Site Search
367 results for pre-authorized debit plan
-
Extending premium relief for Dental and Extended Health Care benefits
We know this is a challenging time for Canadian employers and we continue to look for ways to help your clients manage while still supporting their employees.
As many health practitioners continue to keep their offices closed due to the pandemic restrictions, plan member use of dental benefits and some health benefits remains lower than normal.
So, 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 May, as follows:
- A 50% reduction on Dental premiums in all provinces except Saskatchewan, where a 25% reduction will apply due to the re-opening of dental clinics in early-May; and
- A 20% reduction on vision and extended healthcare rates (excluding prescription drugs) in all provinces, which equates to an 8% reduction on Health premiums.
These reductions are effective for May 2020 and will appear as a credit against the next available billing. We will assess the situation monthly and expect to 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 June (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 May 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 remain 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. We will begin to process the commission top-up payments in mid-June and will reflect both April and May premium credits.
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. In the meantime, we have provided some Questions and Answers below. You can also refer to our online COVID-19 Group Benefits FAQ.
- Taxable vs. Tax Advantaged Investments Calculator
- Death Claim Requirements
- Additions and Increases
- [pdf] Advisors Edge Insurance for Children Article
- Practical approach to selling segregated funds in a TFSA
- Path to Success Module 3
-
Make room for more EDO room
Effective June 26, 2021, a term rider added to an Equimax Estate Builder® or Equimax Wealth Accumulator® policy may allow for an increase to the maximum Excelerator Deposit Option (EDO) payment limit.
Highlights:
● This enhancement will apply to adult single life Equimax Estate Builder and Wealth Accumulator policies where the Owner Signature Date on the application for insurance is June 26, 2021 or after.
● For the term rider to increase the EDO payment limit, it must be issued at the same time as the Equimax coverage.
● Term rider EDO payment limit assumes the term rider is held at least 10 years.
● The illustration system and EZcomplete application will calculate the maximum EDO payment including any increase from a term rider.
● Policies already issued do not qualify.
Full details about the changes can be found in the transition rules.
Who can benefit from this product enhancement?
Your clients who have a temporary insurance need and add a term rider to their Equimax plan may be able to take advantage of the additional exempt room and higher EDO payment limits to build the policy values. Make Equimax® your first choice for your clients’ whole life insurance needs.
New Illustration software is now available
The updated illustration software will be available for download after 9 a.m. ET on Friday, June 25, 2021.
Want more information?
● Learn more about the changes and transition rules
● Contact your Regional Sales Manager for more information on these changes and other sales ideas
® denotes a registered trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada. -
Ways to reduce net income after age 71 with Equitable Life
Your client is contacting you to ask how to reduce net income after age 71. While each client’s situation is unique, here are a few options to consider.
- Clients with a spouse under the age of 71 can contribute to a spousal Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) up until December 31st of the year the spouse turns 71; provided contribution room is available. This option can also work for those clients over the age of 71 with employment income. This can be useful for small business owners who are still making money over the age of 71 and forced to convert their RSP to a Retirement Income Fund (RIF) or Life Income Fund (LIF).
- For clients with a RIF or LIF, they can strategically elect to use their spouses’ age to calculate the minimum RIF income payment (minimum and maximum for LIF). The idea being that if there is an age gap between spouses:
- Your client makes a RIF/LIF minimum payment lower by using the age of the younger spouse. This is beneficial to clients who do not need a lot of income from their RIF/LIF.
- Your client makes a LIF maximum payment higher by using the age of the older spouse. This is beneficial to clients who want to withdraw as much as possible from their LIFs each year.
To learn more, contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager.
® and TM denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada
-
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.