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  1. Equitable Life presents Dynamic Funds featuring David L. Fingold

    With the upcoming U.S. election, and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the challenges and uncertainty of today’s global market can create doubt for investors. Please join us to hear guest speaker David L. Fingold from Dynamic Funds discuss a look at global markets; insights on the current positioning of Dynamic American Fund and Dynamic Global Discovery Fund; and review of investment process

    Do not miss the opportunity to hear about some of the key holdings of David’s portfolios!

    Equitable Life is pleased to offer access to five different Dynamic Funds in the Pivotal Select™ segregated fund line-up, including the Equitable Life Dynamic American Value Select and Equitable Life Dynamic Global Discovery (the underlying funds of which are managed by David).
     

    Learn more

     
  2. COVID-19 testing: Find the information you need

    This news item has also been posted to the plan administrator and plan member sections of EquitableHealth.ca

    The Ontario government recently announced it has expanded access to COVID-19 testing to include select pharmacies throughout the province. As the pandemic continues, it’s important to know how to access testing if you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or suspect you have been exposed to the virus.

    Guidelines for who should get tested and how to access testing vary across the country, so it can be difficult to know what applies in your jurisdiction.

    To help make it easier, we’ve provided links to COVID-19 testing resources for each province and territory. The resources include self assessments, guidelines for who should get tested, how to access testing, and testing locations.

  3. Have you heard about Equitable Client Access?
    Equitable Client Access® allows clients to self-serve on some of the more popular requests. Thousands of clients have already signed up for Equitable Client Access and are enjoying the benefits of accessing their secure information 24/7.

    •   Does your client need to change or stop existing Pre-Authorized payment (PAD)? Equitable Client Access can do that.
    •   Does your client need to change a withdrawal date for a PAD? Equitable Client Access can do that too.
    •   Address or banking information changes? Equitable Client Access has your clients covered.
    •   Does your client need to change her beneficiary from Aunt Flora to Uncle Ned? Equitable Client Access can even do that.

    Equitable Client Access is a secure online client site that connects clients with policy information, right at their fingertips. In addition to the self-serve features, Equitable Client Access can also provide:

    •    Insurance coverage and guarantees
    •    Investment allocation, performance and market values
    •    Transaction history
    •    Statements and letters
    •    Advisor contact information, along with so much more.


    If your clients have not signed up for Equitable Client Access, direct them to client.equitable.ca - it only takes a few minutes to set up an account, and connects your clients with their policy information online – anytime!

    Have a question about Equitable Client Access? Want to tell your client how to go paperless? Check out our updated FAQ or contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager today.
     
  4. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – October 2020

    In this issue:

    • Group benefits enrolment just got a lot easier*
    • Critical Illness added to myFlex Benefits® selection tool**
    • ASO dental available down to 3 lives
    • QDIPC updates terms and conditions for 2021*

    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients
    **Indicates content that will be shared with myFlex Benefits groups only

    Group benefits enrolment just got a lot easier*

    Our Online Plan Member Enrolment tool now makes it simple to add new employees to the benefits plan.

    Enrolling new plan members can be overwhelming – for both you, your clients and their employees. It’s challenging to ensure plan members complete the necessary paperwork before the enrolment deadline, and time consuming to manually load new members.

    That’s why we’re updating our plan member enrolment experience. Beginning November 2nd, 2020, all Equitable Life groups will be able to easily enrol new employees in the benefits plan with our Online Plan Member Enrolment Tool.

    Benefits of Online Plan Member Enrolment

    Our Online Plan Member Enrolment tool offers a more secure and efficient option to traditional paper enrolment. Employees are able to enrol in their benefits plan in just minutes from their computer or mobile device.

    The user-friendly interface was built with the plan member in mind. They can easily enter all their enrolment information, including dependent details, banking information for direct deposit of claim payments and details for coordination of benefits. They can even designate their beneficiary electronically.

    The online enrolment tool also lessens the effort for plan administrators to onboard new hires. The tool reduces errors and rework that can occur due to spelling mistakes or missing information on paper forms. And the days of chasing plan members for their paper enrolment forms are gone. Once they enter a few employee details, our system will automatically send out an email to each plan member, inviting them to enrol in their benefits program. And there will be no need to send reminders or follow up with employees about their benefits enrolment. It’s all done automatically.

