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Understanding debt: A key to building wealth
Why debt matters in wealth conversations
Debt is part of life for many Canadians. But not all debt is the same. As an advisor, you can help clients understand their debt and how to manage it. This is key to building wealth and confidence. Financial Literacy Month is a great time to “Talk Money.”
Types of debt1- Secured: This is backed by something the client owns, like a house or car. Its cost of borrowing or interest rate is usually lower.
- Unsecured: This includes credit cards and personal loans. These debts have no asset behind it and often cost more.
- Revolving: These are like credit cards. The balance owing can carry over to the next month.
- Installment: These are like car loans. Clients pay a set amount each month.
Helping clients manage debt- Pay off high-interest debt first: Credit cards are often a good place to start.
- Consolidate: One lower-interest loan payment can replace many.
- Make a budget: Include debt payments and savings.
- Use insurance-based investments: Segregated funds and Daily/Guaranteed Interest Accounts offer protection and guarantees. These can help clients manage risk while growing wealth.
Why reducing debt matters
Less debt can mean more financial freedom. Clients can save more, stress less, and plan better for retirement. It also helps them leave a financial legacy.
Your role as an advisor
You do more than sell products. You guide clients to make smart choices. Use this article to start a simple, clear conversation about debt—and how Equitable Individual Wealth solutions might fit into their overall financial picture.
Talk to your Director, Investment Sales today for more strategies to help clients with debt.
1 Source : ARC, 2025-03-28 - [pdf] Equitable's Competitive Advantage
- [pdf] Pivotal Select Fund Facts
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New year tune-up for Equimax participating whole life
It’s a new year and time for an Equimax® tune up! We have made some exciting changes for new sales of Equimax Estate Builder® and Equimax Wealth Accumulator® effective February 11, 2023.
These exciting enhancements make Equimax even more robust, simpler and cost effective, to ensure it continues to be the preferred participating whole life solution for clients and advisors alike.
Watch our informative video to learn more.
Check out our Equimax splash page for complete details on all the enhancements, our transition rules, and much more.
What’s new?- All new children’s policies will now be issued as non-smoker for life – we will no longer request a non-smoker declaration for new children's policies.
- We have also removed the policy fees on new Equimax sales, reducing total premium payments – allowing clients to buy even more coverage for the same payment.
The following enhancements add more value, making it easier for you to recommend Equimax as your preferred whole life solution.- Monthly Excelerator Deposit Option(EDO) payments and EDO payments received off anniversary will now buy more paid-up additional insurance,
- Dividends earned on EDO payment paid-up additions, and credited on the base policy, can now buy even more paid-up additions,
- New clients now have the option to elect individual policies on joint last to die (JLTD) plans if their personal situation changes,
- We have also changed the way we calculate monthly premiums – resulting in lower premium payments across the board,
- And we have added our KIND™ benefit program to Equimax, as we did for our newest Generations Universal Life solution last September – making it easier for families and beneficiaries at claim time.
- And, finally, we are introducing some new sales illustration features, a Web-based software and more to help you market Equimax!
Plus, visit our Equimax product page on EquiNet®, then click on the Marketing Materials tab for the latest Equimax marketing materials.
Need more information? Please contact your local wholesaler.
® and ™ denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada. - [pdf] UL Transfers & Allocations How To
- [pdf] UL Chargeback changes FAQ
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Group Benefits - Premium relief for Dental and Extended Health Care benefits
We know this is a difficult time for Canadian employers and that many of your clients are facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to look for ways to help employers manage while still supporting their employees.
With many health practitioners closing their offices due to the pandemic restrictions, plan member use of dental benefits and some health benefits has declined.
So, we are pleased to announce that we are offering premium relief for all Traditional and myFlex insured non-refund customers for Health and Dental benefits, as follows:
- A 50% reduction on Dental premiums; and
- A 20% reduction on vision and extended healthcare rates (excluding prescription drugs), which equates to an 8% reduction on Health premiums.
These reductions are retroactive to April 1, 2020 and will appear as a credit against the next available billing. We will assess the situation monthly and expect to continue with monthly refunds for as long as the current crisis period continues.
We expect that claims experience and premiums will return to normal once the current pandemic restrictions are lifted.
In the meantime, plan members will continue to have full access to their benefits coverage throughout the pandemic. In many cases, dental offices remain open for emergency services, and a variety of healthcare providers are available virtually.
Commissions
We know the pandemic has put financial strain on your business as well, so we will continue to pay full compensation. Although your overall commission will be unaffected by these premium reduction adjustments, you may see a temporary reduction in your commission payments if you are on a pay-as-earned basis while we put through mass changes. If so, we will then make an additional top-up payment to cover that shortfall as soon as we are able.
Communication
We will be communicating this premium relief program to your clients April 21st at 8:00am EST.
A PDF of the communication is also available here.Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager. In the meantime, we have provided some Questions and Answers below.
Will the premium reduction on Health and Dental benefits have an impact on the renewals that were deferred?
No. Renewals will proceed as normal, with rate adjustments based only on months where full premium was paid. For most clients, we anticipate “normal” rate adjustments at renewal compared to rates paid prior to refunds taking effect.
Does this adjustment apply equally to clients who have had their renewal deferred?
