News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under The Consolidated Appropriation ActBroker Update | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 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... |
November 27, 2023 |
Sunsetting Wellbeing Programs & How Members Can Claim Their RewardsBroker Update | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 With the much-anticipated transition to our new digital, wellbeing engagement program, VitalizeSM, we will be sunsetting several of our wellbeing programs. The following programs* will be discontinued the last day of a groups’ benefit year: ActiveRewards ... |
November 27, 2023 |
Fully Insured Large Groups To Move To Preferred Value FormularyBroker Update | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 Please be advised that all Commercial Fully Insured Large Groups will move from the current 3 Tier Open Formulary to our Preferred Value Formulary (PVF) based on their plan year. This change excludes Minimum Premium groups, who will continue to have the option to choose... |
November 27, 2023 |
Updated Annual Group Information Form And Web Tool AvailableBroker Update | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 An updated version of the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) is available for Large and Small Groups. The only change in this version is that a question has been added to the AGIF and online AGIF Web Tool which requires groups who offer a dental plan through the Health... |
November 27, 2023 |
Updated Brochures Now AvailableBroker Update | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 We’ve updated several brochures with our new Everybody Benefits logo. Please share these with your groups. Questions? Contact your account manager. Out-of-Pocket Protection Program Brochure (PDF) Rx Home Delivery Brochure (PDF) |
November 27, 2023 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Where To Go For CareBroker Update | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 Understanding where to go for medical care before you need it can help minimize frustration, time, and cost. Your primary care provider should be your first choice for routine medical care or minor illnesses or injuries that are not an emergency. A primary care provider... |
November 27, 2023 |
Rx Update - Kicking Off A New Social Media CampaignBroker Update | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 We launched a new campaign on our social media channels that will feature some of the positive feedback we receive from our health plan members. Topics will vary monthly so be sure to bookmark our various social media sites and check back often. This month we’re... |
November 27, 2023 |
Rx Update - The Right Meds At The Best ValueBroker Update | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 A Univera Healthcare program is focusing on medication safety while saving millions of dollars in prescription drug costs. The program, Pharmacy Concierge, is available to most midsize and large employers through the health plan. “Improving care is the primary goal of... |
November 27, 2023 |
Medicare Recognizes Univera Healthcare For QualityBroker Update | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its 2024 quality ratings, and again this year recognized Univera Healthcare for its Medicare Advantage plans. This is the eleventh consecutive year the health plan has ranked above average or higher for its... |
October 18, 2023 |
Annual Rate Notices MailedBroker Update | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 Groups will receive Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. This includes the following products: Small Group Individual Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription, Dental prospective pooled and dental/vision standalone group notices and... |
October 18, 2023 |
Change To 2024 New Business Medical Bonus ScheduleBroker Update | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 We have implemented a change to our Univera Healthcare 2024 Broker Commission Schedule regarding the New Business Medical Bonus. The new chart, which replaces our previous New Business Medical Bonus chart, is available to Brokers of record with us. If you have questions... |
October 18, 2023 |
2024 Broker Tips For Individual PlansBroker Update | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 We’ve compiled a sheet of 2024 Broker Tips to assist you during the upcoming Open Enrollment Period for SafetyNet and Individual Market Plans. The tip sheet includes: Important dates What’s new for 2024 Renewal details Health Plan features and updates Who to... |
October 18, 2023 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthBroker Update | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into blood sugar to use for energy. According to the CDC, one in three people have prediabetes and more than 37 million Americans (11.3% of the population) have diabetes. Because blood sugar in the body... |
October 18, 2023 |
Right Here. For You. Univera Healthcare Of Western New York.Broker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 You may have noticed that Univera Healthcare’s brand looks different this month. With the direction of our leadership team and several months of planning and research, we’ve developed a new position for the brand, a new tagline and a new campaign. This new brand position... |
September 19, 2023 |
Leading The Industry In Our Pursuit Of BiosimilarsBroker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 At Univera Healthcare, we are proud to lead the insurance industry in pursuing biosimilars for our members. Biosimilars are safe and effective treatment options and can be provided at a lower cost. Univera Healthcare was the first stand-alone health plan to prefer a... |
September 19, 2023 |
Coming Soon: Annual Notice Of Change LettersBroker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 This month, group benefit administrators with Senior Choice (HMO-POS) or Univera Healthcare Medicare (PPO) plans will be mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). The ANOC provides details on 2024 benefit changes. Group members will receive their 2024 ANOC, along with... |
September 19, 2023 |
2024 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Rates And Plans Are Now Available On Univera On DemandBroker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 You can now view 2024 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Univera on Demand. Univera On Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2023 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your Group Medicare account manager with any... |
