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  1. Insights from a pandemic: Long-term COVID-19 drug risks

    For the remainder of 2020 and beyond, COVID-19 will continue to add to the existing pressures driving up drug costs. Examples of contributing factors include:

    • Claims for acute drugs will likely increase as elective surgeries resume and plan members address non-emergency health issues that were left unattended during COVID-19.
    • Plan members whose employers are facing financial strain due to COVID-19 may stock up on their prescriptions in anticipation of losing their job and/or their benefits.
    • An ongoing increase in the prevalence and severity of mental health issues and chronic conditions. In May and June, we saw a dramatic increase in the number of claimants for depression, ulcers, blood pressure and diabetes, and depression was associated with 1 in 5 claimants.

    All trends thus far suggest we can expect about a 10% increase in average paid amounts per certificate in 2020 compared with 2019. But the impact won’t be the same for all groups. There will be significant variations, particularly for smaller groups, and some may see much larger cost increases.

    Unknown COVID-19-related risks

    Another risk exposure may come from the costs associated with drugs used to treat or prevent COVID-19. There are currently numerous vaccines in development, and more than 300 clinical trials are underway for both new and existing drugs to determine their effectiveness in treating the virus.

    The cost of any vaccine or whether government or private plans will pay for it is unknown. Regardless, there will likely be other drugs indicated for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 that private plans will be expected to cover. The cost of this impact for private payers is unknown, but potentially high.

    Another unknown is what will happen with dispensing fees. While most provinces have lifted their 30-day prescription refill limits, it remains to be seen whether pharmacies will resume dispensing 60- and 90-day refills at pre-COVID levels for private plans. If not, this would mean the dispensing fees will continue to drive up drug costs.

    COVID-19-Drug-Claims-Graphs-Part-2.png

    Advisor opportunity

    Despite the increase in drug plan risk in recent years, little has changed in plan design trends. Very few plan sponsors have adopted managed plans or other plan design options that could help manage risk.

    This presents an opportunity for advisors to educate their clients about the risks their drug plan may be exposed to and the options available to manage that risk.

    A practical starting point for those conversations is our Drug Plan Design Tool. With two simple questions, it can help confirm your client’s objectives and identify some best-fit solutions for their plan.  Ask your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager for a copy of the tool.

  2. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin - Group Advisor Bonus Enhancement Announcing our Enhanced Group Advisor Bonus Program
     
    We have enhanced our Group Advisor Bonus program to make it more competitive and to help support you in building your business with Equitable Life in 2022. We have updated the structure of the bonus program to make it easier for you to qualify, as well as increased the amounts we pay.
     
    Beginning for sales effective in 2022 we have:
    • Decreased the minimum premium required to qualify for the Sales Bonus to $35,000 from $150,000.
    • Moved away from using Graded Annualized Premium for both the Sales and Persistency Bonus and are using actual Annualized Premium instead, up to a maximum of $500,000 per policy. This simplifies the program and aligns us with the rest of the industry.
    • Increased the Sales Bonus payout to up to 5% of Annualized Premium for Traditional Sales and up to 3% of Annualized Premium for myFlex sales. 
    • Changed the minimum annual premium threshold for the Persistency bonus to $500,000 of capped Annualized Premium from $500,000 of Graded Annualized Premium to make it easier for you to qualify.
    Premiums associated with benefits on retention accounting or Administrative Services Only (ASO), Equitable HealthConnector® services, Group Critical Illness and Health Care Spending Accounts will no longer be counted towards the Sales Bonus.
     
    These enhancements do not apply to advisors who are not part of our standard Advisor Bonus program and who have special bonus arrangements in place. If you have a special bonus arrangement in place and would like to switch to the standard program, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
     
    Below is a table comparing the current Sales Bonus structure and payout. For full details, please refer to the Group Advisor Compensation and Recognition brochure.
     
    Enhanced Sales Bonus
    For the new Sales Bonus, the Payout Band is based on total combined Traditional and myFlex Benefits new annualized premium (capped at $500,000 per policy). The Sales Bonus Rates for both Traditional sales and myFlex sales are shown in the table below:
     
    New Sales Bonus Rates
    Payout Band Capped Annualized Premium* Sales Bonus Rate
    (from first dollar)
    Traditional Sales myFlex Sales
    1 $34,999 and under 0% 0%
    2 $35,000 to $99,999 3.5% 1.5%
    3 $100,000 and over 5% 3%
    *Total Traditional and myFlex new business sales combined, capped at $500,000 per policy.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    If you have any questions about the Advisor Bonus enhancements, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
     
  3. Dividend Withdrawals and Change and Premium Offset
  4. Step Up Your Wealth Qualification Requirements
  5. 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.


