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  1. Path to Success Module 2
  2. April 2023 eNews

    Vision care discounts from Bailey Nelson for Equitable Life plan members*

    We are pleased to announce we are partnering with Bailey Nelson to provide Equitable Life plan members with discounts on prescription and non-prescription eyewear. Bailey Nelson is a leading provider of prescription glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses with locations across Canada, as well as an online store.
     
    All Equitable Life plan members will have access to the following discounts from Bailey Nelson:

    Bailey-Nelson-table-EN.JPG
    *Includes anti-reflection and anti-scratch treatment. Glasses offers are based on 2 pairs of single vision or 1 pair of premium progressive lenses. Lens add-ons, such as high-index lenses and prescription tinted lens tints may involve additional costs.

    **Non-prescription glasses only. Cannot be combined with 2 for $200 discount.
     
    Plan members can provide their Equitable Life discount code in-store or at online checkout. Your clients may wish to distribute this convenient flyer with an overview of the available discounts to their plan members.
     
    Plan members can bring their prescription to a Bailey Nelson location or provide it online to order glasses and contact lenses. Bailey Nelson also provides eye exams in-store for $99.
     
    If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
     

    Equitable Life helps tackle benefits fraud through Joint Provider Fraud Investigation (JPFI) initiative*

    Protecting your clients’ plans is important to us. That’s why Equitable Life is working with other Canadian life and health insurers to conduct joint investigations into health service providers that are suspected of fraudulent activities through the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association’s (CLHIA’s) Joint Provider Fraud Investigation (JPFI) initiative. This collaborative initiative between major Canadian life and health insurers through the CLHIA is a major step toward reducing benefits fraud in the life and health benefits insurance industry. 

    How the JPFI works

    The JPFI builds on the 2022 launch of a CLHIA-supported industry program. The program uses advanced artificial intelligence to help identify fraudulent activity across an industry pool of anonymized claims data. Joint investigations will examine suspicious patterns across this data.
     
    Through this project, Equitable Life can initiate a request to begin a joint fraud investigation when we: 
    • See suspected provider fraud in our own data or the pooled data, or
    • Receive a substantiated tip about potential provider fraud 
    Other life and health insurers that have joined the JPFI will then have the option to join the investigation if they are also impacted by the provider under investigation. By sharing expertise and resources across insurers, the participating carriers will be able to determine the most appropriate next steps. 

    How Equitable Life protects your clients’ benefits plans from fraud

    Benefits fraud is a crime that affects insurers, employers and employees and puts the sustainability of workplace benefits at risk. CLHIA estimates that employers and insurers lose millions each year to benefits fraud and abuse.

    Our Investigative Claims Unit (ICU) consists of security and fraud experts who use data analytics and artificial intelligence to proactively identify and investigate suspicious billing patterns or claims activity to open investigations. We de-list healthcare providers who are engaged in questionable or fraudulent practices, pursue the recovery of improperly obtained funds, and report practitioners to regulatory bodies and law enforcement where appropriate.

    Learn more about benefits fraud, or contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager for more information.

    Second phase of TELUS eClaims transition*

    In June 2022, we switched to TELUS Health eClaims as our digital billing provider to give our plan members a faster and more convenient option for submitting paramedical and vision claims. The switch has allowed our plan members to take advantage of TELUS’s extensive network of over 70,000 paramedical and vision providers.
     
    We’ve now begun the second phase of our TELUS Health eClaims implementation. This phase will focus on improving the experience for paramedical and vision providers. We will begin issuing reconciliation statements for the claims they submit on behalf of their patients. These statements will make it easier for them to use the TELUS Health eClaims portal and provide incentive for even more providers to sign up.
     
    Please encourage your clients to remind their plan members about this convenient option. We have created a helpful one-pager that plan members can bring with them next time they have an appointment with their healthcare provider. 
     
    If you have any questions about TELUS Health eClaims, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
     

    Changes to STD application process for COVID-19 cases*

    As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we continue to adjust our disability management practices to ensure ongoing support and a fair experience for all our plan members.
     
    As of May 1, 2023, we will begin managing COVID-19-related short-term disability (STD) claims the same way that we manage disability claims for any other illness or condition. If a plan member is unable to work due to COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test, they must now use the standard STD application, including the Attending Physician Statement portion.
     
    Once we receive the claim, we will adjudicate it according to our standard process.
     
    If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

    * Indicates content that will be shared with your clients.


     
  3. Paramedicals are Re-opening Shortly We are pleased to announce that face-to-face insurance testing paramedical services, including the collection of vitals & fluids, are resuming shortly.  Our service providers, Dynacare and ExamOne, have been monitoring the public health standards and have established standards they will operate under to protect the health of both the applicant and health professionals.
     
    Our commitment to your client’s safety
    It is Equitable Life's commitment that both clients and advisors will be provided clear and thoughtful communication before initiating any testing. Clients should fully understand the potential risks associated with having a paramedical test taken at this time and are always able to choose not to attend the appointment if they do not feel comfortable or safe.
     
