EquiNet Equitable Life's advisor site

Site Search

359 results for enter secure MAKEMUR.COM bribe the police so they lose the evidence

  1. Two options for supporting plan members during the pandemic

    We know these are difficult times. In addition to concerns about their health and the health of their family, working Canadians are worried about their jobs and their finances. Fortunately, through our partnership with Homewood Health®, we have two options for employers to support their employees through this crisis.

    Below is an overview to refer to when you're meeting with your clients. Or you can download this PDF version.

    Homewood Online (Homeweb)

    All Equitable Life® clients and their plan members have access to Homeweb, a personalized online mental health and wellness portal. Accessible via the web or mobile app, Homeweb includes an online library of interactive tools, assessments, e-courses and resources to support plan members through the pandemic.

    Homewood Health Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

    Employers can provide additional support by adding the Homewood Health EFAP. In addition to full access to Homeweb, it offers confidential short-term counselling through a national network of mental health professionals, plus other resources and tools.

    To make it easier to understand the options, here’s a detailed summary of what’s included with each:

    Service Description Homeweb EFAP
    Homeweb.ca A secure and personalized online portal that includes hundreds of articles and resources, including e-books, toolkits, self-assessments, podcasts and more.
    Homeweb Mobile App One of Canada’s newest EFAP mobile apps that allows users to access every one of Homewood’s online tools and resources wherever they are.
    i-Volve Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Tool An online self-directed treatment tool that helps coach plan members to identify, challenge and overcome anxious thoughts, behaviours and emotions.
    Online Health Risk Assessment An online tool that helps plan members identify and address their health and wellness risks and barriers.
    Short-Term Counselling Short-term counselling provided face-to-face, by phone, email, chat or video through a national network of counsellors and clinical professionals.  
    Life Smart Coaching A suite of telephonic and online services including coaching and resources to help employees manage their life balance, finances, health and career. Online resources only.
    Trauma response Prompt, compassionate and effective response to traumatic events, consisting of one three-hour block with one counsellor at one location per year.  
    Legal Resources One-on-one consultation with a lawyer for guidance on issues such as family law, civil litigation, real estate and immigration. Online resources only.
    Key Person Advice Line (KPAL) Designed for HR, managers and supervisors, this service provides Online Management Resources and Workplace Situation Professional Support.  
    Resource Locator Online childcare and eldercare resources locators.

     

    For more information, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

  2. Claims payments and notifications will go fully digital on July 1, 2023 We are committed to providing a better benefits experience. We have secure and convenient digital options to make it easier for plan members to access and use their benefits plan, including EquitableHealth.ca and the EZClaim Mobile app.

    Most plan members are already using these tools to set up email claim notifications and direct deposit. They get their claim updates faster and their claims paid more quickly, right into their bank account.

    To help ensure that all plan members benefit from faster claim payments and notifications, we are making these services fully digital as of July 1, 2023. That means, in most cases, we will no longer mail paper claim cheques or explanation of benefits (EOB) notifications.**

    Plan members who haven’t already activated direct deposit and email notifications will need to activate these services via their plan member account on EquitableHealth.ca. 

    How we’ll help plan members get set up

    Fortunately, it’s simple for plan members to set up these features. And it only takes a few minutes. To make it even easier, we’ve created a Plan Member Guide to Getting Started Online. It includes simple instructions to help plan members use our digital features and get the most from their benefits plan. 

    We have also created a toolkit that plan administrators can email to their plan members to walk them through the simple steps. Access the toolkit here.

    And we’re available to guide plan members who may need help. They can call us at 1.800.265.4556 and select “Plan Member Web Support”. Our Client Care Centre Team is happy to help them activate these services. 

    How we’ll communicate with plan members

    We will start communicating this change to plan members in April. For plan members who aren’t taking advantage of these convenient features, we will send them an email to let them know about the change, with instructions and support on getting set up.

    We will also include an insert with all mailings of paper cheques and EOB notifications sent out. And we will post an announcement and banner on EquitableHealth.ca to let plan members know about the change.
     