    Online plan member enrolment is available to all traditional and myFlex Benefits plan administrators with update access beginning November 2nd, 2020. Plan administrators just choose “New” from the “Certificate” view in EquitableHealth.ca to get started.

    This enhancement is for plan administrators who have update access on EquitableHealth.ca. If your clients are not sure if they have update access, they can contact their Equitable Life Client Relationship Specialist or myFlex Benefits Team for support.

    Learn More

    We’ve created Online Plan Member Enrolment User Guides to support your clients and their plan members with this new tool:

    We’re also offering a series of webinars to help your clients learn about Online Plan Member Enrolment. Plan administrators will receive an invitation with links to register for the time that best suits their schedule.

    Help your clients spend less time administering group benefits. Contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager to learn more about our enhanced online plan member enrolment.

    Critical Illness added to myFlex Benefits selection tool*

    For many employers, mandatory Critical Illness (CI) coverage is an important part of their group benefits package. It provides proactive protection against life-altering illness, helping give plan members and their families a sense of security.

    While CI is available on myFlex Benefits plans, it was not built into our benefits selection tool since there is no action required by the plan member.

    Beginning November 2nd, 2020, we are adding a CI page to the myFlex Benefits selection tool that appears when this coverage is included as part of the plan. There are no options to choose – plan members simply review their CI coverage and carry on with the benefits selection process. It keeps the process smooth, while ensuring plan members fully appreciate their employer’s contributions.

    Adding CI to the benefits selection tool also simplifies the budgeting process for employers. Now that CI is included in the selection tool, employers no longer need to break out the amount billed for CI from their contribution per employee when loading flex allocations.

    To learn more about our myFlex Benefits selection tool or Critical Illness coverage for myFlex Benefits, contact your myFlex Sales Manager.

    ASO dental available down to 3 lives

    Beginning November 2nd, 2020, groups with as few as three full-time employees will be able to self-insure their Equitable Life dental benefits with an Administrative Services Only (ASO) funding arrangement.

    Currently, dental benefits are only available on an ASO basis for groups with 20 lives or more.

    In an ASO arrangement, Equitable Life administers the benefits plan but does not insure it. The plan sponsor pays for all eligible claims, as well as the expenses of administering the plan.

    Why ASO?

    Choosing an ASO funding arrangement allows plan sponsors to save on premiums. With a traditional insured funding arrangement, a portion of every premium dollar includes a charge for the risk that the insurer is assuming to cover the claims.

    With an ASO arrangement, the plan sponsor assumes all risk, so they avoid the risk charge. And since dental claims are usually more predictable than other benefits, there is typically less risk involved in covering those claims.

    For more information, contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

    QDIPC updates terms and conditions for 2021*

    Every year, the Quebec Drug Insurance Pooling Corporation (QDIPC) reviews the terms and conditions for the high-cost pooling system in the province. Based on its latest review, QDIPC is revising its pooling levels and fees for 2021 to reflect trends in the volume of claims submitted to the pool, particularly catastrophic claims.

    Size of group (# of certificates) Threshold per certificate 2021 Annual factor (without dependents) Annual factor (with dependents)
    Fewer than 25 $8,000 $251.00 $691.00
    25 - 49 $16,500 $165.00 $455.00
    50 - 124 $32,500 $94.00 $258.00
    125 - 249 $47,500 $68.00 $187.00
    250 - 499 $72,000 $49.00 $135.00
    500 - 999 $95,000 $40.00 $111.00
    1,000 - 3,999 $120,000 $35.00 $95.00
    4,000 - 5,999 $300,000 $16.00 $44.00
    6,000 and over Free market - Groups not subject to Quebec Industry Pooling Free market - Groups not subject to Quebec Industry Pooling Free market - Groups not subject to Quebec Industry Pooling

    We will apply the new pooling levels and fees to future renewal calculations that involve Quebec plan members.

  5. Equitable Life is launching a new Retirement Savings Plan section on EquiNet It is never too early or too late to speak to your clients about Retirement Savings Plans (RSP). This is a great time to check us out because Equitable Life® is launching all new tools and resources to help you improve your sales strategy and reach your clients.

    Today, Equitable Life is launching an all new RSP section on EquiNet®. The RSP Product Information box contains new and improved marketing tools and resources. Need to prospect new clients? We have editable letters to help you do that! Need to market to Millennials, Generation X or Baby Boomers? We have brochures and case studies to help you reach them. Want to market to your clients using social media? We have links and articles to help you share the love. With all the new and updated RSP materials, we have you covered. So, visit us on EquiNet today to see how we can help you grow your business.  
     
