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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. - [pdf] myFlex - How it works, what to consider
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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.
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SMS is Available for Individual Insurance Application Updates
If you haven’t opted in to receive your client's application status via text message, give it a try on your next application.
When you submit a client’s application, you can opt-in to receive text message updates for your new business applications. No need to log in to your advisor portal to know exactly what is going on with a case.
Once you opt-in to receive text messages, you will receive short text updates for your new business applications. That’s a text message when:- The application is received,
- Equitable Life has made a decision,
- The policy is ready for delivery, and
- The commissions have been triggered.
In addition to these messages, Equitable Life will continue to send proactive emails detailing outstanding requirements.
Be sure to opt-in to text messages when you complete your next application on EZComplete®.
We’ve recently made a number of changes to make doing business with us easy. Learn more about SMS and other ways we are making it easy to do business with us.
® denotes a registered trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
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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.
- Product at a glance
- [pdf] WL & Annuity - Child's 10 Pay
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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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New “Update Payment” feature for banking changes has launched!
Great news! Equitable® has launched a new self-serve "Update Payment" feature in Client Access and on EquiNet®. This new online process enables clients and advisors to easily submit key banking change requests for eligible insurance policies*, with no need to complete a physical form.
What’s new?
A new "Update Payment" feature is now available on Client Access and on EquiNet under Policy Inquiry. It allows clients (and advisors) to easily submit requests for the following three transactions online:
1. STOP pre-authorized payments.
2. RESUME pre-authorized payments on overdue accounts.
3. CHANGE which bank we withdraw money from.
The new "Update Payment" feature replaces the previous "Edit" button in Client Access. The old banking change options are still available in the client’s Profile section. They can be used to request a change to the payment withdrawal date, as that option is not yet available with the new Update Payment feature.
How it works!
When a change is requested using the new Update Payment feature, our Operations team receives it online. They will review and process the changes within three business days, as per Equitable’s current service standards.
The Update Payment feature in Client Access is a self-serve process. However, if a client prefers, their advisor or an Equitable Customer Service associate can assist them by submitting the request on their behalf. Clients will be asked to sign to approve any such requests that are submitted by someone other than the owner of the policy.
*The Update Payment transactions are only available for eligible policies: those that have not lapsed, are not on Automatic Premium Loan, and are not owned by a corporation or other entity.
We trust that these digital enhancements will help make the client and advisor experience even simpler and more efficient.
Need more information? Please contact your Equitable wholesaler.
® or TM denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.