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  1. [pdf] Advisors Edge Insurance for Children Article
  2. May 2023 eNews

    Update: Introducing changes to our Diabetes Management Program

    Beginning June 1, 2023, we are introducing additional standard drug plan controls as part of our Diabetes Management Program.
     
    The controls will apply to GLP-1 agonists approved by Health Canada for the treatment of diabetes, such as: Adlyxine, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Victoza. 
     
    This change will help manage the impact of these high-cost diabetes medications for your clients while continuing to provide plan members with access to effective treatments to manage their disease.
     

    Why are we introducing this change?

    GLP-1 agonists are the highest cost diabetes drugs on the market. Current Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend that most Type 2 diabetics begin treatment with lower-cost and equally effective first-line therapies, such as Metformin.
     
    Some GLP-1 agonists are also used “off-label”. In other words, they are often prescribed for conditions for which they have not been approved by Health Canada, such as weight loss.
     
    These additional controls will help ensure that these drugs are used appropriately – only for the treatment of diabetes and only after other first-line treatments have been tried.
     
    If a client wishes to provide coverage for drugs specifically approved by Health Canada for weight loss, we have coverage options available.    
     

    How will this program work?

    Plan members who receive a new prescription for a GLP-1 agonist will need to try a first-line diabetic treatment before they are eligible for coverage of the GLP-1 agonist. If the plan member has previously tried first-line therapies and found them ineffective, they will be eligible for a GLP-1 agonist.
     
    Plan members who are already taking a GLP-1 agonist to treat diabetes will continue to be eligible for coverage. Some claimants may need to provide confirmation of their diabetes diagnosis from their physician or pharmacist in order to maintain coverage. We will provide claimants ample time to confirm their diagnosis.
     

    Questions?

    If you have any questions about these additional standard controls or how they will impact your clients, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
     

    Coming soon: Survey for plan administrators with recent disability claims

    We are regularly enhancing our communication processes to help your clients with disability plans manage their workplace absences more effectively. Later this month, we will distribute a short survey to plan administrators who have submitted a disability claim in the past six months. The survey will ask recipients about their satisfaction with the frequency and detail of our disability management communications.

    The email will come from GBClientFeedback@equitable.ca, and the survey will remain open until the end of the day on May 19, 2023. All responses will be confidential. Survey respondents will receive the option to provide their contact information so that we can follow up on feedback they have provided.

    We plan to use the feedback to help ensure that we’re meeting your clients’ expectations and delivering industry-leading service.

    In a previous issue of eNews, we published a list of the average dental fee increases for general practitioners based on the latest Provincial and Territorial Dental Association fee guides.

    Since then, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) has updated the 2023 dental fees for some provinces. Provinces with dental fee updates since our previous eNews are bolded and italicized. 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.
     
  3. [pdf] Homewood Health Employee and Family Assistance Program
  4. [pdf] Equitable HealthConnector
  5. Elevate your business with industry best practices and needs-based selling Keeping your business aligned with industry best practices is vital for your success. It not only supports the fair treatment of clients – it also helps you meet certain market conduct requirements and Equitable’s expectations for needs-based selling.

    The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) has a program that checks how well advisors follow the Insurance Act and its conduct rules. FSRA looks at how well advisors follow industry best practices and fair treatment of clients guidance (see CLHIA’s guidance document, “The Approach”). Their focus is on key areas such as giving sound advice, managing conflicts of interest, and putting clients’ needs first. FSRA selects advisors’ client files and looks for documentation that indicates needs-based selling. 

    In December 2024, FSRA released its latest Market Conduct Supervision Report. It highlights the need for advisors to follow certain rules and industry best practices. The report found five key areas where improvement is needed:

    1. Missing notes from client meetings and calls
    2. Inadequate advisor disclosure
    3. Missing sales illustrations for different product options
    4. Missing insurance needs analysis
    5. Missing policy delivery receipts


    By following industry best practices and keeping thorough records, you show your commitment to providing clients with the solutions they need. For example, taking notes during client meetings helps you track all discussions that support your recommendations. Having an insurance needs analysis shows you are providing clients with suitable advice to buy the solutions that best meet their needs.

    Resources: Equitable® has resources that can help improve your business practices and help you treat clients fairly. We encourage you to check these out:

    1. PPT: “Ensuring a Compliant, Needs-based Insurance Sale”. The steps to follow in needs-based selling and the records to keep.

    Get CE credits! We offer the above as a self-study course that qualifies for 1 Continuing Education (CE) credit. Access it here: https://equitable-life-education.teachable.com/. (Use your contracted email to log in).

    2. Client File Reference: The records to keep when selling investments, life insurance, or critical illness insurance, including key documents insurers and regulators look for during compliance audits.

