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1. Choosing the right funds
2. Win with clients this winter – Equitable’s Snowball Your Savings contest This winter, clients’ savings could do more than grow—they could win. From January 1 to March 2, 2026, when clients set up or contribute to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), they will be automatically entered into Equitable’s Snowball Your Savings contest. Here’s the exciting part: two client winners will be randomly selected to receive a prize—just for saving.
   
   Key Dates:
   Contribution Period: January 1 – March 2, 2026
   Draw Date: March 23, 2026
   
   How to Enter
   Getting started is easy—and every eligible contribution is a chance to win!
   Step 1: Connect with your clients
   Step 2: Help your clients set up or contribute to a RRSP or TFSA that is aligned with their financial needs and goals
   Step 3: That’s it! Clients’ entry is automatic—no forms, no hassle!
   
   Whether clients are topping up their TFSA or making a RRSP contribution ahead of tax season, their smart saving could lead to something extra this winter.
   
   
   Equitable offers trusted, personalized investment solutions and, as a mutual, we provide financial strength and a commitment to helping Canadians grow and protect their wealth.
   
   Visit equitable.ca/snowball for full details
   
   
   ® or ™ denotes trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
   Equitable’s Snowball Your Savings contest: No purchase necessary. Contest period January 1, 2026 to March 2, 2026.  Enter by making a deposit to an Equitable Tax-Free Savings Account or Registered Retirement Savings Plan during the contest period or by submitting a no-purchase entry. Two prizes for a total value of $10,000 CAD to be drawn on March 23, 2026, will be awarded. The servicing advisor for the contract to which the selected entrant made the deposit is also an eligible winner and will receive a $1,000 CAD prize. For example, if an Equitable client is a winner of the $5,000 prize, the client’s servicing advisor wins a $1,000 prize. Open to legal residents of Canada of the age of majority. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible Entries received during the Contest Period.  For full contest rules, including no-purchase method of entry, see the full contest rules.
3. New Year, New Opportunities—Explore Equitable’s Competitive Term Life Solution The new year brings new opportunities to help clients feel confident about their financial future. Equitable’s term rates are among the best on LifeGuide in key markets*, combined with our flexibility and support, making us a great choice for clients. Run an illustration now!

   Why choose Equitable for term life insurance?

   • Great rates – we’ve recently repriced! On average, we reduced our monthly term rates by 5%. Check out our great term rates for yourself.  Tip! For best term rates, choose monthly premiums.
   • Flexibility to change the term plan** – life is always changing, and so do life insurance needs. Offer clients the flexibility to:
        • Exchange term plans: from Term 10 to Term 20 or Term 30/65. They can also exchange from Term 20 to Term 30/65.
        • Convert to permanent coverage: Offer clients the security of changing their term plan to any of our permanent plans without underwriting.
   • Partial term conversion with term rider carryover: Convert part of the term coverage into permanent protection and carry over the remaining coverage as any term rider plan.
   • Extra support when it matters most – our KIND^® program offers a suite of benefits for clients and their families. This reflects our deep commitment to standing by them when it matters most. 
   
   
   
   
   Build client relationships with trusted protection
   This year, and every year, strengthen your client relationships by choosing Equitable for term life protection. With our flexible solutions, innovative features, and unwavering support, you can help clients move forward with confidence.
   
   Start the year off by helping clients meet their insurance needs with a term plan.
   
   Run a quote today!
   
   Contact your Equitable wholesaler today to learn more!
   
    *Effective November 22, 2025. Our monthly term rates are ranked among the best on LifeGuide when compared against top carriers in key markets. 
   ** Administrative rules and age limits apply to exchanges and conversions. Please see the policy for details. The policy governs in all cases.
    
4. Equitable celebrates FundGrade A+ awards, reinforces commitment to Canadian investors
   Equitable^® has been recognized with two FundGrade A+^® awards, an annual distinction that recognizes exceptional performance among Canadian investment funds.
    

   The award-winning funds are available on the new Equitable Guaranteed Investment Funds^TM solution:

   Equitable Invesco NASDAQ 100 ESG Index ETF

   Equitable Fidelity^® Global Innovators

   “We’re honoured to receive this recognition,” says Cam Crosbie, Executive Vice-President, Individual Wealth. “These awards reflect the hard work of many teams across our organization and, of course, our partners.”  

