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April 2024 eNews
In this issue:
- Competitive – and easy – benefits plans for your small business clients
- Simplifying benefits enrolment for your clients*
- NEW time-off tracking tool from HRdownloads*
- Focus on benefits fraud: Protecting your clients’ plans from abuse*
Competitive – and easy – benefits plans for your small business clients
Supporting your small business clients can be a challenge. It’s tough to find a competitively-priced benefits plan with the features they want. Small business owners may also need more of your time – especially if this is their first benefits plan.
That’s why we created Equitable EZBenefits™, a benefits solution designed with the needs of small businesses in mind. With a range of plan design options and valuable embedded services for plan sponsors and plan members, EZBenefits is available for groups with 2 to 25 employees. And to make things simpler for you, we’ve created an Advisor Concierge Service exclusively for EZBenefits. Whether you have a question about submitting a quote request for a new client or an issue with an in-force client, our Concierge Service is your go-to resource for EZBenefits support.Don’t have any EZBenefits clients yet?
To learn more about EZBenefits, watch our video to learn more or view our brochure.Simplifying benefits enrolment for your clients*
Navigating the benefits enrolment period can be overwhelming – for you, your clients and their employees. It’s difficult to ensure all plan members complete the necessary paperwork before the enrolment deadline.
That’s why we offer our secure Online Plan Member Enrolment tool at no extra cost to plan sponsors. The tool simplifies the onboarding process for your clients and their plan members by eliminating the need for paper enrolment forms.
It also makes enrolment faster and easier for your clients by:- Reducing errors and rework that can occur due to spelling mistakes or missing information on paper forms; and
- Sending automatic enrolment reminders to plan members, resulting in fewer late applicants.
- Enrol in their benefits plan in just minutes from their computer or mobile device;
- Easily enter all their enrolment information, including dependent details, banking information for direct deposit of claim payments and details for coordination of benefits; and
- Designate their beneficiary electronically.
Ready to share our Online Plan Enrolment Tool with your clients? Get them started with these helpful resources:
- Online Plan Member Enrolment Flyer for Plan Administrators
- Online Plan Member Enrolment Quick Reference Guide for Plan Administrators
- Quick Reference Guide for Plan Members
To learn more about how Online Plan Member Enrolment can simplify benefits enrolment for your clients, contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Account Executive.
NEW time-off tracking tool from HRdownloads*
Through our partnership with HRdownloads®, EZBenefits clients now have complimentary access to Timetastic —a time-off tracking tool that can make it easier to manage employee vacation time, sick days and more.
Timetastic integrates seamlessly with HRdownloads and includes a mobile app to help manage time-off requests from any mobile device.
To see Timetastic in action, check out this demo.
EZBenefits also includes other helpful resources and tools from HRdownloads that can make daily human resources tasks easier, including:- A robust, award-winning HR management platform (HRIS);
- HR documents, templates, compliance resources and articles; and
- A live HR advice helpline.
Learn more about accessing HRdownloads.Focus on benefits fraud: protecting your clients’ plans from abuse*
According to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA), benefits fraud costs insurers and plan sponsors millions of dollars each year, which can lead to increased premium costs.
Resources for your clients
Both plan administrators and plan members play a role in preventing benefits abuse. So, we’ve compiled some resources you can share with your clients to help them understand what benefits fraud is and how to prevent it:- CLHIA’s free 15-minute Protect Your Benefits online course for plan administrators and their members
- CLHIA’s Fraud is Fraud program, including their FAQs on benefits fraud
- Our online guide to benefits abuse
- Tips for plan administrators and plan members to protect their plan
How we’re fighting benefits fraud
Our Investigative Claims Unit (ICU) works to detect and eliminate benefits fraud. We use a variety of investigative techniques, including CLHIA-led industry tools to detect and eliminate benefits fraud:- Joint Provider Fraud Investigation Program: A robust program that allows insurers to collaborate on fraud investigations that affect multiple insurers;
- Data Pooling Program: An initiative that pools data between insurers and uses advanced artificial intelligence to further identify and reduce benefits fraud; and
- Provider Alert Registry: A registry that allows insurers to view the results of other insurers’ anti-fraud investigations into specific practitioners.
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Online banking makes RSP season easier
March 1, 2021 is the deadline for clients to make Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) contributions within the first 60 days and that date is quickly approaching! Why not alleviate some stress by having your clients make their deposits using online banking?
