New 'Health eLinks(R)' site helps plan members identify health risks and take action

WATERLOO - Manulife is launching major enhancements to its Health eLinks(R) online health resource. The web portal is designed to provide group benefits plan members across Canada with access to an innovative online health library and a new health risk assessment, among other online tools. Advancements to the site were made under an agreement with MediResource, Inc.

Health eLinks, launched by Manulife in 2004, provides current, reliable Canadian-based information to help plan members understand and improve their overall health and wellness. The site also helps plan sponsors gain insight into health risks and their group's overall health status.

"We believe our new Health eLinks resource will position us strongly in today's market and will enable us to build on our comprehensive suite of Health for Life(R) wellness products," said Rick Brunet, Executive Vice President, Manulife Financial Group Benefits. "Our partnership with MediResource Inc. will allow us to continue providing trusted health information and gives us greater flexibility to offer new services and features to both plan members and sponsors."

Toronto-based MediResource Inc. is a leading provider of Canadian health information, decision support tools and developer of online health technologies; it is also a leading operator of consumer health portals. The agreement allowed Manulife Financial Group Benefits to redesign Health eLinks, letting users easily maneuver, obtain information and access improved features.

"Our new Health Risk Assessment goes beyond others in the market place. The partnership with MediResource has allowed us to broaden the assessment to include health risk factors that are affecting productivity and benefit costs for employers today," said Marilee Mark, Vice President, Marketing, Manulife Financial Group Benefits.

New custom-designed Health Risk Assessment Tool

The new health risk assessment enables plan members to assess their risk factors through a series of interactive questions designed to deliver credible evidenced-based results that have been validated by research. Plan members can use the information to create their own personalized health improvement action plan.

Enhanced Health Library

The improved health library allows plan members to access a comprehensive Canadian-based online resource which includes a searchable medications library, plus conditions and tests and procedures database. Content is written, maintained and continuously updated by the health care professionals, medical writers and editors at MediResource.

Real-time reports for plan administrators

Plan administrators can access online reporting tools to quickly assess usage statistics and trends, as well as gauge their group's overall health status and risk factors.

Plan members and administrators can easily access Health eLinks through Manulife's Plan Member Secure Internet site. F