Check-in and pick up your badge

Arriving early in Calgary? Connect with fellow attendees on a guided walking tour of downtown Calgary. Sign up during registration to secure your spot. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

A Speaker Ready Lounge is where speakers can check in with staff, review slides, and ask questions related to their presentation.

Welcome to Calgary and the CLHIA's Claims and Anti-Fraud Conference! Join us at our opening general session hosted by our Conference Chair….

Speaker:
Jacques Goulet, Executive Chair, Sun Life Canada and 2024-2025 Chair of the CLHIA Board of Directors

Keynote:  
Anthony McLean - Microaggressions and Their Impact on Mental Health & Fire Up Your Mental Health!

Host: 
Joanne Wedgewood, Alberta Blue Cross & Conference Chair 

Track: Health

Gain insight into the unique contributions and expertise of a podiatrist, a pedorthist, and an orthotist in this informative panel discussion.
Our experts will delve into their shared role in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, highlighting the critical importance of foot care in improving patient outcomes. Through this discussion, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of each profession’s value to the healthcare team and how they work together to enhance patient well-being.

Speakers: 

• Dr. Caroline Leverett, MSc, BSc (Hons), PG Dip, PG Cert, PGCE, MRCPod
• Andrea Putre-Ondevilla, C. Ped (C) 
• John Rahman, CO(c)

Track: Disability, Life & CI

In this session, we will explore how two transformative treatment classes – microdosing psychedelics and GLP-1 receptor agonists – are poised to reshape the landscape of insurance claims, particularly in Life, Disability Income (DI), and Critical Illness (CI). Building on over 25 years of research, microdosing psychedelics is emerging as a promising alternative for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD, offering neuroplastic benefits with fewer risks than traditional treatments. Since the approval of Prozac (fluoxetine) in 1987, antidepressant options have evolved, with psychedelics offering a groundbreaking shift in effectiveness and safety. Meanwhile, GLP-1 drugs are revolutionizing the treatment of metabolic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver with the potential to reduce excess mortality and reverse claims trends. From a medical director’s perspective, we’ll discuss how these innovations could improve patient outcomes and fundamentally alter the trajectory of insurance claims related to critical illness, disability, and premature death.

Speaker: 
Elyssa Del Valle, M.D. DBIM, Swiss Re

Track: Disability, Life & CI

Panel discussion with Group Carriers on the future of claims in Canada. The session will cover various innovations in the space from Artificial Intelligence to Digital Platforms that aim to improve the claim experience for the Plan Member, Plan Sponsors and the Carrier

Speaker: 
Merv D’Souza, VP, Sales and Customer Success, Opifiny Corp

Track: Anti-Fraud

Fraud is ever changing and adapting, and so too should your Anti-Fraud Program. Organizations must ensure they can stay abreast of new and evolving fraud trends. But how do you assess your program, know where you’re at, how you’re doing and understand where and how you might improve?
This session will discuss industry standards and global best practices and frameworks for Anti-Fraud Programs. We will look at typical paths organizations take as they grow, mature and improve their Anti-Fraud programs. The session will cover:
-The importance of iterative Fraud Risk Assessments
-Growth, change, alignment and performance of controls to combat Fraud
-Areas to use data and analytics to measure improvements

Speakers: 

Lisa Carpenter, Director – Financial Crime, Deloitte

For decades, insurance professionals, claims analysts and investigators alike have had to discern fact from fiction. As we enter a new era with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), our task is even more difficult. In a world full of synthetic accounts, fake news, and questionable resources, we now need to also navigate the world of AI. Images, resumes, documents, background information and even full identities can be created in an instant utilizing AI. The session will explore the various platforms currently available in AI and explore what can or cannot be done to identify the legitimate information from fake, manipulated or fabricated resources and evidence.

Speaker:
Keith Elliott, CEO, Reed Research Investigations

Help us kick off the conference and the opening of the Exhibit Hall. Visit with over 40 companies and associations with expertise or experience in a variety of different disciplines, from healthcare consulting and software to audit and investigations—plus much more. Remember to collect points with each exhibitor for the Conference Challenge and enter into a booth draw with participating companies.

A Speaker Ready Lounge is where speakers can check in with staff, review slides, and ask questions related to their presentation.

Check-in and pick up your badge

Attend a 30 minute talk delivered by a CLHIA sponsor or exhibitor. Details on each session coming soon.