    How we’ll support plan members who need extra help or accommodations

    After July 1, 2023, we will follow up with plan members who have not yet activated direct deposit or email notifications for their claims and provide any extra help and support they may need. And, of course, we’ll make exceptions for plan members who aren’t willing or reasonably able to use these features. 

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

    ** Disability claimants will continue to receive paper Explanation of Benefits notifications in the mail. Some pay-direct drug claims will also continue to be paid by cheque.
  3. About
  4. EAMG market commentary HEADER.png
     

    March 11, 2022

    Since Russia first invaded the Ukraine, there’s been no shortage of headlines and commentaries trying to make sense of the situation. This is a tragedy that from a humanitarian standpoint that can’t be made sense of and our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine and those impacted. From a market standpoint, the common thinking is that geopolitical risks, aka war, historically haven’t been associated with significant corrections in the market. So far, the market reaction has been consistent with the historical experience, with the S&P 500 down only about 1% since the start of the conflict and the S&P/TSX Composite Index up close to 4%, despite the heightened daily volatility.

    Given the obvious challenges of predicting how these types of conflicts play out, we look to financial market indicators to give us a better sense of the potential risks in the market. And in this respect, the most obvious indicator is oil. Since the start of the Russian invasion, oil has rallied roughly 18%, which is even more impressive considering it had already rallied 21% from the start of the year to the beginning of the conflict.

    While we don’t know what will happen to energy markets over the coming weeks, we do know that oil shocks can result in higher inflation and sometimes lower growth. Inflation was already rising, although strategists generally viewed this as temporary on the expectation that the covid related supply chain disruptions and reopening pressures were the primary causes that would eventually self-correct. But as the Russian-Ukraine conflict intensifies, consensus views are moving towards inflation becoming more structural in nature. There are growing risks this will change consumer behaviour, causing inflation to be longer lasting than initially expected. Much of this has to do with the fact that as the world’s 3rd largest exporter of oil, Russia has taken a material amount of oil production capacity offline, resulting in significantly higher oil and gas prices. This also explains the significant outperformance of energy equities, and the broader S&P/TSX Composite Index vs US counterparts on a YTD basis.

    While there are beneficiaries to higher oil prices, the consumer certainly isn’t one of them given gas prices reflect movements in the oil market. So far in 2022 prices paid at the pump have gone up 30%, one of the fastest paces on record. This, in addition to food price increases, will put strain on the consumer as higher bills divert dollars away from discretionary spending and potentially slow economic growth.

    The other factor we’re closely watching is the overall health of the European economy, to which Russia supplies about 40% of Europe’s natural gas, 25% of their oil imports and 45% of their coal imports. While the European Commission has indicated plans to cuts their dependence on Russian energy well before 2030, the short-term impacts will be costly as Europe and other global markets see higher energy prices follow. As well, food prices will likely become an issue for the region given the interruption of supply out of the Black Sea which has driven grain and oilseed prices to levels not seen since 2008. Investors to date have priced in significant risk, evidenced by the performance of the Stoxx 50 which is down 17% YTD, one of the worst performing markets across the global universe.

    While commodity prices are just one indicator, we are mindful that they could be telling us inflation may be more persistent than previously expected. From a long-term perspective this hasn’t changed our view of the equity market. As a result of potential near term impacts however, we have reduced our exposure to European markets in favour of the Canadian market and as well we have added inflation and risk hedges with sector allocations to energy, consumer staples and utilities, while still maintaining our overall long-term target levels to equities. There is no direct exposure to Russia in any of the three Equitable Life Active Balanced Portfolios which includes Equitable Life Active Balanced Growth Portfolio Select, Equitable Life Active Balanced Portfolio Select and Equitable Life Active Balanced Income Portfolio Select.


