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Title	Issued Date
2021 Broker Guide Is Available Now Broker Update \| February 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 2 Guiding your clients as they navigate the complexities of health insurance is one way you can ensure they have confidence in their health plan in this uncertain world. We want you to have that same confidence knowing we’re here to support you every step of the way. The...	February 23, 2021
Special Enrollment Period Extended To May 15 Broker Update \| February 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 2 The NYS Special Enrollment Period has been extended until May 15, for medical and standalone dental plans. Our Individual Market broker tip sheet has been updated and has complete details. Contact your account representative with any questions. For any clients that may...	February 23, 2021
Small Group Dental Changes To Minimum Enrollment Requirements For Orthodontic Coverage Broker Update \| February 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 2 Any New Dental groups looking to obtain dental coverage that includes Class IV Ortho coverage will only be required to have 5 enrolled as opposed to the 10 previously required. Additionally, any Existing Dental groups that are looking to align their Medical and Dental...	February 23, 2021
Call Out COVID-19 Vaccine Fraud With NYS Hotline Broker Update \| February 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 2 New York State has established a hotline that anyone can call to report suspected COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud or scams. Remember, it’s a red flag if anyone is promising individuals the vaccine in exchange for payment. To make a report, please direct individuals to...	February 23, 2021
March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Broker Update \| February 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 2 Did you know one in 20 people develops colon cancer in their lifetime? The good news is Colon Cancer can often be prevented through regular screenings and screening is recommended for adults ages 50-75. Learn more by downloading and sharing this poster. Poster - Facts...	February 23, 2021
Employees Have Questions; We Have Answers Broker Update \| February 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 2 - Special Issue COVID-19 has dominated every aspect of our lives for nearly a year. While the approval—and pending approval—of new vaccines offers hope, they also raise many questions. Is a vaccine that was created so quickly actually safe? Can I stop wearing a mask if I receive the...	February 15, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage Broker Update \| January 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 1 By mid-2021, it is believed that FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines will be available to the general public. Once available, under state and federal mandate, vaccines will be provided at no cost* to our members during the public health emergency. Key facts about COVID-19...	January 21, 2021
Relief Provided For Flexible Spending Account Plans In Stimulus Bill Broker Update \| January 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 1 On December 27, 2020, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2021. This new law provides relief options related to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Employers can choose to adopt any of these provisions or to keep their plan the same. Optional...	January 21, 2021
Tax Form 1095-B Broker Update \| January 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 1 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...	January 21, 2021
An Unusual Year But Our Health Plan Was Prepared Broker Update \| January 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 1 Planning for risk is what we do, and when Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a State of Emergency in March due to COVID-19, we were ready. Through it all, we’ve remained focused on our mission: “To help people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through...	January 21, 2021
Revised Guidelines For ExerciseRewards Broker Update \| January 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 1 Univera Healthcare members can now earn ExerciseRewards for at-home workouts through the end of 2021. We are waiving our standard guidelines for this program due to continued gym closures, mask mandates, and other requirements, as a result of the ongoing pandemic. ...	January 21, 2021
Small Group Dental Rates Now Available For All Quarters Broker Update \| January 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 1 New in 2021, Small Groups can align their medical and dental plan years. Rates for all effective dates in 2021 are now available on Univera on Demand. This includes the following products: Univera Dental Select Univera Access Dental Be sure to note, a new section...	January 21, 2021
Update On Pre-Authorizations Broker Update \| January 2021 \| Vol. 16 No. 1 For fully insured employer group plan members, pre-authorization is waived beginning on December 23, 2020 through February 21, 2021 for scheduled inpatient surgeries, inpatient mental health services, hospital admissions, inpatient rehabilitation, in-network home health...	January 21, 2021
2021 Large & Small Group Product Updates Broker Update \| January 2021 2020 tested the resilience of Western New York businesses and individuals alike, us included. And, in a bigger way than ever before, it brought to light the importance of supporting and protecting the health and wellbeing of every business’ greatest asset: your employees....	January 16, 2021
Updated Microsite And New COVID-19 Resources Broker Update \| December 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 12 - Special Issue Keeping you informed throughout this global pandemic is one of our top priorities. Earlier this year, we launched a dedicated COVID-19 Resource Website: UniveraHealthcare.com/covid19. We are closely monitoring COVID-19 and vaccine developments and this website has a...	December 18, 2020