September 19, 2023 |
Together We Can Move Towards Health EquityBroker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 Health care should meet the needs of everyone – no matter who you are, where you live or who you love. This is something we are taking very seriously at Univera Healthcare. Health equity is when everyone has the chance to be as healthy as possible. To improve health... |
September 19, 2023 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBroker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 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... |
September 19, 2023 |
Rx Update - Univera Healthcare Launches Innovative Program To Reduce CostsBroker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 The Medication Assurance Program is a new initiative of Univera Healthcare aimed at reducing self-funded employer group overall spend. This program is designed to reduce spend on medications by holding manufacturers accountable for drugs that were approved through the... |
September 19, 2023 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2024 Are Now Available!Broker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 - Special Issue Small Group plans and rates for 2024* are now available on Univera on Demand! Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guide are also available. Learn more and order open enrollment materials now. Now available: Univera Access and... |
September 11, 2023 |
Reminder: Large Group Open Enrollment MaterialsBroker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 - Special Issue If you need printed copies of the 2024 Large Group Open Enrollment materials, reach out to order through your Account Service Consultant. At-a-Glance Brochure Submit the quantity for each piece along with your shipping information and we’ll take care of the rest.... |
September 11, 2023 |
Individual Metal Plans And Rates For 2024 Now Available!Broker Update | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 - Special Issue Individual plans, rates and product placemats for 2024* are now available on Univera on Demand. Additional enrollment tools, including product brochures, will be available at a later date. Now available: Individual & Family Qualified Health Plans Healthy... |
September 11, 2023 |
Coming Soon! Enrollment Inquiry & Support UpdatesBroker Update | August 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 8 We’re excited to announce that updates to our Enrollment Inquiry & Support tool are coming soon. You’ll access an enhanced submission form that better supports the enrollment process from start to finish with features like: An option allowing the form to be... |
August 24, 2023 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersBroker Update | August 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 8 Under the Affordable Care Act, the Internal Revenue Service requires health insurers to request missing subscriber and dependent Social Security numbers from their members. In August, we will send Social Security number request letters to individuals who had health... |
August 24, 2023 |
The Importance Of Taking Medications As DirectedBroker Update | August 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 8 Did you know that not taking medications the way they were prescribed leads to 125,000 deaths in the US every year? In addition to death, not taking medications as directed costs nearly $300 billion per year in additional doctors’ visits, trips to the emergency room, and... |
August 24, 2023 |
Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) Mailing IssueBroker Update | August 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 8 - Special Issue On July 31, Univera Healthcare mailed an Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) request to small groups. Unfortunately, some small groups with January 2024 renewals received the wrong letter. These groups should have received the initial notice to collect an AGIF, but... |
August 8, 2023 |
NEW STREAMLINED FORMAT - Annual Group Information (AGIF) Broker ReportBroker Update | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 The Small Group Underwriting AGIF Broker Report will feature some new and exciting changes that will help streamline both our AGIF and Healthy NY (HNY) groups into one report. The new version of the AGIF Broker Report will now also include: standalone Dental and Vision... |
July 28, 2023 |
Accurate Effective Dates Help Ensure Employees Are CoveredBroker Update | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 Any employer who use the online Enroll & Update tool on the Univera Healthcare website to enroll a new employee in medical or dental plans must select the correct effective date in the online tool — a date that is in alignment with the new employee’s waiting period... |
July 28, 2023 |
Making It Easier To Reinstate & UpdateBroker Update | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 With the click of a button, we’re making it easier for groups to track and view requests to reinstate health plan policies for their members. Today on UniveraHealthcare.com, employers can go to the View/Update Policy tool to view or reinstate their members’ cancelled... |
July 28, 2023 |
Looking For Something?Broker Update | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 Ever found yourself looking for a certain broker blast article or announcement? You know you read it and filed it away but now can’t locate it! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We archive all our broker blast articles and announcements chronologically on the broker... |
July 28, 2023 |
Preparing Children For Peak Asthma SeasonBroker Update | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 If you have a child with asthma, now is the time to revisit their asthma action plan so you are prepared for the annual increase in asthma attacks that occurs each year as kids return to the classroom. A dramatic rise in the number of asthma flare-ups occurs each year... |
July 28, 2023 |
Vaccines Are Important For Adults TooBroker Update | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 Vaccinations are not just for children – adults need vaccinations, too. Immunity from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time and adults are at risk for different diseases (shingles, for example) than children. Vaccines are important during pregnancy too. According... |
July 28, 2023 |
Rx News - An Innovative Way To Reduce Spend On Specialty DrugsBroker Update | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 Learn about Specialty Drug Benefit Optimization, an innovative program aimed at reducing spend on specialty drugs. When medical and pharmacy benefits are integrated, this program allows us to target specialty drugs that can be covered at a lower cost under the pharmacy... |
