News Archive

REMINDER: It’s Time To Report Your 2024 Prescription Data

Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3

This is a reminder for the Broker Update eblast that was sent on Tuesday March 4, 2025. You can read that full eblast in the news archive at: Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3 - Special Issue As a reminder, Univera Healthcare will complete the required pharmacy...

Annual Group Information Renewal - Webtool Update

Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3

The webtool used to submit the annual group information form for small groups has been updated. The year dropdown has been updated to include 2026, which is the year in which the tool is auto populating with. Please ensure that your groups are using the correct survey...

Small Group Healthy New York Application And Forms Updated For 2025

Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3

The Healthy New York (HNY) maximum wage has been increased to $53,650 and the HNY New Business form and HNY Recertification form have been updated. Please use the new forms (linked below) moving forward to reflect the new wages. If you have any questions on the Healthy...

The Value Of A Wellbeing Strategy

Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3

Your groups’ employees are their organization’s greatest asset. Creating a culture of wellbeing where employees feel holistically supported by their employer helps them to be more engaged and productive, leading to greater retention and recruitment of talent. According...

Understanding Your Wellbeing; 2025 Wellbeing Webinar Series

Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3

We are excited to host a new wellbeing webinar series in 2025, geared towards helping our members learn about various health topics that can support and improve their wellbeing from our own internal experts. Promotional flyers will be available for each month’s upcoming...

April Wellbeing Tip: Breaking The Stress Cycle

Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3

April is National Stress Month. Stress is a natural response to challenges we face in everyday life. Common stressors include relationships, finances, major life events, work-related issues and more. Everyone experiences stress in different ways and for different reasons;...

Rx Update - Launching Our NEW Pharmacy Value Story

Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3

We are excited to announce the launch of our new pharmacy value story. Discover how we deliver an approach that improves health outcomes, cost savings and care delivery for Western New Yorkers. This collection of work includes a 12-page brochure, one-page overview flyer...

Rx Update - Innovative Care For Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management

Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, impacts millions of people worldwide. Check out our new resources on UniveraforBusiness.com to see how we are making a difference for our groups and members with IBD management. If...

It’s Time To Report Your 2024 Prescription Data

Broker Update | March 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 3 - Special Issue

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) requires group and individual health plans to report annual data about prescription drugs and health care spending to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The last day to submit this data to CMS for the 2024...

2025 Pharmacy Updates From Mona Chitre

Broker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2 - Special Issue

A Message from Mona Chitre We're kicking off the year with a lot of excitement! As a pharmacy partner, we are always keeping an eye on market trends to ensure our programs and solutions align with the needs of our groups. We’re eager to share the many pharmacy...

Managed Care Organization Tax

Broker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved New York's Managed Care Organization tax (MCO), effective 1/1/2025. This tax, authorized by the 2024-2025 State Budget, will apply different tax rates to Medicaid and non-Medicaid plans. The tax rates...

Enrollment Portal Reminder – Accuracy Is Important

Broker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2

There has been an increase in keying errors submitted from the web and requests submitted through the enrollment portal. This has resulted in ID cards being mailed to incorrect recipients, members being enrolled in incorrect groups and information being sent to groups...

Tax Form 1095-B

Broker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2

Health insurers—including Univera Healthcare—are no longer mailing tax form 1095-B to members. Because taxpayers are not required to include the form when filing their taxes, the IRS no longer requires us to mail the form. Members can still download the form or request it...

Understanding Your Wellbeing; 2025 Wellbeing Webinar Series

We are excited to host a new wellbeing webinar series in 2025, geared towards helping our members learn about various health topics that can support and improve their wellbeing from our own internal experts. Promotional flyers will be available for each month’s upcoming...

Why Having A Primary Care Provider (PCP) Matters

Broker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2

Individuals with a PCP may receive higher value healthcare. PCPs provide preventive care such as cancer screenings, identify and treat common medical conditions and provide referrals for specialists as needed. Preventive care can help identify health concerns and chronic...

New Year, New Goals: Take Charge With Preventive Health Today

Broker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2

Preventive care can help catch potential issues early before they develop into more serious health conditions. Things like routine checkups, screenings, and immunizations can fall under preventive care. Preventive services are covered in full by Univera Healthcare. Our...

