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1. About
2. Equitable Life creates guide to accessing virtual healthcare at no cost

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

   To make it easier for plan members, we’ve created the Guide to Accessing Virtual Health Care Services on the plan member section of EquitableHealth.ca. 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 can be accessed for free. In some provinces, online doctor visits are now covered by the public health plan, so there’s no cost to the patient to access them as long as they provide their valid provincial health card. In other provinces, the nominal fee can be claimed on a Health Care Spending Account.

   We will continue to update the Guide as more virtual healthcare providers and services become available.

   View our Guide to Accessing Virtual Healthcare

3. Client Access login is changing Equitable wants to keep client’s information safe. Starting in January 2026, all clients will be asked to use an email address to log in to Client Access^®, our secure client website for insurance and investments transactions.
   
   What’s changing?
   In January, all clients must use their email address to log in to Client Access. They will no longer be able to use a username. If clients can’t remember which email they used to register for Client Access, they can simply click “Forgot email” on the login page to get help. If clients use a password, they may need to enter a one-time code sent to their email.
   
   Clients looking for extra security?
   Clients can also create a Passkey. This makes logging in easier and safer.
    
4. Making it easier to do business with us At Equitable^® we are always looking for ways to improve your experience with us. We’ve made the following enhancements to make it easier for you to put your business with us.  
   
   New and Improved UL Fund Performance page
   
   Access more fund performance information faster and easier on our new and improved Fund Overview & Performance website for funds held within Equitable universal life policies. 
    
   We partnered with Fundata to build a central location for fund performance, fund information (available in web and PDF) and Management Expense Ratios (MERs). This fund reporting will be available for all our universal life business (both legacy products and products currently being sold).
   
   Highlights include: 
   ● Save your favourite funds for easy access. 
   ● Fund search and tools to filter by product, asset class and sustainability. 
   ● Share feature allows you to easily share fund information with clients. 
   ● Ability to compare fund performance. 
   
   Check out the new Fund Overview & Performance website today. See how Equitable is making fund information faster and easier to access. 
   
   New “Update Payment” feature for banking changes has launched!
   
   Great news! We have launched a new self-serve "Update Payment" feature in Client Access and on EquiNet^®. This new online capability enables clients and advisors to easily submit key banking change requests for eligible insurance policies*, with no need to complete a physical form.  
   *The Update Payment transactions are only available for eligible policies: those that have not lapsed, are not on Automatic Premium Loan, and are not owned by a corporation or other entity.
   
   What’s new? Clients and advisors can now submit banking changes via EquiNet under Policy Inquiry. It allows them to easily submit requests for the following: stop and resume pre-authorized payments or change banks. Learn more. 
   
   Speak to your individual life wholesaler to learn more about these great enhancements!
   
   ^® or ^TM denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada
5. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – May 2020

   In this issue:

   • Digital options for your clients and their plan members*
   • Alberta delaying biosimilar initiative*
   • Yukon increasing insurance premium tax*
   • Manitoba and New Brunswick relaxing drug limits*
   • Free guide to accessing virtual healthcare*
   • Homeweb for plan members who are losing coverage*

   *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.

6. 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 1^st, 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 1^st, 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

7. [pdf] Advisors Edge Insurance for Children Article
8. Enhancing the Transfer Process: Equitable's New Signature Guarantee Service Equitable^® is making transfers even easier with EZcomplete^®.
   
   This enhancement will help advisors and clients by reducing the number of rejections from other institutions that need a signature guarantee. Reducing transfer rejections means less time and effort for advisors, and faster transfers from other institutions. 
   
   Signature Guarantees
   Equitable will now offer signature guarantees on most transfers requested through EZcomplete. 
   
   When is a signature guarantee not available?
   
   •  For entity owned accounts
   •  If a Power of Attorney is signing on behalf of an owner
   •  If the transferring account has an irrevocable beneficiary 
   
   Watch the quick Identity Check with Persona video or read through instructions below. 
   
   
   
   
   
   To offer a signature guarantee, Equitable first needs to check the identity of all owners using Persona, a third-party service provider.
   The advisor starts by selecting a signature guarantee in EZcomplete. An email link is sent to all proposed owners.
   
   
   Clients can click the link within the email to Persona's verification process.
   They will be prompted to take a picture of their photo ID and a selfie, turning their head slightly left and right by following the prompts.
   Their identity can then be confirmed in seconds.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Sending Transfer Forms:
   •  If all owners' identities are verified, Equitable will send the transfer form with a signature guarantee stamp and the e-signature audit log to the transferring institution.
   •  If ID verification fails, clients will be prompted to try up to three times. If still unsuccessful, the transfer form and e-signature audit log is sent to the transferring institution without the signature guarantee stamp.
   
