Site Search
648 results for view link MAKEMUR.com how to bail someone out with little money HMP Channings Wood
-
Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin - April 2021
In this issue:
- Alberta biosimilar coverage changes*
- New Humira biosimilars approved*
- Saskatchewan and Manitoba delist biologics for some conditions*
Update: Alberta biosimilar coverage changes take effect*
In our November 2020 edition of eNews, we announced we are changing coverage for some biologic drugs in Alberta in response to the province’s Biosimilar Initiative.
As of March 15, 2021, several originator biologic drugs are no longer covered for plan members in Alberta. Plan members taking these biologics are required to switch to the biosimilar versions of these drugs to maintain eligibility under their Equitable Life plan.
Affected drugs and conditions – Remicade remains eligible
We initially announced that Remicade would be among the biologic drugs no longer covered in Alberta.
We have since determined a method to maintain ongoing eligibility of Remicade while reducing or eliminating any Coordination of Benefit risk associated with the provincial change. As such, Remicade will continue to be eligible for coverage.
Communication to plan members and plan sponsors
We communicated directly with affected claimants in January 2021 to allow them ample time to change their prescriptions and avoid any interruptions in their treatment or their coverage. The transition to biosimilars, when required, has been smooth and continues to be successful.
Plan sponsors were notified even earlier to allow ample time to opt-out of this change. The vast majority have accepted the changes and are benefiting from a smooth plan member transition.
Looking ahead
We are one of the few insurers taking a comprehensive and proactive response to the Alberta Biosimilars Initiative. We will continue to monitor developments related to the coverage of biologics in Alberta and other provinces and will continue to take steps to protect your clients’ drug plans.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this change, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
New Humira biosimilars approved*
Beginning in February, Health Canada approved seven new biosimilars for Humira, a biologic drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and many other conditions. Most of these biosimilars have already been launched and are available in pharmacies.
Humira is one of the highest ranked drugs in terms of total annual cost. All the Humira biosimilars are priced 40% lower than Humira and represent a savings opportunity for private drug plans.
BC Pharmacare has already announced that, effective October 7, 2021, all claimants for most conditions will only be eligible for Humira biosimilars.
We have implemented national controls to ensure the use of Humira biosimilars for new claimants. As with all biosimilar programs at Equitable Life, they will continuously evolve such that our clients are provided appropriate risk protection.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba change coverage for some biologics*
The Saskatchewan government recently announced that, effective March 1, 2021, new patients will no longer be eligible for coverage of Enbrel under its public plan. New patients will only be eligible for biosimilar versions of Enbrel.
Similarly, the Manitoba government announced changes to its tiered biologics program. Currently, claimants are expected to try biosimilars listed under Tier 1 of the program before they can be considered for coverage under the public plan for either Enbrel or Remicade, which are Tier 2 drugs. Effective April 1, 2021, Brenzys, an Enbrel biosimilar, has been added to Tier 1 for some additional medical conditions. As well, Avsola has been added as another Tier 1 biosimilar for Remicade. These changes further expand the Manitoba government’s utilization of biosimilars as preferred therapies over originator biologics.
Biosimilars are highly similar to the drugs they are based on and Health Canada considers them to be equally safe and effective for approved conditions.
Equitable Life actively monitors and investigates all biosimilar policy changes and the ongoing evolution of biosimilar drugs entering Canada. We will keep you informed of any impact on private drug plans and how we are responding.
*Indicates content that will be shared with your clients
-
National Pharmacare (Plan NP) takes effect in B.C. on March 1
In this issue:
National Pharmacare (Plan NP) takes effect in B.C. on March 1
Travel coverage details plan members should know if they’re in or going to Mexico*
*Indicates content we will share with your clients.
National Pharmacare (Plan NP) takes effect in B.C. on March 1
The Province of British Columbia (B.C.) will implement the first phase of the National Pharmacare Act, also known as Bill C64 (Act), on March 1, 2026.
The new program will be called National Pharmacare (Plan NP). The province joins Manitoba and Prince Edward Island, who have already implemented the first phase of their own programs. All three provinces, along with Yukon, signed bilateral pharmacare agreements with the federal government last year.
National Pharmacare (Plan NP) coverage details
The federal government has agreed to provide universal coverage for many diabetes drugs and contraceptives, including deductibles, during the first phase of implementation of the Act. Equitable will no longer cover drugs that are eligible for coverage under Plan NP.
Diabetes devices and supplies are not included in the first phase of plan implementation. However, expanded coverage for certain diabetes-related devices and supplies is expected to begin in B.C. on April 1, 2026.
Since B.C. already offers universal coverage of contraceptives through its provincial pharmacare program, the province is using that portion of the federal funding to cover menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Many diabetes medications such as metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas and SGLT-2 inhibitors will be fully covered under Plan NP.
Some diabetes medications and MHTs will only be partially covered when the program takes effect. As well, many diabetes medications will continue to require Special Authority through the province.
What will Equitable plan members need to do?Coverage will be provided automatically at the pharmacy counter. Plan members simply need to present a prescription for a covered medication and their Medical Services Plan of B.C. (MSP) card to their pharmacist. If a plan member isn’t fully enrolled in the MSP yet, their pharmacist will help them secure coverage under Plan NP.
The pharmacist will charge the provincial plan directly for the relevant medications. There will be no direct impact to plan members or their experience at the pharmacy for fully covered drugs.
