EquiNet Equitable Life's advisor site

Site Search

484 results for see portal PROBLEMGO.com hire someone to make false child abuse accusations

  1. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – May 2021

    In this issue:

    • Graduating dependents losing coverage?*  
    • New Brunswick expands the use of biosimilars*
    • Proposed changes to federal recovery and EI benefits*
    • Removal of plan administrator access to update plan member banking*
    • BioScript recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies*
    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients
     

    Graduating dependents losing coverage?

    Let plan members know about Coverage2go

    As we reach the end of spring, some of your clients’ plan members may have dependents who are graduating from university or college and will no longer be eligible for coverage under the benefits plan.
     
    Fortunately, we offer Coverage2go®. It allows individuals who are losing their group coverage to purchase personal month-to-month health and dental coverage that is affordable, reliable and works like their previous group benefits plan. They can choose the level of coverage and protection that suits their personal situation.

    There are no medical questions – they simply need to apply within 60 days of losing their health coverage under their group benefits plan.*
     
    Help your plan members and their dependents who are losing coverage by letting them know about Coverage2go. They can visit our website to learn more about Coverage2go and to get a quote.
     
    *Quebec residents are not eligible for Coverage2go

    New Brunswick expands the use of biosimilars

    The New Brunswick government recently announced that it will be implementing a biosimilar transition program.
     
    Patients using originator biologic drugs for diseases such as inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and psoriasis, will have until November 30, 2021 to switch to the biosimilar version of their medications in order to maintain coverage under the province’s public drug plans. This process will be completed in consultation with the patients’ physicians.
     
    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.

    Proposed changes to federal recovery and EI benefits

    In its recent 2021 budget, the federal government proposed a variety of changes to its benefit programs.

    The proposed changes include providing up to 12 additional weeks of the Canada Recovery Benefit to a maximum of 50 weeks. The first 12 weeks of this benefit would be paid at $500 per week and the remaining eight weeks at $300 per week. 

    Multiple changes have also been proposed to make Employment Insurance (EI) more accessible to Canadians. The changes include: maintaining uniform access to EI benefits across all regions, supporting multiple job holders and those who switch jobs by ensuring that all insurable hours and employment count towards their eligibility, and simplifying many rules around EI to ensure Canadians can receive benefits sooner. It has also been proposed that the regular EI benefits be extended to no later than November 20, 2021, if needed.

    We are analyzing the impact these changes may have to disability benefits. We will provide more details later in the year. 

    Removal of plan administrator access to update plan member banking

    In early June, plan administrators will no longer be able to update banking information for their plan members on EquitableHealth.ca after their initial enrolment. This change has been made to allow plan members to have full control over where they want their claim payments deposited.

    Plan members can update their banking information online through their plan member web portal or through the EZClaim mobile app. They will continue to be notified via email if and when they make any changes.

    BioScript Solutions recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies

    Congratulations to our partner, BioScript Solutions, for being recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies of 2021 by Deloitte.
     
    We have partnered with BioScript since 2016 for our Specialty Drug Preferred Pharmacy Network (PPN). This partnership offers cost savings while providing comprehensive, best-in-class patient care.
     
    BioScript is one of Canada’s leading specialty pharmacies and recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
     
  2. [pdf] Introducing EZBenefits: A better benefits experience for small business
  3. Juvenile insurance is a gift that keeps on giving
    Life insurance may not come wrapped with a ribbon, but it can be a perfect gift to provide a child with a lifetime of protection. Equimax® whole life insurance provides permanent coverage, with several benefits:

    • Insurability – lock in permanent insurance protection for life while a child is young and healthy.
    • Affordability – it is cost-effective to purchase a life insurance policy for a child and lock in a guaranteed premium at children’s rates.
    • Cash value – Equimax has a guaranteed minimum cash value outlined in the contract. It can also accumulate tax-advantaged, non-guaranteed dividends1. As the cash value of the policy increases over time, the child can use the cash value to help pay for life’s milestones or emergencies.   

    Protecting a child’s future with life insurance today can be a gift that keeps on giving for all their tomorrows.

    Ask your wholesaler about Equimax whole life insurance for children.

    1Dividends are not guaranteed and are paid at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.



