GBA 2

Managing Benefit Plans Part 2

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Required to Earn

GBA

CEBS

Part of

GBA Designation

(Updated January 2023)

GBA 1 provides a framework of concepts, principles and processes for effective benefit plan management that is transferable to varying types of plan sponsor contexts. Building on that foundation, GBA 2 dives deeper into the specific design, funding, administration and communication considerations associated with life, short- and long-term disability, dental, extended health care and employee assistance benefits that can influence a plan sponsor’s options and choices. Specific tax and privacy legislation constraints and more detailed discussion of some key terms and provisions are covered. 

 

Also discussed is the tension between the Canada Revenue Agency’s position and the benefits industry’s position/practice regarding coverage limits for the range of health benefits typically provided under group extended health care plans, health care spending accounts and/or taxable spending accounts. GBA 2 brings the concepts, principles and processes covered in GBA 1 and GBA 2 to conclusion with a discussion of flexible benefit approaches as an alternative to a traditional benefits plan design for meeting workforce expectations for security, choice and personalization as well as for managing plan sponsor cost and utilization challenges. Flexible-benefit tax implications, pricing and credit structure, setting price tags and allocating flex credits are covered. Text-based reading is supported with tax guidance. Applications are illustrated in numerous case studies.

Topics Covered:

  • Managing Death Benefits
  • Managing Short-Term Income Replacement Benefits
  • Managing Long-Term Disability Benefits
  • Managing Disability Plan Effectiveness
  • Leveraging the Tax Regime in Health and Dental Plan Management
  • Managing Extended Health Care Benefits
  • Managing Dental Benefits
  • Managing Employee/Member Assistance and Wellness Programs
  • Managing Flexible Benefit Plans

Continuing Education

Earn professional continuing education (CE) credit as you work through CEBS courses and continue to validate your learning with CEBS Compliance and ISCEBS membership.

Licensing and Professional Credit

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Resources For GBA 2

Required

Successful completion of comprehensive exam

Essential

GBA 2 Study Guide, including online access to the modules and practice exam, 2nd Edition 

*Reading Updates

Essential

Group Benefits Plan Management, 3rd Edition
Ann O’Neill, Editor, Advocis, 2022
ISBN 978-1-895477-78-8
(Note: This text is also used in GBA 1.)

Supplementary

Online Study Group With Instructor Support
12-week sessions in fall, spring and summer

C$250

Success Package - Save 20%

Save 20% when you purchase the Online Study Group and GBA 2 exam.