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Simplified Alternative ID Process is Now Available
We have updated form 1710 to help you validate your client’s identification when you are not face-to-face, or if your client does not have one of the primary sources of ID.
Form 1710, Verification of Identity for Policyowner, will simplify the ID collection process currently in place. This form will help you with the validation of ID and provide you with space to record the details. New with this form is the ability to validate your client’s ID over a video call by documenting the details of the ID, and then having your client hold up the document and read the information for you to validate. You no longer need to obtain and submit copies of the identification documents to Equitable.
If your client requests the use of the Alternate ID process for a paper application, you can use this form to satisfy your identification validation requirements.
For more information, please see Section 2 of Form 1710 entitled “Alternate ID”. As well, you can refer to the “how to complete form 1710” Guide for further details.
Additional resources:
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Equitable Life Savings & Retirement Webinar Series welcomes Mackenzie Ivy Global Balanced.
In 2021, Equitable Life’s® S&R team will spotlight various aspects of our competitive fund lineup and product offerings. Each webinar in the series will feature a new topic. This series will also give advisors an opportunity to:- learn more about various products and product features,
- hear from industry professionals,
- learn about investment strategies; and so much more.
This month, Equitable Life welcomes Mackenzie Investments.
Join your host Joseph Trozzo, Investment Sales Vice President and Matt Moody, Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Mackenzie Ivy Team and Dagmar-Rose Pagel, Product Manager.
Learn More
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Getting a tax refund is exciting, but should it be?
Do clients know that when a tax refund is issued, it means they are giving the government an interest-free loan? If a client receives a tax refund, it may mean the client’s employer is withholding too much tax. Here’s how to change that.
The client can complete and submit Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) form T1213 (Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source).
The client will indicate which regular deductions and non-refundable tax credits to qualify for. These would include things like regular Registered Retirement Savings Plans contributions, childcare expenses, etc. When approved by the CRA, the client will see more money on every pay. A client might even want to make this request to reduce the tax withheld if a large bonus or vacation pay is anticipated.
Encourage clients to use the additional cash flow to increase monthly contributions, support a Retirement Savings Plan or Tax-Free Savings Account or repay an investment loan. Increasing savings each year – even by a small amount – can have a substantial impact on retirement savings. For additional questions, contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager. -
Important changes are coming to the Equitable Life segregated funds contract.
Fund changes are coming on June 7, 2021 to Equitable Life’s® segregated fund lineup. These fund changes will appear on the June 2021 semi-annual client statement and will be reflected in the 2021 Pivotal Select™ and Pivotal Solutions Fund Facts.
Clients holding these funds received a letter in the mail. To view a copy of these letters, refer to the links below.
- Pivotal Select Special Note
- Pivotal Solutions II Special Note
- Personal Investment Portfolio and Pivotal Solutions Special Note
If you have any questions about these fund changes, please contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager or Advisor Services Team Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET at 1.866.884.7427 or email savingsretirement@equitable.ca -
Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin - April 2021
In this issue:
- Alberta biosimilar coverage changes*
- New Humira biosimilars approved*
- Saskatchewan and Manitoba delist biologics for some conditions*
Update: Alberta biosimilar coverage changes take effect*
In our November 2020 edition of eNews, we announced we are changing coverage for some biologic drugs in Alberta in response to the province’s Biosimilar Initiative.
As of March 15, 2021, several originator biologic drugs are no longer covered for plan members in Alberta. Plan members taking these biologics are required to switch to the biosimilar versions of these drugs to maintain eligibility under their Equitable Life plan.
Affected drugs and conditions – Remicade remains eligible
We initially announced that Remicade would be among the biologic drugs no longer covered in Alberta.
We have since determined a method to maintain ongoing eligibility of Remicade while reducing or eliminating any Coordination of Benefit risk associated with the provincial change. As such, Remicade will continue to be eligible for coverage.
Communication to plan members and plan sponsors
We communicated directly 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. The transition to biosimilars, when required, has been smooth and continues to be successful.
Plan sponsors were notified even earlier to allow ample time to opt-out of this change. The vast majority have accepted the changes and are benefiting from a smooth plan member transition.