Track: Dental

AI is not a distant future—it's here, reshaping how dental insurers operate and improving the experience for over 115,000 patients today. From streamlining claims processing and credentialing to optimizing network management and enabling instant benefits decisions, AI is driving efficiency and better outcomes for both insurers and providers.

In this session, we'll go beyond the basics and dive into real-world applications, exploring:
- How insurers are using AI right now to enhance claims review, provider onboarding, and patient care.
- The latest AI advancements that are strengthening payer-provider relationships, like real-time benefits decisions and automated approvals.
- What’s next: the future of AI in dental and how it will continue to evolve the industry.

Speaker:
Dr. Christopher Balaban, Vice President of Clinical Affairs, Overjet

Track: Health & Disability

This session delves into understanding obesity as a chronic disease, examining its multifaceted causes and the necessity for comprehensive treatment approaches. Sandra Elia discusses the significant economic implications of inaction, highlighting how untreated obesity escalates healthcare costs and diminishes workplace productivity. Additionally, we’ll explore effective workplace strategies to support employees living with obesity, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes health and well-being.

Speaker:
Sandra Elia, Obesity Matters

Track: Life & CI

Track: Disability

Track: Anti-Fraud

This presentation explores the cutting-edge industry-developed tools and collaborative approaches that are revolutionizing group benefits fraud investigations. As fraudsters become increasingly sophisticated, insurance carriers must adapt by harnessing the power of shared data and coordinated efforts.

Speaker:
Jared Green, Manager, Fraud Risk Management, Sun Life Financial

During this 45-minute break, enjoy refreshments and connect with more Exhibitors. Remember to collect codes from exhibitor reps for the Conference Challenge!

Track: Health & Disability

A transdiagnostic bio-psycho-social-spiritual treatment model utilizing novel and evidence-based treatments may reduce disability claims and improve disability rates. Dr. Tanguay will explain how mental wellness can be achieved for those experiencing Mood Disorders, PTSD, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction and Chronic Pain conditions with evidence-based psychotherapy delivered by inter-disciplinary medical teams. He will explore the evidence of the innovative treatments including ketaminea and psychedelics and support people to return to work and their healthy lives in a timely manner.

Speaker:
Robert Tanguay, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Calgary/Hotchkiss Brain Institute

Track: Life

Learn about the various provincial programs that permit a qualified nurse to perform death investigations.

Speaker:
Keith Elliott, CEO, Reed Research Investigations

Track: Anti-Fraud
New research sheds light on how sex traffickers are using hundreds of potentially illicit massage parlours as shell companies to launder and hide their illicit profits and the vulnerable people they prey on in Canada. This session will expose a hidden link potentially used by nefarious business owners and criminal organizations for monetary gain and uncover the health insurance fraud connection in Canada. Follow the money. 

Speaker:
Christy Kasur, President, Transitional Council of Massage Therapists of Alberta

Track: Disability

Insurance claims processes need to be built on a realistic understanding of customers’ mindsets to make them truly effective. However people’s motivations are not always what we might expect. This can lead to challenges such as capturing incomplete or inaccurate information on application and claim forms, and delayed return to work after illness or injury. This talk will discuss RGA’s recent behavioral science research showing that by understanding and working with, rather than against, how customers think, insurers can create more effective disability claims journeys. The talk will share practical examples of how we have applied simple behavioral science-based techniques to achieve this.

Speaker:
 Peter Adam Hovard, Lead Behavioral Scientist, RGA

Tour around the Exhibit Hall and enjoy lunch with colleagues! 

After lunch, join us for coffee and dessert for a special plenary featuring guest speaker Dr. Timothy Meagher.

Track: Health & Disability

This session will delve into the critical connection between mental health, workplace wellness, and organizational success, focusing on how mental health initiatives directly impact productivity, innovation, and overall outcomes. Attendees will better understand the importance of empowering employees to choose their mental health providers, exploring how this autonomy enhances employee satisfaction and fosters trust. Through evidence-based insights, participants will learn how supporting mental health choice contributes to improved organizational performance, greater employee well-being, and a stronger return on investment (ROI).

Speaker:
Vicki-Anne Rodrigue, National Advocacy Lead, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

Track: Health

Track: Life

Speaker:
Qingchuan Sun, RGA

Track: Anti-Fraud & Disability

This one-hour workshop will delve into the complexities of disability fraud, with a focus on litigation.  We will cover the necessary documentation to support the denial of a claim, current trends in disability fraud litigation, and strategies for recoveries.  The session will also address the human element, such as cases where individuals on disability insurance fail to report supplemental income.