    Downloadable Copy
    Any statements contained herein that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements represent the portfolio manager’s best judgment as of the present date as to what may occur in the future. However, forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and are based on the portfolio manager’s present opinions and views. For this reason, the actual outcome of the events or results predicted may differ materially from what is expressed. Furthermore, the portfolio manager’s views, opinions or assumptions may subsequently change based on previously unknown information, or for other reasons. Equitable Life of Canada® assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained herein. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Investments may increase or decrease in value and are invested at the risk of the investor. Investment values change frequently, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Professional advice should be sought before an investor embarks on any investment strategy.
  5. [pdf] Health Care Spending Account - Plan administrators
  6. Equimax Estate Builder® reprice
  7. EZcomplete enhancements for segregated fund applications

    When we launched EZcomplete® for segregated funds back in January we heard a lot of positive comments from our advisors. We also heard that we could do better. So that's just what we did.

     

    1. FUNDSERV CODE 

    Advisors with an active FundSERV code no longer need to remember to select the FundSERV code when starting a new segregated fund application. EZcomplete will now default to the FundSERV code.


    2. LOAN DEPOSIT OPTION
    Under the Contributions section of the segregated fund application for Non-registered, TFSA, RSP or Spousal RSP, Loan is now a deposit option under Deposit Types. If Loan is selected, EZcomplete will ask for amount and Lending Company name. Equitable Life® has partnered with B2B Bank to provide investment and RSP loans at competitive rates. Details can be found on EquiNet® under "Loans".


    3. LIMITING SUCCESSOR ANNUITANT
    Applicable to TFSA, RIF and Spousal RIF applications only, EZcomplete will now use validation to prevent advisors from accidentally naming the same person as both successor annuitant and beneficiary, reducing the instances of "not in good order" applications.


    4. ONGOING PAD FUND SELECTION
    If Ongoing PAD is selected as a Deposit Type, an advisor can allocate the Ongoing PAD to a fund allocation that is different than the rest of the deposit options.


    5. TRANSFER FORM NOTIFICATION
    The MGA and advisor confirmation emails now include text to confirm that a Transfer Form has been uploaded and submitted as part of the segregated fund application. This additional information will act as a reminder to the Advisor/MGA to send the Transfer Form to the relinquishing institution.

     

    6. POPULATING FIELDS
    Advisors will no longer need to keep entering the same advisor and MGA information on new segregated fund applications. The first time an advisor code is used on an EZcomplete segregated fund application, the advisor will populate all the required fields. Each subsequent time a new segregated fund application is created with the same advisor code, the following fields will pre-populate with the values that were last entered.

    a) Advisor Email
    b) Dealer/MGA Name
    c) Branch Number
    d) MGA Email

  8. Short-term disability coverage for plan members in quarantine or self-isolation*

    Please note: This announcement applies only to groups with short-term disability coverage through Equitable Life

    With the spread of COVID-19, many people have been instructed to self-isolate or quarantine themselves or are doing so voluntarily. We realize this is a stressful situation for people and they may be wondering if they are eligible for disability benefits. Short-term disability is designed to replace a plan member’s earnings if they are unable to work due to illness and injury.  As a result, only plan members who meet the following criteria are eligible for benefits:

    • Plan members who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to work from home are eligible for coverage from Day 1 of their self-isolation period.
    • Plan members who have not been tested but have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and are unable to work from home, are eligible for coverage. Claims will be assessed according to the terms of the plan.

    Plan members who are in quarantine for any other reason, but do not have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, are not eligible for coverage. These plan members should consider applying for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, if they do not have an option to work from home.

    Submitting COVID-19-related STD claims

    To make things easier for plan members who need to submit claims related to COVID-19, we will not require a physician’s statement. Instead plan members should submit our simplified Short Term Disability Plan Member COVID-19 Claim Form.

    Plan Administrators need to complete their portion of the regular Short Term Disability Form (Form #421).

    This is a temporary process that will remain in effect through the current coronavirus situation. We will update on changes and share them on EquitableHealth.ca.

    Applying for the Employment Insurance sickness benefit

    Canadians quarantined due to COVID-19, who are not receiving Short Term Disability benefits, can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits has been waived. Service Canada’s dedicated toll-free support number is 1-833-381-2725 or (TTY) 1-800-529-3742.

    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients

  9. Extending premium relief for Dental and Extended Health Care benefits

    We know this continues to be a challenging time for Canadian employers and we remain committed to looking for ways to help your clients manage while still supporting their employees.