    How will paramedical services be conducted?
    Dynacare is conducting appointments at fixed site facilities where clients will travel to the health professional for their appointment. The paramedical questions will be covered by video or telephone to minimize the time spent in the fixed site facility. For more information, see Dynacare’s COVID-19 client guide that will be provided to the client directly.
     
    ExamOne examiners will travel to the client’s home for their appointment and the entire paramedical will be conducted at that time. Information about ExamOne’s COVID-19 processes and their Preparing for my exam client guide will also be provided to the client directy.
     
    When are paramedical services re-opening?
    In person paramedical services for Equitable Life cases will begin opening gradually. We have worked closely with our service providers, the CLHIA & provincial governments and believe it is prudent to begin re-opening services in the provinces that have a lower incidence of COVID-19.  We will expand the schedule as the incidence of COVID-19 lowers or is expected to lower in specific regions.
     
    Please note if you had an order in process prior to services shutting down, the provider will be looking to re-open and complete those orders. If requirements are no longer needed given the non-med limit changes, the order will remain closed.
     
    Schedule for re-opening paramedical services:
    Province Start Date
    Saskatchewan June 1-Dynacare, June 11-ExamOne
    New Brunswick June 8-Dynacare, June 11-ExamOne
    PEI and Newfoundland June 15, Dynacare and ExamOne
    Manitoba June 15, Dynacare and ExamOne
    Alberta June 18, Dynacare and ExamOne
    British Columbia June 22, Dynacare and ExamOne
    Nova Scotia June 22, Dynacare and ExamOne
    Ontario* By June 30, Dynacare and ExamOne
    Quebec * By June 30, Dynacare and ExamOne
     
    Note: Start dates are subject to change based on the progress of COVID-19.
     
    *Ontario & Quebec to re-open regionally (starting with areas with lower incidence of COVID-19). Specifics for Ontario and Quebec will be communicated closer to the implementation dates for these provinces. Further details can be found in this communication.
  4. This year’s RSP contribution deadline is March 1, 2022

     

    Does your client want to contribute or open a new policy this Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) season?  Whether using paper or our recent EZtransact online platform, here are some important things to remember.
     

    Issuing New Policy with EZcomplete®

    • All online applications must be digitally signed and submitted and have a date stamp no later than March 1, 2022.


    Issuing New Policy using Paper Application

    • For contributions to qualify for the first 60 days, all paperwork must be completed and signed by March 1, 2022. Equitable Life must receive all paperwork by March 7, 2022.



     

    Deposits to Existing Policy

    • Advisors can setup a one-time or recurring deposit or edit an existing pre-authorized debit already in place using EZtransact. Online deposits must be made and have a date stamp by March 1, 2022, to qualify for a 2021 tax receipt. New to EZtransact? Try our EZtransact Practice Site to see how EZ it is to use.
    • Clients can make online deposits to Equitable Life® through their financial institution’s online banking service. Online deposits must be made and have a date stamp by March 1, 2022, to qualify for a 2021 tax receipt. 
    • Clients can also make a new deposit to an existing policy by cheque. The cheque must be dated and signed by March 1, 2022. Equitable Life must receive the cheque no later than March 7, 2022.
    If online banking is being used to fund the policy – either topping up an existing policy or opening a new policy – the online banking transaction must be completed by March 1, 2022, to receive a 2021 tax receipt.

    Do not miss your opportunity to have your contributions count for 2021!

    Please note that cheques and other paperwork cannot be backdated.  They must be completed and signed by March 1, 2022, to qualify for a 2021 tax receipt.
     
     
    ® denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
  5. Equitable Life's RSP Contest: Grand prize winners celebrate a future filled with possibilities! The Savings & Retirement team at Equitable Life recently celebrated the successful conclusion of their recent RSP contest with a special cheque presentation to Equitable Life client, Kavitaben Rathod, and her World Financial Group (WFG) advisor, Kinnari Patel, who were both thrilled to be selected as the grand prize winners.

    The Grow Your Future contest ran from January 1 to March 1, 2023, and offered clients and advisors a chance to win big by making RSP contributions. It was a hit with clients like Kavitaben as it provided them with a compelling reason to work with their advisors to build their wealth. Clients who made a deposit into an Equitable Life RSP policy between January 1 and March 1, 2023, had the chance to win the $5,000 grand prize. When Kavitaben won the grand prize, her advisor Kinnari won $1,000 as well.

    Alex Lucero, Regional Investment Sales Manager, Greater Toronto Area, met with both Kinnari and Kavitaben to present the cheque and took some photos to commemorate the occasion. The collaborative effort put in by the Equitable Life team was highly appreciated.

    Kavitaben expressed her sincere gratitude, sharing how surprised, excited, and delighted she was to be chosen as the grand prize winner. She described the experience as “an amazing feeling and our best day in Canada! It was a really fortunate moment for me”.

