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- Compliance Resources
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Changes to Short Term Disability Benefit Calculations
The Canada Employment Insurance Commission and Canada Revenue Agency have announced the 2022 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, and premiums for employment insurance. These changes take effect January 1, 2022.
2021 Amount As of Jan. 1, 2022 Maximum Insurable Earnings (MIE)
$56,300 $60,300 Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings (MWIE)
$1,083 $1,160 EI Benefit
(55% of the MWIE, rounded to the nearest dollar)$595 $638
How does this affect your clients?
If your client’s Group Policy with Equitable Life includes a Short Term Disability (STD) benefit which is tied to the EI Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings, and at least one classification of employees has less than a $638 maximum, then to comply with the provisions of their policy, their STD benefit will be revised with the maximums updated based on the percentage of EI Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings 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 $638 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. -
A message from Cam Crosbie
What an exciting year it’s been at Equitable®. There’s more to come in 2025!
In this short video, I share with you some of the things we’ve done to show our commitment to you in 2024 and some of the great things we’ve got planned for 2025.
I want to thank you again for your continued support and trust in us. We value our partnership and are always working hard to make things better.
Please take a few minutes to watch the video.
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Cam Crosbie,
Savings & Retirement Holiday Hours
Executive Vice-President, Savings and Retirement Division
Equitable
All transaction requests to be handled same business day must be submitted in good order by:- • December 24, 2024, 11:00 a.m. ET
- • December 31, 2024, 11:00 a.m. ET
- • December 31, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET
- • December 24, 2024, 4:00 p.m. ET
RRSP deposits to be considered for the 2024 tax year must be:- Dated March 3, 2025, or before
- Must be submitted to Head Office in good order by March 7, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. ET
- March 3, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET
- RRSP loan deposits must be received by March 14, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. ET
Note: Transactions submitted after these dates will not receive a 2024 contribution receipt
Date posted: December 5, 2024 -
A message from Cam Crosbie WFG
What an exciting year it’s been at Equitable®. There’s more to come in 2025!
In this short video, I share with you some of the things we’ve done to show our commitment to you in 2024 and some of the great things we’ve got planned for 2025.
I want to thank you again for your continued support and trust in us. We value our partnership and are always working hard to make things better.
Please take a few minutes to watch the video.
Cam Crosbie,
Savings & Retirement Holiday Hours
Executive Vice-President, Savings and Retirement Division
Equitable
All transaction requests to be handled same business day must be submitted in good order by:- • December 24, 2024, 11:00 a.m. ET
- • December 31, 2024, 11:00 a.m. ET
- • December 31, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET
- • December 24, 2024, 4:00 p.m. ET
RRSP deposits to be considered for the 2024 tax year must be:- Dated March 3, 2025, or before
- Must be submitted to Head Office in good order by March 7, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. ET
- March 3, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET
- RRSP loan deposits must be received by March 14, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. ET
Note: Transactions submitted after these dates will not receive a 2024 contribution receipt
Date posted: December 5, 2024 -
Why tax refunds aren't always good
It’s important for advisors to help clients understand their finances. Many people think getting a tax refund is good, but that's not always true. Here are some reasons why.
1. Overpaying Taxes
A refund on a tax return means the client paid too much in taxes during the year. This is like giving the government an interest-free loan. Instead, clients could use that money each month for savings or investments.
2. Missed Investment Chances
When clients overpay taxes, they miss chances to invest that money. It could have been earning interest or growing in value instead of sitting with the government.
3. Poor Financial Planning
A big tax refund can show poor financial planning. It's better if clients break even, meaning they don't owe much and don't get a big return. This shows their tax withholdings are accurate.
4. False Sense of Security
A large tax refund can make clients feel falsely secure. They might spend it quickly instead of saving or investing it wisely.
5. Financial Hardship
Overpaying taxes can make it hard for clients to manage their money during the year. They might struggle with monthly expenses or saving for emergencies.