     
  4. [pdf] Investing in technology to make benefits easier
  5. Getting a tax refund is exciting, but should it be?
    Do clients know that when a tax refund is issued, it means they are giving the government an interest-free loan? If a client receives a tax refund, it may mean the client’s employer is withholding too much tax.  Here’s how to change that.

    The client can complete and submit Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) form T1213 (Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source).

    The client will indicate which regular deductions and non-refundable tax credits to qualify for. These would include things like regular Registered Retirement Savings Plans contributions, childcare expenses, etc. When approved by the CRA, the client will see more money on every pay. A client might even want to make this request to reduce the tax withheld if a large bonus or vacation pay is anticipated.

    Encourage clients to use the additional cash flow to increase monthly contributions, support a Retirement Savings Plan or Tax-Free Savings Account or repay an investment loan. Increasing savings each year – even by a small amount – can have a substantial impact on retirement savings. For additional questions, contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager.
  6. DBRS Morningstar reaffirms Equitable Life’s Financial Strength Rating and Issuer Rating
    DBRS Morningstar confirms Equitable Life’s Financial Strength Rating and Issuer Rating at A (high) with Stable Trends. Equitable Life of Canada is pleased to be able to maintain the confidence of the global credit rating agency DBRS Morningstar.
     
    A Financial Strength Rating is DBRS Morningstar’s assessment of an insurance company’s ability to make timely and full payment of its obligations on policyholder claims and benefits as well as financial contract guarantees and benefit obligations. An Issuer Rating reflects DBRS Morningstar’s assessment of that issuer’s likelihood of default and considers the issuer’s fundamental creditworthiness and business and financial risks.
     
    For more information, please see the DBRS Morningstar Media Release.
     
  7. Crunch the numbers with Equitable Life’s Tax Free Savings Account Comparison Calculator

    Whether helping your client determine net worth or reviewing to see if your client’s retirement plan is on track, Equitable Life® is here to help with our online calculators. These number crunching tools can help you answer some of those challenging questions you get asked by your clients. From an RSP loan calculator to home budgeting to even figuring out if your client will be a future millionaire, check out our latest tools.


    Each week in March, we will be sharing an online calculator from our list.


    Share calculators using your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn account. 

     



    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fei Hong and Yu Yan want to set up an emergency fund that will provide some growth and allow them to take out money when they need it. Does such a thing exist? If so, what is the catch?

     

    Did you know?

    With a TFSA, you can make tax free withdrawals at any time for any purpose. Check out Equitable Life’s Tax Free Savings Account Comparison Calculator

  8. Stay connected with a NEW Web Illustration tool for Equimax

    Equitable Life® is pleased to announce the launch of our web illustration tool starting with Equimax® participating whole life insurance.

    This web illustration tool for Equimax is another way that Equitable Life is modernizing your experience and allowing you more flexibility to keep your business going while you’re on the road or meeting clients. This new illustration site is accessible on a web browser, so you can access it from a mobile device such as your phone, tablet, or iPad, and with MAC or Windows-based PCs or laptops.

    Access the new web illustration tool for Equimax by logging in to EquiNet® and clicking the button in the ribbon called Sales Illustration that now has a Web Illustrations option. Note that you have the option to continue running Equimax illustrations in the desktop illustration software, as it remains unchanged at this time.

    For future enhancements, we plan to integrate with EZcomplete®, to continue to make it easy to do business with Equitable Life.

    Visit the New Web illustration tool for Equimax® now.

    Questions? Please see our FAQ or contact your Regional Sales Manager.

    ® denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada

  9. Easier than ever with Equitable and EZtransact Equitable® keeps improving our digital self-serve tool, EZtransact®. Our latest enhancements make it easier than ever to do business with us.

    What's new?
    Dollar cost averaging transaction
    • Advisors can now submit new dollar cost averaging requests through the Fund Switch transaction in EZtransact. A new recurring switch type is available.
    • When submitting a new request, you'll need to enter the amount, frequency, date of transfers, and the funds involved.
    • If a client has an active request, you can change the amount, frequency, date, and funds.
    • After you submit the request, the client will get an email to sign. Once they e-sign, the request goes directly to Equitable.

    Other recent enhancements include: See what advisors are saying about our updates and advance your sales process with EZtransact. If you have questions, contact your Director, Investment Sales.

    Date posted: December 11, 2024
  10. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – November 2020

    In this issue:

    *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 1st, 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 1st, 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