Mr. David Healy reports

SUN LIFE LAUNCHES STITCH TO EXPAND ACCESS TO SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS

Sun Life Financial Inc. has launched a new, comprehensive way for employers to offer supplemental health benefits to all of their employees, including part-time and gig workers who typically are not eligible for benefits. Stitch, an innovative solution fully administered by Sun Life, gives employees access to Sun Life's broad portfolio of supplemental health benefits and an experienced team of benefits councillors and licensed agents, with zero administrative work for the employer. Employees can purchase their benefits on-line or through mobile at any time of the year and take the insurance with them if they leave their jobs.

Supplemental health benefits pay members directly if they have an accident, experience a critical illness, such as cancer, stroke or heart disease, or are hospitalized for several days. The lump-sum payments can be used for anything the member wishes, from medical bills to mortgage payments. These benefits help close the coverage gaps in health insurance by cushioning the out-of-pocket financial burdens that can accompany a major health event.

"Many employees, whether full or part time, often don't have access to the benefits that complement health insurance and help reduce financial risk," says David Healy, senior vice-president of group benefits at Sun Life United States. "With Stitch, we are broadening access to supplemental health benefits by eliminating the administrative work for employers, making the benefits available to a wider range of employees and making it easier for them to enroll, ask questions and even take it to their next job."

Often people are not aware of the potential out-of-pocket expenses associated with an accident or major health diagnosis. Deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and co-insurance can add up to thousands of dollars, creating pricey gaps in health care coverage. The Kaiser Family Foundation research on deductibles showed an average in each state ranging from $2,800 to over $4,000 per year for a family. Stitch includes useful information and real-world examples to help employees navigate their benefits decisions and choose a plan that is specific to their needs.

Supplemental health benefits create a financial safety net that helps employees feel more secure. With Stitch, Sun Life handles the billing, decision support, member payments, enrolment and claims management, allowing employers the time and energy to focus on other employee needs. Employees can enroll in the benefits without interacting with a sales representative or can access a licensed agent to help enroll and answer questions.

Many employers want to offer additional benefits like supplemental health to their employees, but do not always have the capacity to manage those benefits. Stitch is accessible through an on-line, mobile-friendly platform that is available throughout the year, so employees can enroll, change or cancel coverage at any time.

Stitch will initially be available in Arizona, Georgia, Massachusetts and Wisconsin, with plans to expand into other markets in 2022.

About Sun Life Financial Inc.

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of Dec. 31, 2020, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1,247-billion.

In the United States, Sun Life is one of the largest group benefits providers, serving more than 60,000 employers in small, medium and large workplaces across the country. Sun Life's broad portfolio of insurance products and services in the U.S. includes disability, absence management, life, dental, vision, voluntary, supplemental health and medical stop-loss. Sun Life and its affiliates in asset management businesses in the U.S. employ approximately 5,500 people.