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  1. Easy and convenient digital options for your clients and their members

    During this time of physical distancing, people are looking for ways to interact with their providers virtually. We have several convenient digital options available to make it easier for Plan Members and for Plan Administrators. Below is an overview to refer to when you're meeting with your clients. Or you can download this PDF version

    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, Plan Administrators 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.

    Online Plan Member Enrolment

    Our Online Plan Member Enrolment tool simplifies the onboarding process for both Plan Administrators and Plan Members and offers a more secure and efficient alternative to traditional paper enrolment. The user-friendly interface allows Plan Members to easily enrol in their benefits plan in just minutes from their computer or mobile device. That saves work for Plan Administrators by eliminating the need to manage paper forms. And since Plan Members receive automatic reminders, it reduces late applicants and eliminates the need to chase down Plan Members for their paperwork. (This option is currently only available for new clients. It will soon be available for existing clients to add new hires.)

    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    Instead of paper kits that can easily get lost or quickly become outdated, Plan Members receive personalized welcome kits via an interactive email, including instructions on how to activate their online group benefits account,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 their health and wellness resources.

    Easy automated payments

    Automated payments are a convenient way to avoid missed payments, suspended claims and disruption. Plan Administrators simply need to complete thepre-authorized debit formand send to GroupCollection@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 where they can submit claims, view their claims status and history, and review their coverage details from their computer or mobile device. They can also visit Equitable HealthConnector®, our suite of services to help employees stay healthy and productive. They can simply visit www.equitablehealth.ca to activate their Group Benefits account.

    Electronic Claim Payments and Notifications

    Once Plan Members have activated their Group Benefits account on EquitableHealth.ca, they can easily get set up to receive their claim payments via direct deposit, and their claim notifications via email. Once logged in they simply click “My Information” and enter the required information.

    EZClaim Mobile App

    Submitting claims is fast, easy and secure with the Equitable EZClaim® mobile app. Plan Members can submit health and dental claims and receive payments directly to their bank account via direct deposit. Most claims are processed within three business days; some are processed in as little as 24 hours. They simply download the EZClaim app for their iPhone®, or Android™ device, fill out the interactive health or dental claim form, attach their receipt and submit.

    Digital Benefits Cards

    Instead of digging through their wallets, Plan Members can download a digital version of their benefits card on their mobile device via the Equitable EZClaim® Mobile app to easily provide coverage details to health providers.

    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.

  2. December 2023 eNews

    Insights on EZBenefits from our Executive Vice-President, Group Insurance


    When it comes to advising small business owners, it can be tough to find the right group benefits solution. Offering a competitive benefits plan is more important than ever to help small business owners attract and retain talent. They need an affordable solution that’s easy to implement, renew and maintain.

    That’s why we launched EZBenefits for small business earlier this year. It’s a unique group benefits solution designed with you and your small business clients in mind. 

    Marc Avaria, Executive Vice-President, Group Insurance, explains:

    Find out more

    Visit info.equitable.ca/EZBenefits for more details or to request a quote. If you have questions, contact your Equitable Group Account Executive.


    Supporting plan members through cold and flu season with Dialogue Virtual Healthcare*

    Now that cold and flu season is here, many Canadians will start calling in sick or missing work to visit their doctor – if they can get an appointment. Now’s the time to remind your clients that Equitable offers Dialogue Virtual Healthcare. It can be added to any Equitable plan for an additional cost.

    Eligible plan members and dependants receive fast, on-demand access to virtual primary medical care—24/7, 365 days a year. Available for a variety of non-urgent health concerns, Dialogue Virtual Healthcare can make it easier to navigate cold and flu season by providing:
    • Access to the largest, most experienced bilingual medical team in Canada,
    • In-app prescription renewals and refills,
    • Personalized follow-ups after each consultation, and
    • An all-in-one patient journey to address health issues. This reduces long waits and means less time away for doctor appointments.