     
  6. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin - July 2021

    In this issue:

    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients
     

    Fabien Jeudy takes over as President and CEO*

    In March, we announced that Fabien Jeudy was appointed as Equitable Life’s next President and CEO. Jeudy officially took over on July 5th, succeeding Ronald Beettam, who is retiring after 16 years with the company.

    Jeudy is a collaborative leader with more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, leading actuarial, finance, risk management, distribution, marketing teams and operational teams in the Life & Health Insurance, Wealth Management and Group Benefits markets in Canada, the US, and Asia.

    Reminder: Equitable Life’s Guide to Accessing Virtual Healthcare*

    The demand for virtual healthcare services has increased as the pandemic is driving more people to access their health care providers from home.
     
    Thankfully, many virtual healthcare services are available for free to Canadians with provincial health care coverage. We have created a Guide to Accessing Virtual Healthcare for plan members to easily access a variety of virtual healthcare services. Our guide includes information and links to both free and paid virtual medical care options, including video appointments, health advice over the phone, emergency dental services, and more.
     
    You can find the guide on our website. It’s also available on our plan member website at EquitableHealth.ca.

    Mental health resources for plan members*

    Many Canadians have been experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through our partnership with Homewood Health®, all of our clients and their plan members have access to a number of health and wellness resources designed to provide guidance and support.
     
    Homewood’s Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tool, i-Volve, can help plan members identify, challenge and overcome anxious thoughts, behaviours and emotions. Learn more about Online CBT or access i-Volve at Homeweb.ca/Equitable.
     
    As well, Homewood has a number of resources available to help support plan members dealing with increased anxiety during these uncertain times: Please encourage your clients to share these resources with their plan members. They are also available on our plan member website at EquitableHealth.ca.

    Recall of Philips CPAP machines*

    Last month, electronics company, Philips, issued a recall with Health Canada of some of its Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiLevel PAP) devices and Mechanical Ventilators. The recall was issued due to a foam abatement within the machines that can become loose and cause potential health risks.

    To qualify for repair or replacement of these devices, users must register their machine on the Philips website. 
     
    CPAP, BiLevel PAP devices and Mechanical Ventilators are eligible for coverage under an HCSA and under some Extended Health Care plans. Plan administrators may want to inform plan members of this recall if the devices are eligible for coverage under their plan. 
     
  7. [pdf] Take emotions out of investing
  8. January 2026 eNews

    In this issue:

    Meet the next generation of myFlex Benefits® for small business
    Coming soon: A consistent login experience for Equitable Client Access® and EquitableHealth.ca®
    QDIPC updates terms and conditions for 2026*

    *We will share this content with your clients.

     

    Meet the next generation of myFlex Benefits® for small business


    Discover the newly enhanced myFlex Benefits®— Equitable’s game-changing solution for small businesses that now includes more flexible, affordable coverage options shaped by advisor feedback.

     

    Join our virtual session to see how myFlex Benefits can help your clients grow and thrive.

     

    Webinar: How to grow your block with flexible solutions
    Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 10–11 a.m. PT / 1–2 p.m. ET
    Register here

     

    The session will be held in English only.

     

    Coming soon: A consistent login experience for Equitable Client Access and EquitableHealth.ca

     

    Starting this month, users logging in to Equitable Client Access®, the secure website for our Individual Insurance and Wealth clients, will need to enter their email address instead of a username. This change will make the Client Access login experience easier and even more secure.

     

    Streamlining the login experience for group benefits clients

     

    When this change takes effect, clients who use the same email address to log into Client Access and EquitableHealth.ca will use one password for both sites.

     

    If a client updates their password on one site, the password for the other site will also automatically update—so they’ll always use the same credentials for both platforms.
     

    Clients who can’t remember the email address we have on file can click ‘Forgot email’ on the Client Access login page.

     

    For added security, a client logging into Client Access may be prompted to enter a one-time code that’s sent to them via email before they can log in.

     

    We will inform clients who have Client Access and EquitableHealth.ca accounts about these changes via email.

     

    Safer, simpler account access

     

    Logging in doesn’t need to include a password. Clients can save time logging in to Client Access and EquitableHealth.ca by creating a passkey.

     

    Passkeys use a person’s face or fingerprint to quickly authenticate their identity – adding an extra layer of protection to their account and eliminating the need to enter a password. And by logging in to the Client Access site with a passkey, clients won’t be asked to enter a one-time code.

     

    Creating a passkey is easy. The following video shows group benefits clients how to create a passkey to log in to EquitableHealth.ca.