March Wellbeing Tip: Healthy Eating On A Budget

Broker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), good nutrition is essential for well-being across all stages of life. A nutritious diet consists of primarily whole foods which include unprocessed fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans...

Rx Update - We’re Making Medications More Affordable With Our Automatic Prescription Discount Program

Broker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2

Members who pay 100% out-of-pocket for certain medications outside of their pharmacy benefit now have access to the automatic prescription discounts. The automatic prescription discount program provides discounts on medications outside a member’s pharmacy benefit through...

Rx Update - Updated Integrated Pharmacy Program Flyers Now Available

Broker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2

We've refreshed our integrated pharmacy program flyers to showcase new offerings and remove discontinued ones. These flyers highlight all the value-added and optional pharmacy programs available to groups with our integrated medical and pharmacy coverage. Each flyer is...

Gag Clause Certificate Of Attestation Now Available

Broker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1

On December 30, 2024, Univera Healthcare completed the Gag Clause Attestation on behalf of our fully insured and minimum premium groups who have our Rx. A Gag Clause Certificate of Attestation is available to groups, upon request. Please reach out to your account manager...

Understanding Your Wellbeing; 2025 Wellbeing Webinar Series

Broker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1

We are excited to launch a new wellbeing webinar series in 2025, geared toward helping our members learn about various health topics that can support and improve their wellbeing from our own internal experts. Promotional flyers will be available for each month’s upcoming...

Starting The Year Off Right

Broker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1

January is a great time of year for employer group members to review their online account information or register for an account if they don’t already have one. Members can check their personal information, plan details and gain access to additional resources such as: ...

February Wellbeing Tip: Heart Health

Broker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1

February is American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The term “heart disease” includes several...

Rx Update - Pharmacy Affordability Toolkit Available

Broker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1

Health care costs are continuing to rise, impacting both groups and members alike. To address these challenges and support employee wellbeing, employers can now download our pharmacy savings toolkit. This toolkit offers ready-to-use educational resources and prewritten...

Season’s Greetings From All Of Us At Univera Healthcare

Broker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12

As the year comes to a close, we extend our warmest appreciation and gratitude for your partnership and loyalty. We wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and look forward to working together in the New Year! Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Automatic Payment Error Impact

Broker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12

Some members may have received an email from us via our vendor, Instamed, saying that their automatic payment agreement has been terminated. If members received a letter in regard to their automatic payments, please refer to the banner on our Member Bill Pay Options page...

2025 Broker Guide Is Here

Broker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12

The 2025 Broker Guide is now available to help you better service our clients and grow your brokerage business. The guide is available on the broker tools page. If you have any questions about the 2025 Broker Guide, contact your account consultant or:...

Upcoming Member Webinar For Small Groups

Broker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12

Many members are not aware of the programs, resources, and tools available to them through their Univera Healthcare membership. We want to help close that gap. That’s why we are hosting a live “Making the Most of Your Health Plan,” webinar for our Small Group, Commercial...

2025 Workplace Wellbeing Resources

Broker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12

The new year brings new resources to help employers support the wellbeing of their employees. They can engage, educate and empower their workforce with these helpful resources: Employee Wellbeing Webinars: Looking to have your employees learn about health topics such as...

January Wellbeing Tip: New Year, Well You

Broker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12

The new year is a great time to reflect and set intentions for the upcoming year. Many resolutions center on health and wellness, highlighting the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. Despite resolutions having several benefits, sticking to them can be difficult. ...

Updates: 2025 Qualified Health Plans And The Essential Plan

Broker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12

Changes to Special Enrollment Period Coverage Effective Dates: Beginning January 1, 2025, NY State of Health must make the coverage effective date for special enrollment periods with no other specific effective date the first of the month following plan selection, with an...

Incorrect ID Card Mailing Impact

Broker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11

Univera Healthcare has identified that incorrect ID cards were recently mailed out to some small groups. Since ID cards are mailed in batches, not all small group members would have received an incorrect ID card.    We are working promptly to reissue ID cards...

REMINDER: Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under the Consolidated Appropriation Act

Broker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11

As a reminder, Univera Healthcare has determined that we will be completing the attestation on behalf of our fully insured and minimum premium groups for the time they had Univera Healthcare coverage in 2024. If any additional information is required to submit the...

