GreenShield said its integrated model of insurance and health services produced $1.43 in value for every $1 invested among members with chronic disease, based on reduced mental health and chronic disease claims.
The figure comes from the non-profit insurer's new report, Rethinking Chronic Disease: The Growing Role of Preventive and Integrated Care, released on October 29. It drew on data from nearly eight million members. GreenShield said any savings from reduced absenteeism or disability would be on top of the $1.43.
GreenShield didn’t disclose in its release how the return was calculated, including what counted as investment, the period measured, or whether results were compared against members who didn’t use its services.
The report found that nearly one in four members in early adulthood has at least one chronic disease. Members in middle adulthood were four times more likely than younger adults to be managing several chronic conditions. Forty-three percent of members with chronic disease also used mental health medications or services.
“Chronic disease is no longer a challenge that begins later in life, and our health system continues to be structured around responding once people become sick,” said Yan Wang, GreenShield’s senior vice president of product, experience and health outcomes.
GreenShield said its nurse-led diabetes support delivered more than twice the rate of improvement in blood sugar control, though the release doesn’t say what it was compared against. Participants in its personalized nutrition program improved diet quality scores linked to cancer, heart disease and obesity risk. Members who received specialized counseling reported better wellbeing after three sessions.
These services are delivered through GreenShield+, its platform combining benefits coverage with health services such as chronic disease management, nutrition counseling, mental health support and care navigation.
The report adds to GreenShield’s argument that rising benefits costs require earlier intervention. Its 2026 Drug Trends Report found drug costs on its book rose 9.5% in 2025, driven by diabetes and weight management medications. Earlier this month, it opened its menopause care program to all Canadians through GreenShield+.
For group benefits advisors, the findings support a common pitch: earlier, coordinated care can slow rising claims among employees with chronic conditions. The trend toward chronic disease earlier in adulthood suggests plan sponsors will feel those costs for longer.
The return figure, though, needs scrutiny before it’s used with clients. Members who choose to use health programs may differ from those who don’t, which can inflate apparent savings unless the analysis controls for that.
Advisors should ask GreenShield for the methodology, comparison group and timeframe behind the $1.43 before presenting it as evidence of savings for a particular plan.