  6. November is Financial Literacy Month


    During the month of November, financial services organizations throughout Canada will be participating in Financial Literacy month. Created by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (Agency), the goal of this initiative is to share information that will help Canadians achieve their financial goals. This can include managing debt, saving for the future, and understanding their rights and responsibilities.

    To support this initiative, Equitable Life® will be posting articles on Equitable’s® Blog and sharing relevant information on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Feel free to share our content with your followers.

    If you’re interested in learning more about your own financial literacy, take this Self-Assessment Quiz. When you have completed the quiz, you will see a list of suggested topics that you might want to explore further.

    ® and TM denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada
    Posted November 1, 2023
  7. Responding to Alberta's Biosimilar Initiative

    Beginning March 15, 2021, we are changing coverage for some biologic drugs in Alberta in response to the province’s Biosimilar Initiative. These changes will help protect your clients from additional drug costs that may result from this new government policy while still providing access to equally safe and effective biosimilars.

    What is Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative?

    Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative will end provincial coverage of several originator biologic drugs for some or all conditions beginning on Jan. 15, 2021. Patients 18 and over who are using these drugs for the affected conditions will be required to switch to biosimilar versions of the drugs to maintain coverage under the province’s government drug plan.

    What is the impact on private drug plans?

    Industry response to Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative has the potential to significantly impact your clients’ drug plan costs. If other insurance carriers follow suit with the province and delist the originator biologics, it could expose a plan that doesn’t delist them to significant coordination of benefits risk. (See Case Study below.)

    How is Equitable Life responding?

    To protect your clients’ plans from paying additional and avoidable drug costs, we are changing coverage in Alberta for most biologic drugs included in the provincial initiative.

    As of March 15, 2021, several originator biologic drugs will no longer be covered for plan members of all ages in Alberta. Plan members taking these biologics will be required to switch to the biosimilar versions of these drugs to maintain eligibility under their Equitable Life plan.

    What drugs and conditions are affected?

    The following table outlines the drugs and conditions that will be affected by this change. The list of affected drugs or conditions is dynamic and will change as Alberta includes more biologic drugs in its Biosimilar Initiative, as new biosimilars come onto the market, and as we make changes in drug eligibility.

    Drug name Originator biologic
     
    These drugs will no longer be covered in Alberta for the conditions listed in this table.    		 Biosimilar
     
    Plan members will need to switch to these medications to maintain coverage under their Equitable Life plan.
         		 Affected health conditions
     
    The changes in coverage apply to these conditions.
     Etanercept  Enbrel Brenzys
    Erelzi    		 Ankylosing Spondylitis
    Rheumatoid Arthritis
    Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
    Psoriatic Arthritis
    Plaque Psoriasis (adults and children)
     Infliximab  Remicade Inflectra
    Renflexis
    Avsola    		 Ankylosing Spondylitis
    Plaque Psoriasis
    Psoriatic Arthritis
    Rheumatoid Arthritis
    Crohn's Disease (adults and children)
    Ulcerative Colitis (adults and children)
     Insulin glargine  Lantus Basaglar Diabetes (Type 1 and 2)
     Filgrastim  Neupogen Grastofil
    Nivestym    		 Neutropenia
     Pegfilgrastim  Neulasta Lapelga
    Fulphila
    Ziextenzo    		 Neutropenia
     Glatiramer*  Copaxone Glatect
    TEVA-Glatiramer Acetate    		 Multiple Sclerosis

    *Glatiramer is a non-biologic complex drug.

    How will Equitable Life communicate this change to plan members?

    We will be communicating with affected claimants in January 2021 to allow them ample time to change their prescriptions and avoid any interruptions in their treatment or their coverage.

    Can my client maintain coverage of these biologic drugs?

    Traditional groups who wish to opt out of this change and maintain coverage of these originator biologics for Alberta plan members can submit a policy amendment. Amendments must be submitted no later than January 15, 2021. Advisors with myFlex Benefits clients who wish to maintain coverage of these originator biologics for Alberta plan members should speak to their myFlex Sales Manager to confirm their eligibility to opt out of this change.

    Will this change impact my clients’ rates?