July 28, 2023 |
2024 Large Group Product UpdatesBroker Update | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 - Special Issue We’ve got exciting changes planned that will help groups and their employees enjoy even better health and wellbeing in 2024. Let’s look at what’s in store. Here’s What’s New for 2024*: Vitalize℠ ** Introducing Vitalize, a digital homebase dedicated to engaging teams... |
July 5, 2023 |
Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Report SubmittedBroker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 On June 1, 2023, we submitted the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) report as required under Section 204 of Division BB, Title II of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021. The submission included information for fully insured policies issued and for... |
June 23, 2023 |
New And Improved Agent Onboarding!Broker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 We are excited to announce a new way Univera Healthcare will be managing your agents' data. This summer we will begin using the Miramar:Agent System to onboard agents, perform background checks, and more. Miramar:Agent is a web-based software solution that will help... |
June 23, 2023 |
Creating A Clearer Path To Better HealthBroker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 Advancing health equity is central to our mission and is woven throughout the work we do day in and day out. It’s good for our members, as well as businesses and the Western New York community. With this, it’s important to recognize the diversity of employees and how... |
June 23, 2023 |
2024 Small Group Package UpdateBroker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 The following Univera Access package will no longer be offered directly through Univera Healthcare or on the New York State of Health (SHOP) Marketplace beginning January 1, 2024: Univera On Demand will be updated for package comparisons. The package that will no... |
June 23, 2023 |
Healthy NY Group Recertification FormsBroker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 Univera Healthcare was set to begin requiring the Healthy NY (HNY) Recertification form and Supplemental form from all HNY groups upon renewal starting July 1, 2023. We are postponing the requirement of the HNY Supplemental form at this time; however, all HNY groups will... |
June 23, 2023 |
The Benefits Of Getting OutdoorsBroker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. But going outside actually has lots of benefits to our mental and physical wellbeing. Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the benefits of getting outdoors in nature, whether... |
June 23, 2023 |
Rx Update - Offering Members Cost-Effective, Convenient OptionsBroker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 Site of Care is an Univera Healthcare program that provides valuable options to members who are currently receiving infusion drugs at high-cost facilities. Our program provides cost savings by transitioning members from receiving their treatment at a hospital or infusion... |
June 23, 2023 |
Rx Update - Pharmacy Concierge Delivers ValueBroker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 We understand that employers want to offer their employees the best possible health care but need to keep costs in check. In 2020 Univera Healthcare launched a pharmacy benefits management program called Pharmacy Concierge. We first offered Pharmacy Concierge to our... |
June 23, 2023 |
Looking For Something?Broker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 Ever found yourself looking for a certain broker blast article or announcement? You know you read it and filed it away but now can’t locate it! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We archive all our broker blast articles and announcements chronologically on the broker... |
June 23, 2023 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesBroker Update | June 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 6 - Special Issue On May 10, 2023, an application was submitted requesting 2024 premium rate changes in accordance with New York state prior approval law. This rate application applies to Community Rated Individual and Small Group products. The following products are included in this 2024... |
June 1, 2023 |
What Happens With Claims, COBRA And Special Enrollments Once The National Emergency Ends?Broker Update | May 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 5 As you may recall, due to the COVID-19 National Emergency, the Department of Labor provided relief via extensions for filing and appealing claims, electing and paying for COBRA, and notifying administrators of disability notices and special enrollments. The extensions... |
May 23, 2023 |
How Safety Net Plan Renewals Impact Your Business And GroupsBroker Update | May 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 5 As we’ve been sharing for the past few months, Safety Net recertifications resumed in April, with the first of our members receiving notifications in May. We understand that not all brokers typically engage with our Safety Net population, but it’s important to understand... |
May 23, 2023 |
Contract Renewals Underway For Lifetime Benefit Solutions ClientsBroker Update | May 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 5 We’re reminding brokers that Lifetime Benefit Solutions will begin a phased approach to update client contracts. We will communicate with your Lifetime Benefit Solutions clients based on their contract effective date. These clients will receive contract documents to... |
May 23, 2023 |
June Is Men’s Health MonthBroker Update | May 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 5 Men's health is a critical issue. Unfortunately, many men tend to neglect their health until they experience a severe illness or injury. This leads to a higher risk of chronic diseases, disability, and premature death. Additionally, men also tend to engage in riskier... |
May 23, 2023 |
COVID-19 National Emergency And Federal Public Health Emergency To End May 11, 2023Broker Update | April 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 4 The federal government announced the COVID-19 National Emergency and Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. Univera Healthcare has been reviewing the guidelines surrounding COVID-19 related vaccines, testing and telehealth services and is sharing... |
April 21, 2023 |
