Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin - July 2021

In this issue:

• Fabien Jeudy takes over as President and CEO*
• Reminder: Equitable Life’s Guide to Accessing Virtual Healthcare*
• Mental health resources for plan members*
• Recall of Philips CPAP machines*

*Indicates content that will be shared with your clients
 

Fabien Jeudy takes over as President and CEO*

In March, we announced that Fabien Jeudy was appointed as Equitable Life’s next President and CEO. Jeudy officially took over on July 5^th, succeeding Ronald Beettam, who is retiring after 16 years with the company.

Jeudy is a collaborative leader with more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, leading actuarial, finance, risk management, distribution, marketing teams and operational teams in the Life & Health Insurance, Wealth Management and Group Benefits markets in Canada, the US, and Asia.

Reminder: Equitable Life’s Guide to Accessing Virtual Healthcare*

The demand for virtual healthcare services has increased as the pandemic is driving more people to access their health care providers from home.
 
Thankfully, many virtual healthcare services are available for free to Canadians with provincial health care coverage. We have created a Guide to Accessing Virtual Healthcare for plan members to easily access a variety of virtual healthcare services. Our guide includes information and links to both free and paid virtual medical care options, including video appointments, health advice over the phone, emergency dental services, and more.
 
You can find the guide on our website. It’s also available on our plan member website at EquitableHealth.ca.

Mental health resources for plan members*

Many Canadians have been experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through our partnership with Homewood Health^®, all of our clients and their plan members have access to a number of health and wellness resources designed to provide guidance and support.
 
Homewood’s Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tool, i-Volve, can help plan members identify, challenge and overcome anxious thoughts, behaviours and emotions. Learn more about Online CBT or access i-Volve at Homeweb.ca/Equitable.
 
As well, Homewood has a number of resources available to help support plan members dealing with increased anxiety during these uncertain times:

• Quelling COVID-19 Anxiety
• Managing stress and anxiety
• How to speak to children
• How to stay productive and motivated when working from home
• The COVID-19 Pandemic: Managing the Impact
• Support for First Responders, Front Line Workers and Public Facing Employees
• Financial tips for your financial health
• Increases in Domestic Violence
• Those with family members in long-term care facilities
• COVID-19: Employee Fatigue, Isolation and Loneliness

Please encourage your clients to share these resources with their plan members. They are also available on our plan member website at EquitableHealth.ca.

Recall of Philips CPAP machines*

Last month, electronics company, Philips, issued a recall with Health Canada of some of its Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiLevel PAP) devices and Mechanical Ventilators. The recall was issued due to a foam abatement within the machines that can become loose and cause potential health risks.

To qualify for repair or replacement of these devices, users must register their machine on the Philips website. 
 
CPAP, BiLevel PAP devices and Mechanical Ventilators are eligible for coverage under an HCSA and under some Extended Health Care plans. Plan administrators may want to inform plan members of this recall if the devices are eligible for coverage under their plan.