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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   Instead of paper kits that can easily get lost or quickly become outdated, plan members receive personalized welcome kits via an interactive email, including instructions on how to: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. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – November 2020

   In this issue:

   • Telemedicine now included in Travel Assist*
   • Take advantage of our convenient digital options*
   • 2021 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings and Short Term Disability Benefit*

   *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients

   Telemedicine now included in Travel Assist*

   Medical emergencies can be particularly stressful while travelling. Making your way to a medical facility can be a struggle. And once you get there, you could face long wait times, language barriers or even the risk of COVID-19 infection.

   That’s why Allianz Global Assistance^®, our Travel Assist provider, is adding two new virtual care options to provide plan members with timely and appropriate medical support.

   As always, when a travel medical emergency strikes, plan members call Allianz for assistance. During the intake process plan members will be guided through a series of questions to triage their unique medical situation. Options for care now include two different virtual care services:

   • TeleConsultation – Video and chat consultation with a locally licensed physician. This physician can diagnose simple medical conditions and provide a prescription. Available across Canada and in some high travel states in the United States.
   • TeleAdvice – Video and chat consultation for situations which are not likely to require a prescription. The physician can diagnose simple medical conditions and provide medical guidance.

   Plan members who use virtual care may benefit from:

   • Reduced wait times;
   • Care from the comfort of their current location;
   • Reduced language barriers;
   • No need to arrange transportation to a medical facility;
   • Reduced impact on travel itinerary; and
   • Reduced risk of exposure.

   Both TeleConsultation and TeleAdvice will be available for all Equitable Life plan members beginning January 1^st, 2021. There is no additional cost, no changes required to your client’s plans, and no change to the way plan members contact Allianz in the event of a travel medical emergency.

   This PDF plan member update will also be included in the eNews to plan administrators.

   If you have any questions about these new features, please contact your Equitable Life Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

   Allianz Global Assistance is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd.

   Help your clients take advantage of our convenient digital options*

   During this time of physical distancing, people are looking for ways to interact with their providers virtually. We recently enhanced our Online Plan Member Enrolment tool, allowing all groups to add new plan members without the need for paper forms.

   Did you know, we have several other 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? Over 71% of plan administrators are managing their plan online and 78% of plan members are already using our digital tools.

   For plan administrators:

   • Plan Administrator Portal (EquitableHealth.ca) – plan administrators can easily manage their plan anytime and anywhere
   • Digital Welcome Kits – personalized welcome kits are delivered to plan members via email
   • Easy automated payments – plan administrators can avoid missed payments by setting up pre-authorized debit or electronic funds transfer 

   For plan members:

   • Plan Member Portal (EquitableHealth.ca) – plan members get secure, 24/7 access to their claims history, coverage details and health and wellness resources
   • Electronic Claim Payments and Notifications – plan members can get claim updates sooner in their email inbox and payments right into their bank account
   • EZClaim Mobile App – submitting claims from a mobile device is fast, easy and secure
   • Digital Benefits Cards – plan members no longer have to dig through their wallet – they can download their benefits card on their mobile device

   Learn more about how we’re making it easier for your clients to do business with us

   2021 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings and Short Term Disability Benefit*

   The Canada Employment Insurance Commission and Canada Revenue Agency have announced the 2021 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, and premiums for employment insurance. These changes take effect January 1^st, 2021.

   Maximum Insurable Earnings (MIE)

   The MIE will increase from $54,200 to $56,300.

   Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings (MWIE)

   The MWIE will increase from $1,042 to $1,083.

   EI Benefit (55% of the MWIE, rounded to the nearest dollar)

   EI benefit will increase from $573 to $595

   Information for Plan sponsors

   If your client’s Group Policy with Equitable Life includes a Short Term Disability (STD) benefit which is tied to the EI MWIE, and at least one classification of employees has less than a $595 maximum:

   • To comply with the provisions of their policy, their STD benefit will be revised with the maximums updated based on the percentage of EI MEIW shown in their policy.
   • The additional premium for any increase from their previous STD amounts and new STD amounts will be show on their January 2021 Group Insurance Billing (as applicable).

   If their STD maximum is currently higher than $595 or based on a flat amount (not based on a percentage or regular earnings):

   • No change will be made to their plan unless otherwise directed.

   If your clients wish to provide direction regarding revising their STD maximum, or have questions about the process, they can email Kari Gough, Manager, Group Quotes and Issue.

    

   *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients

9. Canada Post Labour Strike: What you need to know

   No postal service? No worries. Equitable^® has electronic options that make doing business with us easy and seamless and will help to prevent delays in the event of a postal strike.

   
   Online tools for advisors through EquiNet^® (Login to EquiNet to access):
   
   ● Use EZcomplete^®to submit your individual wealth, individual life and critical illness insurance applications electronically.
   ● Use Policy/New Business Inquiry and EZtransact™ to keep your business running. You will continue to receive your online correspondence so that you can keep clients up to date with lapses or premiums due.
   ● Use  EZ Upload to submit scanned applications though a secure online connection. Easily upload applications and related documents, all at the click of a button. EZ Upload saves you time and courier costs and can be used for your life insurance, critical illness and savings and retirement business.
   
   Online tools for clients:
   
   ● Equitable Client Access^® By setting up an account, clients can access their investment and insurance policy information, statements, letters, and payment details, whenever it’s convenient for them. Encourage them to sign up now!
   ● Online banking: Clients can make deposits to their Equitable savings policies, or make annual premium payments to their insurance policies through online banking. It’s fast and easy … and there’s no need for you to pick-up or deliver a cheque.
   ● Direct deposit withdrawals: Requests for cash withdrawals can be sent directly to clients’ bank accounts provided we have their banking information on file.
   ● Courier service: Contracts will continue to be sent via courier. Policy Disbursement cheques, cancellation letters, decline letters or cheques and other urgent correspondence will be couriered to the servicing MGA office for delivery/pickup. All other non-urgent correspondence will be held at Head Office.
   
   Equitable works for you to make it business as usual!
   
   Date posted: September 26, 2025