Monthly Archives: March 2021

Episode 7 – Answering Common Questions about Long-Term Disability – with guest Sheila Karras



If you have ever wondered how long-term disability works, or who is eligible for it, this is the episode for you! 

In this episode, Lorne Curry sits down with his very first guest, Sheila Karras of Empire Life, as they take a look at long-term disability. With Sheila’s work in insurance, she helps answer some of the most common questions asked regarding disability leave and speaks about the impact COVID-19 has had on it.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The reluctance for an employee to return to work after disability leave 
  • What is considered when assessing an employee’s ability to return to work 
  • Earnings in relation to returning to work after disability 
  • Communication between the insurance company, employer and employee throughout a disability claim 
  • And more!

Tune in now to have your questions answered regarding long-term disability leave and understand who should be involved in the conversations. 

Resources: Lorne Curry | Curry Financial Group | Group Benefits headquarters | Sheila Karras | Empire Life 


Episode 6 – The Risks Associated with Benefit Plans



Did you know that there are risks involved with some decisions you make when it comes to benefit plans? 

In this episode, Lorne Curry talks about some of the most common risks that are associated with benefit planning as it relates to the employer. Lorne offers some of his personal advice as to how you can avoid these risks! 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Why opting out of employee health plan coverage is not recommended
  • The Non-evidence maximum for long term disability and life insurance
  • What risks are related to severance packages 
  • What conversion options are available at retirement
  • The role of a plan administrator
  • And more!

Tune in now as Lorne uncovers some of the risks that are involved in benefit planning and what you should be watching out for! 

Resources: Lorne Curry | Curry Financial Group | Group Benefits headquarters


Episode 5 – The Advantage of Health Care Spending Accounts



A Health Care Spending Account works similarly to a bank account, it allows you to top up on your regular group benefit programs! 

In this episode, Lorne Curry helps you better understand how Health Care Spending Accounts (HCSA) work, and the benefits of using them. Lorne discusses how these plans can differ from typical group benefits and ways that different plans can be weaved together! 

In this episode we discuss:

  • What is a Health Care Spending Account? 
  • How to use the HCSA for your family members  
  • The benefits of using the HCSA for the employer and the employee
  • What you can use the HCSA for 
  • How the HCSA is controlled
  • And more!

Tune in now to discover how the HCSA could be used to assist you in gaining coverage on things outside of your regular group benefit programs! 

Resources: Lorne Curry | Curry Financial Group