   Handling Issues:
   •  Advisors’ obligations to verify ID is not affected by this process; ID verification is still required.
   •  If the client times out or loses the email to access Persona, the advisor can resend the link.
   •  If the client’s name or email changes after ID verification, the advisor will need to redo the ID verification with the updated information to get a signature guarantee.
   
   This update strives to make processes smoother and more efficient for everyone. Just another reason to do business with Equitable. When we work together, success is mutual.
   
   For more information or assistance, please contact your Director, Investment Sales.
   
   ​​​​​​Date published: May 7, 2025
9. Questions about eDelivery? New eDelivery page

   Find information on the eDelivery process quickly with our new eDelivery of a Contract landing page.

   
   We’ve made it easier to get the information you need to electronically deliver the insurance contract promptly. 
   
   eDelivery makes it quick and easy, and our new landing page ensures you’re able to find the information you need regarding the New Business eDelivery process, or the Policy Change and Conversions eDelivery process. You can find various resources in the Links section on the right-hand side of each page to help you along the way. 
    
    
    
    
10. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – September 2021 In this issue:
    • Right drug, right dose*
    • Responding to New Brunswick’s Biosimilar Initiative*
    • Helping plan members access our convenient digital options*
    • Reminder: Please access forms on EquitableHealth.ca*
    • Over-age dependents losing coverage?*
    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients

    Right drug, right dose

    Equitable Life partners with Personalized Prescribing Inc. to help plan members avoid treatment trial and error
     
    Patients suffering from mental health conditions often need to try several medications before they find one that works for them. This is frustrating and can result in negative side-effects, a longer recovery, lost productivity, or a delayed return to work.
     
    To help plan members avoid this treatment trial and error, we have partnered with Personalized Prescribing Inc. to provide easier access to pharmacogenomic testing for plan members with mental health conditions.
     
    Pharmacogenomics 101
    Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual’s genes influence their response to medications. Pharmacogenomic testing can help determine how compatible a patient’s body may be to a particular drug, and helps their physician prescribe the most appropriate medication. The goal is to ensure the right drug is prescribed to deliver the most positive outcome with the fewest side effects.
     
    Easier access to pharmacogenomic testing
    Through our partnership with Personalized Prescribing Inc., any Equitable Life plan member diagnosed with a mental health condition can purchase a pharmacogenomic test for a discounted price of $399 plus HST – a 20% savings.
     
    We are also introducing the option for plan sponsors to add coverage of pharmacogenomic tests provided by Personalized Prescribing Inc. for mental health conditions.
     
    With this coverage, plan members are eligible for pharmacogenomic testing if:
    • They have been diagnosed with a mental health condition;
    • They are currently taking or have stopped taking a medication for a mental health condition that does not work or has side effects; and
    • The pharmacogenomic test is conducted by Personalized Prescribing Inc.
    How it works
    Getting a test is easy. The plan member starts by visiting www.personalizedprescribing.com/equitablelife to request a test kit.
     
    Once they receive their test kit from Personalized Prescribing Inc., they simply provide a saliva sample and send it back (postage is pre-paid). Within 7-10 business days, they receive an Rx Report™ that they can share with their doctor. This report includes details to help their doctor prescribe the right drug and the right dose for them.
     
    Benefits for plan members:
    • The plan member and their physician receive a full report that is easy to understand;
    • The report identifies the most compatible medications for the plan member’s condition and the medications to avoid;
    • The physician is able to prescribe the most appropriate medication with the fewest side effects; and
    • The plan member avoids medication trial and error.
    Benefits for employers:
    • Pharmacogenomic testing can be an effective prevention strategy to help employees stay healthy and potentially avoid a mental health-related work absence; and
    • Employees suffering from mental health conditions may be more productive when they are on the right medication for them.
    To learn more about pharmacogenomic testing through Equitable Life and Personalized Prescribing Inc., please visit www.personalizedprescribing.com/equitablelife. To request coverage for your clients, please contact your Equitable Life Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

    Responding to New Brunswick’s Biosimilar Initiative

    We are changing coverage for some biologic drugs in New Brunswick in response to the province’s Biosimilar Initiative. These changes will help protect your clients from additional drug costs while still providing access to equally safe and effective biosimilars.
     
    What is New Brunswick’s Biosimilar Initiative?
    New Brunswick’s Biosimilar Initiative will end provincial coverage of several originator biologic drugs for some or all conditions beginning on December 1, 2021. Patients who are using these drugs for the affected conditions will be required to switch to biosimilar versions of the drugs to maintain coverage under the province’s government drug plan.
     
