About MyPUBLIK
The PUBLIK Retiree Health Plan is a personal health insurance plan designed by Viking Benefit Solutions.

Our Mission
At MyPUBLIK, a proud product of Viking Benefit Solutions, we are more than just a name. We are a dedicated team of independent advisors specializing in Group Benefits, Group Pensions, and Life Insurance products. Our commitment is rooted in delivering not just any solution, but the right one.
Why Choose MyPUBLIK?
Our objectives are clear and straightforward. We aim to offer exceptional benefit programs that provide genuine value. But we don’t stop there. Every interaction is backed by unparalleled service, ensuring that our clients always feel supported and understood. With MyPUBLIK, you’re not just choosing a service; you’re choosing a partner dedicated to your success.
Our Team

Doug Biehn, CFP
President & Benefits Advisor

Nancy Buck, P.Eng.
VP, Operations and Benefit Advisor

Sarah Ellefson, C.E.T
Benefits Advisor – Group and Personal Insurance

Brenda Behiel
Service Manager & Benefits Advisor

Jennifer Staniec
Investment and Service Advisor

James Bodnar
BENEFITS ADVISOR – GROUP AND PERSONAL INSURANCE
“Jennifer and Brenda provided support for our benefits plans. They were very helpful, answered all our questions quickly, and sent detailed, easy to read documents. I really appreciated the documents that were sent immediately.”
“Jennifer and Brenda, I can’t thank you enough for your kind communication, starting all the way back to last year, prior to my husband’s retirement! You are exceptional at what you do, Brenda, and we are most grateful! I find navigating this kind of thing really stressful, and you’ve made it so much easier and straightforward. Thank you soooo much!”
“Hello, I am from Saskatoon. Our family just enrolled with an Elite health plan, my husband having retired a few months ago. I have communicated with Brenda over the course of the past year, and she has been simply exceptional to work with. I can’t say enough. She answered so many of our questions with promptness, expertise, and kindness. We never felt pressured (which I really appreciate!), and she allowed us the time to discern our needs. Jennifer assisted in putting together some of the mail out information, for which we are also grateful.
Brenda represents your organization very well and is a wonderful “face” of the company. Although we had never heard of Publik/Viking insurance, and admittedly were initially a bit skeptical, we agreed that the customer service that we were met with in Brenda went a long way in swaying us your way. We enter this new partnership with confidence as we know we have someone so capable and kind on the other end to answer questions or help us out.
Thank you for accepting us as clients, and here’s to many great years ahead!”
“I am very new to the Publik/Viking health plan (first month). I have only dealt With Brenda thus far and would like to say that she has been nothing but helpful! I have received my package in the mail with my Benefit Cards and am up and running.
Thanks again”
“Retiring is scary! I do not like change, and I have worked for 45 plus years! So many little things to think about. Majority of the time that I worked, I had a health and dental plan. I did not have to choose my coverage, as my employer did. I did not have to do anything but show my card when I picked up my medications. As I called around, I dreaded trying to decide what I needed now or what I would possibly need in the future. Until I called Viking Benefit Solutions which is the Publik Health Plan. I felt no pressure at all. Without exaggerating, I am sure I called 10 times and emailed too. Every time my call was answered by Brenda or Jennifer or returned within ½ hour at most by them! I did not feel embarrassed of all my questions, and everything was explained clear. I even received email responses on the weekend. If they were not sure of the answer, they got the answer in writing and clarity for me and was very prompt without delay. They are honest and clear. The responsiveness was amazing! Brenda was patient, attentive, knowledgeable and made me feel like I was talking to an old friend with absolutely no pressure, explaining the plan but allowing me to make my own choices. Retirement is not scary anymore, and I feel like joining the Publik Health Plan will be the best choice for me. I recommend calling them as the communication of Viking Benefit Solutions exceeded my expectations.”
“It was great service!”
“We have recently enrolled into the Publik Health plan working Brenda and Jennifer.
The customer Service and explanations were above and beyond.
Thanks for your caring personal Service and looking forward to more Contact in the future as well as recommendations to friends.“
“I recently joined the Publik Health Plan. Initial contact was with Brenda at Viking Benefits. She explained the options available to me over the telephone and sent an email right away with all the necessary information to join the plan. She made the process very easy.
We had a small hiccup with our first direct billing by the pharmacy. Brenda and the representatives from Simply Benefits were extremely helpful in assisting us to get the issue sorted out and reimbursed the expense to me very quickly.
The high level of service provided by Brenda and the team is greatly appreciated. I recommend their services for any other seniors looking for health plan coverage.”