Looking ahead
We are one of the few insurers taking a comprehensive and proactive response to the Alberta Biosimilars Initiative. We will continue to monitor developments related to the coverage of biologics in Alberta and other provinces and will continue to take steps to protect your clients’ drug plans.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this change, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
New Humira biosimilars approved*
Beginning in February, Health Canada approved seven new biosimilars for Humira, a biologic drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and many other conditions. Most of these biosimilars have already been launched and are available in pharmacies.
Humira is one of the highest ranked drugs in terms of total annual cost. All the Humira biosimilars are priced 40% lower than Humira and represent a savings opportunity for private drug plans.
BC Pharmacare has already announced that, effective October 7, 2021, all claimants for most conditions will only be eligible for Humira biosimilars.
We have implemented national controls to ensure the use of Humira biosimilars for new claimants. As with all biosimilar programs at Equitable Life, they will continuously evolve such that our clients are provided appropriate risk protection.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba change coverage for some biologics*
The Saskatchewan government recently announced that, effective March 1, 2021, new patients will no longer be eligible for coverage of Enbrel under its public plan. New patients will only be eligible for biosimilar versions of Enbrel.
Similarly, the Manitoba government announced changes to its tiered biologics program. Currently, claimants are expected to try biosimilars listed under Tier 1 of the program before they can be considered for coverage under the public plan for either Enbrel or Remicade, which are Tier 2 drugs. Effective April 1, 2021, Brenzys, an Enbrel biosimilar, has been added to Tier 1 for some additional medical conditions. As well, Avsola has been added as another Tier 1 biosimilar for Remicade. These changes further expand the Manitoba government’s utilization of biosimilars as preferred therapies over originator biologics.
Biosimilars are highly similar to the drugs they are based on and Health Canada considers them to be equally safe and effective for approved conditions.
Equitable Life actively monitors and investigates all biosimilar policy changes and the ongoing evolution of biosimilar drugs entering Canada. We will keep you informed of any impact on private drug plans and how we are responding.
*Indicates content that will be shared with your clients
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Questions about eDelivery? New eDelivery page
Find information on the eDelivery process quickly with our new eDelivery of a Contract landing page.
We’ve made it easier to get the information you need to electronically deliver the insurance contract promptly.
eDelivery makes it quick and easy, and our new landing page ensures you’re able to find the information you need regarding the New Business eDelivery process, or the Policy Change and Conversions eDelivery process. You can find various resources in the Links section on the right-hand side of each page to help you along the way.
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Anti-money laundering legislation changes
To comply with the Government of Canada’s anti-money laundering legislation and FATCA/CRS changes, Equitable Life® has made changes to the information that we collect on some of our applications and forms.
Changes and updates to our online forms and applications include the following:
● The 350 Application for Life Insurance - Advisors can order new paper applications from Equitable’s Supply Team by filling out the Supply Order form 1390 and emailing it to supply@equitable.ca. You will receive your copies as they become available.
◦ Paper applications submitted after May 15, 2021, with a version date before April 2, 2021 will be accepted with the caveat that additional information may be required from the advisor to comply with anti-money laundering legislation.
◦ As of July 1, 2021 any application with a version date prior to April 2, 2021 will no longer be accepted by Equitable Life.
● Equitable’s EZcomplete® online application reflects the new changes effective May 15, 2021. Any in-flight applications in EZcomplete will automatically be updated to comply with anti-money laundering legislation. You may be required to complete additional fields before submitting the application for signatures.
● Various other forms will now require additional information. A complete list of all forms and applications affected by the anti-money laundering legislation can be found here.
Learn more about the Government of Canada’s anti-money laundering legislation and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada -
Equitable Life is making changes to its Pivotal Select Fund lineup
On June 7, 2021, Equitable Life® will be launching new funds to the Pivotal Select™ segregated funds lineup. The new funds include:
1. Mackenzie Global Strategic Income Fund
2. Fidelity® Special Situations Fund
3. Fidelity® Tactical Asset Allocation Income Portfolio
4. Fidelity® Tactical Asset Allocation Balanced Portfolio
5. Fidelity® Tactical Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio
At Equitable Life, we pride ourselves on offering quality products. This means always reviewing our investment fund lineup. The reasons for this change are to create greater focus on investment offerings, and enhanced investment choices for you and your clients.