    Benefits of Virtual Healthcare for plan sponsors

    When your clients provide Virtual Healthcare for their plan members, they can help:
    • 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.

    Learn how it works

    Adding Dialogue Virtual Healthcare to your clients' plans

    To learn more about adding Virtual Healthcare to your clients’ benefits plans, contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex® Account Executive. You can also share this resource from Dialogue on managing cold and flu season.


    Changes to Short-Term Disability benefits calculations*

    The Canada Employment Insurance Commission and Canada Revenue Agency have announced the 2024 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, and premiums for employment insurance. The following changes to Employment Insurance (EI) will take effect January 1, 2024:

    How does this affect your clients?

    To comply with client policy provisions, Equitable will revise Short-Term Disability (STD) benefits with the updated maximums based on the percentage of EI Maximum Weekly Insurance Earnings for policies that meet these conditions:
    • Policies that include a STD benefit that is tied to the EI Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings, and
    • Policies with a classification of employees that has less than a $668 maximum.
    • The additional premium for any increase from their previous STD amounts and new STD amounts will be shown on your clients’ January 2024 Group Insurance Billings (as applicable). 
    If a client’s STD maximum is currently higher than $668 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 Issue and Special Projects.

    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients. 
  3. Tax Slips – What you need to know
    It is tax time, and clients should be receiving tax slips and deposit receipts by now. Check out the Tax Slips: A Quick Reference Guide for a taxation breakdown by product and Insights into Non-Registered Taxation for a detailed explanation on investment income, and why T3 tax slips are generated on non-registered segregated funds.

    Clients who registered for tax slips on Equitable Client Access before December 31, 2022, can download or print tax slips quickly and easily from their Equitable® Client Access Inbox.  Advisors can download tax receipts on Document Lookup on EquiNet®.
     
    For questions about contribution limits, Retirement Income Fund minimums and Canada pension maximums check out Equitable Life®’s helpful 2023 Facts & Figures guide.
     
    Equitable's Advisor Services Team is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET at 1.866.884.7427 or by email at savingsretirement@equitable.ca. You can also contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager.

     ® denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
    Posted: February 15, 2023
  4. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – February 2022 In this issue: *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients

    Update: Alberta biosimilar coverage changes*
    Four originator biologics added to Alberta Biosimilar Initiative

    In 2022, Alberta’s provincial drug plan is adding four originator biologics to its Biosimilar Initiative. It has ended or will end provincial coverage of these drugs for some or all conditions, as follows:
    • Lovenox: Jan. 10, 2022
    • Humalog: Feb. 1, 2022
    • NovoRapid: April 1, 2022
    • Humira: May 1, 2022

    Patients 18 and over who are using these drugs for the affected conditions will be required to switch to biosimilar versions of the drugs to maintain coverage under the province’s government drug plan.

    How we are responding to protect our clients
    To help prevent this change from resulting in additional costs for our clients’ drug plans while still providing plan members with access to safe and effective medications, we will no longer cover these originator biologic drugs for plan members in Alberta.

    Effective May 1, 2022, claimants currently taking these drugs will be required to switch to a biosimilar version of the drug to maintain coverage under their Equitable Life plan.

    This is a continuation of the Alberta biosimilar switch program we launched last March, when the province first introduced its Biosimilar Initiative.

    Do my clients need to take any action?
    No action is required by plan sponsors. Plan members taking these targeted originator biologics will be contacted directly to allow them ample time to transition to a biosimilar. Any cost savings associated with the change will be factored in at renewal.

    Groups that opted out of the biologic coverage changes we made last March will automatically be opted out of these coverage changes, as well as any future changes to our Alberta biosimilar switch program. This means that their drug plans will continue to provide coverage to existing claimants for any originator biologics we stop covering as part of our biosimilar program.