    The rate impact of this change in coverage will be relatively insignificant. Any cost savings associated with the change will be factored in at renewal.

    If plan sponsors opt out of these changes and maintain coverage for the originator biologics, it may result in a rate increase. Any rate adjustment will be applied at renewal.

    What is the difference between biologics and biosimilars?

    Biologics are drugs that are engineered using living organisms like yeast and bacteria. The first version of a biologic developed is also known as the “originator” biologic. Biosimilars are also biologics. They are highly similar to the originator drug they are based on and have been shown to have no clinically meaningful differences in safety or efficacy.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions about this change, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

    CASE STUDY: The Alberta Biosimilar Initiative and Coordination of Benefits (CoB) risk

    CoB risk is real and can be significant, even if a pharmaceutical savings program exists.

    The industry response to Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative has the potential to significantly impact your clients’ drug plan costs. Some insurers may follow the province’s lead and delist these originator biologics. Others may cut back coverage to the cost of the biosimilars or maintain coverage of the originators. These differences could expose a plan that doesn’t delist the originator biologics to significant coordination of benefits risk. Here’s how:

    Let’s assume there are two private drug plans – Plan A and Plan B. Both plans are open plans with no deductible. Plan A has 80% co-insurance and Plan B has 100% co-insurance.

    BEFORE Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative

    Before Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative, both plans cover the originator biologics listed above.

    Plan A is the first private payer for an Alberta plan member taking an originator biologic drug for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Plan B is the second private payer. The cost of the originator biologic for the plan member is $30,000 annually. Here’s how the coordination of benefits would look before Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative.


    AFTER Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative

    In response to Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative, the insurer for Plan A delists the originator biologic and requires plan members to switch to the biosimilar. The insurer for Plan B maintains coverage of the originator biologic. Under this scenario, if the plan member doesn’t switch, Plan B essentially becomes the first payer and sees their annual cost increase by 400% (from $6,000 to $30,000).


    Even if the insurer for Plan B cuts back coverage to the cost of the biosimilar or adjusts the paid amount because they have a savings program in place with the drug manufacturer, the impact could be significant. For example, if the insurer cuts back coverage to 50% (or $15,000 annually), Plan B would see a 150% annual cost increase (from $6,000 to $15,000):

  8. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – November 2020

    In this issue:

    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients

    Telemedicine now included in Travel Assist*

    Medical emergencies can be particularly stressful while travelling. Making your way to a medical facility can be a struggle. And once you get there, you could face long wait times, language barriers or even the risk of COVID-19 infection.

    That’s why Allianz Global Assistance®, our Travel Assist provider, is adding two new virtual care options to provide plan members with timely and appropriate medical support.

    As always, when a travel medical emergency strikes, plan members call Allianz for assistance. During the intake process plan members will be guided through a series of questions to triage their unique medical situation. Options for care now include two different virtual care services:

    • TeleConsultation – Video and chat consultation with a locally licensed physician. This physician can diagnose simple medical conditions and provide a prescription. Available across Canada and in some high travel states in the United States.
    • TeleAdvice – Video and chat consultation for situations which are not likely to require a prescription. The physician can diagnose simple medical conditions and provide medical guidance.

    Plan members who use virtual care may benefit from:

    • Reduced wait times;
    • Care from the comfort of their current location;
    • Reduced language barriers;
    • No need to arrange transportation to a medical facility;
    • Reduced impact on travel itinerary; and
    • Reduced risk of exposure.

    Both TeleConsultation and TeleAdvice will be available for all Equitable Life plan members beginning January 1st, 2021. There is no additional cost, no changes required to your client’s plans, and no change to the way plan members contact Allianz in the event of a travel medical emergency.

    This PDF plan member update will also be included in the eNews to plan administrators.

    If you have any questions about these new features, please contact your Equitable Life Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

    Allianz Global Assistance is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd.

    Help your clients take advantage of our convenient digital options*

    During this time of physical distancing, people are looking for ways to interact with their providers virtually. We recently enhanced our Online Plan Member Enrolment tool, allowing all groups to add new plan members without the need for paper forms.

    Did you know, we have several other digital options available to make it easier for your clients to do business with us and for their plan members to access and use their benefits plan? Over 71% of plan administrators are managing their plan online and 78% of plan members are already using our digital tools.