Watch your email over the next few weeks for more details about Fidelity Investments and Mackenzie Investments, including two upcoming webcasts.
Fidelity and Fidelity Investments are registered trademarks of 483A Bay Street Holdings LP. Used with permission.
Equitable Life and Pivotal Select are trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
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Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – May 2021
In this issue:
- Graduating dependents losing coverage?*
- New Brunswick expands the use of biosimilars*
- Proposed changes to federal recovery and EI benefits*
- Removal of plan administrator access to update plan member banking*
- BioScript recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies*
Graduating dependents losing coverage?
Let plan members know about Coverage2go
As we reach the end of spring, some of your clients’ plan members may have dependents who are graduating from university or college and will no longer be eligible for coverage under the benefits plan.
Fortunately, we offer Coverage2go®. It allows individuals who are losing their group coverage to purchase personal month-to-month health and dental coverage that is affordable, reliable and works like their previous group benefits plan. They can choose the level of coverage and protection that suits their personal situation.
There are no medical questions – they simply need to apply within 60 days of losing their health coverage under their group benefits plan.*
Help your plan members and their dependents who are losing coverage by letting them know about Coverage2go. They can visit our website to learn more about Coverage2go and to get a quote.
*Quebec residents are not eligible for Coverage2goNew Brunswick expands the use of biosimilars
The New Brunswick government recently announced that it will be implementing a biosimilar transition program.
Patients using originator biologic drugs for diseases such as inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and psoriasis, will have until November 30, 2021 to switch to the biosimilar version of their medications in order to maintain coverage under the province’s public drug plans. This process will be completed in consultation with the patients’ physicians.
Biosimilars are highly similar to the drugs they are based on and Health Canada considers them to be equally safe and effective for approved conditions.
Equitable Life® actively monitors and investigates all biosimilar policy changes and the ongoing evolution of biosimilar drugs entering Canada. We will keep you informed of any impact on private drug plans and how we are responding.Proposed changes to federal recovery and EI benefits
In its recent 2021 budget, the federal government proposed a variety of changes to its benefit programs.
The proposed changes include providing up to 12 additional weeks of the Canada Recovery Benefit to a maximum of 50 weeks. The first 12 weeks of this benefit would be paid at $500 per week and the remaining eight weeks at $300 per week.
Multiple changes have also been proposed to make Employment Insurance (EI) more accessible to Canadians. The changes include: maintaining uniform access to EI benefits across all regions, supporting multiple job holders and those who switch jobs by ensuring that all insurable hours and employment count towards their eligibility, and simplifying many rules around EI to ensure Canadians can receive benefits sooner. It has also been proposed that the regular EI benefits be extended to no later than November 20, 2021, if needed.
We are analyzing the impact these changes may have to disability benefits. We will provide more details later in the year.Removal of plan administrator access to update plan member banking
In early June, plan administrators will no longer be able to update banking information for their plan members on EquitableHealth.ca after their initial enrolment. This change has been made to allow plan members to have full control over where they want their claim payments deposited.
Plan members can update their banking information online through their plan member web portal or through the EZClaim mobile app. They will continue to be notified via email if and when they make any changes.BioScript Solutions recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies
Congratulations to our partner, BioScript Solutions, for being recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies of 2021 by Deloitte.
We have partnered with BioScript since 2016 for our Specialty Drug Preferred Pharmacy Network (PPN). This partnership offers cost savings while providing comprehensive, best-in-class patient care.
BioScript is one of Canada’s leading specialty pharmacies and recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
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Equitable Life Savings & Retirement Webinar Series welcomes Fidelity Investments Canada.
In 2021, Equitable Life’s S&R team will spotlight various aspects of our competitive fund lineup and product offerings. Each webinar in the series will feature a new topic. This series will also give advisors an opportunity to:
- learn more about various products and product features,
- hear from industry professionals,
- learn about investment strategies; and so much more.
This month, Equitable Life welcomes David Tulk, Portfolio Manager, and Ilan Kolet, Institutional Portfolio Manager from Fidelity Investments Canada®, who will highlight the Fidelity Tactical Asset Allocation Portfolios. These portfolios will be part of the Pivotal Select™ lineup, launching June 7, 2021.
Learn More