Stay Safe. Spread Joy. Broker Update \| December 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 12 - Special Issue Though this holiday season may look different than what we’re used to, we’d like to encourage you to celebrate the things we can do. Sending cards. Keeping in touch with friends and family. Virtual gatherings. Learning to cook something new. Having a snowman contest. ...	December 18, 2020
Our Best Wishes For A Healthy Holiday Season Broker Update \| December 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 12 As we come to the end of an historic year, we want you to know how truly grateful we are for our broker partners. We have all had to process many changes—most happening on a moment’s notice—all while ensuring our members feel secure in knowing they have our support. ...	December 14, 2020
COVID-19 Related Exceptions For Univera Fit Dollars Broker Update \| December 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 12 Due to Covid-19, the reimbursement criteria will be expanded to allow reimbursement for the following new items: At-home online workout subscriptions (i.e., Daily Burn, Beach Body, etc.) At-home fitness equipment (i.e., dumbbells, Peloton bikes, ellipticals, etc.) ...	December 14, 2020
The Power To Quit Smoking Broker Update \| December 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 12 Beginning January 1, 2021, smoking cessation support will be provided through our Wellframe app. Members have access to a comprehensive program that includes program modules, videos, and articles to support them on their journey to quit smoking. And they can access all...	December 14, 2020
New Group Bill Pay Features - What You Need To Know Broker Update \| December 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 12 As we shared in October, as a result of the feedback provided by both brokers and employer groups, we’re improving our online bill pay features and invoices, so they are easier to use. In mid-January 2021, we will launch an improved online invoice and payment feature...	December 14, 2020
Commission for Individual Market/Direct Pay Dental Broker Update \| November 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 11 - Special Issue Individual Market and Commercial Direct Pay Dental contracts will be eligible for commission in 2021. The PDF below includes details of the amount. And for additional information on the 2021 Individual Dental Products the article is below. Please contact your...	November 5, 2020
Reminder: Premium Credit Will Appear in December Invoices Broker Update \| November 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 11 - Special Issue December invoices will begin being issued on November 6, 2020. As a reminder, the December invoices will reflect a 20 percent refund of the medical billed premium for the month of April this year. Please keep in mind the following: The amount credited...	November 5, 2020
Broker Tips and Reminders for Individual Plans Broker Update \| November 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 11 - Special Issue Our Group, Safety Net, and Individual Market Sales teams continue to work together to assist employer groups that have been impacted by the pandemic. We’re providing helpful resources and important dates if you have groups in need of assistance. Important...	November 2, 2020
2021 Small Group Package Update Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue The following Univera Access packages will no longer be offered directly through Univera Healthcare or on the New York State of Health (SHOP) Marketplace beginning January 1, 2021 Retiring Package Replacement Package Univera Access Gold 3 Univera...	October 22, 2020
Medicare Advantage Recognized for Quality Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue The federal government’s latest quality ratings have awarded the Medicare Advantage programs from Univera Healthcare with some of the highest ratings in the state. Medicare awarded Univera with 4.5 stars out of a possible 5-star rating for its Medicare Senior...	October 22, 2020
Need Help with Individual Market? Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue Our Group, Safety Net, and Individual Market Sales teams having been working together closely since spring when the pandemic began having an impact on some of our Groups. We’ve created an Individual Market Broker Tip Sheet to help walk you through key dates, renewal...	October 22, 2020
Social Security Number Updates for Subscribers Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue Please remember, if you need to add or update a subscriber’s social security number for an existing enrollee, you must do it manually before it can be submitted on your electronic file (either eFile or ANSI834). Manual updates can be requested using the enrollment and...	October 22, 2020
Premium Payment Processor Change Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue On January 1, 2021 our premium payment processor will change from Chase Paymentech to InstaMed®, a J.P. Morgan company. Groups that have scheduled online automatic premium payments and invoice delivery preferences will continue uninterrupted. The AutoPay feature...	October 22, 2020
Annual Rate Notices Being Mailed Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue Rate Information Available through Information Connection for Community Rated Groups Your groups will receive their Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. Also, at the end of October, you will be able to access the Monthly Rate Summary report through...	October 16, 2020
PPE Notification to Members Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is requiring us to notify members that our participating providers cannot bill their patients for the costs related to their purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE). Providers may only collect any...	October 16, 2020
New Individual Medicare Toolkit Now Available Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue With many people continuing to work past age 65, employees are turning to their employers for guidance when making important decisions about their health insurance. The right advice may save employees money by avoiding lifetime late Medicare enrollment penalties. We’re...	October 16, 2020
Pharmacy Network Change Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue As of September 1, 2020, Kroger, Albertson’s and Publix pharmacies are no longer part of the Univera Healthcare network. Express Scripts (ESI), our pharmacy benefit manager, is working hard to help reduce overall costs for members by removing higher-cost pharmacies from...	October 1, 2020