“I always feel so cared for with your exemplary customer dedication. You’re the best!”
“Thank you for all your fantastic information, Brenda, thank you so very much! Joining Publik was seriously one of the very best decisions we have made.”
“Since I retired, we have been undecided as to whether to participate in a private benefit plan. On the recommendation of a family member who recently retired I decided to contact Publik. My wife and I enjoyed a very positive experience working with Brenda Behiel. Brenda answered all our questions promptly and was very pleasant throughout the process. Brenda made us feel very welcome and put us at ease during our telephone conversation and email communication by addressing each of our concerns. Thank you for your professional customer service.”
“I recently enrolled in the Viking benefit plan (Publik Plan) and wanted to say how great of an experience it was. It was easy to follow. It was understandable. Enrollment happened so fast, and it wasn’t complicated. It was just a very good experience. Thank you so much.”
“I always feel so cared for with your exemplary customer dedication. You’re the best! “
“Thank you for all your fantastic information, Brenda, thank you so very much! Joining Publik was seriously one of the very best decisions we have made.
Hope you’re off enjoying the start of your weekend,”
“Since I retired, we have been undecided as to whether to participate in a private benefit plan. On the recommendation of a family member who recently retired I decided to contact Publik. My wife and I enjoyed a very positive experience working with Brenda Behiel. Brenda answered all our questions promptly and was very pleasant throughout the process. Brenda made us feel very welcome and put us at ease during our telephone conversation and email communication by addressing each of our concerns. Thank you for your professional customer service.”
“I recently enrolled in the Viking benefit plan (Publik Plan) and wanted to say how great of an experience it was. It was easy to follow. It was understandable. Enrollment happened so fast, and it wasn’t complicated. It was just a very good experience. Thank you so much.”
“If it wasn’t for Brenda, we would be totally lost. She is our go to person and has helped us one hundred and ten percent. She is understanding, kind, helpful and amazing!!!!
She always has an answer for us. Regardless of any question we have asked her about our insurance….
Brenda totally rocks!!!”
“Brenda is fantastic. She went out of her way to help me summit a claim. Mind thoughtful and very courteous.”
“I would like to thank each one who has helped with the process of enrolling in the PIBLIK Health insurance program. The individuals have been cordial, knowledgeable and quick in their response. I have felt like they care about their customers. It is not just a job to do but an individual to help and care for.”
“You won’t believe it, but if you call Viking Benefit Solutions, you speak to a real person. I was expecting to be on hold like most places, or transferred several times. I recently called and spoke to Nancy who was very friendly. I asked her a question and she did not have the exact answer, so she did not pretend to know the answer, as it was very detailed and specific unique question. She told me Brenda would return my call as she was on the other line. I expected a return call in the standard and hopeful 48 hours in today’s world. That was not the case, and I received a return call in less than 5 minutes and all my questions answered. Every time I have called I have spoken to the same three people, Jennifer, Nancy or Brenda. They always answer the phone promptly, no hold times and you can tell they have a smile on their face on the other end of the line.
Thank you Viking Benefit Solutions staff and the Publik Team for friendly and efficient service!”
“My experience with Brenda was very good. She was very helpful and knowledgeable about her products.”
“I have had an excellent experience dealing with Brenda for benefits after I retired from my job, steady updates, and other info on a regular basis.”
“You already know, but Brenda is doing a great job keeping us informed of updates and changes – answering my emails on a Saturday night even! Thank you, Brenda, for all your effort.”
“My name is Lyle and I have been a member of Public Viking Benefits plan for 4 plus years… I truly appreciate all she does to get me on the right path. Thank you, Brenda, for all your effort.”
“I recently was able to meet some of the Staff from Viking Benefit Solutions at Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan in November of 2023. Both Doug and Nancy were welcoming and very knowledgeable. When I returned home, I called the office and spoke to Brenda about the PUBLIK Health Plan. All my questions were answered promptly and confidently. I will be joining the PUBLIK Plan January 1, 2024, when I retiree and highly recommend making a call and chatting about retirement benefits with this company. You will not be disappointed with the level of communication, professionalism, and experience.”
“In May 2023 I was able to spend sometime visiting Brenda and Jennifer at the What Women Want 2023 Tradeshow in Saskatoon. I asked them to contact me with more information and to my surprise they reached out the very next day. I did not feel rushed, and I was able to ask all my questions. I was quite surprised as I remember Brenda saying on the phone, “pour yourself a coffee and we will spend sometime together.” I was taken as I can not recall the last time, I received such wonderful customer service. My concerns were validated, we reviewed my individual needs and I truly felt as I was an important individual and not just another phone call. The communication exceeded my expectations. I could quickly see that Viking Benefit Solutions and the PUBLIK Health Plan value their clients, have a strong brand and values. I look forward to joining the PUBLIK Health Plan.”