    Advisors with clients who wish to opt out of our Alberta biosimilar program, or who previously opted out and want to opt back in, should speak to their Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

    Communication to plan members
    We will be communicating these coverage changes with affected claimants in early March to allow them ample time to change their prescriptions and avoid any interruptions in their treatment or their coverage. Thus far, the transition to biosimilars, has been smooth and continues to be successful.

    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 also 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.

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

    Preferred Biosimilar Program*

    As part of our ongoing efforts to help ensure the sustainability of your clients’ drug plans, we continue to engage in strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

    We are pleased to announce a partnership to make Hyrimoz our preferred biosimilar for Humira. This partnership will generate additional savings for plan sponsors.

    Plan members will still have the choice to use Humira biosimilars other than Hyrimoz. However, in the absence of alternative sources of reimbursement, this may increase their out-of-pocket amount.

    The Preferred Biosimilar Program will take effect March 1, 2022 for all new claimants across Canada who start using a Humira biosimilar. It will take effect May 1 for existing claimants in Alberta who switch to a Humira biosimilar, to align with changes to the provincial plan.

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

    Responding to Quebec’s biosimilar policy

    Last year, the Quebec government announced it is phasing out coverage of biologic drugs. Beginning April 13, 2022, patients in Quebec using originator biologics will be required to switch to the corresponding biosimilar covered on the province’s public plan in order to maintain coverage.

    The following populations are excepted from this new policy:
    • Pregnant women, who should be transitioned to biosimilars in the 12 months after childbirth.
    • Pediatric patients, who should be transitioned to biosimilars in the 12 months after their 18th birthdays.
    • Patients who have experienced two or more therapeutic failures while being treated with a biologic drug for the same chronic disease.
    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.

    We are actively investigating the impact of this new policy on private drug plans in Quebec. We plan to implement further enhancements to our biosimilar programs in Quebec later this year to help prevent this change from resulting in additional costs for our clients’ drug plans. We will provide more details in the coming months.

    Dental fee guide updates

    Each year, Provincial and Territorial Dental Associations publish fee guides. Equitable Life uses these guides to help determine the reimbursement limits for dental procedures. For your reference, below is the list of the average dental fee increases for general practitioners that will be used by Equitable Life for 2022.*

    Dental fee guide increases over 2021*
    Province/Territory Average Fee Increase
    Alberta 3.9%
    British Columbia 7.35%
    Manitoba 5.79%
    New Brunswick 5.9%
    Newfoundland and Labrador 5%
    Nova Scotia 7.05%
    Northwest Territories 3%
    Nunavut 3.1%
    Ontario 4.75%
    Prince Edward Island 4.75%
    Quebec 5%
    Saskatchewan 5.99%
    *Data for all provinces and territories was not available at the time of publication. This chart will be updated on EquitableHealth.ca as more information becomes available.
     

    Reminder: Review manual allocations for HCSAs and/or TSAs*

    If your client’s Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and/or Taxable Spending Account (TSA) has manual allocations, they need to allocate these amounts to plan members each year. Please review all your plan members’ profiles on EquitableHealth.ca to ensure they have received their allocation(s) for the current benefit year.
     
    If your clients have Plan Administrator update access on EquitableHealth.ca, they can update these amounts online by doing the following:
    • Select “View certificate”
    • Select “Health Care Spending Account” or “Taxable Spending Account”
    • Select “Update Allocation” in Task Center
    • Enter amount in “Revised Allocation Amount”
    • Override Reason – “Plan Administrator Request”
    • Select “Save”
    If your clients have Plan Administrator reporting access on EquitableHealth.ca, they can determine which plan members have a zero allocation by running the “HCSA Totals by Plan Member” report online by doing the following:
    • Select “Reports”
    • Select “New”
    • Select “Next”
    • Select “HCSA” or “TSA Totals by Plan Member”
    • Select “Next”
    • Enter end date of “12/31/2020”
    • Select “Next”
    • Select “Finish”
    • View “Report”
    To provide us with the amounts to be updated, please have your client contact our Group Benefits Administration Team at GroupBenefitsAdmin@equitable.ca.

