Site Search

589 results for PROBLEMGO.com Need to pay a jailer to let me out early HMP Rochester

1. Giuliano Savini, Top 50 Best Wealth Management Wholesalers in Canada for 2023 award recipient

   
   Meet Giuliano Savini, Regional Investment Sales Manager for the Greater Toronto Area, who was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Best Wealth Management Wholesalers in Canada for 2023 by Wealth Professional Canada. We congratulate Giuliano on this prestigious industry award, which acknowledges his invaluable expertise and contribution to the field of wealth management wholesaling.
   
   When asked what inspired him to pursue a career in this field, Giuliano credits a call from a trusted friend, Joseph Trozzo, who recommended Equitable as an excellent place to work. He joined the company four years ago and has not looked back. For Giuliano, the motivation lies in the meaningful work he does through his advisors and territory, finding the best solutions for their needs.
   
   His greatest achievement at Equitable, according to Giuliano, is the recognition as one of the Top 50 Wealth Wholesalers in Canada. What makes this accomplishment even more special is that the award is advisor-nominated, which means his advisors recognized the impact of his work in helping them succeed.
   
   Looking at his career overall, Giuliano takes pride in the relationships he has built with his advisors and territory over the years. He is proud to be recognized as a subject-matter expert and a business builder, always aiming to be a partner in his advisors' success.
   
   When asked for advice for those starting out in the industry, Giuliano emphasizes the importance of focusing on the success of their advisors. He advises them to use their advisors' success to drive sales and always keep them at the forefront of their business.
   
   Looking ahead, Giuliano sees the industry evolving into a more consultative and partnership-oriented approach. He believes that wholesalers will need to expand their knowledge base beyond competitive product information and into areas like marketing, investor psychology, and practice management to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
   
   To read more about Giuliano and the other Top 50 Wealth Management Wholesalers in Canada, visit Wealth Professional Canada's website.

   
   Posted : April 12, 2023
2. 2026/2027 Dividend scale announcement, plus new Performance and perspective par fund report

   Good news! Equitable’s Board of Directors has approved maintaining our current dividend scale, including the dividend scale interest rate of 6.40%, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.*
   
   These factors are also staying the same:
   •  The interest rate* used to decide the dividend scale is unchanged at 6.40%.
   •  The interest rate for policies with dividends on deposit stays at 3.50%.
   •  The interest rate for most policy loans continues to be 6.50%. **
   
   A stable dividend scale reflects strong, long‑term management of the participating fund.
   
   Find out what’s new with Equitable Individual Insurance and hear the 2026 Dividend Scale announcement

   (*French and Chinese events will be partially in English, with sub-titles on screen).
   
   New! Performance and perspective participating fund report
   You now have a powerful new resource, Performance and perspective, to support your client conversations about Equitable’s participating fund. It’s designed to give you a transparent view of 2025 participating fund performance to help you explain long‑term value simply, and position Equimax^® participating whole life as a long‑term solution, not just a product.
   
   View the Performance and perspective report: English, French, Chinese
   
   Reasons to use Performance and perspective
   • It strengthens your conversations and builds client confidence by showing the participating fund asset mix, historical performance and long‑term approach all in one place.
   • It helps you explain with clear visuals how the participating account is managed, not just how it performed.
   
   Why this matters to clients
   • They get transparency into where their money is invested.
   • They can see how participating solutions are managed over time, not year to year.
   • They gain confidence in long‑term planning decisions, supported by facts.
   
   Need more information?
   • Dividend Information Page
   • 2026 Advisor Dividend Scale Notice
   • 2026 Client Dividend Scale Notice
   
   *Dividends are not guaranteed and are paid at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.
   **Applies to new and existing policy loans and automatic premium loans, specifically Equimax^® policies with 9-digit policy numbers beginning with 3 or 8. Older policies may have different loan rates as they reflect the prime interest rate.
    
3. 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.

4. National Pharmacare (Plan NP) takes effect in B.C. on March 1

   In this issue:

   National Pharmacare (Plan NP) takes effect in B.C. on March 1

   Travel coverage details plan members should know if they’re in or going to Mexico*

   *Indicates content we will share with your clients.

    

    

   National Pharmacare (Plan NP) takes effect in B.C. on March 1

    

   The Province of British Columbia (B.C.) will implement the first phase of the National Pharmacare Act, also known as Bill C64 (Act), on March 1, 2026.

    

   The new program will be called National Pharmacare (Plan NP). The province joins Manitoba and Prince Edward Island, who have already implemented the first phase of their own programs. All three provinces, along with Yukon, signed bilateral pharmacare agreements with the federal government last year.

    

   National Pharmacare (Plan NP) coverage details

    

   The federal government has agreed to provide universal coverage for many diabetes drugs and contraceptives, including deductibles, during the first phase of implementation of the Act. Equitable will no longer cover drugs that are eligible for coverage under Plan NP.