“I am 72 years old and a recent PUBLIK Health Plan member. There is no online application, you can still use paper. For someone who has limited computer skills this was a huge asset. You can pick up the phone and call and speak to someone immediately and you are not transferred from department to department. You do not have to wait for answers, and everyone is willing to help you immediately. They must have a lot of experience working with Seniors as they are patient and willing to help. Every time, I call the phone Is answered by Jennifer or Brenda and you feel like they are smiling on the other end of the phone. If they say they are going to call you back, they do. “Their customer service is second to none.” The Pricing is fair and transparent and a value for your money. I feel protected.”
“I would like to notify management of the amazing customer service I have received by Brenda at PUBLIK insurance.
She has gone above and beyond to ensure I understood the insurance I was choosing. I felt reassured and confident in my choices following calls and emails with Brenda.
She is a true gem and great human being. I will be recommending this insurance to others.
Thank you”
“I received great service today from Brenda who helped enroll my coverage.”
“Hello Brenda, we got your mailed package info today, I must say that this is the easiest and quickest that I have ever signed up for anything!! Thank you!!”
“Brenda was extremely helpful in all aspects in getting me signed up for health insurance, much appreciated.”
“Hi just sending a quick note praising Brenda Behiel as she helped myself and partner sign up and has been so helpful with any questions we have had! Either she knows the answer or where to direct us! We appreciate her help so much. Thanks Brenda”
“Good day, I had the pleasure of dealing with Brenda regarding information on your Publik Health Benefit program. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my questions and providing me with all the information to make an informed decision. She was quick to respond to all my emails and conducted herself in a polite, professional, and respectful manner.”
“To whom it may concern,
We placed a call to Brenda Behiel, she got back to us promptly.
We were very pleased with her response time and service.
I would and will recommend her and the Simply Benefits team to my friends and family.
Thank you,”
“I recently was able to meet some of the Staff from Viking Benefit Solutions at Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan in November of 2023. Both Doug and Nancy were welcoming and very knowledgeable. When I returned home, I called the office and spoke to Brenda about the PUBLIK Health Plan. All my questions were answered promptly and confidently. I will be joining the PUBLIK Plan January 1, 2024, when I retiree and highly recommend making a call and chatting about retirement benefits with this company. You will not be disappointed with the level of communication, professionalism, and experience.”
“Viking Benefit Solutions and the PUBLIK Health Plan is reliable, honest and operates with integrity. Their highly trained and experienced staff take pride in their work ethic. You can tell they take pride in their relationships with their clients. The attentive and knowledgeable staff provided an excellent enrollment and claims experience. If you are retiring and looking for continued benefits this company is worth the call as you will not be disappointed.”
“I recently had the opportunity to meet Brenda and Jennifer at the Spotlight on Seniors Tradeshow in Saskatoon on October 11, 2023. They were a pleasure to deal with and both were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. My call was responded to the very next morning, and we spoke for ½ hour about all the options. It is great that they take the time to talk to each person that calls. I will be joining the PUBLIK Plan. Great customer service. This is not a new company; it is experienced, and they still send paperwork by both email and paper which is great for a seasoned individual like me.”
“Although just a recent new member of the Publik Retiree Health Plans. I had the pleasure of dealing with Brenda.
While gathering information, numerous questions and concerns, and eventually signing up, I have to say that Brenda responded very quickly to my questions, concerns and information. I feel confident that when the time comes everything will be as efficient and smooth.”
“Thank you Sarah for all you have done getting our benefits put together. You’ve made it easy and it’s been a pleasure working with you.”
“We have had contact with Brenda and find her easy to talk to and very receptive in helping us.”
“I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all that Brenda has done for me in setting up my account and completing and remitting all the necessary forms. She has always been extremely knowledgeable, helpful, courteous and friendly. I seemed to run into so many problems, but she has patiently worked through them all, even though I should have been able to do much of it myself. Good customer service is rare these days, but Brenda’s efforts go way above and beyond that to absolute excellence. If more businesses had people like Brenda, the world would be a better place.”
“I just wanted to let you know that Brenda has been so helpful through this process. She is our new best friend as she has patience, knowledge, willing to walk my husband and I through the transition to the on line requirement for Simply Benefits. She listens to understand our technology issues and other questions and contacts us immediately when we leave telephone messages. She has been a vital support since we started as new applicants with Viking Benefits two years ago. We are grateful to have her in our corner.”