   Looking ahead, Equitable Individual Wealth remains focused on continuous improvement and innovation. “This is just the beginning,” adds Crosbie. “We deeply value the trust advisors and clients place in us every day, and we’re committed to helping Canadians reach their financial goals with more confidence.” 

   
   
   
   FundGrade A+^® is used with permission from Fundata Canada Inc., all rights reserved. The annual FundGrade A+^® Awards are presented by Fundata Canada Inc. to recognize the “best of the best” among Canadian investment funds. The FundGrade A+^® calculation is supplemental to the monthly FundGrade ratings and is calculated at the end of each calendar year. The FundGrade rating system evaluates funds based on their risk-adjusted performance, measured by Sharpe Ratio, Sortino Ratio, and Information Ratio. The score for each ratio is calculated individually, covering all time periods from 2 to 10 years. The scores are then weighted equally in calculating a monthly FundGrade. The top 10% of funds earn an A Grade; the next 20% of funds earn a B Grade; the next 40% of funds earn a C Grade; the next 20% of funds receive a D Grade; and the lowest 10% of funds receive an E Grade. To be eligible, a fund must have received a FundGrade rating every month in the previous year.  The FundGrade A+^® uses a GPA-style calculation, where each monthly FundGrade from “A” to “E” receives a score from 4 to 0, respectively. A fund’s average score for the year determines its GPA. Any fund with a GPA of 3.5 or greater is awarded a  FundGrade A+^® Award.  For more information, see www.FundGradeAwards.com.  Although Fundata makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained herein, the accuracy is not guaranteed by Fundata. 
   
   Equitable and Equitable Guaranteed Investment Funds are trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.

5. Last chance to be entered to win – Snowball Your Savings contest ends March 2
   There’s still time to turn client contributions into a win for both of you. Until March 2, 2026, when clients set up or contribute to their Equitable^® Registered Retirement Savings Plan or Tax-Free Savings Account, they’ll be automatically entered into Equitable’s Snowball Your Savings contest. And here’s the exciting part: two winners will be randomly drawn—and their advisors will share in the celebration!
    
   Key Dates
   Contribution Period: January 1 – March 2, 2026
   Draw Date: March 23, 2026
    
   How to Enter
   
   Advisors can easily submit client contributions through Equitable’s EZcomplete^® or process transactions using EZtransact^®. Every eligible entry is a chance to win!
   
   
   
   
   
   Why Equitable?
   We can help Canadians grow their savings with confidence. With a diverse range of investment funds and three distinct guarantee classes, Equitable offers flexible, goal-based solutions designed to support your clients’ financial journey.
   
   Make the Most of It
   Connect with your Director, Investment Sales to explore strategies for driving contributions, boosting engagement and supporting Canadians this season.
    
   ® and ™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.   
   Equitable’s Snowball Your Savings contest: No purchase necessary. Contest period January 1, 2026 to March 2, 2026.  Enter by making a deposit to an Equitable Tax-Free Savings Account or Registered Retirement Savings Plan during the contest period or by submitting a no-purchase entry. Two prizes of $5,000 CAD to be drawn on March 23, 2026 will be awarded. The servicing advisor for the contract to which the selected entrants made the deposit is also an eligible winner and will receive a $1,000 CAD prize. For example, if an Equitable client is a winner of the $5,000 prize, the client’s servicing advisor for the relevant contract wins a $1,000 prize.  Open to legal residents of Canada of the age of majority. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received during the Contest Period.  For full contest rules, including no-purchase method of entry, see the full contest rules.  
6. Universal life (UL) enhanced – more options to reach more clients

   Great News!

   Explore the latest enhancements to Equitable Generations™ UL insurance, offering clients greater flexibility to meet their needs.
   
   What’s new for Equitable Generations UL:
   • Level cost of insurance (COI) option.* Available for new sales to offer even more choice for clients. Here is how these rates compare to Equation Generation IV Level COI:
         • Non-smoker rates have decreased on average by 4% across all ages and bands (Smoker rates have increased on average by 1%).
   • New rate bands. $1M and $5M for Level COI**, making our UL solution more attractive to a wide range of clients. * For Level COI, only Account Value Protector is offered as a death benefit option.
   **The rate bands for Level COI are $25,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1 million and $5 million. The rate bands for YRT remain $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, $250,000 and $500,000.
   