Yes, these adjustments apply to all Traditional and myFlex insured, non-refund customers for Health and Dental benefits.
How does this affect clients who have terminated or amended a plan?
If a benefit is in-force during the month of April, the adjustment will be credited to the next available billing. For clients who have temporarily terminated all benefits, this will be applied against the first bill once benefits have been reinstated. No cash refunds will be paid.
Will you recover any of the adjustment at a future point in time?
No, we will not recover this adjustment.
Instead of this premium reduction adjustment, can a client cancel or adjust some of the benefits on their plan?
Yes, you and your clients always have the option of changing the coverage on a plan, such as reducing or removing a benefit to help control costs. Please speak to your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager about the options available.
Are TPAs and self-administered groups eligible for the premium reduction?
Yes. TPAs and self-administered groups are eligible for the premium reduction. However, timing for the credit will be dependent on the billing practices of the TPA or self-administered group. We will apply these credits as soon as we are able. -
Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – November 2020
In this issue:
- Telemedicine now included in Travel Assist*
- Take advantage of our convenient digital options*
- 2021 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings and Short Term Disability Benefit*
*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
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Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin - October 2022
Introducing new Gender Affirmation Coverage for group benefits plans
Providing an inclusive benefits plan can play a critical role in fostering a workplace culture that welcomes diversity and helps employees thrive. While most provinces cover the cost of gender-affirming surgery, each person has unique needs. Some may require procedures that are not publicly covered.
That’s why we’re pleased to introduce a new coverage option for gender affirmation surgical procedures that are not covered by provincial health plans. Gender Affirmation Coverage helps plan sponsors to close the gap where provincial health coverage ends.Coverage details and eligibility
Gender Affirmation Coverage can be added to any Equitable Life plan with an in-force Extended Health Care plan. It provides coverage for gender-affirming procedures that are not covered by provincial health plans. This might include tracheal (Adam’s apple) shaving and voice surgery. It will also cover some additional procedures to further align the plan member’s features to the transitioned gender, such as facial bone reduction and cheek augmentation. This makes a wider variety of gender-affirming surgeries accessible to plan members and helps minimize their out-of-pocket costs.
Plan members are eligible for coverage with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a qualified health care professional.Offering a more inclusive benefits plan
The coverage provides one more way for your clients to offer more inclusive coverage and to offer holistic support to their plan members undergoing a gender transition. We have developed this coverage as a complement to our existing coverage options, including Health Care Spending Accounts (HCSAs), Taxable Spending Accounts (TSAs), Extended Health Care and drug coverage, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs, all of which can provide support to plan members undergoing gender affirmation.
We regularly review our products to ensure that they’re meeting your clients’ needs, and we’re committed to offering products that support diversity, equity and inclusion.
We also continue to review our forms, documents and processes to make them more inclusive. This includes reviewing our online plan member enrolment (OPME) tool to allow for more flexibility with the way plan members identify their gender.Gender affirmation and mental well-being
Gender affirmation procedures can lead to improved mental health outcomes for those with gender dysphoria, as most report an improvement in their quality of life following the procedures. Gender dysphoria may occur when a person’s assigned sex at birth does not match their identity, and people experiencing gender dysphoria typically report psychological and emotional distress, including symptoms of depression or anxiety. By offering coverage where provincial health coverage ends, your clients can support plan members as they seek procedures that align their body presentation with their self-identified gender.
Advantages at a glance
Advantages for plan members include:- Reimbursement for some procedures and expenses, leading to fewer out-of-pocket costs
- May experience improved mental health outcomes after surgery
- A benefits plan that promotes a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, which may build employee loyalty
- Support for plan member mental health to help those with gender dysphoria thrive
The Benefits Canada 2022 Health Care Survey results are in!
Equitable Life is proud to be a Platinum sponsor for The Benefits Canada 2022 Health Care Survey, Canada’s leading survey on workplace benefits plans. This year’s survey report highlights many fascinating insights across a wide variety of benefits topics, including:- A focus on mental health for both plan sponsors and plan members
- The repercussions of the "shadow" pandemic due to health care delays
- Trends in plan members' overall perceptions of their health benefits plans
- The types of benefits getting more attention from plan members
- The role of remote work in plan member satisfaction
We’re committed to helping you and your clients navigate the evolving landscape of employee benefits in Canada by contributing to this vibrant industry community. To read the full report, visit Benefits Canada.
HCSA and TSA manual allocation reminder
If your clients’ Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and/or Taxable Spending Account (TSA) have manual allocations, they need to allocate these amounts to plan members each year. Clients should review their plan members’ profiles on EquitableHealth.ca to ensure they have received their allocation(s) for the current benefit year. Your clients may also order HCSA and TSA forfeiture reports on EquitableHealth.ca.
If your clients have Plan Administrator update access on EquitableHealth.ca, they can update these amounts online by doing the following:- Select View certificate
- Select Health Care Spending Account or Taxable Spending Account
- Select Update Allocation in Task Center
- Enter amount in Revised Allocation Amount
- Override Reason – Plan Administrator Request
- Select Save
- Select Reports
- Select New
- Select Next
- Select HCSA or TSA Totals by Plan Member
- Select Next
- Enter end date of 12/31/2022
- Select Next
- Select Finish
- View Report
- About