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1. Harness the Power has been enhanced The popular marketing piece — Harness the Power of Whole Life Cash Value — has been enhanced.
   
   Newly renamed as Harnessing the Power of Your Policy Cash Value, this piece now includes information on Universal Life in addition to Whole Life cash value.
   
   You can find this piece on EquiNet, now available in English and French.
2. EAMG Market Commentary July 2023

   
   July 17, 2023
   
   Rates & Credit - The rates market was volatile in Q2 as investors focused on inflation, central bank interest rate decisions, and recession probabilities. Persistent strength in U.S. consumer spending and labour markets have surprised investors and prompted further interest rate tightening from central banks. In Canada, corporate bonds outperformed government bonds and the broader FTSE Canada Universe Index during the quarter, with a total return of 0.2%, versus a loss of 1.0% for government bonds and 0.7% for the overall Index. The corporate bond outperformance was driven by a broad risk-on tone to the market, most notably in April as the market recovered from the banking sector liquidity crisis that developed during March. That said, the market tone remained cautious, with the improved risk premium on corporate bonds tempered by lingering concerns around sticky inflation, high interest rates, and the potential for slower economic growth into the latter half of the year.
   
   Dominance of U.S. Equities – U.S. equity markets posted another strong quarter with the S&P 500 returning 8.7%, outperforming Canada and other major international equity markets. The S&P/TSX Composite, returned 1.2% in CAD. Major developed economies from Europe, Australasia, and Far East (EAFE) returned 3.2% in local currency terms. The highly anticipated re-opening of the Chinese economy has failed to materialize with economic data indicating less strength than previously forecasted. Amid sluggish Chinese growth, closely interconnected economic partners such as the European Union, as well as commodity-driven markets like Canada, have all underperformed the U.S. on a relative basis.
   
   U.S. Fundamentals – Earnings continued to contract versus prior year, albeit at a slower pace than forecasted. Forward earnings guidance improved quarter-over-quarter with corporate sentiment returning to neutral levels. Based on our analysis, we observed that 31% of major companies expect deteriorating financial performance, while 33% expect improved performance, with the remaining expecting no material change. Overall, major U.S. companies remain well capitalized with strong operating margins. However, company guidance indicates a prioritization of cost controls amid increased consumer indebtedness and concerns about the health of the consumer.
   
   Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mania – Despite concerns that the U.S. economy is at a late stage in its economic cycle, that monetary tightening by central banks could go too far, and the fact that earnings contracted on a year-over-year basis, equity markets became more expensive during the quarter with price-to-earnings multiples expanding. This expansion was driven by investors crowding into AI focused technology companies, with the seven largest AI/technology themed companies averaging a 26% return while the other 493 members gained only 3%. Investors rewarded businesses with contributions to AI development (hardware and software components), as well as those with the ability to implement synergies from leveraging the technology. A crowded market surge is not uncommon at this point in the economic cycle, where positive economic surprises, in this instance, strong employment and consumer spending can lead to an upswelling in investor confidence.
   
   U.S. Quant Factors – Using our investment framework, we currently favour exposures to large cash-rich companies with innovative product offerings, which we believe offer the strongest risk-adjusted returns in the current market environment. While the valuation of AI companies seems to defy traditional rationales, the momentum has continued to push the group higher. Consequently, the Quality factor (companies with higher return-on-equity, strong operating performance, and healthy leverage levels) participated in the AI trend and consistently outperformed throughout the quarter. The Low Volatility factor (stocks with lower sensitivity to broad market movement, and lower price volatility) underperformed through the quarter. While the Low Volatility factor typically performs well at this stage of the economic cycle, the fact that a small number of stocks were responsible for much of the market’s return hurt this factor. Lastly, the Momentum factor (stocks with a recent history of price appreciation) initially underperformed during the quarter before rebounding in June. This factor’s recent outperformance suggests that the market is becoming complacent and possibly signals that rotations within the market are slowing as current trends remain in favour.
   
   Canadian Fundamentals – Top line revenue missed forecasts while bottom line earnings were consistent with expectations. Softer-than-expected results out of Canadian financials, as well as underwhelming results from the materials sector, dragged on the aggregate index performance. Earnings forecasts for the rest of the year have been revised downward with analyst expecting index aggregate earnings to detract 2% to 3%. Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada raised its overnight interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 4.75% on the backdrop of robust economic data releases including Q1 GDP and April CPI.
   
