Rates of chronic conditions among plan members have quickly risen in recent years, with three in five (62 per cent) reporting they have at least one, an eight per cent increase from just three years ago, according to the 2026 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey.

It found a third (36 per cent) of plan members said they’re dealing with multiple chronic conditions. “It’s not a rare occasion that somebody’s in the workforce dealing with a chronic condition,” said Telma Charrua (pictured left), director of business development for group benefits at Desjardins, during a panel discussion at Benefits Canada’s 2026 Toronto Benefits Summit on Friday.

Read: 57% of Canadian employees with chronic conditions have missed work, reduced hours: survey

The survey found a quarter (25 per cent) of plan members has a diagnosed mental-health condition, up from 18 per cent in 2023. Also speaking during the panel, Barbara Martinez (pictured centre), national practice leader for drug solutions at Canada Life, said mental and physical health conditions are “very closely related” and can influence each other.

Indeed, she said the insurer’s claims data has seen evidence of........

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