   These enhancements offer a more competitive solution to grow your UL business. See for yourself – run a quote today!
   
   Equation Generation^® IV UL is retired. Equation Generation IV is no longer being offered for new sales effective March 21, 2026.
   We now have the essential UL features in one powerful solution, Equitable Generations UL.
   
   

   Video available French and Chinese.
   
   Please refer to the Transition Rules for all the details on processing your applications. 
   
   Visit our splash page for full product details

   
   More reasons to choose Equitable^® for your UL business
   • Wide range of investment choices through some of Canada’s most prominent fund managers (including sustainable investment options).
   • We are the only UL carrier to offer target-date investment options.
   • Guaranteed Investment Bonus.  An annual rate of 0.75% is added to the policy’s account value starting in year 1.
   • No policy administration fees. No Linked Interest Option (LIO) administration fees (except for LIOs that track indices).
   • Caring claim support through our KIND^TM program.   
   
   Need more information? Please contact your Equitable wholesaler.
   
   
   
   
   
   03/23/26

7. Turn ‘time in the market’ into client momentum

   
   If clients are saving for a first home, contribution frequency matters. A simple compounding lesson helps them understand why bi‑weekly FHSA deposits can build balances faster than monthly contributions and gives you a natural bridge to Equitable’s Grow Your Way Home contest this summer.

   
   Reinforce that bi‑weekly vs. monthly is about time in the market and consistent behaviour, not market timing. Here are a few talking points to reinforce with clients:

   1. “Earlier dollars work longer.”
      Bi‑weekly contributions get part of the money invested sooner than a month‑end deposit, giving those dollars more days in the market.

   2. “More deposits create more compounding moments.”
      Each deposit can begin earning right away and those earnings can earn too. More frequent contributions increase opportunities for that “interest on interest” effect.

   3. “Make it effortless.”
      Align contributions to clients’ paydays. Automating bi‑weekly deposits helps build habit, removes friction and keeps clients steadily moving toward their first home savings goals.

    

   As you continue FHSA conversations this summer, remind clients that contributing more frequently can get their money working sooner. And from May 1 to August 31, 2026, opening an Equitable FHSA account, contributing to their Equitable FHSA, or setting up recurring deposits to their Equitable FHSA earns automatic entries in Equitable’s Grow Your Way Home contest.

   Use EZcomplete^® and EZtransact^® to keep contributions seamless and connect with your Director, Investment Sales for additional support, tools and ideas to help you continue these conversations throughout the summer.

    

   ® and ™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.

   Equitable’s Grow Your Way Home contest: No purchase necessary. Contest period is May 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026. Enter by: opening an Equitable FHSA during the Contest Period; making a deposit to your Equitable FHSA during the Contest Period;  or submitting a no-purchase entry. Two prizes of $8,000 each to be drawn on September 21, 2026 will be awarded to clients. The servicing advisor for the contract to which the selected entrant made the deposit is also an eligible winner and will receive a $1,000 prize. Open to legal residents of Canada of the age of majority. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received during the Contest Period. For full contest rules, including no-purchase method of entry, see the full contest rules

8. 2026 Dividend scale announcement, plus new Performance and perspective par fund report

   Good news! Equitable’s Board of Directors has approved maintaining our current dividend scale, including the dividend scale interest rate of 6.40%, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.*
   
   These factors are also staying the same:
   •  The interest rate* used to decide the dividend scale is unchanged at 6.40%.
   •  The interest rate for policies with dividends on deposit stays at 3.50%.
   •  The interest rate for most policy loans continues to be 6.50%. **
   
   A stable dividend scale reflects strong, long‑term management of the participating fund.
   
   Find out what’s new with Equitable Individual Insurance and hear the 2026 Dividend Scale announcement

   (*French and Chinese events will be partially in English, with sub-titles on screen).
   