Advisors should teach clients about the downsides of tax refunds. By adjusting their withholdings, clients can manage their money better and take advantage of investment opportunities. Aim for a balanced tax situation to improve financial health.
Help clients make the most of their investment opportunities this tax season. For more information, contact your Director, Investment Sales.
Date posted: March 20, 2025 -
Why fair treatment of clients matters
Building strong client relationships
Fair treatment of clients and excellent service goes beyond offering great products. It's about understanding and meeting clients’ needs at every single stage of life. At Equitable, we believe in putting clients first and building lasting, trusting relationships.
As an advisor, it’s important to build these strong client relationships for your business growth and success. This is achieved by focusing on each client’s interests and providing personalized financial care and support.
Here are some tips to build and maintain strong client relationships:
● Meet with clients at a minimum of every two years to maintain relationships and ensure clients have the right coverage for their needs. Updates to their insurance may be needed with life changes like marriage, children or purchasing a home.
● Regularly review products with investment components with clients. This may help ensure client investments stay on track to meet their needs and align with their financial goals.
● Reassess term policies and riders with clients throughout the term period, and at least six months before renewal. This can help clients understand any premium changes and consider options that may meet their ongoing needs.
Another important tip:
● Document each attempt to engage with clients. Regular meetings with advisors are needed to ensure the client has the right coverage for their current and future needs. Keeping a record of these attempts helps protect advisors when clients don’t respond or don’t want to meet.
Treating clients with fairness and ensuring their interests are protected will show that you are providing support to help ensure your clients' needs are covered. Building trust leads to happier clients, stronger relationships, and more business opportunities to help protect clients throughout their lifetime. -
Introducing Empathy – Compassion and care at times of loss
We’re excited to announce our partnership with Empathy– the company behind the Empathy Loss Support benefit.
As a trusted advisor, you play a vital role in guiding clients through some of life’s most difficult moments. We understand this and believe Empathy can provide vital support at a time of loss. This is why Equitable® has added this new benefit to all new and existing individual life insurance policies at no additional cost.
About Empathy
Empathy Loss Support begins when a claim is initiated. When a client’s loved one notifies us, our Client Care Centre connects them to Empathy’s user-friendly app or website. They can choose the Empathy services they need, including human support, and helpful tools. Empathy will help them navigate both the emotional and logistical challenges following a loss.
Share the good news
Introduced to loved ones at time of claim
Easy to use co-branded app
Adding value beyond the policy
Include Empathy in your client conversations about life insurance. Show clients how Equitable leads with Care, Compassion, and Empathy. Our commitment to clients is at the heart of everything we do.
To learn more, visit our Empathy page.
Questions? Please contact your Equitable wholesaler.
This loss support benefit is provided by Empathy and is available to all Equitable life beneficiaries aged 18+ years and residing in Canada. Equitable does not have access to the information provided to Empathy and is not responsible or liable for the services provided by Empathy. Empathy does not represent Equitable nor have the right to bind Equitable. Equitable may modify access to or discontinue offering the Empathy service at any time.
Empathy does not provide legal, medical, financial, or accounting advice, nor does Empathy provide mental health diagnosis or treatment. We recommend consulting a professional on such matters. - [pdf] Daily/Guaranteed Interest Account Client Brochure
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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 membersDuring 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 initiativeAs 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 TaxThe 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 limitsIn 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 healthcareWith 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 coverageWe 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.
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Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – December 2021
In this issue:
- Supporting plan members affected by the flooding in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland*
- Update: Changing certificate numbers on EquitableHealth.ca*
- Help plan members take advantage of convenient digital options*
- Ontario optometrists and government to restart negotiations*
- QDIPC updates terms and conditions for 2022*
Supporting plan members affected by the flooding in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland*
The recent flooding in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland is having a devastating impact on the province’s residents.
Here are some of the ways we can help support your clients’ plan members who are affected by the flooding.
Prescription refills
Until Dec. 31, our pharmacy benefit manager, TELUS Health, will allow early refills for plan members who have been evacuated and/or lost their medication due to the flooding.