    For plan administrators:

    • Plan Administrator Portal (EquitableHealth.ca) – plan administrators can easily manage their plan anytime and anywhere
    • Digital Welcome Kits – personalized welcome kits are delivered to plan members via email
    • Easy automated payments – plan administrators can avoid missed payments by setting up pre-authorized debit or electronic funds transfer 

    For plan members:

    • Plan Member Portal (EquitableHealth.ca) – plan members get secure, 24/7 access to their claims history, coverage details and health and wellness resources
    • Electronic Claim Payments and Notifications – plan members can get claim updates sooner in their email inbox and payments right into their bank account
    • EZClaim Mobile App – submitting claims from a mobile device is fast, easy and secure
    • Digital Benefits Cards – plan members no longer have to dig through their wallet – they can download their benefits card on their mobile device

    Learn more about how we’re making it easier for your clients to do business with us

    2021 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings and Short Term Disability Benefit*

    The Canada Employment Insurance Commission and Canada Revenue Agency have announced the 2021 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, and premiums for employment insurance. These changes take effect January 1st, 2021.

    Maximum Insurable Earnings (MIE)

    The MIE will increase from $54,200 to $56,300.

    Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings (MWIE)

    The MWIE will increase from $1,042 to $1,083.

    EI Benefit (55% of the MWIE, rounded to the nearest dollar)

    EI benefit will increase from $573 to $595

    Information for Plan sponsors

    If your client’s Group Policy with Equitable Life includes a Short Term Disability (STD) benefit which is tied to the EI MWIE, and at least one classification of employees has less than a $595 maximum:

    • To comply with the provisions of their policy, their STD benefit will be revised with the maximums updated based on the percentage of EI MEIW shown in their policy.
    • The additional premium for any increase from their previous STD amounts and new STD amounts will be show on their January 2021 Group Insurance Billing (as applicable).

    If their STD maximum is currently higher than $595 or based on a flat amount (not based on a percentage or regular earnings):

    • No change will be made to their plan unless otherwise directed.

    If your clients wish to provide direction regarding revising their STD maximum, or have questions about the process, they can email Kari Gough, Manager, Group Quotes and Issue.

     

    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients

  9. Retirement Income Options from Equitable Life
    If you have clients who are reaching retirement age and have a Retirement Savings Plan or locked-in funds from a previous employer, the government requires them to convert these plans by December 31 of the year they turn 71.
     
    If your client is converting a plan, ask them about other existing assets. This is a great opportunity for your client to consolidate assets from other providers; and for you to discuss a lower management fee through Equitable Life’s Pivotal Select Preferred Pricing Program.
     
    For more information on the options available for clients who are reaching retirement age and the advantages of each, check out the following materials.
       
    To learn more about Equitable’s Preferred Pricing Program, please click here.
  10. New segregated fund sales charge option from Equitable Life of Canada
    On December 7, 2020 Equitable Life® will add a new No Load CB5 (NL-CB5) sales option with a 60-month chargeback schedule to the Pivotal Select™ segregated funds lineup. This new sales charge option complements the recently launched No Load CB (NL-CB) option which has a 36-month chargeback schedule.

    This new sales option for Pivotal Select gives you and your clients five sales charge options to choose from: Low Load (LL), No Load (NL), No Load CB (NL-CB), No Load CB5 (NL-CB5) and Deferred Sales Charge (DSC). The addition of NL-CB5 provides an option for those advisors who want to increase the upfront portion of their commission. The benefit to clients is no Deferred Sales Charge to contend with.  If your client chooses to withdraw funds within 5 years after purchase, there is a chargeback of commission to you.

    By offering five sales charge options, the choice between three distinct guarantee classes (Investment Class (75/75), Estate Class (75/100) and Protection Class (100/100)), and a diverse selection of investment funds, the Pivotal Select contract provides the flexibility to build an investment solution that meets the needs of your clients.

    Need to meet with your client online? Our EZcomplete® application makes it easy to process your non-face-to-face applications and do business with Equitable Life. EZcomplete gives you the option to conduct your non face-to-face business easily and quickly, enabling your clients to provide their signature remotely on their own device.

    For more information about Equitable’s NL-CB5 or any of Equitable’s products, contact your local Regional Investment Sales Manager or our Advisor Services team at 1.866.881.7427 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET or email savingsretirement@equitable.ca.
     

    To learn more, click here.