Healthy New York - New Group Application and Recertification Form

Broker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11

The new Healthy New York – New Group Application and Recertification Form is now available for brokers and small groups.   The New Group Application should only be used when a small group is applying for a standalone Healthy New York plan, or when applying for...

Health Status Questionnaire

Broker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11

We encourage all plan members to complete a health status questionnaire upon enrollment and annually thereafter. We use this information to identify our members who may need care right away and are eligible for health care services that may be beneficial to them. Our case...

December Wellbeing Tip: Self Care & Seasonal Blues

Broker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11

While the holiday season can be a time of joy, it may bring added stress, anxiety, and depression for some people. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 9 in 10 (89%) of U.S. adults say that concerns such as financial pressure, family conflict, and...

Rx Update - Introducing HelpScript, formerly Smart RxAssist

Broker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11

In July, we announced our partnership with Smart RxAssist to help maximize savings available from drug manufacturers assistance programs. This program provides financial relief to self-funded employer groups and decrease out-of-pocket costs for medical specialty drugs....

Rx Update - Improving the Affordability of Pharmacy Care Webinar Now Available

Broker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11

The rising trend in health care costs shows no signs of slowing, placing a growing burden on both employers and individuals. High prescription drug prices, increases in outpatient procedures, and more members requiring costly hospital care are straining health plans,...

Rx Update - Univera Healthcare 2025 Formulary Update: Humira and Biosimilars

Broker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11

Biosimilars present a significant opportunity to enhance access to affordable medications for our community. Since 2018, Univera Healthcare has been a strong advocate for biosimilars, beginning with the inclusion of our first biosimilar on our covered medication list....

Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under the Consolidated Appropriation Act 

Broker Update Vol. 19 No. 11: Special Issue

The gag clause prohibition under the Consolidate Appropriations Act (CAA) prohibits health plans from entering into contracts that restrict specific data and information that a plan can make available to another party. Plans must annually submit an attestation that they...

Medicare Recognizes Univera Healthcare For Quality

Broker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its 2025 quality ratings, and again this year recognized Univera Healthcare for its Medicare Advantage plans. This is the 12th consecutive year the health plan has ranked above average or higher for its...

Web Enrollment Training For Brokers 

Broker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024

A new Web Enrollment e-learning is now available for Brokers in the Sales Hub. This training provides brokers with interactive lessons on how to navigate web enrollment with Univera Healthcare. This resource can be used for new broker training or as a reference for...

New: Affordability Pages

Broker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024

Increasing costs and growing demands for medical care are leading to premium rate increases and higher out-of-pocket expenses for members and employers nationwide. It’s important for us to find solutions that prioritize the wellbeing of our groups while also addressing...

November Is Diabetes Awareness Month

Broker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into blood sugar to use for energy. There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for 90-95% of cases. According to the...

Annual Renewal Request Submissions 

Broker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024

For Brokers that are submitting their annual renewal requests through the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) Webtool, please ensure you are selecting the correct Renewal Year for your groups submissions. The Webtool will auto populate with the 2025 Renewal year and...

Member Mailing Notification

Broker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024

Due to new requirements of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, we are required to send an annual Notice of Nondiscrimination and Notice of Availability of Language Assistance Services to all members no later than 11/2/2024. This mailing is currently underway,...

Individual Metal Plans And Rates For 2025 Now Available!

Broker Update | October 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 10 - Special Issue

Individual plans, rates, placemats, tip sheets and product brochures for 2025* are now available on Univera on Demand. Now available: Individual & Family Qualified Health Plans Healthy Smile Stand-alone Dental Plans *Subject to DFS approval 2025 Plan...

Upcoming Member Webinar For Small Group Plans*

Broker Update | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9

Many Small Group members are not aware of the programs, resources, and tools available to them through their benefit plan. We want to help close that gap. That’s why we are hosting a live “Making the Most of Your Health Plan,” webinar. Tuesday, September 24 12:00 P.M. -...

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Broker Update | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States among people who were born female, after skin cancers. About one in eight women will have breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. While white women are more likely to develop breast cancer, Black...

REMINDER: Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage

Broker Update | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9

As part of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), employers and union groups offering prescription drug coverage must disclose to Medicare eligible individuals with prescription drug coverage under their plan, whether the coverage is creditable. Employers must provide...