“I would just like to say that I have only had positive experiences working with individuals from Viking Benefit and the Johnston Group over the last seven years.
I received personalized service on every occasion and all my inquiries were dealt with immediately and in a very efficient manner. These two companies excel at “Customer Service” which is lacking in a lot of companies these days.
I would encourage any business to look at these companies for their insurance needs. “
“I have been with your company for just about a year. I am very happy with the response time.
When I submit a claim the money is in our account within a few days!
Also my questions are answered immediately!
Thank you! “
NOTE SMRA is now called PUBLIK.
“In 2017 when I retired from the City of Saskatoon, I thought the current private health protection provided through work, at a reduced benefit, was the only option for us.
My Human Resources contact at the City informed me there was a relatively new option to private health insurance, Saskatchewan Municipal Retirees Association – administered by Viking Benefits of Humboldt.
My wife and I made a trip to Humboldt to Viking Benefits and to learn what the SMRA was all about. It was a wonderful experience and we happily applied for coverage. We were accepted – without the need of medicals – and the rest is history.
Anytime I had a question, or didn’t understand some of the benefits, I contacted Viking and always received a very helpful, timely response from the staff. We have never experienced difficulty with any of the claims submitted since 2017 and are extremely satisfied with both Viking and Johnson Group. All our claim transactions are online with direct deposit benefit payments.
The variety of benefits offered by SMRA can be tailored to ones personal preference and Viking can provide a comparison of coverage options with costs.
We are most grateful to Viking Benefits for recognizing the need for a private health care plan for retiring Saskatchewan municipal employees and for making SMRA happen!
We hold SMRA in high esteem and strongly recommend this organization as a viable alternative for post-retirement health benefits.”
Note SMRA is now called PUBLIK.
“The SMRA insurance program we selected has covered our needs very well. Since joining SMRA last summer I have found Viking Benefit Solutions- PUBLIK has been great to work with. I am happy with our membership even in the face of challenges resulting from Covid-19.”
“I am a recent healthcare retiree and so fortunate to find a health and dental benefits plan that best suits my needs. SMRA is a great alternative to the previous choices available. I am very pleased with the coverage and hope others retired from healthcare join the plan.”
“Although just a recent new client of Publik, Viking Benefit, I had the pleasure of dealing with Brenda.
While gathering information, numerous questions and concerns, and eventually signing up, I have to say that Brenda responded very quickly to my questions, concerns and information. I feel confident that when the time comes everything will be as efficient and smooth.’
“My husband and I have just signed up for health benefits. When we received the information about the company from a friend we weren’t sure if we should switch. New is always a bit scary and we have been with another insurance company since retirement.
We had so many questions and sent so many emails. We dealt with Brenda Behiel and she is fantastic. I really cant say enough about her efficiency, she answered all our questions and got back to us in a timely manner. Even when I called her on the phone she answered. That is something in this world of answering machines at every business. I like to speak with a person and not get a machine when I try to call. I just want to say we were very impressed. We didn’t have to wait a day or two for a response, we received answers right away. Brenda was great, easy to deal with, helpful and efficient.”
“I have been very pleased with the assistance I have received from the team regarding my insurance needs. Thank you for your help.”
“I joined the PUBLIK Plan about a year ago. I have never had a issue with any of my claims and the customer service has been amazing. When my Drug store had an question adding my new benefit Card, Brenda actually took the time to call the Drug Store herself. When I needed assistance submitting a claim Brenda walked me through step by step. They have a company hired to Adjudicate your claims call Simply Benefits, so you do not have to sit on hold for hours with the big carrier. You still have a large company doing your coverage but you do not have to deal with them, you always get a real person to speak to. I have never had to hold more than 1-2 minutes with Simply Benefits and Brenda always answers the phone or calls back the same day! The app works great and I do not do electronics. You do not feel like a number but you feel important and the staff are great. I highly recommend PUBLIK Plan for anyone looking for benefits, and if you can ask for Brenda you will not be disappointed. They spend time with you and answer all your questions.”
“Brenda was easy to talk to, and correspond with. She went out of her way to answer any questions. More companies need a “Brenda” for efficient and friendly customer service.”
“Your public relations/expertise and caring has exceeded all!!!