    

   Diabetes devices and supplies are not included in the first phase of plan implementation. However, expanded coverage for certain diabetes-related devices and supplies is expected to begin in B.C. on April 1, 2026.

    

   Since B.C. already offers universal coverage of contraceptives through its provincial pharmacare program, the province is using that portion of the federal funding to cover menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

    

   Many diabetes medications such as metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas and SGLT-2 inhibitors will be fully covered under Plan NP.

    

   Some diabetes medications and MHTs will only be partially covered when the program takes effect. As well, many diabetes medications will continue to require Special Authority through the province.

   
   
   What will Equitable plan members need to do?

    

   Coverage will be provided automatically at the pharmacy counter. Plan members simply need to present a prescription for a covered medication and their Medical Services Plan of B.C. (MSP) card to their pharmacist. If a plan member isn’t fully enrolled in the MSP yet, their pharmacist will help them secure coverage under Plan NP.

    

   The pharmacist will charge the provincial plan directly for the relevant medications. There will be no direct impact to plan members or their experience at the pharmacy for fully covered drugs.
    

   Where do GLP-1 drugs fit in?

    

   GLP-1 agonist drugs will not be covered under Plan NP. Equitable plan members who are prescribed this type of drug to treat diabetes must try a first-line diabetic treatment before we can deem them eligible for coverage of the GLP-1 agonist.

    

   Plan members who are already taking a GLP-1 agonist to treat diabetes will continue to be eligible for coverage. New plan members or plan members with new prescriptions for GLP-1 agonists must provide us proof that shows they’ve tried a first-line diabetic treatment to confirm eligibility—unless we already have a previous record of their insulin use. Proof can be either a past receipt or a claim statement.

    

   Our priority is supporting the best outcomes for plan sponsors and their members. We are working with TELUS Health, our pharmacy benefits manager, to keep you updated as more details become available.

    

   Travel coverage details plan members should know if they’re in or going to Mexico

    

   Plan members with Travel Assist medical emergency coverage included in their benefits plan should keep the following information in mind if they’re planning travel to Mexico or if they’re in the country now.

    

   Due to recent violence in Mexico, the Government of Canada has issued the following travel advice to anyone in or planning to visit the country.

    

   Plan members are not covered if they receive out-of-province services where the Canadian government had issued a warning to avoid all or non‑essential travel before they entered the country.

    

   Plan members should contact Trident Global Assistance, the company that administers our Travel Assist benefits, before departing if they have questions about their coverage or to confirm if they’re covered for travel to their specific destination.

    

   Here’s how plan members can reach the Trident Global Assistance toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline:
    

   • In Canada or the U.S: 1-800-321-9998

   • Elsewhere: Call collect at 519-742-3287

      

   They should be prepared to provide the following information:

   • Name

   • Group policy number

   • Certificate number

   • Government health insurance plan number

      

   If a plan member arrived in Mexico before the travel advisory was issued and are past their day allowance, they should call Trident if they need to have their day maximum extended past the allowable period. 

    

   Equitable’s Travel Assist medical emergency coverage does not include any trip cancellation or trip interruption benefits.

    

   Communicating to plan members

    

   We are making every effort to share this information with affected plan members. Please encourage your clients who have Travel  Assist coverage included in their benefits plan to share this message with their plan members.

5. EZCOMPLETE TRAINING AND RESOURCES
6. EZcomplete Training and Resources
7. eDelivery of a Contract - New Business
8. [pdf] Daily/Guaranteed Interest Account Application - FHSA
9. January 2023 eNews

   Responding to Saskatchewan’s biosimilar switch initiative*

   We are changing coverage for some biologic drugs in Saskatchewan in response to the province’s biosimilar initiative. These changes will help protect your clients’ plans from additional drug costs that may result from this new government policy while providing access to equally safe and effective lower-cost biosimilars. 
   
   Saskatchewan’s provincial biosimilar initiative
   Announced in October 2022, the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative ends coverage of ten biologic drugs beginning on April 30, 2023.
   
   Patients in the province who are using these drugs will be required to switch to biosimilar versions of these drugs by April 30, 2023, in order to maintain their Saskatchewan Drug Plan coverage.
    
   Equitable Life’s response
   To ensure this provincial change doesn’t result in your clients’ plans paying additional and avoidable drug costs, we are changing coverage in Saskatchewan for most biologic drugs included in the provincial initiative.
   
   Beginning April 30, 2023, plan members in the province will no longer be eligible for most originator biologic drugs if they have a condition for which Health Canada has approved a lower cost biosimilar version of the drug.** These plan members will be required to switch to a biosimilar version of the drug to maintain coverage under their Equitable Life plan.  
   
   Communicating this change to plan members
   We will inform any affected plan members in early February of the need to switch their medications so that they have ample time to change their prescriptions and avoid any interruptions in treatment or coverage. 
   
   What is the difference between biologics and biosimilars?
   Biologics are drugs that are engineered using living organisms like yeast and bacteria. The first version of a biologic developed is known as the “originator” biologic. 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. 
   
