steps to help. When employees can effectively manage their asthma, effects on the workplace can be minimal. 

As an employer, you can play an important role in helping employees successfully manage their disease. We’re introducing two new resources to help you support employees with asthma. These supports can help employees remain healthy and productive at work.

  • Our special report: Asthma and the workplace. Working together to support employee health. This report promotes education and awareness about asthma and its effects on your workplace. It also highlights how Sun Life can play a role in supporting you and your employees with asthma.
  • Coaching program for respiratory diseases. Lumino Health™ Pharmacy,3 provided by Pillway,4 offers pharmacy services. In 2024, the pharmacy will begin offering a coaching program for plan members with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 
    Your plan members with asthma or COPD who need support can enroll on the pharmacy platform. A pharmacist will then:
    • Conduct a focused one-on-one virtual assessment and coaching session.
    • Provide follow-ups to support and assess plan member progress in managing their asthma or COPD.
    • Create a personalized action plan to support plan members with their ongoing self-management.  

We’ll be communicating more details on this coaching program, so stay tuned.

About Lumino Health Pharmacy

Launched in July 2023, Lumino Health Pharmacy is an optional service. There’s no additional cost to add it to your plan, or to offer it to your plan members. There’s even free delivery within Canada, excluding Québec, to help employees manage their medication routines with confidence. 

Lumino Health Pharmacy and the coaching program aren’t currently available in Québec. Sun Life aims to offer access to online pharmacy services in Québec later this year. 

Visit Lumino Health Pharmacy to learn more.

Reducing the effect of asthma – together

Asthma symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. But in almost all cases, employees and their families can successfully manage their disease with the right supports. You can play a key role in promoting and providing these. And as your group benefits partner, we’ll continue to work with you to support the health of your employees.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Please contact your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.