Speaker:

• Jonathan Lim, Partner, Fasken Martineau Dumoulin LLP
• Jodi Skeates, Fasken

Refresh, catch up on work, or chat with colleagues before the Special Event 

Check-in and pick up your badge

A Speaker Ready Lounge is where speakers can check in with staff, review slides, and ask questions related to their presentation.

Track: Health

This session will provide an update on drug trends across private drug plans in Canada and an overview of the pharmaceutical marketplace.

Speaker:
John Herbert, Director, Payer Services, IQVIA

Track: Life 

Speakers:

• Christina Kutarna, Vice President, Underwriting Manager, Swiss Re
• Mathieu Cote, Beneva

Track: Disability & Health

Mental health is at the forefront of Canada’s evolving healthcare landscape, and occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital yet often underrecognized role in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. In this engaging session, our national allied healthcare company will explore the essential contributions of OT in mental health, unpacking its impact on patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiencies.
We’ll delve into the pressing challenges facing OT practitioners today, including access barriers, resource constraints, and the growing complexity of patient needs. With changes in the healthcare system accelerating, we’ll discuss how OTs are adapting to deliver impactful services that address the unique challenges of mental health care.

The session will highlight key OT services, including personalized strategies to improve daily functioning, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life for individuals living with mental health conditions. We'll also discuss opportunities to enhance collaboration between OTs and the broader medical community, creating a more integrated and effective care model.
Through real-world examples and practical insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how occupational therapy bridges the gap between mental health care and holistic recovery. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, insurer, or policymaker, this session offers actionable strategies to foster collaboration, innovation, and better outcomes for Canadians navigating mental health challenges. Join us to learn how OT can transform lives—and help shape the future of mental health.

Speaker:
Ingrid Neufeld, OT Reg. (Ont), Training & Development OT Lead, CBI Health

Track: Anti-Fraud
Fraudulent claims continue to pose a significant challenge for life and health insurers worldwide, impacting both operational efficiency and financial stability. In this session, we delve into the latest findings from RGA’s 2024 Global Claims Fraud Survey, which gathered insights from 83 insurers across the globe. We will highlight global trends, challenges faced by insurers in fraud detection and prevention, and explore innovative strategies to combat fraud. There will be additional information on Canadian insurers and how they are adapting their approaches and solutions.

Speaker:
Leigh Allen, RGA

As an industry, we increasingly look to the internet for an online obituary as a quick method of validating a death, which in many cases can expedite the claim process for beneficiaries and internal processes. Unfortunately, fake obituaries are online: the reasons for this are convoluted and not necessarily directly linked to our industry. But how do we watch for this without compromising our need for speed? Join us for a discussion to learn more about the phenomenon of Obituary Pirates, examples of how this appears online, and how it may creep into your claim evidence. Presenters will discuss key adjudication processes that should be a part of your adjudication toolkit to allow you to continue to use online evidence, and also to know when an investigative service provider should be used to validate a death.

Speakers:

• Stacey Ramirez, AVP, Claims, Munich Re
• Erick Soeth, Vice President of Investigation Services, Diligence International Group

Track: Disability

Track: Anti-Fraud

Join us for lunch at our final plenary and hear from keynote speaker Melanie Fuller, Director of Wellness at Alberta Blue Cross. We will close the conference with a few special announcements following our keynote speaker.

Closing Keynote: 
Melanie Fuller, Director of Wellness at  Alberta Blue Cross

Are you prepared for the future of work, thinking beyond benefits, or claiming—rather how to drive the health and resilience of your people?  What if you are the catalyst to your company’s future success?
In this engaging keynote, we’ll explore how businesses must evolve their case for investing in their workplace health and performance to stay competitive. You’ll gain insights into the latest pressures reshaping workplaces and why traditional strategies need a fresh approach. Hear timely employer perspectives on prioritizing employee well-being to build a resilient workforce. Plus, discover key findings from the Alberta Blue Cross Organizational Health and Performance Benchmarking Report—including practical steps to bridge the gap between claims and recognizing the importance of employee well-being and taking meaningful action.
Get ready to rethink your approach to navigating and succeeding in the future of work!