   New! Performance and perspective participating fund report
   You now have a powerful new resource, Performance and perspective, to support your client conversations about Equitable’s participating fund. It’s designed to give you a transparent view of 2025 participating fund performance to help you explain long‑term value simply, and position Equimax^® participating whole life as a long‑term solution, not just a product.
   
   View the Performance and perspective report: English, French, Chinese
   
   Reasons to use Performance and perspective
   • It strengthens your conversations and builds client confidence by showing the participating fund asset mix, historical performance and long‑term approach all in one place.
   • It helps you explain with clear visuals how the participating account is managed, not just how it performed.
   
   Why this matters to clients
   • They get transparency into where their money is invested.
   • They can see how participating solutions are managed over time, not year to year.
   • They gain confidence in long‑term planning decisions, supported by facts.
   
   Need more information?
   • Dividend Information Page
   • 2026 Advisor Dividend Scale Notice
   • 2026 Client Dividend Scale Notice
   
   *Dividends are not guaranteed and are paid at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.
   **Applies to new and existing policy loans and automatic premium loans, specifically Equimax^® policies with 9-digit policy numbers beginning with 3 or 8. Older policies may have different loan rates as they reflect the prime interest rate.
    
9. EAMG Market Commentary April 2024 April 2024
    
   Rates & Credit – Interest rates increased in Q1 2024, giving back half of the decline experienced in Q4 2023 amid consistently positive surprises in U.S. economic data.  The positive economic news also drove a strong risk-on tone to the market, with the risk premium on corporate bonds tightening as economic prospects improved.  In Canada, corporate bonds outperformed government bonds and the broader FTSE Canada Universe Index (FTSE) with a slightly positive 0.07% return, verses a loss of 1.66% in government bonds and a loss of 1.22% for the overall index.  More interest rate sensitive long-term bonds experienced the largest decline, which was partially offset in corporate bonds by the risk-on tone to corporate bond spreads.  On a 6-month and 1-year basis, the FTSE remained positive at 6.94% and 2.10%, respectively.  Within corporate bonds, lower-rated BBBs outperformed higher-rated A bonds, while industries with higher interest rate exposure such as infrastructure, energy, and communications underperformed those with less exposure (notably financials and securitization).
   
   
    
    
   Equity Overview – Throughout Q1 2024, concerns about a recession gradually eased as central bankers adopted a more accommodative outlook on monetary policy. Their growing dovishness reflected confidence that the restrictive monetary measures were effectively curbing inflation as anticipated. Underpinned by prospects of an economic soft-landing, global equity markets rallied to start the year with most major North American indices soaring to new all-time highs during the quarter. U.S. equities continued to outperform other major international markets with the S&P 500 returning 10.6% in USD terms. Major developed economies from Europe, Australasia, and the Far East (EAFE) gained 10.1% in local currency terms, while the TSX added 6.6%. Furthermore, the U.S. economy continued to prove more resilient than most major developed economies, with strong employment and robust output data. As such, foreign investors of U.S. denominated securities achieved enhanced returns, benefitting from a stronger Greenback.
   
    
   U.S. Fundamentals – Corporate earnings beat expectations in Q4 2023, triggering a wave of upward earnings revision. Stable operating margins, cash flows and debt loads continue to attract investors into equities. Investors appear focused on the company’s ability to sustain debt levels ahead of renewing debt obligations. We observed that the number of major companies that expect improving financial performance shrunk to ~19%. This suggests that concentration risks are likely brewing in the equity market, yet again.
    
   U.S. Quant Factors
   Optimistic run-up in equity valuations were mostly driven by the momentum factor. A basket of companies with positive price trends intensified concentration risk in the equity market. We note that momentum factor’ performance sharply contrasted fundamental factors, making us cautious on the market’s complacency. For context, high quality companies, which is typically defined by high Return on Equity (ROE), stable earnings variability, and low financial leverage, placed second in our risk-adjusted performance rankings, and is dwarfed by the ~ 17.9% return observed from the momentum factor.
    
   Canadian Fundamentals – Against the backdrop of underwhelming financial results, ROE – a gauge of how efficiently a corporation generates profits – rebounded in Q4, 2023, after declining throughout most of the year. The improved efficiency metric provided a positive catalyst for dividend investors as the inverse movements of ROE relative to financing costs over 2023 kept investors on the sidelines. In addition, the CRB Raw Industrials Index, a measure of price changes of basic commodities, broke out of recent ranges, providing a tailwind for Canada’s energy and materials sector. Concerns with earnings contraction and macro-economic conditions have subsided.
    