    Kinnari also expressed her appreciation to Equitable Life, Alex, and the entire WFG team for the proud moment and shared that the experience gave her “motivation and inspiration in her future work duties”.

    Equitable Life's commitment to offering products, services, and choices that best suit clients' needs was evident through the contest. Clients saw contest messaging through social media and equitable.ca, while advisors saw it on the EquiNet advisor website, through emails, and MGA and WFG newsletters.
     
    Congratulations to everyone who supported the contest and helped make it a success!

    Picture1Winners-(1).jpgPicture2Winners-(1).jpg

    Date posted: April 19, 2023 
     
  6. Announcing Equitable Life's National Biosimilar Program Beginning March 1, 2024, we are expanding our biosimilar switch program nationally** to protect all our clients and to make our coverage consistent across Canada.

    Our national biosimilar initiative will simplify drug plan coverage, replacing our provincial programs with one program across the country.
     

    Why now?

    Over the past few years, most provinces have introduced policies to delist some originator biologic drugs. They require most patients to switch to biosimilar versions of those drugs to be eligible for coverage under their public drug plans. Soon, it is expected that all provincial drug plans will cover only biosimilars.

    In response, we have implemented biosimilar switch initiatives in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to align with these provincial changes. Our initiatives are designed to protect our clients from additional drug costs that may result from these government policies while providing access to equally safe and effective lower cost biosimilars.
     

    How will this affect clients’ drug plans?

    Because we have already introduced biosimilar switch initiatives in most provinces, the impact of this change will be minimal. It will primarily affect plan members in provinces or territories where we haven’t already required the switch to biosimilars, and plan members who are taking biosimilars that were not originally included in the switch initiative for their province. 

    Regardless of where they live, plan members across Canada will no longer be eligible for most originator biologic drugs if they have a condition for which Health Canada has approved a lower cost biosimilar version of the drug. Plan members already taking the originator biologic will be required to switch to a biosimilar version of the drug to maintain coverage under their Equitable plan. We will support their transition with education, personalized communication, and resources.
     

    Will this change affect clients' rates?

    Any cost savings associated with the change will be factored in at renewal.


    What is the difference between biologics and biosimilars?

    Biologics are drugs that are engineered using living organisms like yeast and bacteria. The first version of a biologic developed is known as the “originator” biologic. 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.
     

    Advance notice

    We will be communicating with affected claimants in early December to allow them ample time to change their prescription and avoid any interruptions in their treatment or their coverage. 

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


    **Excludes plan members in Quebec who participate in a separate provincial program. 
  7. Advisor Compensation after the DSC/LL ban May 29, 2023 As of May 29, 2023, Pivotal Select segregated fund contracts will not allow new deposits to the Deferred Sales Charge (DSC) and Low Load (LL) sales charge options. This is in response to the ban on deferred sales charges by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). The following sales charge options will continue to be available:
    • No Load (NL)
    • No Load – 3 year chargeback (NL-CB)
    • No Load – 5 year chargeback (NL-CB5)
     
    Advisors may be wondering how compensation compares under various sales charge options.
     
    Here is an example of advisor compensation for a $100,000 segregated fund contract in the Equitable Life Active Balanced Portfolio Select.* 
    Year No Load DSC Low Load No Load CB No Load CB5
    1 $1,008 $5,544 $3,024 $3,500 $5,600
    2 $1,008 $504 $504 $504 $504
    3 $1,008 $504 $504 $504 $504
    4 $1,008 $504 $1,008 $504 $504
    5 $1,008 $504 $1,008 $1,008 $504
    6 $1,008 $504 $1,008 $1,008 $504
    7 $1,008 $504 $1,008 $1,008 $504
    8 $1,008 $504 $1,008 $1,008 $504
    Contract Value Total Compensation Paid
    $100,000 $8,064 $9,072 $9,072 $9,044 $9,128
    *For illustration purposes, this assumes a 0% return over the period shown.
     
     
    Over an 8-year period, total advisor compensation with the CB5 sales charge option is $9,128 versus $9,072 and $8,064 with DSC and NL respectively.
     
    Below is the chargeback schedule for NL-CB and NL-CB5: 
     
    Month (age of units) Commission Chargeback Schedule
    NL-CB
    Commission Chargeback Schedule
    NL-CB5
    1 - 12 100% 100%
    13 - 24 97.2% - 66.4% 98.3% - 82.0%
    25 – 36 63.6% - 32.8% 80.5% - 64.0%
    37 – 48 0% 62.5% - 46.0%
    49 – 60 0% 44.5% - 28%
    61+ 0% 0%
     
    For more information, please contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager.
     
    ™ or ® denote registered trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
     
    Date posted: June 15, 2023 
     
  8. Gathering paperwork for a new application
  9. 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.
  10. 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.