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  1. [pdf] Equimax Product Summary
  2. [pdf] Equation Generation IV Product Summary
  3. [pdf] Equimax Client Guide
  4. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – May 2020

    In this issue:

    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients


    Easy and convenient digital resources for your clients and their plan members

    During this time of physical distancing, people are looking for ways to interact with their providers virtually. We have several convenient digital tools available to make it easier for your clients and their plan members.


    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, they 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.

    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    Instead of paper kits that can easily get lost or quickly become outdated, plan members receive personalized welcome kits via an interactive email, including instructions on how to: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 health and wellness resources.

    Easy automated payments

    Automated payments are a convenient way to avoid missed payments, suspended claims and disruption. Plan administrators simply complete the pre-authorized debit form and send to GroupCollections@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. They can:

    • View and submit claims;
    • Review their coverage details; and
    • Access health and wellness resources.

    Electronic claims payment and notifications

    Once plan members have activated their Group Benefits account on EquitableHealth.ca, they can easily set up receiving their claim payments via direct deposit, and their claim notifications via email.

    EZClaim Mobile App

    Submitting claims is fast, easy and secure with the Equitable EZClaim® mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Plan members can view and submit health and dental claims and review their coverage details.

    Digital Benefits Cards

    Instead of digging through their wallets, plan members can download a digital version of their benefits card to their mobile device.

    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.


    Alberta government delaying biosimilar initiative

    As we announced in the February 2020 issue of eNews, the Alberta Biosimilar Initiative will require patients using several originator biologic drugs to switch to a biosimilar in order to maintain coverage through their Alberta government sponsored drug plan.

    Due to the increased demands the COVID-19 pandemic is placing on healthcare providers, the Alberta government has postponed the switching requirement. Affected patients will now have until January 15, 2021 to switch to the biosimilar version of their drug in order to maintain provincial coverage.

    We continue to investigate appropriate options to help ensure this provincial change does not unreasonably impact Equitable Life groups and patients and will keep you informed.
    For more information about the Alberta Biosimilars Initiative, consult the Alberta government website.


    Yukon increasing Insurance Premium Tax

    The Yukon Government has announced that it plans to increase its Insurance Premium Tax rates effective January 1, 2021. The premium tax rates for group life and accident and sickness insurance are expected to increase from 2% to 4%. The new tax rates will be applied to premiums paid on or after January 1, 2021.


    Manitoba and New Brunswick relaxing drug limits

    In order to protect the drug supply during the COVID-19 crisis, residents of most provinces were temporarily limited to receiving a 30-day supply of drugs when filling a prescription. Normally, doctors prescribe a 90-day supply for most maintenance-type drugs.

    The Government of Manitoba and the Government of New Brunswick are now relaxing this 30-day limit for prescription drugs where shortages do not exist. They will address potential shortages of specific drugs if necessary.

    As the situation continues to evolve, there may continue to be changes to provincial legislation and prescription limits. Plan members should speak to their pharmacist for the most up to date information.


    Free guide to accessing virtual healthcare

    With many health clinics closed and the healthcare system under strain, people are looking to access a doctor and other health providers virtually.

    As we announced previously, we’ve made it easier for plan members to find the information they need using our Guide to Accessing Virtual Healthcare. This online resource provides information about and links to a range of virtual health services they need to take care of their health and the health of their family during these challenging times.

    The Guide also indicates which services are covered by public health plan, so there’s no cost to the patient to access them if they provide their valid provincial health card.
    We will continue to update the Guide as more virtual healthcare providers and services become available.

    The Guide is available on both EquitableHealth.ca and Equitable.ca.


    Homeweb for plan members who are losing coverage

    We know these are difficult times for Canadian employers and their employees. As businesses temporarily suspend operations, some employers have had to make the difficult decision to temporarily lay off employees or put their benefits coverage on hold.

    That’s why we were pleased to announce that Homewood Health® and Equitable Life will extend access to Homeweb, a personalized online mental health and wellness portal, for up to 120 days for plan members who have temporarily lost their benefits coverage due to COVID-19.

    Employees and their family members will continue to have access to the Homeweb website and mobile app, including:

    • iVolve, online self-directed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy;
    • Resources to support themselves and their family members through the COVID-19 pandemic;
    • An interactive online Health Risk Assessment; and
    • An online library of tools, assessments and e-courses.