    Mental health resources for plan members*

    As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, many Canadians are experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. 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. These resources include a number of webinars which discuss various COVID-19 and mental health-related topics. The webinars are pre-recorded so plan members can stream them at their convenience.
     
    Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Your Mental Health
    English webinar
    French webinar
     
    COVID-19: Loneliness & Isolation Fatigue - Self-Care Strategies 
    English webinar
    French webinar
     
    COVID-19: Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder
    English webinar
    French webinar
     
    Reducing Anxiety & Managing the Transition Back to the Classroom - for Teachers
    English webinar
    French webinar
     
    COVID-19: Specialized Mental Health Support for Health Care Professionals
    English webinar
    French webinar
     
    COVID-19: Supporting Children’s Mental Health
    English webinar
    French webinar
     
    Additional resources, including articles, tools, videos and podcasts, are available at Homeweb.ca/Equitable. Please encourage your clients to share these resources with their plan members.
     
  5. [pdf] Daily/Guaranteed Interest Account Application - Registered/Non-Registered
  6. Equitable Life's COVID-19 Information Page


    Get the latest news and information from Equitable Life by bookmarking this page. Check back often for updates.

     

    Click here for news related to Savings and Retirement.

  7. [pdf] Claimant Statement for Individuals
  8. Individual Insurance product enhancements

    Equitable Life has exciting product enhancements that will help you offer more options to clients. 

    Watch our Virtual Product Launch NOW. Grab a coffee and get ready for this exciting news! Hear from our leaders and learn about our exciting product enhancements.

    - Full Product Launch Video (approx. 20 minutes). 
    - Introduction video (View on Vimeo) / Product launch page 


    Highlights of the product changes effective February 12, 2022, include:

     

    NEW! 10 pay premium option with Equimax Estate Builder®

    - The new EquiLiving® 20 pay rider options will be available on Equimax® plans


    NEW! EquiLiving plans and riders enhanced with:

    - 20 pay options with coverage to age 75 or coverage for life
    - Support from Cloud DX to help monitor a client’s well-being from treatment to recovery.
    - Added Acquired Brain Injury as a covered critical condition 
    - 30-day survival period removed for all non-cardiovascular covered conditions
    - No age restriction to claim for Loss of Independent Existence (LOIE)
    - EquiLiving Benefit now pays the higher of the EquiLiving Benefit or the Return of Premium Rider Benefit (not including Return of Premium on Death)          
    - And so much more …

    New Illustration software available on February 11, 2022 
    The updated illustration software will be available for download after 9 a.m. ET on Friday, February 11, 2022, and will include all the Equimax and EquiLiving enhancements.

    See the Equitable Sales Illustrations Update for information on how to download the software or check for updates. 

    Please review updates to the commission schedule A for these new enhancements.

    Learn more Get ready to make 2022 your best year yet for your sales! 

    Please contact your Regional Sales Manager for more information. 
  9. [pdf] Pivotal Select Application - Registered/Non-Registered
  10. Transaction Authorization Requirements table for Savings & Retirement advisors Equitable Life® is here to help. When it comes to getting certain transactions authorized in a non face-to-face environment, you might need some direction. We’ve got you covered.

    Equitable has created a quick reference table on EquiNet™. The Transaction Authorization Requirements table provides details on how to get certain forms approved and the best way to get them to us. Each form listed gives the authorization type that is accepted. We’ve also provided details when we receive a document that is considered not-in-good-order.

    As we navigate through COVID-19, we will continue to update this table. This means you have the most current information available at your fingertips, 24/7.

    Have other questions about COVID-19? Check out our Savings & Retirement COVID-19 update page on EquiNet as well. This page provides the latest news and information for Savings & Retirement advisors.

    Still have a question? Give our Advisor Services team a call Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET at 1.866.884.7427 or email savingsretirement@equitable.ca, or your local Regional Investment Sales Manager.