     

    Clients who use the same email address to log into Client Access and EquitableHealth.ca will be able to use the same passkey to access both sites. If someone has registered for both sites with different email addresses, they’ll need to create separate passkeys.

     

    QDIPC updates terms and conditions for 2026

     

    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 2026 to reflect trends in the volume of claims submitted to the pool, particularly catastrophic claims. We will apply the new pooling levels and fees to future renewal calculations that involve Quebec plan members.

     

    Please note: QDIPC plans to redefine its group sizes in 2027. For more information on how group sizes will change in 2027, visit QDIPC's Terms and Conditions of Pooling.


    If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive.

  9. Dialogue Virtual Healthcare now available to add to Equitable Life benefits plans

    We’re pleased to announce we are partnering with Dialogue, Canada’s leading virtual health provider, to offer unlimited and on-demand virtual access to primary healthcare practitioners.
     
    Virtual Healthcare is the latest addition to our HealthConnector suite of health and wellness services. It is available to add to all Equitable Life benefits plans for an additional cost as of July 1, 2023.

    Features of Dialogue Virtual Healthcare
    Available 24/7, 365 days a year, Dialogue Virtual Healthcare provides access to unlimited non-urgent medical care for a wide range of health concerns. Plan members get fast access to the largest, most experienced and bilingual medical team in Canada for non-urgent medical issues. They also benefit from in-app prescription renewals and refills, personalized follow-ups after every consultation, and concierge-level navigation support for all referrals to in-person specialists when needed.

    Dialogue’s industry-leading platform provides an all-in-one patient journey to address health issues, reducing long wait times and time away for doctor appointments. Plan members and their families can access Dialogue Virtual Healthcare through the secure web portal or mobile app. The Dialogue medical team includes doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses. Plan members can use the service even if they’re already receiving care from a family doctor.


    Benefits of Virtual Healthcare

    For your clients
    By providing access to Virtual Healthcare, plan sponsors can help to:

    • Drive employee engagement;

    • Reduce absenteeism related to in-person medical appointments;

    • Manage chronic health issues;

    • Attract and retain top talent; and

    • Build a healthier workforce.

    For their plan members
    By providing easier access to primary healthcare practitioners, Virtual Healthcare can offer extra health and wellness support for plan members. It also supports members that may experience barriers to accessing in-person healthcare, such as:

    • Living in a remote location;

    • Work or family obligations during standard medical clinic hours;

    • Mobility challenges related to a disability; and

    • Transportation challenges.

    Learn more about bringing Dialogue Virtual Healthcare to your clients
    Click the link to learn more about Dialogue Virtual Healthcare : Welcome to Dialogue!

    Questions?
    To learn more about how your clients can add Virtual Healthcare to their benefits plan, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
  10. Streamline your transactions with EZtransact

    Skip the forms and submit more transactions digitally with EZtransact® to see how Equitable® has continued to make it easier for you to do business with us.

    What’s new with these updates?


    One-time PAD functionality for Daily/Guaranteed Interest Account

    With the recent addition of DIA/GIA PAD to EZcomplete, you can now utilize EZtransact for one-time pre-authorized debits. This means faster processing with one-time deposits for investment instructions to either a DIA and/or GIA (multiple terms) with end-of-term instructions.
     

    Key benefits of these enhancements include:
    •  enhanced rate guarantees to secure the best rates available for clients,
    •  daily updated interest rate guide informs you of the latest rates,
    •  interest rate guarantee valid for three business days, for direct deposits from clients.

    Be sure to use EZtransact on your next DIA/GIA one-time deposit request to experience these improvements.
    DIAguideEN-(1).png

    Reduce RSP to RIF conversion time

    Reduce time and effort submitting Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) to Retirement Income Fund (RIF) conversion requests. EZtransact is continuing to reduce the amount of time it takes advisors to submit conversion requests.
     
    Features include:
    •  RSP/Spousal RSP to RIF Conversion to effortlessly submit request digitally.
    •   RIF Calculator to easily calculate your conversions.

    Save time with our enhanced digital experience.
    RSPtoRIF.png

    Sort & Filter Enhancements
    We’ve taken your feedback and made it easier than ever to find the contracts and clients you’re searching for. This improved advisor experience ensures you can:

    •  Filter “My Clients” By Product Type/ Registration Type
    •  Sort “My Clients” By Contract Number/ Client Name
    •  Filter “Transactions” By Transactions Status/ Transaction Type
    •  Sort “Transactions” By Date

    SortandFilter-(1).png

    You asked, and we listened! Keep providing us with your feedback on our digital tools. When we grow together, success is mutual.

    Get to know EZtransact and accelerate your sales! If you have any questions, please contact your Director, Investment Sales.

    Date posted: April 3, 2025