    This will allow businesses undergoing financial hardship to provide some support to employees who are temporarily without benefits coverage.

  5. Colaiacovo to lead Equitable’s Eastern Group Sales Team We are pleased to announce that Sofia Colaiacovo has been appointed our new Group Sales Vice President, Eastern Canada. 
     
    In her role, Colaiacovo will lead the Eastern sales team. She will focus on working with distribution partners to grow our business together while continuing to provide clients and their plan members with a better benefits experience.

    Colaiacovo brings to her role 18 years of experience with Equitable Life, building strong distribution partnerships and delivering exceptional client service.

    She joined Equitable Life in 2005 and has held roles of increasing responsibility in our Group distribution organization.
     
    Since 2011, she has served as our Group Account Executive for the Ottawa territory. In that role, she quadrupled the size of our client base in the region and established strong and lasting relationships with key distribution partners. She was recognized as Equitable Life’s Group Account Executive of the Year three consecutive times – in 2019, 2020 and 2021.  
     
    “Sofia will further strengthen our Group Leadership Team and reinforce our ongoing commitment to building enduring distribution partnerships and delivering great service,” says Marc Avaria, Equitable Life’s Senior Vice-President, Group.
     
    “Sofia’s success has come from taking the time to understand the needs of her partner advisors and their clients,” he adds. “By asking the right questions and listening, she has been able to provide valuable and practical solutions to meet their needs.”
     
    Colaiacovo graduated from Carleton University with a Degree in Psychology. She holds the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation through the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans.
  6. Equitable Life Savings & Retirement Webinar Series welcomes Equitable Asset Management Group



    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 Irwin, Director, Portfolio Management and Client Relations, Equitable Life of Canada.

    Please join us to hear David Irwin discuss the state of markets today, what key risks investors are focused on, and how the Equitable Life Active Segregated Fund lineup is positioned.

    Learn More

  7. Welcome Fidelity to Equitable Life’s Pivotal Select segregated funds lineup
    Equitable Life® is pleased to welcome Fidelity to its Pivotal Select™ segregated funds lineup.
    • Equitable Life Fidelity® Special Situations Fund Select
    • Equitable Life Fidelity® Tactical Asset Allocation Income Portfolio Select
    • Equitable Life Fidelity® Tactical Asset Allocation Balanced Portfolio Select
    • Equitable Life Fidelity® Tactical Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio Select

    These new funds are available on all the Pivotal Select load types and guarantee classes, providing you and your clients with even more choice and flexibility.

    To learn more about Fidelity, click here. To learn more about the funds, click here.
     
    Speak to your Regional Investment Sales Manager today about Equitable’s segregated fund lineup.
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Equitable Life and Pivotal Select are trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
    Fidelity and Fidelity Investments are registered trademarks of 483A Bay Street Holdings LP. Used with permission.

     

  8. Equitable Life Savings & Retirement Webinar Series welcomes Mackenzie Global Strategic Income.
    In 2021, Equitable Life’s Savings & Retirment 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 Eric Glover, AVP Investment Director and Hadiza Djataou, VP Investment Director, from Mackenzie Investments, who will highlight the Mackenzie Global Strategic Income fund.
     
    Join your host Joseph Trozzo, Investment Sales Vice President, and our Mackenzie Investments guests.
     

    Learn More

  9. Equitable Life Savings & Retirement Webinar Series featuring Invesco Europlus

    In 2021, Equitable Life’s S&R team will spotlight various aspects of our competitive fund line up and product offerings. Each webinar in the series will feature a new topic. The 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 Invesco Canada to highlight Invesco’s Europlus Fund. Join your host, Joseph Trozzo, Investment Sales Vice President as he welcomes Matt Peden, Portfolio Manager, and Kimberley West, Client Portfolio Manager.
     
    Learn More
     




    Continuing Education Credits
    This webinar has been submitted for continuing education (CE) approval with the Insurance Council of Manitoba and Alberta Insurance Council for all provinces excluding Quebec. Upon approval, you will be sent an email notification to come back to the webinar presentation console to download your personalized certificate from the tool bar. To be eligible for CE credits, you must register individually, watch the webcast in full and complete a short quiz. This webcast is available in English only.