   Canadian Quant Factors – Crude prices soared higher in Q1 2024, with ongoing production cuts from OPEC+ and ramifications of geopolitical conflicts keeping oil markets undersupplied. As such, energy companies benefitted, surging higher and outperforming the broader index, while the low volatility basket – with lower exposure to cyclically sensitive business – underperformed into quarter end. Furthermore, Canadian banks underperformed to start the quarter, giving back some of the sharp outperformance witnessed into the end of Q4 2023. That said, soft inflation data increased expectations of impending rate cuts from the Bank of Canada and, as such, banks performed in line with the broader market throughout most of the quarter. Underpinned by expectations of a dovish switch in monetary policy, investors rewarded dividend payers with a history of increasing dividends, boosting confidence in their ability to support future dividend growth. It is important to note that investors should not let dividend growth’s outperformance overshadow high dividend paying companies’ underperformance; more specifically, investors remain attentive to the businesses’ ability to create value relative to financing costs.  
   
   Views From the Frontline
    
   Rates – Interest rates in both Canada and the U.S. increased across all bond tenors in Q1 2024. U.S. inflation data surprised to the upside, remaining stubbornly higher than hoped, while labour market and consumer indicators underscored the economy's continued strength.  In Canada, inflation data fell below forecasts, but early 2024 GDP readings exceeded expectations. The market now anticipates a 'soft landing' for the U.S. economy; however, the Canadian economy continues to slow. North American central banks have signaled that we are at the peak for policy rates. The market is currently pricing in approximately two-to-three, 25 basis point interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve in the second half of 2024, much fewer than the six-to-seven 25 basis point interest rate cuts that the market had been anticipating even just three months ago.  As the Swiss central bank led the way with the first rate cut among developed countries, central banks in major developed economies will closely monitor upcoming data and market developments to determine the timing and pace for rate cuts.
    
   Credit – The risk premium for corporate bonds (versus government bonds) continued to tighten over the quarter, with a strong risk-on tone to the market as investors priced in renewed economic growth in 2024 as compared to previous expectations.  Corporate bond supply was robust, with $38.2bn in new issuance, the second strongest first quarter on record.  On the balance, we do not think the current risk premium adequately compensates for downside risk, particularly in longer-dated corporate bonds, and have a bias towards shorter-dated credit where we view the risk / reward dynamic as being more favourable.
    
   Equity – We favour a combination of the Dow Jones and the S&P500 for our broad market exposure. The Dow, a price-weighted index, should have some value and low volatility tilt as it tracks mature large companies.  As explained above, concentration risks are brewing in the equity market, and during Q1 this risk was exacerbated by investors rushing into a basket of companies with positive price trends, thereby pushing valuation metrics further into the expensive territory.  In our view, it is well-suited to use a combination of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 for broad U.S. market exposure given the heightened concentration risk. Looking forward, we expect companies to exhibit stable operating margins and therefore, we are shifting our focus toward the balance between upcoming corporate debt refinancing requirements and reinvestment in projects intended to drive future growth. In plain words, we are tactically adding to companies with stable cash flows and decreased debt loads outside of the mega-cap group. In Canada, we expect a modest earnings growth and remain attentive to how efficiently a corporation generates profits relative to their financing cost. We caution against the overly optimistic, commodity driven, “catch-up” trade vs. our southern neighbour. Therefore, we tweaked our investment strategy by rotating out of the low volatility factor and adding to higher yielding quality companies in Canada.
    

   Downloadable Copy

    

   Mark Warywoda, CFA VP, Public Portfolio Management	Ian Whiteside, CFA, MBA AVP, Public Portfolio Management	Johanna Shaw, CFA Director, Portfolio Management	Jin Li Director, Equity Portfolio Management
   Tyler Farrow, CFA Senior Analyst, Equity	Andrew Vermeer Senior Analyst, Credit	Elizabeth Ayodele Analyst, Credit	Francie Chen Analyst, Rates

    
   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^® 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.
    
    
10. 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.