   Canadian Quant Factors – The most notable dislocation in Canada was the convergence of the dividend yield of High-Dividend ETFs and Equal-Weight Bank ETFs. We believe that the drag from Canadian banks following the U.S. regional banking concerns in March resulted in a discount of the Quality factor as the performance of the group is sensitive to the movements of banks. While banks did recover around 35% of their SVB-induced underperformance, the nature of banking has attracted investor scrutiny given the view that we are in the late-stage of the economic cycle. That said, this environment is an attractive environment to add variants of the Quality factor, which would gain exposure to a rebounding industry that offers a similar dividend yield to the high dividend stocks.
   
   Views From the Frontline
   
   Rates – On an outright basis, bond yields across the curve continue to look attractive. Economic data remains strong however we are beginning to see the first signs of weakness in spending, jobs and inflation. Slower growth, a more balanced labour market, declining inflation, and tighter credit conditions will likely drive interest rates lower throughout 2023. Market participants remain focused on the extent of interest rate hikes and the duration of a pause required to bring inflation back to the 2% target. With inflation remaining more persistent than previously expected forecasts around the timing, pace and extent of the removal of monetary policy have been pushed into 2024.
   
   Credit – The uncertain economic outlook and risks around slower economic growth later this year merit caution about corporate bonds and a bias towards higher-quality, shorter-dated credit where we think the risk / reward dynamic are more favourable. That said, the “soft-landing” narrative, now more pervasive in the market, could continue to provide support to risk assets, which we view as an opportunity to further pare down higher beta exposure.
   
   Equities – Given the direction of the current economic and company fundamental data, we continue to favour high quality growth segments of the market with strong operating margins. As such, the late cycle conditions in the market reinforce our preference for large cap stocks over smaller, more U.S. domestically focused businesses. The U.S. Low Volatility factor’s underperformance is unlikely to reverse in the short term given the resilience of the U.S. economy. Furthermore, after a steep decline last quarter, we expect that cyclical value will find support in the near term, echoing the increased chance of slowing inflation without stalling economic growth. In Canada, equities are typically more cyclical in nature, which coupled with the potential for an earnings contraction, makes us view the Low Volatility factor as more likely to outperform. Like the U.S., we prefer Canadian high-quality companies to navigate through the late cycle environment. On the heels of poor Chinese economic data and underwhelming stimulus, we are maintaining our overweight to the U.S. relative to Canada and EAFE.
   
   Downloadable Copy
   
   ADVISOR USE ONLY
   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.

   Posted July 27, 2023
3. EquiNet Quick Tips

   Need some help navigating your way around EquiNet? We’ve put together the top 5 Quick Tips on the following topics, based on the most frequently mentioned questions from advisors:

   1. Policy Inquiry/New Business Pending Inquiry 
   2. Document Lookup 
   3. Policy Statements & Correspondence 
   4. Username & Email Address Support
   5. Need more help? Submit a request for support using the EquiNet Support Form.

    

   See more details and information about other site tips in this FAQ created to help you find your way around.

4. Group - COVID-19 Group Benefits Updates

   As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, it’s important that you have the most up-to-date information about how it impacts you, your clients and their plan members. To help, we have created a COVID-19 Updates page on EquiNet, our secure advisor site. There you will find links to past editions of our eNews, as well as the most up to date FAQ. Please check back often. We will continue to provide timely updates on any developments that impact our clients and their plan members or their benefits coverage.

   Open our EquiNet COVID-19 Updates page

5. Individual Insurance Marketing Materials
6. February 2020 Advisor eNews

   In this issue:

   Provincial biosimilar update
   Legislative changes for Alberta’s Coverage for Seniors program
   Coming soon: enhancements to Equitable EZClaim® Online
    

   Provincial biosimilar update

   

   Alberta Biosimilar Initiative

   On December 12, 2019, the Alberta government introduced the launch of the Alberta Biosimilar Initiative. This program will require patients using several originator biologic drugs to switch to a biosimilar, and patients using a non-biologic complex drug (NBCD) to switch to its subsequent entry version before July 1, 2020 in order to maintain coverage.

   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” drug. Biosimilars 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.

   Alberta Health will initially cover both the originator and biosimilar or subsequent entry version of a NBCD  drug as patients start the switching process.

   The following table outlines the affected originator drugs, their biosimilars or subsequent entry, and the conditions affected by the program.