Replacement of medical or dental equipment and appliances
If plan members in Nova Scotia or Newfoundland need to replace any eligible medical or dental equipment or appliances (e.g. prescription eyeglasses, dentures, etc.) due to the flooding, they can call us at 1.800.265.4556 before incurring additional expenses to see how we can support them.
Disability or other benfit cheques
If plan members affected by the flooding are receiving disability benefits or other benefit reimbursements by cheque, they can visit www.equitable.ca/go/digital for easy instructions on how to sign up for direct deposit. It’s easy and takes just a few minutes. They can call us at 1.800.265.4556 if they need help. We can also arrange for a different mailing address or replacement cheques if necessary.
Mental Health Support
A natural disaster can also take a serious toll on people’s mental health. All of our plan members have access to the Homeweb online portal and mobile app, including numerous articles, tools and resources designed to provide guidance and support in difficult times. Homewood has put together some suggestions on how to help employees affected by a natural disaster.
For your clients with an Employee and Family Assistance Program, remind them that their plan members have 24/7 access to confidential counselling through a national network of mental health professionals. Whether it’s face-to-face, by phone, email, chat or video, plan members will receive the most appropriate, most timely support for the issue they’re dealing with.
If a client wishes to add the EFAP to their plan, we can do this quickly – often in just a few days. Simply contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
Plan Administrator support
We realize that the flooding may also be having an impact on the regular business operations of your clients in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. If any of your clients are unable to carry out day-to-day plan administration, they can call us at 1.800.265.4556 to see how we can support them.
We know this is a challenging time for many of your clients and their plan members. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as appropriate.
Update: Changing certificate numbers on EquitableHealth.ca*
Effective Dec. 10th, plan administrators will no longer be able to update or change plan members’ certificate numbers on EquitableHealth.ca. This change will ensure we can manage these changes more effectively to provide a smoother plan member experience.
If your clients need to update a plan member’s certificate number, please have them reach out to Group Benefits Administration for assistance at groupbenefitsadmin@equitable.ca.
Help plan members take advantage of convenient digital options*
We have several 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.
To help build awareness among plan members, we’ve created two posters that your clients can post on their intranet sites or in their office. The posters provide easy instructions on how to activate our secure, digital options.
Please click on the links below to download the posters.
EquitableHealth.ca posters: EZClaim mobile app posters:
EquitableHealth.ca English EZClaim mobile app English poster
EquitableHealth.ca French poster EZClaim mobile app French poster
Ontario optometrists and government to restart negotiations*
The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) announced it has paused its job action and will restart negotiations with the Ontario Ministry of Health on funding for optometry services.
In September, Ontario optometrists began withholding services from patients covered by OHIP, including children, senior citizens and other patients with certain medical conditions, after negotiations with the Ministry of Health over compensation broke down.
Residents of Ontario between the ages of 20 to 64 who aren’t eligible for coverage of eye services under OHIP were not affected by the job action. They were able to continue to receive eye exams from their optometrist and submit eligible claims to their benefits plan.
QDIPC updates terms and conditions for 2022*
Every year, the Quebec Drug Insurance Pooling Corporation (QDIPC) reviews the terms and conditions for the high-cost pooling system in the province. Based on its latest review, QDIPC is revising its pooling levels and fees for 2022 to reflect trends in the volume of claims submitted to the pool, particularly catastrophic claims.
Size of group (# of certificates) Threshold per certificate 2022 Annual factor (without dependents Annual factor (with dependents) Fewer than 25 $8,000 $276.00 $771.00 25 – 49 $16,500 $188.00 $527.00 50 – 124 $32,500 $97.00 $328.00 125 – 249 $55,000 $66.00 $223.00 250 – 499 $80,000 $51.00 $173.00 500 – 999 $105,000 $39.00 $153.00 1,000 – 3,999 $130,000 $34.00 $133.00 4,000 – 5,999 $300,000 $18.00 $71.00 6,000 and over Free market – Groups not subject to Quebec Industry Pooling
We will apply the new pooling levels and fees to future renewal calculations that involve Quebec plan members.