   Questions?
   If you have any questions about this change, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
   
   **The list of affected drugs is dynamic and will change as Saskatchewan includes more biologic drugs in its biosimilar initiative, as new biosimilars come onto the market, and as we make changes in drug eligibility.
    

   Ontario announces 2023 biosimilar switch program*

   The government of Ontario recently announced the launch of a biosimilar initiative to switch patients from eight originator biologic drugs to biosimilar versions of the drugs.
   
   Patients in Ontario using affected originator biologic drugs will have until December 29, 2023 to switch to a biosimilar version of their medications in order to maintain coverage under the province’s public drug plans.
   
   We are actively monitoring and investigating the impact of this new policy on private drug plans in Ontario. We plan to implement changes to coverage of biologic drugs in the province in 2023 to help prevent this change from resulting in additional costs for our clients’ drug plans. We will provide more details in the coming months.
   
   If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
    

   Dental fee guide updates*

   Each year, Provincial and Territorial Dental Associations publish fee guides. Equitable Life® uses these guides to help determine the reimbursement limits for dental procedures. For your reference, below is the list of the average dental fee increases for general practitioners that will be used by Equitable Life for 2023.*** 

   Dental fee guide increases over 2022***

   
   
   ***Data for all provinces and territories was not available at the time of publication. This chart will be updated on EquitableHealth.ca as more information becomes available.
    

   Equitable Life ranks high with Canadian group advisors*

   Equitable Life ranked second nationally and first in Ontario among major insurers in a recent survey of Canadian group benefits advisors.
    
   NMG Consulting, a leading global consulting firm, conducted in-depth interviews with 130 leading group consultants, brokers and third-party administrators across the country between May and August 2022 for its annual Canadian Group Benefits Study. Based on these interviews, NMG ranked group insurers in six categories, ranging from operational management to technology.
   
   Nationally, Equitable Life ranked either first or second in four of the six main categories:
   
   Advisors in Ontario, in particular, scored Equitable Life very favourably. We ranked #1 overall in the province, finishing first in four of the six overall categories, including: Relationship Management, Operational Management, Underwriting and Claims Management and Technology.
    
   “The fact that advisors regard us so highly in so many categories is a testament to our mutual status and our ability to focus exclusively on our clients and advisors,” said Marc Avaria, Senior Vice President of Group. “We are truly working together to build strong, enduring and aligned partnerships.”
    
   “While we are happy with these results, we won’t rest on our laurels,” added Avaria. “We will continue to dedicate ourselves to providing our clients and advisors with a better benefits experience.”
   
   Here are more of the highlights from this year’s results:
    
   Nationally, we ranked first in all 10 subcategories in Operational Management, including:
   • Overall service to intermediaries,
   • Overall service to plan sponsors,
   • New quote process,
   • Plan implementation,
   • Renewal process,
   • Information shared at renewal,
   • Accuracy and timeliness of reporting and billing,
   • Administration quality and responsiveness,
   • Taking ownership and
   • Management information quality and availability.
   We also ranked first in Relationship Management, getting top marks in 7 of 10 subcategories, including:
   • Company relationship management,
   • Ease of doing business,
   • Account executive capability,
   • Market knowledge,
   • Visit/call quality,
   • Effective coordination and
   • Advice.
   We ranked second in Underwriting and Claims Management, finishing in the top three for all subcategories, including:
   • Fairness and timeliness of disability claims (1^st)
   • Fairness and timeliness of health claims (2^nd)
   • Fraud management (2^nd)
   • Competitiveness of pooling charges (2^nd)
   • Group underwriting flexibility (3^rd)
   • Health and dental TLR competitiveness (3^rd)
   And we ranked second in Technology, finishing in the top three for:
   • Overall technology – Intermediary (2^nd)
   • Member experience (2^nd)
   * Indicates content that will be shared with your clients.
    
10. 2025 Holiday hours Individual Insurance
    Thank you for your trust and partnership with Equitable. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a successful year ahead.
    
    Client Care Centre holiday hours
    Dec 24, 2025: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
    Dec 25–26, 2025: CLOSED
    Dec 29–31, 2025: 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET
    Jan 1, 2026: CLOSED
    
    Individual Insurance deadlines
     • Underwriting evidence due: Dec 10, 2025
     • Final settle documents due: Dec 22, 2025
     • Policy settlement by: Dec 30, 2025
    
    
    
    
    Field Payroll
     • Second last pay period: Dec 17–23, 2025 (Statements Dec 24)
     • Last pay period: Dec 24–31, 2025 (Statements Jan 2, 2026)
     • First pay of 2026: Jan 1–6, 2026 (Statements Jan 7)
    
    Note: All requirements must be received by Head Office by the above dates to guarantee year-end settlement. Late submissions will be processed as quickly as possible, but settlement by year-end cannot be guaranteed.
    
    Looking for Individual Wealth holiday hours? Please click here.