I have been so ill and through this process but Brenda has help me overcome the fears and apprehensions that I had with a new plan. Many criticized me for changing plans but, Now I am your biggest advocate encouraging some of my retired friends in changing. I did a zoom from my hospital room the other night . Thank you Brenda for going above and beyond and making me feel important and listening and answering all of my questions. Thank you !”
“We are very happy with the customer service provided by both Viking (PUBLIK) and Simply Benefits.”
“The Customer Service is amazing with Viking Benefit Solutions, PUBLIK and the company they use Simply Benefits. I can not explain how much I appreciate Brenda at PUBLIK. There is no other way to say but Brenda and PUBLIK plan have been a complete blessing. They go over and above, and are so supportive with all of your needs. If you are looking for a company that returns all their calls and emails immediately and helps you every step of the way then you need to join PUBLIK. They have great benefits, and the claims process is easy and fast. You never feel like a number and they are extremely helpful and treat all their clients with respect and help them. Thank you Brenda and the PUBLIK Plan”
“We are newly enrolled with Publik for our Health, Dental, and Travel Plan. I just wanted to pass on how helpful Brenda was through the initial consideration, then sign-up process. One thing that I very much appreciated was when I called, I got Brenda on the phone either immediately or a call back shortly after. This was very refreshing, after our experience the previous several years when we were with Marge.”
“I want to express my thanks to Brenda Behiel of Viking Benefit Solutions for her exceptional service. She consistently answers her messages promptly when I have emailed or left messages on her answering service. She seems pleasant and eager to resolve issues and speaks like she has a smile on her face! Thanks Brenda, for your excellent customer service!”
“I really appreciate simply benefits help when I have a question. You can call the number and get help immediately by a live person who is knowledgeable and extremely courteous. Truly appreciate it.
Any inquiries I make to Brenda online are dealt with within 24 hours. Very quick response & service, appreciate it very much.”
“I would like to Thank Brenda for your very prompt response every time I seem to have a question or problem. You Always have the answer and it is Greatly Appreciated! Thank you Girl”
“I worked with Brenda and she did a very good job of answering any questions I come up with. Very professional and courteous. Thank you Brenda for your help.”
“Although just a recent new member of the Publik Retiree Health Plans. I had the pleasure of dealing with Brenda.
While gathering information, numerous questions and concerns, and eventually signing up, I have to say that Brenda responded very quickly to my questions, concerns and information. I feel confident that when the time comes everything will be as efficient and smooth.”
“I have had the great pleasure of dealing with Brenda since we applied for coverage. She has always been extremely professional and helpful during the whole procedure. Thank you Brenda and keep up the good work.”
“When I phoned publik and Brenda answered there was no push this button and then push that button she answered right away she was very knowledgeable of what I asked her she was polite and knew exactly what I was talking about she answered all my questions and sent me all the information I wanted. I would recommend Brenda to anyone You didn’t leave the phone wondering what she said. I’m very pleased.”
“Brenda definitely helped make the enrolment easy. She is so patient and kind helping to get things organized. You are very fortunate to have her on your staff. Thanks for all you do Brenda.”
“We recently purchased a plan from Viking. I had many question for Brenda , that were answered quickly and clearly. She went above and beyond to help with any issues I had. I was fortunate enough to have health insurance all my working life and never have I experienced this level of service, in fact my few interactions were just the opposite.
Great customer service! Keep up the good work.”
“Over the last seven years, I have only had positive experiences working with the individuals from Viking Benefit Solutions. I received personalized service on every occasion and all my inquiries were dealt with immediately and in a very efficient manner. They excel at customer service.”
“We are most grateful to Viking Benefit for recognizing the need for a private health plan for retiring Saskatchewan municipal employees and making PUBLIK Happen!”
“The PUBLIK Insurance program we have selected has covered our needs very well. Since joining PUBLIK last summer I have found Brenda has been great to work with. I am happy with our membership in the face of challenges since Covid-19.”
“Viking has been administering our group benefit plan since 2012. they have been very informative and attentive to our needs. They’ve been a joy to work with. If there is ever an issue, Viking is quick to resolve it. Highly recommended!”
“My experience with Brenda has been nothing but fantastic. The first contact with Brenda was via email when I was researching all available benefit plans. She immediately provided all my options within 24 hours of my email. Going forward, every email (and I sent lots) I sent to Brenda was dealt with in a prompt manner. I found Brenda very knowledgeable, considerate and just an overall fantastic person to deal with. She certainly made my decision a lot easier as she had all the answers to my questions so I never had to second guess what I might be signing up for. Now that I have become a member, I hope the line of communication remains the way it has been so far. Hats off to Brenda – sure wish more customer service based businesses had your work ethic.”