To get started with online banking, clients simply log in to their online bank account and select the option to add a new bill/payee and search for Equitable Life Savings Plan. The Equitable Life savings plan policy number will serve as the account number.
Clients that complete their deposits using online banking don’t have to stress about mailing a cheque. Or worry about whether the money will make it to head office in time for the deadline. Deposits are applied based on the investment direction on file.
Deposits can be made to RSPs as well as Tax-Free Savings Accounts and non-registered accounts. The minimum deposit is $50 per fund and $500 per Guaranteed Deposit Account (GDA).
To learn more, click here. More questions? Reach out to your local Regional Investment Sales Manager.
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Easy and convenient digital options for your clients and their members
During this time of physical distancing, people are looking for ways to interact with their providers virtually. We have several convenient digital options available to make it easier for Plan Members and for Plan Administrators. Below is an overview to refer to when you're meeting with your clients. Or you can download this PDF version
For Plan Administrators:
Plan Administrator Portal (EquitableHealth.ca)
Our secure portal allows Plan Administrators to easily manage their plan anytime and anywhere. Instead of printing and mailing forms, Plan Administrators can make real-time updates at their convenience. The site also makes it easy to view or upload forms and other important documents, retrieve billing information, estimate monthly premium costs, and view announcements, tips and reminders. Plan Administrators can visit www.equitablehealth.ca to activate their account.
Online Plan Member Enrolment
Our Online Plan Member Enrolment tool simplifies the onboarding process for both Plan Administrators and Plan Members and offers a more secure and efficient alternative to traditional paper enrolment. The user-friendly interface allows Plan Members to easily enrol in their benefits plan in just minutes from their computer or mobile device. That saves work for Plan Administrators by eliminating the need to manage paper forms. And since Plan Members receive automatic reminders, it reduces late applicants and eliminates the need to chase down Plan Members for their paperwork. (This option is currently only available for new clients. It will soon be available for existing clients to add new hires.)
Digital Welcome Kits
Instead of paper kits that can easily get lost or quickly become outdated, Plan Members receive personalized welcome kits via an interactive email, including instructions on how to activate their online group benefits account, download their digital benefits card, submit claims from their computer or mobile device, review their coverage details, and explore their health and wellness resources.
Easy automated payments
Automated payments are a convenient way to avoid missed payments, suspended claims and disruption. Plan Administrators simply need to complete thepre-authorized debit formand send to GroupCollection@equitable.ca. Or contact Group Collections about online banking and electronic funds transfer (EFT).
We can help
For assistance, Plan Administrators can contact their Client Relationship Specialist or our Web Services team at 1.800.265.4556 ext. 283 or groupbenefitsadmin@equitable.ca.
For Plan Members:
Plan Member Portal (EquitableHealth.ca)
By logging into EquitableHealth.ca, Plan Members have secure 24/7 access to their personalized Group Benefits account where they can submit claims, view their claims status and history, and review their coverage details from their computer or mobile device. They can also visit Equitable HealthConnector®, our suite of services to help employees stay healthy and productive. They can simply visit www.equitablehealth.ca to activate their Group Benefits account.
Electronic Claim Payments and Notifications
Once Plan Members have activated their Group Benefits account on EquitableHealth.ca, they can easily get set up to receive their claim payments via direct deposit, and their claim notifications via email. Once logged in they simply click “My Information” and enter the required information.
EZClaim Mobile App
Submitting claims is fast, easy and secure with the Equitable EZClaim® mobile app. Plan Members can submit health and dental claims and receive payments directly to their bank account via direct deposit. Most claims are processed within three business days; some are processed in as little as 24 hours. They simply download the EZClaim app for their iPhone®, or Android™ device, fill out the interactive health or dental claim form, attach their receipt and submit.
Digital Benefits Cards
Instead of digging through their wallets, Plan Members can download a digital version of their benefits card on their mobile device via the Equitable EZClaim® Mobile app to easily provide coverage details to health providers.
We can help
We’ve created a video guide to help Plan Members access and use their digital resources. For further assistance, Plan Members can contact our Web Services team at 1.800.265.4556 ext. 283 or groupbenefitsadmin@equitable.ca.
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Let’s “Talk Money”: Helping clients feel better about their finances
This November is Financial Literacy Month, and the theme is simple but powerful: “Talk Money.” The goal is simple—get Canadians talking about money. When people open up about budgeting, debt, or financial stress, they feel more confident and less alone.
