GBA 2

Managing Benefit Plans Part 2

Managing Benefit Plans Part 2 

This course is required to earn the following designations: GBA, CEBS  (updated January 2023)

GBA 1 provides a framework of concepts, principles and processes for effective benefit plan management that is transferable to varying types of plan sponsor contexts. Building on that foundation, GBA2 dives deeper into specific design, funding, administration and communication considerations associated with life, short-and long-term disability, dental, extended health care and employee assistance benefits that can influence a plan sponsor's options and choices. Specific tax and privacy legislation constraints and more detailed discussion of some key terms and provisions are covered. The tension between the Canada Revenue Agency's position and the benefits industry's position/practice regarding coverage limits for the range of health benefits typically provided under group extended health care plans, health care spending accounts and/or taxable spending accounts is discussed. GBA2 brings the concepts, principles and processes covered in GBA 1 and GBA 2 to conclusion with a discussion of flexible benefit approaches as an alternative to a traditional benefits plan design for meeting workforce expectations for security, choice and personalization and for managing plan sponsor cost and utilization challenges. Flexible-benefit tax implications, pricing and credit structure, setting price tags and allocating flex credits are covered. Text-based reading is supported with tax guidance. Applications are illustrated in numerous case studies. 

Topics covered in GBA 2

  • Managing Death Benefits
  • Managing Short-Term Income Replacement Benefits
  • Managing Long-Term Disability Benefits
  • Managing Disability Plan Effectiveness
  • Leveraging the Tax Regime in Health and Dental Plan Management
  • Managing Extended Health Care Benefits
  • Managing Dental Benefits
  • Managing Employee/Member Assistance and Wellness Programs
  • Managing Flexible Benefit Plans

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Resources for GBA 2

Required

Successful completion of comprehensive exam         

 C$595

Essential

GBA 2 Study Guide, including online access to the guide and practice exam, 2nd Edition   

C$295

Essential

Group Benefits Plan Management,
3rd Edition
Ann O'Neill, editor, Advocis, 2022

(Note: This text is also used in GBA 1.)  

C$130

Supplementary

Online Study Group With Instructor Support
12-week sessions in fall, spring and summer


Success Package                C$668

Save 20% when you purchase the Online Study Group and corresponding Exam Package.


C$240

 
 
 
 
 

Study Guide—Delivered in Print and Online!

The CEBS Study Guide is an essential component for mastering the CEBS material you will be tested on in the examination. Your Study Guide purchase is made through Books for Business and includes both a printed study guide and access to an online environment.

  • Learning Modules provide structured coverage and highlight key elements and critical takeaways of the Assigned Reading. The learning modules draw on readings from Textbooks and journal articles written by leading academics and expert practitioners.
  • Applications are designed to make you think about how what you are learning translates to the work world. Two types of applications are provided throughout the CEBS courses—Benefits in Action and Integrated Cases (Capstone Cases).
  • Practice exam, accessible in the online environment, provides immediate results indicating the areas that may need additional study, along with page reference sources and an explanation of correct responses.

Textbook/Readings

A textbook and/or supplementary readings are required for each course, providing the theory and content of the topics covered in the study guide.

Online Study Group With Instructor Support

Need a little push to stay on track or the security of expert and peer support? Online study groups are for you. Guided study groups provide access to instructors, a structured time frame and peer interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still looking for more information? Check out CEBS FAQ for further details on curriculum updates.

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