    3. Investor Profile Questionnaires: These will help you document your sales recommendations for:
    ● Universal Life (UL) sales: 1190.pdf, and
    ● Pivotal Select (Segregated Fund) sales: 1165.pdf

    Questions? Contact your Equitable wholesaler. They are ready to support your success!
  6. Individual Insurance product enhancements

    Equitable Life has exciting product enhancements that will help you offer more options to clients. 

    Watch our Virtual Product Launch NOW. Grab a coffee and get ready for this exciting news! Hear from our leaders and learn about our exciting product enhancements.

    - Full Product Launch Video (approx. 20 minutes). 
    - Introduction video (View on Vimeo) / Product launch page 


    Highlights of the product changes effective February 12, 2022, include:

     

    NEW! 10 pay premium option with Equimax Estate Builder®

    - The new EquiLiving® 20 pay rider options will be available on Equimax® plans


    NEW! EquiLiving plans and riders enhanced with:

    - 20 pay options with coverage to age 75 or coverage for life
    - Support from Cloud DX to help monitor a client’s well-being from treatment to recovery.
    - Added Acquired Brain Injury as a covered critical condition 
    - 30-day survival period removed for all non-cardiovascular covered conditions
    - No age restriction to claim for Loss of Independent Existence (LOIE)
    - EquiLiving Benefit now pays the higher of the EquiLiving Benefit or the Return of Premium Rider Benefit (not including Return of Premium on Death)          
    - And so much more …

    New Illustration software available on February 11, 2022 
    The updated illustration software will be available for download after 9 a.m. ET on Friday, February 11, 2022, and will include all the Equimax and EquiLiving enhancements.

    See the Equitable Sales Illustrations Update for information on how to download the software or check for updates. 

    Please review updates to the commission schedule A for these new enhancements.

    Learn more Get ready to make 2022 your best year yet for your sales! 

    Please contact your Regional Sales Manager for more information. 
  7. Product Enhancements - Critical Illness Equitable Life has exciting product enhancements that will help you offer more options to clients. 

    Access our Virtual Product Launch NOW. Grab a coffee and get ready for this exciting news! Hear from our leaders and learn about our exciting product enhancements.

    NEW! EquiLiving plans and riders enhanced with:
    • 20 pay options with coverage to age 75 or coverage for life
    • Support from Cloud DX to help monitor a client’s well-being from treatment to recovery.
    • Added Acquired Brain Injury as a covered critical condition 
    • 30-day survival period removed for all non-cardiovascular covered conditions
    • No age restriction to claim for Loss of Independent Existence (LOIE)
    • EquiLiving Benefit now pays the higher of the EquiLiving Benefit or the Return of Premium Rider Benefit (not including Return of Premium on Death)
    • And so much more …
    New Illustration software available on February 11, 2022 
    The updated illustration software will be available for download after 9 a.m. ET on Friday, February 11, 2022, and will include all the Equimax and EquiLiving enhancements.

    See the Equitable Sales Illustrations Update for information on how to download the software or check for updates. 

    Please review updates to the commission schedule A for these new enhancements.

    Learn more Get ready to make 2022 your best year yet for your sales! 

    Please contact your Regional Sales Manager for more information. 
  8. 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.

  9. January 2024 eNews

    In this issue:

    • Equitable scores high marks with group advisors*
    • REMINDER: Equitable's National Biosimilar Program starts in March*
    • 2024 dental fee guide updates*
    • Homewood Health wins HR Reporter Reader's Choice award for EFAP excellence*
    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients.
     

    Equitable scores high marks with group advisors*

    Equitable ranked first for operational service among major group insurers in a recent study of Canadian group benefits advisors.  

    NMG Consulting, a leading global consulting firm, conducted in-depth interviews with 146 Canadian group benefits brokers, consultants, MGAs and third-party administrators between May and August 2023 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 ranked among the top three in five of the six main categories, including number one for Operational Management:
     
     
    Category Ranking
    Operational management 1st
    Initiatives (including seminars & training) 2nd
    Technology 3rd
    Underwriting & claims management 3rd
    Relationship management 3rd

    “Advisors regard us highly in many categories. That’s a testament to our mutual status and ability to focus exclusively on our clients and advisor partnerships,” said Marc Avaria, Executive Vice President, Group Insurance Division. “We are truly working together to build strong, enduring and aligned partnerships with our clients and advisors.”
     
    “We’re delighted with these results and are committed to continuously advancing our delivery of a better benefits experience for our clients and advisors,” added Avaria. 