Money and mental health are connected
Many Canadians feel stressed about money. That stress can affect their mental health. As an advisor, you can help by starting honest conversations. When clients talk about their worries, they’re more likely to take action and feel better.
How advisors can help
You don’t need to be a therapist. Just listen, ask questions, and offer simple steps. Here are a few ideas:
- Ask how clients feel about their finances.
- Share stories of others who overcame money stress.
- Celebrate small wins, like setting a budget or saving a little more.
- Use Equitable’s online learning modules to equip yourself with knowledge to help support client goals.
- Watch our on-demand webcast: How to stay grounded in a changing world: Supporting financial and mental well-being
Let’s talk money
Talking about money helps people feel stronger and more in control. This month, let’s help clients open up, take action, and build better habits—financially and emotionally.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your Director, Investment Sales. -
What’s your saving style?
A TFSA for its flexibility or an RRSP for tax-deferred growth.
Did you know? More than 65% of people who put money into a TFSA* earn less than $80,000 a year. That’s why TFSAs are popular with middle-income Canadians. They’re simple and flexible: you don’t get a tax break when you put money in, but you don’t pay tax when you take money out. This makes them great for people who don’t get big benefits from tax deductions.
On the other hand, 54% of RRSP contributors earn more than $80,000 per year*. RRSPs often work better for higher-income earners because contributions lower taxable income. That means bigger tax savings for people in higher tax brackets.
Here’s the good news: From January 1 to March 2, 2026, when clients open or add money to an Equitable TFSA or RRSP, they’ll be entered into Equitable’s Snowball Your Savings contest. Two winners will be chosen—and their advisors will celebrate too!
How to Enter
Advisors can help clients submit contributions through EZcomplete® or process transactions using EZtransact®. Every entry is a chance to win!
Want ideas to boost contributions and help Canadians save more? Connect with your Director, Investment Sales today.
* Source: advisor.ca/news/tfsas-more-popular-than-rrsps-in-2023/
® and ™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
Equitable’s Snowball Your Savings contest: No purchase necessary. Contest period January 1, 2026 to March 2, 2026. Enter by making a deposit to an Equitable Tax-Free Savings Account or Registered Retirement Savings Plan during the contest period or by submitting a no-purchase entry. Two prizes of $5,000 CAD to be drawn on March 23, 2026 will be awarded. The servicing advisor for the contract to which the selected entrants made the deposit is also an eligible winner and will receive a $1,000 CAD prize. For example, if an Equitable client is a winner of the $5,000 prize, the client’s servicing advisor for the relevant contract wins a $1,000 prize. Open to legal residents of Canada of the age of majority. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received during the Contest Period. For full contest rules, including no-purchase method of entry, see the full contest rules. -
EXCITING NEWS! Digital Transactions for Universal Life Plans Now Available
We are happy to announce a major update to our digital systems that makes managing Equitable Universal Life (UL) policies easier than ever. Starting now, you can use digital transactions to submit your clients’ instructions to change their UL deposit allocations and transfer funds between accounts.
This update builds on the recent launch of our digital policy loan request on EquiNet® and is another step towards making your Equitable® experience easier and more convenient.
What's New?
In the past, you had to submit written requests for UL deposit allocation changes and account value transfers using the Universal Life Form 693UL (you can still use this method if you prefer).
Now, you can manage these transactions directly through the secure EquiNet advisor portal. This new process also allows clients to securely approve their requested changes by email.
To get started, simply log into your account on EquiNet and go to the Policy Inquiry tab.
We have provided a brief user guide to help you through the steps.
We trust that this digital upgrade will enhance the way you work with Equitable. Stay tuned for more digital enhancements in the near future!
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Questions? For more information, please reach out to your wholesaler or our customer service team.
® or TM denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
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Message from Equitable President and CEO Fabien Jeudy
I’m pleased to share our new brand with you. It’s an expression of our renewed purpose and commitment to work together, with our partners, to focus exclusively on our clients, protecting today and preparing tomorrow.
Our commitment to you
The new Equitable® brand signifies our focus on making it even easier to do business with us. To continuously refresh our products to meet the evolving needs of Canadians. And to strengthen our partnerships that enable growth and positive outcomes. The result is an uncompromising commitment to our clients, our partners, our advisors, and our people.
A year of transitioning to our new brand
Over the next year, we’ll make the transition away from our legacy look as our new look starts to emerge. We’ll invest in building more brand awareness so that together we can help even more Canadians. What you should know is that no matter old or new, our commitment is always focused on our clients, together with our partners.
