ClearSource™ provides exclusive solution for clients with U.S. presence
WATERLOO, ON, Sept. 21 2006 – Manulife Financial has obtained exclusive rights to introduce ClearSource™ to Manulife’s Canadian Group Benefits plan sponsors. Provided in the U.S., this new U.S. group benefits solution is available to all of Manulife Financial’s Canadian group clients with less than 50 resident U.S. employees.
This arrangement involves a leading U.S.-based insurer, and an employee benefits administration specialist, combined to provide comprehensive benefit lines to U.S. employees under a superior service model and at competitive pricing.
“ClearSource™ is a total U.S. solution for our clients, providing coverage for all benefits,” said Rick Brunet, Executive Vice President Group Benefits. “Plan members and their families will benefit from a personalized approach. In addition, the high-touch service model offers at least four contacts per year with client sponsors.”
As Canadian employers continue to expand into the U.S., the need to provide and protect their U.S.-based employees with similar benefits and service levels that their Canadian based employees enjoy is important. Canadian employers have few options available to easily access and understand local needs for their U.S.-based employees. ClearSource™’s expertise and customer service will help employers and advisors navigate the differences in the group insurance landscape between the U.S. and Canada.
“The U.S. benefit marketplace is complex and heavily regulated by state. The structure of ClearSource™ eliminates the complexity of dealing with the various state regulatory regimes and makes it simple for our customers,” Mr. Brunet added.
About Manulife Financial Group Benefits
Manulife Financial Group Benefits offers supplementary benefits above basic Provincial Medicare plans including drug, health, dental, life, disability and other health benefits.
More than 16,000 Canadian businesses, representing more than 8 million Canadians, have entrusted their employee benefit programs to Manulife Group Benefits. Manulife Financial Group Benefits provides coverage for businesses with two employees to Canada’s largest employers. In 2005, premiums and revenues of Manulife Group Benefits were $5.3 billion.
About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$370 billion (US$332 billion) as at June 30, 2006.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.