    What is the impact on private drug plans?
    The most significant risk to plan sponsors who maintain coverage of originator biologics is coordination of benefits (CoB) risk. If other insurance carriers follow suit with the province and delist the originator biologics, it could expose a plan that doesn’t delist them to significant coordination of benefits risk.
     
    For example, consider a patient who is covered under two private plans – their employer plan and a spousal plan. If their employer plan was the first payer for the originator biologic but delists the drug, the spousal plan now becomes the first payor. If the spousal plan continues to cover the cost of the originator, it now pays most or all of the cost of the drug.
    
    How is Equitable Life responding?
    To protect your clients’ plans from paying additional and avoidable drug costs, we are changing coverage in New Brunswick for most biologic drugs included in the provincial initiative.
     
    Beginning Feb. 1, 2022, plan members in New Brunswick will no longer be eligible for coverage of Humira, Lantus, Humalog and Copaxone 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 those drugs to maintain coverage under their Equitable Life plan.
     
    How will Equitable Life communicate this change to plan members?
    We will be communicating with affected claimants in early-December 2021 to allow them ample time to change their prescriptions and avoid any interruptions in their treatment or their coverage.
     
    Can my client maintain coverage of these biologic drugs?
    All groups, except myFlex clients, who wish to opt out of this change and maintain coverage of these originator biologics for New Brunswick plan members can submit a policy amendment. Amendments must be submitted no later than Nov. 30, 2021.
     
    Advisors with myFlex Benefits clients who wish to maintain coverage of these originator biologics for New Brunswick plan members should speak to their myFlex Sales Manager to confirm their eligibility to opt out of this change.
     
    Groups that opt out of this change are also opting out of any future changes to our New Brunswick biosimilar initiative. Their drug plans will continue to cover any additional originator biologics that we subsequently add to the program.  
     
    Will this change impact my clients’ rates?
    The rate impact of this change and  any cost savings associated with the change will be factored in at renewal.
     
    If plan sponsors opt out of these changes and maintain coverage for the originator biologics, it may result in a rate increase. Any rate adjustment will be applied at renewal.
     
    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 also known as the “originator” biologic. Biosimilars are also biologics. They are highly similar to the originator drug they are based on and have been shown to have no clinically meaningful differences in safety or efficacy.
     
    Questions?
    If you have any questions about this change, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
     

    Helping plan members access our convenient digital options

    Some of your clients’ plan members aren’t benefitting from our secure and convenient digital options to access and use their Group Benefits. They can sign up to submit claims electronically for faster claim payments, get claim payments deposited directly to their bank accounts, easily review their coverage details, quickly access their Group Benefits plan booklet, benefits card and more. We’ve made it easier than ever to sign up, with more resources all conveniently located at Equitable.ca/go/digital.

    Your clients’ plan members can visit this link to view:
    • A brochure with all the high-level instructions they need to get started on EquitableHealth.ca and the EZClaim mobile app
    • A full video guide on how to access and navigate EquitableHealth.ca
    If your clients’ plan members need help activating these services, they can give us a call at 1-800-265-4556 and select the option for web support. We’d be happy to help!
     

    Reminder: Please access forms on EquitableHealth.ca*

    We routinely update our Plan Administrator forms on EquitableHealth.ca based on their feedback and to stay compliant with legal and/or regulatory requirements. If your clients need a form, they should always pull the most recent version from EquitableHealth.ca instead of reusing forms they have saved on their computer. Using an old or outdated form may result in processing delays.
     
    Your clients can access the Plan Administrator forms by following these steps:
    • Login to EquitableHealth.ca
    • Select “Documents”
    • Toggle between English and French forms
    • Click on the document name to download a PDF copy

    Over-age dependents losing coverage?*

    Some of your clients’ plan members may have dependents who are reaching the maximum age for eligibility under their group benefits plan.
     
    If they are attending school full-time or are disabled, they may be eligible for continued coverage. Plan members with over-age dependents can simply complete the Application for Coverage of Dependent Child Over Age 21 (Form #441) and submit it through our online document submission tool. They can access the tool by logging into their Group Benefits account at www.equitablehealth.ca and clicking My Resources. 
    
    If they are not attending school full-time or disabled, they will no longer be covered under the plan. However, they may be eligible for Coverage2go®. It allows individuals who are losing their group coverage to purchase personal month-to-month health and dental coverage that is affordable, reliable and works like their previous group benefits plan. They can choose the level of coverage and protection that suits their personal situation.
    
    There are no medical questions – they simply need to apply within 60 days of losing their health coverage under their group benefits plan.*
     
    Help your clients’ plan members and their dependents who are losing coverage by letting them know about Coverage2go. They can visit our website to learn more about Coverage2go and to get a quote.
      
    *Quebec residents are not eligible for Coverage2go