Where do GLP-1 drugs fit in?
GLP-1 agonist drugs will not be covered under Plan NP. Equitable plan members who are prescribed this type of drug to treat diabetes must try a first-line diabetic treatment before we can deem them eligible for coverage of the GLP-1 agonist.
Plan members who are already taking a GLP-1 agonist to treat diabetes will continue to be eligible for coverage. New plan members or plan members with new prescriptions for GLP-1 agonists must provide us proof that shows they’ve tried a first-line diabetic treatment to confirm eligibility—unless we already have a previous record of their insulin use. Proof can be either a past receipt or a claim statement.
Our priority is supporting the best outcomes for plan sponsors and their members. We are working with TELUS Health, our pharmacy benefits manager, to keep you updated as more details become available.
Travel coverage details plan members should know if they’re in or going to Mexico
Plan members with Travel Assist medical emergency coverage included in their benefits plan should keep the following information in mind if they’re planning travel to Mexico or if they’re in the country now.
Due to recent violence in Mexico, the Government of Canada has issued the following travel advice to anyone in or planning to visit the country.
Plan members are not covered if they receive out-of-province services where the Canadian government had issued a warning to avoid all or non‑essential travel before they entered the country.
Plan members should contact Trident Global Assistance, the company that administers our Travel Assist benefits, before departing if they have questions about their coverage or to confirm if they’re covered for travel to their specific destination.
Here’s how plan members can reach the Trident Global Assistance toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline:
-
In Canada or the U.S: 1-800-321-9998
-
Elsewhere: Call collect at 519-742-3287
They should be prepared to provide the following information:
-
Name
-
Group policy number
-
Certificate number
-
Government health insurance plan number
If a plan member arrived in Mexico before the travel advisory was issued and are past their day allowance, they should call Trident if they need to have their day maximum extended past the allowable period.
Equitable’s Travel Assist medical emergency coverage does not include any trip cancellation or trip interruption benefits.
Communicating to plan members
We are making every effort to share this information with affected plan members. Please encourage your clients who have Travel Assist coverage included in their benefits plan to share this message with their plan members.
-
-
Do you have clients considering a First Home Savings Account in 2024?
We want to help clients save money for their first home. A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a registered plan allowing prospective first-time homebuyers to save for their first home tax-free up to $8,000 a year or a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000.
With the Equitable® FHSA, they can put their money to work right away. Available on Pivotal Select™ Investment Class (75/75) and Pivotal Select Estate Class (75/100) and Daily/Guaranteed Interest Account (DIA/GIA), Equitable offers clients an array of investment products to suit their individual needs and risk tolerance.
Do not wait. Get clients started today!
To open a FHSA or DIA/GIA for clients, log in to EZcomplete®, our highly rated online application tool. It is easy to use, convenient, and fast.
For more information on FHSA or DIA/GIA, including a FAQ and client materials, visit EquiNet® or contact your Director, Investment Sales.
Date posted: October 16, 2024 - [pdf] Health Care Spending Account - Plan administrators
-
Are your clients looking for more Tax-Free Savings Account contribution room?
Good news! With the start of the new year comes new additional contribution room.
A Tax-Free Savings Account is a great option for clients to grow their savings with the flexibility to access their money when they need it, before or during retirement. Encourage your clients to start saving today!
For more information on the options available, please click here.
- [pdf] TFSA Third Party Contribution
- [pdf] Why do business with Equitable
-
Reminder: Deadline to opt out of Alberta biosimilar coverage changes
In November 2020, we announced via eNews that on March 15, 2021, we are changing coverage for some biologic drugs in Alberta in response to the province’s Biosimilar Initiative. These changes will help protect your client’s plans from additional drug costs while still providing access to equally safe and effective biosimilars.
Do my clients need to take any action?
Traditional groups who wish to opt out of this change and maintain coverage of these originator biologics for Alberta plan members can submit a policy amendment. Amendments must be submitted no later than January 15, 2021.
Advisors with myFlex Benefits clients who wish to maintain coverage of these originator biologics for Alberta plan members should speak to their myFlex Sales Manager to confirm their eligibility to opt out of this change.
Otherwise, no action is required on their part. Plan members taking these biologics will be contacted directly to allow them ample time to change their prescription. Any cost savings associated with the change will be factored in at renewal.
Questions?
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand Alberta’s Biosimilar Initiative. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact your Equitable Life Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
-
Take the emotions out of investing
Investing without letting our emotions take the wheel can be quite a challenge. We've all made decisions based on our feelings rather than logic or financial sense at some point. But following our emotions when investing is a good way to put our investment plan at risk.
When it comes to financial planning, it's crucial to guide clients towards being rational investors who understand that market fluctuations are part of the journey. Even the most steadfast rational investors have found it tough to stay calm amidst recent market volatility. But history reassures us that this too shall pass, and the markets will rise again. The burning question is always, "When?"
While no one can predict the future, an advisors’ role is to help clients grasp that risk management is a cornerstone of any solid investment strategy. Risk is just one of the building blocks in crafting a financial portfolio that can weather both good times and bad.
That’s why Equitable® has created an emotional investing brochure to help clients manage through extraordinary times. Download your copy of Take emotions out of investing. We have also included a template letter that you can personalize and use to reach out to clients. To download an editable copy, click here.
Questions? Contact your Director, Investment Sales.
Date posted: April 17, 2025 - [pdf] Do you know Dakari and Ash