    More highlights from the latest NMG survey

    Nationally, we ranked first in seven subcategories in Operational Management, including:
    • Overall service to intermediaries,
    • Overall service to plan sponsors,
    • New quote process,
    • Plan implementation,
    • Renewal process,
    • Accuracy and timeliness of reporting and billing, and
    • Administration quality and responsiveness
    In Underwriting and Claims Management, we finished in the top three for flexibility of underwriting (2nd).

    And we were rated strongly in Technology, finishing in the top three for:
    • Overall technology for Intermediary (2nd)
    • Member experience (3rd)
    • Quality of technology for the plan sponsor (2nd)
    • Quality of mobile application (2nd)
     

    REMINDER: Equitable's National Biosimilar Program starts in March*

    In October 2023 we announced the upcoming launch of our national biosimilar program. Starting March 1, 2024, we are expanding our biosimilar switch initiatives to provide a single, nationwide** program.  

    Why we’re making the switch 

    Over the past few years, most provinces have introduced policies to delist some originator biologic drugs. They require most patients to switch to biosimilar versions of those drugs to be eligible for coverage under their public drug plans. Soon, it is expected that all provincial drug plans will cover only biosimilars. 

    Equitable’s National Biosimilar Program simplifies drug plan coverage by replacing our provincial programs. It also protects clients from additional drug costs while offering access to lower-cost biosimilars deemed equally safe and effective by Health Canada.  

    How will this affect clients' drug plans?

    Because we have already introduced biosimilar switch initiatives in most provinces, the impact of this change will be minimal. It will primarily affect plan members in provinces or territories where we haven’t already required the switch to biosimilars. It will also affect plan members who are taking biosimilars that were not originally included in the switch initiative for their province.     

    Regardless of where they live, plan members across Canada 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. Plan members already taking the originator biologic will be required to switch to a biosimilar version of the drug to maintain coverage under their Equitable plan. We will support their transition with education, personalized communication, and resources.  

    Advance notice for plan members

    We contacted affected claimants in early December to give them enough time to change their prescriptions and avoid any interruptions in their treatment or their coverage.     

    If you have any questions about this change, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Account Executive.     
     ** Excludes plan members in Quebec who participate in a separate provincial program. 
     

    2024 dental fee guide updates*

    Each year, Provincial and Territorial Dental Associations publish fee guides. Equitable uses these guides to help determine the reimbursement limits for dental procedures.

    For your reference, you may wish to refer to the 2024 list of the average dental fee increases for general practitioners.
     

    Homewood Health wins HR Reporter Reader's Choice award for EFAP excellence*

    Equitable is proud to congratulate our Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) partner, Homewood Health®, for winning the Canadian HR Reporter 2023 Reader’s Choice Award in Employee Assistance Plan services. Homewood’s EFAP provides confidential support for a range of health, family, money, and work issues through face-to-face, phone, email, chat, or video counselling. The award recognizes their high standards in counselling and mental health support services. 

    The annual Reader’s Choice Awards identify organizations that provide outstanding expertise and services for HR professionals and employers across Canada. Those organizations provide valuable information on useful, innovative HR and employee benefits products and programs, in categories such as recruitment, mental health services, employee engagement programs, and more. 

    Sharing Homewood Health with your clients 

    Since 2019, we have worked with Homewood to provide mental health services for Equitable benefits plan members. 

    Your clients can access Homewood Health’s award-winning EFAP for an additional fee by adding it to their benefits plan. Services are available 24/7, 365 days a year. 

    All Equitable clients also have free access to Homewood Health Online in their benefits plan. Homewood Online provides a variety of helpful wellness resources, including: 

    • Homeweb, an online and mobile health and wellness portal, 
    • Health Risk Assessment, a group of assessment tools to help plan members identify and overcome health and wellness barriers, and  
    • Online Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) through Sentio to manage symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.  

    Questions

    To learn more about Homewood Health’s services, contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Account Executive. 

  10. Crunch the numbers with Equitable Life of Canada

     

    Whether helping your client determine net worth or reviewing to see if your client’s retirement plan is on track, Equitable Life® is here to help with our online calculators. These number crunching tools can help you answer some of those challenging questions you get asked by your clients. From an RSP loan calculator to home budgeting to even figuring out if your client will be a future millionaire, check out our latest tools.

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    Elijah welcomed a new baby to his family and needs to reduce the amount of money he is saving for retirement. Is he still going to be able to retire at age 60 like he planned, or will he need to extend his working years until age 65?

    Did you know?
    Investment returns, unexpected expenses and inflation can all affect your retirement savings. Check out Equitable Life’s How Long How Long Will My Retirement Savings Last Calculator.

     

    Share calculators using your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn account.

     

     ® denotes a registered trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.