Support high for pharmacogenetic testing: 2019 Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey

Seventy-four percent of plan members say they would consent to pharmacogenetic testing so that their physician can prescribe medications that are most likely to work for them. As well, almost two-thirds (65%) of plan sponsors are interested in covering this service, reports the 2019 Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey, released on June 11.

The 22^nd edition of The Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey asked plan members and plan sponsors more than 50 questions on a wide range of topics in three main categories: health and chronic disease management; understanding of health benefit plans (including a possible national Pharmacare program); and future benefits and services. Plan sponsors also responded to questions to do with analysis and decision-making for health benefit plans.

Over the years, the survey has found that employers consistently underestimate the presence of chronic disease in their workforce. This year’s results, however, suggest the gap in awareness may be closing. Employers estimate that 39% of their workforce has a chronic condition, up from 29% a year ago—though still well short of the 54% of plan members who report having been diagnosed with a chronic condition such as depression or high blood pressure. This increases to 69% among plan members aged 55 to 64.

For the first time, the survey asked about chronic pain. Forty-two percent of plan members say they suffer from chronic pain (such as back pain). When combined with other chronic conditions, two out of three plan members (67%) have a chronic condition and/or chronic pain.

A strong majority of plan members (87%) would like to know more about their condition and how to treat it. For their part, 82% of plan sponsors would like their benefit plan to do more to support employees with chronic conditions.

Targeted health messaging could be an effective way for plan sponsors to help plan members with chronic conditions, and 65% of plan members indicate they would consent to receiving such information from insurers based on their personal use of benefits. Plan sponsors (74%) are also supportive of insurers doing more in this area.

However, 35% of plan members are not confident that insurers will protect their privacy, up from 24% in 2017. The lack of confidence increases to 47% among plan members who are not satisfied in their current job.

In the section on analysis and decision-making, results echoed last year’s findings. For example, plan sponsors with specific objectives for their health benefit plan are more likely to:

• describe the quality of their plan as excellent or very good (72% versus 42% among those without objectives);
• receive claims data analyses on the top disease states (82% versus 49%); and
• want their plan to do more to support chronic disease management (90% versus 69%.

This year’s report also includes “3 Steps for a Healthier Health Benefit Plan,” a simple one-page action plan for plan sponsors and their benefit providers.

Click here to read the full report.