Join us in the journey
We’ll provide more details on the changes we’re making, and we welcome you to join in the journey. I encourage you to reach out to your Equitable point of contact or visit equitable.ca to learn more.
Why Equitable? The Power of Together.
View video on Vimeo.
Equitable’s New Logo.
View video on Vimeo.
Sincerely,
Fabien Jeudy
President and CEO -
Easier than ever with Equitable and EZtransact
Equitable® keeps improving our digital self-serve tool, EZtransact®. Our latest enhancements make it easier than ever to do business with us.
What's new?
Dollar cost averaging transaction- Advisors can now submit new dollar cost averaging requests through the Fund Switch transaction in EZtransact. A new recurring switch type is available.
- When submitting a new request, you'll need to enter the amount, frequency, date of transfers, and the funds involved.
- If a client has an active request, you can change the amount, frequency, date, and funds.
- After you submit the request, the client will get an email to sign. Once they e-sign, the request goes directly to Equitable.
Other recent enhancements include:- Segregated fund withdrawals and fund transfers
- New dashboard for client search, transaction management enhancements and signing process improvements
Date posted: December 11, 2024 -
Things keep getting EZer with Equitable and EZtransact!
Equitable® continues to make great strides with our digital self-serve tool, EZtransact®. To keep this momentum, we’ve given EZtransact a fresh new look and feel, with additional transaction management changes and a new dashboard to enhance your online transaction experience! This refresh embraces our new brand, as we continue to focus on making it easier for you to do business with us.
What’s new with this update?
New dashboard for client search- The existing client search screen has been replaced with a new user-friendly dashboard.
- Upon accessing EZtransact, all contracts associated with the user’s EquiNet ID will be displayed.
- Users can refine the results and search by client name or contract number.
- Transactions submitted through EZtransact within the last 12 months are available, including their status.
- Transactions that have received all signatures will now allow the user to download a copy of the signed request and any supporting documents uploaded by the user.
- Transactions that are pending client signatures will allow the user to manage and track the e-signature process:
- Signing packages can be resent to clients who have not completed their e-signature.
- Clients can be unlocked through the dashboard if locked out due to too many invalid attempts.
- Advisor and dealer/MGA stakeholders have been removed from signing information and review screens.
- Users are no longer required to provide an email address for the dealer/MGA to submit a transaction.
Date published: October 3, 2024 -
Claims payments and notifications will go fully digital on July 1, 2023
We are committed to providing a better benefits experience. We have secure and convenient digital options to make it easier for plan members to access and use their benefits plan, including EquitableHealth.ca and the EZClaim Mobile app.
Most plan members are already using these tools to set up email claim notifications and direct deposit. They get their claim updates faster and their claims paid more quickly, right into their bank account.
To help ensure that all plan members benefit from faster claim payments and notifications, we are making these services fully digital as of July 1, 2023. That means, in most cases, we will no longer mail paper claim cheques or explanation of benefits (EOB) notifications.**
Plan members who haven’t already activated direct deposit and email notifications will need to activate these services via their plan member account on EquitableHealth.ca.How we’ll help plan members get set up
Fortunately, it’s simple for plan members to set up these features. And it only takes a few minutes. To make it even easier, we’ve created a Plan Member Guide to Getting Started Online. It includes simple instructions to help plan members use our digital features and get the most from their benefits plan.
We have also created a toolkit that plan administrators can email to their plan members to walk them through the simple steps. Access the toolkit here.
And we’re available to guide plan members who may need help. They can call us at 1.800.265.4556 and select “Plan Member Web Support”. Our Client Care Centre Team is happy to help them activate these services.How we’ll communicate with plan members
We will start communicating this change to plan members in April. For plan members who aren’t taking advantage of these convenient features, we will send them an email to let them know about the change, with instructions and support on getting set up.
We will also include an insert with all mailings of paper cheques and EOB notifications sent out. And we will post an announcement and banner on EquitableHealth.ca to let plan members know about the change.
How we’ll support plan members who need extra help or accommodations
After July 1, 2023, we will follow up with plan members who have not yet activated direct deposit or email notifications for their claims and provide any extra help and support they may need. And, of course, we’ll make exceptions for plan members who aren’t willing or reasonably able to use these features.Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
** Disability claimants will continue to receive paper Explanation of Benefits notifications in the mail. Some pay-direct drug claims will also continue to be paid by cheque.