The importance of pharmacogenomics in your group insurance plan

This article was written in consultation with Nathalie Rivest, BPharm, MSc, Manager, Drug Strategy with Desjardins Insurance.

At first, pharmacogenomics might seem a little murky, but basically, it boils down to the study of how genetic variations (or mutations) can affect a drug’s efficacy. The impacts can be good or bad and can even affect the dosage required.¹

We’ve all got an idea about what the field genetics is. For example, a long-lost uncle might see you and say, “You’re the spitting image of your mom!” Well, that’s genetics for you. Or a doctor might ask about your family history of a given disease. Your answer might help them put their finger on the right illness, based on your genetic predisposition to it. If you’re taking a drug and it isn’t working, or is causing unpleasant side effects, your doctor will change the dosage or try another drug, and wait and see what happens.

They might also take a shortcut and recommend pharmacogenomic testing to try and identify the drug that would work best. This approach is often referred to as personalized medicine.

Since January 2026, thanks to our partnership with Biron Genetics, a subsidiary of Biron Health Group, Desjardins Group has been offering plan members and their dependents a 10% discount on tests related to mental health, cardiovascular disease and pain management.

Pharmacogenomic testing is also considered an eligible expense under the standard extended healthcare benefit, provided the insured person is covered and the coverage is included in the group insurance plan.

When a colleague is off work for an indefinite period, it affects everyone around them. The impacts are real: uncertainty, increased workload, sidelined projects, generalized stress. Disability management specialists do everything they can to help employees recover and get back to work under the best possible conditions. If it makes sense, they may suggest pharmacogenomic testing—an accessible, non-intrusive solution.

Pharmacogenomic tests study the genes of the patient that could influence their response to a drug. This can help identify whether the available drugs are compatible with the person.

It all depends on genetic matching! Basically, you read the DNA sequencing of saliva cells, measuring hundreds of small variations in different areas of the molecule.² This information is then used to find the most compatible (or the least incompatible) drug to prescribe. 

Since the results are based on available DNA data, the more tests that are done, the bigger the pool of gene sequences available for comparison. Your DNA is being compared to that of total strangers, but strangers whose genetic profile is similar to yours, who have taken the same drugs to treat the same symptoms, and who reacted in a particular way to the treatment. 

Pharmacogenomic testing is increasingly used to treat numerous physical and mental health issues when the first prescribed drug isn’t the most effective, often because of a genetic incompatibility. The trial-and-error period can really take a toll on the patient. The side effects, the lack of improvement, the need to keep trying out new drugs … all of this can undermine their already fragile morale. Having access to more effective treatments from day 1 limits the unpleasantness of the trial-and-error period and can even speed up recovery, both of which can help the employee, their teammates and the employer.

Mental health disorders account for nearly 30% of short- and long-term disability claims across the country. They’re also one of the 3 main reasons for claims, according to 80% of employers in all activity sectors.³

The most common tests can be used to help people with:

• Depression
• Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADD or ADHD)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic pain

As Nathalie mentioned, pharmacogenomic testing can help increase the likelihood that a treatment will succeed. It makes it easier, and sometimes faster, for the patient to get back on their feet. When pharmacogenomic testing is integrated into a comprehensive disability management offer, the tests are an accessible and affordable way for plan members to sustainably return to active life.

Sources

1. Simon De Denus, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Université de Montréal and a pharmacist and researcher at the Montreal Heart Institute.

2. Simon Gravel, Assistant Professor of Human Genetics, McGill University.

3. Mental Health Commission of Canada, Making the Case for Investing in Mental Health in Canada External link. This link will open in a new window..