   Biosimilar Drug	Originator	Biosimilar/Subsequent Entry	Indications Affected
   etanercept	Enbrel	Brenzys	Ankylosing Spondylitis Rheumatoid Arthritis
   		Erelzi	Ankylosing Spondylitis Psoriatic Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis
   infliximab	Remicade	Inflectra Renflexis	Ankylosing Spondylitis Plaque Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Crohn’s Disease Ulcerative Colitis
   insulin glargine	Lantus	Basaglar	Diabetes (Type 1 and 2)
   Filgrastim	Neupogen	Grastofil	Neutropenia
   pegfilgrastim	Neulasta	Lapelga	Neutropenia
   glatiramer*	Copaxone	Glatect	Multiple Sclerosis

   *Glatiramer is a non-biologic complex drug where the originator is Copaxone and the subsequent entry is Glatect.

   Equitable Life is actively investigating the benefit, risk and appropriate plan changes associated with this new policy on private drug plans and will keep you informed.

   For more information about the Alberta Biosimilars Initiative, consult the Alberta government website.

   British Columbia

   In 2019, BC Pharmacare introduced a Biosimilars Policy that impacted coverage of three biologic drugs – Remicade, Enbrel and Lantus. As of November 25, 2019, these drugs were no longer eligible in BC for most conditions for which lower cost biosimilar versions are available. Patients in the province with these conditions were required to switch to biosimilar versions of these drugs in order to maintain their coverage.

   The second phase of the BC Biosimilar Policy takes effect March 6, 2020 when Remicade will be delisted for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Patients in the province with these conditions will be required to switch to Inflectra or Renflexis in order to maintain their coverage.

   Biosimilar Drug	Originator	Biosimilar	Indications Affected
   infliximab	Remicade	Inflectra Renflexis	Crohn’s Disease Ulcerative Colitis

   We have communicated with the affected plan members, informing them of the need to switch medications. If plan members have any questions or concerns, our Customer Care team is here to help and support them through the transition.

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

   Ontario

   In November 2019 Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliot indicated that the government was planning to launch consultations to explore solutions in managing biologics.

   Equitable Life will continue to monitor these developments and keep you informed of any impact on private drug plans.

    

   Legislative changes for Alberta’s Coverage for Seniors program

   

   The government of Alberta has announced that as of March 1, 2020, seniors’ family members (such as spouses and dependents) who are younger than 65 will no longer be covered by the provincial Coverage for Seniors program. Albertans 65 years of age and older will continue to be covered under the provincial plan.

   Equitable Life plan members and their dependents will continue to be covered under the parameters of their group benefits plan.

   For more information, please see the Alberta Seniors Health Benefits website.

    

   Coming soon: enhancements to Equitable EZClaim^® Online

   

   Faster vision claims processing and payment

   Equitable Life will soon provide real-time processing of vision claims submitted via EZClaim Online.

   This means plan members will be able to find out the status of their vision claim almost instantaneously. And, for approved claims, they will receive payment even sooner – often in as little as 24 hours.

   In order to allow for instantaneous processing and faster payment, plan members will be prompted to enter some additional information including the practitioner’s name, the date of the expense, the type of expense and amount of the expense when submitting their claims for these services.

   Equitable Life plan members can submit all vision claims via EZClaim, including coordination of benefits and Health Care Spending Account claims.

   This enhancement will be coming to our EZClaim Mobile app in the coming months.

   New printable claims extract

   As part of our ongoing efforts to improve customer experience for plan members, we will also offer a claims extract in a printable format within the plan member site. Plan members will be able to select a date range and claimant, then generate and download a detailed list of health and dental claims. This is a helpful way to keep track of claims, especially when reviewing them in preparation for income tax filing.

   Once these enhancements are live you will be notified in an eNews, and an announcement will be posted on the plan member section of EquitableHealth.ca.

    

   Elimination of Out-of-Country Travellers Program in Ontario

   

   Effective January 1, 2020, the Ontario government eliminated OHIP coverage for emergency services for Ontarians travelling outside of Canada.

   Previously, the Out-of-Country Travelers Program provided some reimbursement for services required to treat conditions that are acute, unexpected, arose outside Canada and require immediate treatment. The program covered between $200 and $400 per day for inpatient services and $50 per day for outpatient and doctor services.

   For groups who have out-of-country coverage from Allianz, this change will not impact the cost to your plan members, or the process plan members follow in the event of an emergency while travelling.

   Plan members should still call Allianz in the event of an out of country emergency. Allianz will deal with their claim as usual and will now pay for the portion of the claim previously paid by OHIP. Plan members will not have any additional out-of-pocket costs.

   We will be sharing this information with plan members as a news item on our plan member website, equitablehealth.ca.

7. 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.

8. Individual Wealth Marketing Materials
9. What's new?