    Although many health practitioners have re-opened as pandemic restrictions are lifted, plan member use of dental benefits and some health benefits still remains lower than normal in June.

    We are pleased to announce that we are extending premium relief for all Traditional and myFlex insured non-refund customers for Health and Dental benefits for the month of June, as follows:

    • A 25% reduction on Dental premiums; and
    • A 5% reduction on Extended Health Care premiums.

    These reductions are effective for June 2020 and will appear as a credit on the July bill, or against the next available billing. We will assess the situation monthly and will continue with monthly refunds for as long as the current crisis period continues. The size of the credit may change over time as dentists and other health practitioners gradually reopen their offices. We will confirm premium credits for July (if any) at a later date. Credits for subsequent months will be communicated on a month-by-month basis.

    In order to be eligible for the monthly credit calculation and payout, a policy must be in force on the first of the month and remain in force thereafter. The monthly credit calculation is based on employees in force on the June bill. If employees experienced layoffs during the month, that would not affect eligibility for a premium credit as long as the benefit itself is not terminated.

    We expect that claims experience and premiums will return to normal once the current pandemic restrictions are lifted.

    In the meantime, plan members will continue to have full access to their benefits coverage throughout the pandemic. In many cases, dental offices have remained open for emergency services, and a variety of healthcare providers are available virtually.

    Commissions

    We know the pandemic has put financial strain on your business as well, so we will continue to pay full compensation. Although your overall commission will be unaffected by these premium reduction adjustments, you may see a temporary reduction in your commission payments if you are on a pay-as-earned basis.

    Communication

    We will be communicating this premium relief program to your clients later this week.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager. You can also refer to our online COVID-19 Group Benefits FAQ.

  10. A New Universal Life Solution for the 21st Century – Coming Soon

    Introducing a new Universal Life solution built for the 21st century: Equitable Generations™ universal life insurance will be available for sale September 26, 2022.

     

    Check out our Equitable Generations universal life splash page: www.equitable.ca/ul


    Our new Equitable Generations
    Equitable Generations is a Universal Life product that offers investment options that resonate with today’s 21st century client while reducing every fee possible. It also reduces the cost of insurance to help clients maximize their opportunity to purchase coverage and build tax-advantaged wealth.

    Features of Equitable Generations:
    • 34 fund options, including 18 new investment options, tracking funds managed by Fidelity™, Dynamic™, Invesco™ and more.
    • 3 sustainable investment “ESG” (Environmental, Social & Governance) options – because today’s buyer cares as much about impact as they do about returns.
    • Target date funds that auto-rebalance over time so that as a client approaches retirement, the fund adjusts its risk automatically.
    • A lower cost insurance with no policy fee, with the opportunity to purchase insurance protection, more opportunity to build wealth, or both.


    Supporting you at claim time with KIND™

    This service will include the following components:
    ● Living Benefit
    ● Bereavement Counselling benefit
    ● Snap Advance*
    ● Compassionate Advance*

    * Snap Advance and Compassionate Advance are non-contractual and may be altered or terminated by Equitable Life at any time without notice.

    New illustration software available
    The updated illustration software will be available for download after 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 6, and will include the new Equitable Generations product. See the Equitable Sales Illustrations Update for information on how to download the software or check for updates.  

    Learn more
    Transition rules are available

     

    Check out our Equitable Generations universal life splash page: www.equitable.ca/ul

    Watch for more information and get ready to sell Equitable Generations universal life as it becomes available on September 26.

    Please contact your Regional Sales Manager for more information. 

    Invesco® and all associated trademarks are trademarks of Invesco Holding Company Limited, used under licence. Invesco is a registered business name of Invesco Canada Ltd.
    Dynamic Funds is a registered trademark of its owner, used under license, and a division of 1832 Asset Management L.P.
    Fidelity is a registered trademark of 483A Bay Street Holdings LP. Used with permission.
    Equitable Life, Equitable Life of Canada, KIND and Equitable Generations are registered trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.