Simplified AGIF Now Available Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue A shorter, simpler version of both the web and paper versions of the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) are now available. We redesigned the look and feel of the form and reduced the number of fields by over 60 percent—just in time to help simplify your open...	October 1, 2020
Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) Letters Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue Pharmacy Network Change Medicare Advantage members with Univera SeniorChoice (HMO-POS) or Univera Medicare PPO (PPO) plans were mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Members who receive extra help paying for premiums...	October 1, 2020
It’s More Important Than Ever to Get Your Flu Shot This Year Broker Update \| October 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 10 - Special Issue Because of COVID-19, you should do everything you can to keep yourself and your family healthy. It is recommended that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year in the fall—especially if you or someone in your home is at high risk of serious complications...	October 1, 2020
We’re Here to Help You Navigate the Individual Market Broker Update \| September 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 9 - Special Issue The Special Enrollment Period has now been extended to December 31, 2020. We continue to be here to support you and help with the many questions you and your clients may have about free or low-cost health insurance alternatives to COBRA. We have engaged with many...	September 18, 2020
Important Update on Clear Options℠ Broker Update \| September 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 9 - Special Issue Clear Options brings together the clarity and predictability of a copay plan—without the higher premiums. This innovative new plan has been pending DFS approval, and we have learned that it will not be approved for fully insured groups at this time. Clear Options will...	September 18, 2020
Small Group Rates and Plans for 2021 now Available! Broker Update \| September 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 9 - Special Issue Small Group plans and rates for 2021 are now available on Univera on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guides are also available. Learn more and order open enrollment materials now. Now available: Univera Access...	September 15, 2020
NEW Individual Standalone Dental Plans for 2021 now Available! Broker Update \| September 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 9 - Special Issue Introducing a new stand-alone dental plan designed specifically for the individual market. This new dental offering has 2 plan choices: Healthy Smile Family Dental Healthy Smile Premier Dental Both plans offer adult/family coverage Both plans feature...	September 15, 2020
Individual Metal Plans and Rates for 2021 now Available! Broker Update \| September 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 9 - Special Issue Individual plans and rates for 2021 are now available on Univera on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including Product Placemats and Product Brochures are also available. 2021 Plan Highlights: NEW Advantage Gold and Silver Plans Modeled after a...	September 15, 2020
Open Enrollment Updates Broker Update \| September 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 9 - Special Issue The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has decided not to approve our new Univera Clear Options Gold product in the Small Group portfolio for the 2021 plan year. Therefore, we are unable to offer Univera Clear Options Gold for 2021. We will continue to...	September 1, 2020
2021 Small Group Dental Updates Broker Update \| September 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 9 - Special Issue No Dental Rate Increases for 2021! The ability to offer our customers quality, affordable Medical and Dental coverage during these difficult times is one of our top priorities. As a result, we have made the decision not to impose rate increases on our Pooled...	September 1, 2020
Request for Missing Social Security Numbers Broker Update \| September 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 9 - Special Issue 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 sent Social Security number request letters to individuals who had health coverage at...	September 1, 2020
Helpful Guidelines As New York Goes Back to Work Broker Update \| August 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 8 As more businesses, schools and other organizations continue to reopen, reminding everyone of important safety measures is more important than ever. That’s why we’ve pulled together a toolkit with resources to help you provide a safer and healthier work environment. ...	August 21, 2020
Simplified AGIF Coming in September Broker Update \| August 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 8 We’ve received feedback from brokers and groups letting us know that our Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) is too long and overly complex. We listened and are pleased to let you know a shorter, simpler version of both the web and paper versions will be available by...	August 21, 2020
Mini-COBRA Timeframe Extension Information Broker Update \| August 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 8 The recent Department of Labor (DOL) regulation requiring COBRA timeframe extensions DOES NOT apply to mini-COBRA groups. COBRA regulations state that an employer qualifies as mini-COBRA if they employ fewer than 20 employees on at least 50 percent of the employer’s...	August 21, 2020
2021 Large Group Product Updates Broker Update \| July 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 7 - Special Issue 2020 is testing the resilience of Western New York businesses and individuals alike, us included. And, in a bigger way than ever before, it brought to light the importance of supporting and protecting the health and wellbeing of every business’ greatest asset: their...	July 16, 2020
Special Enrollment Period Extended to June 15 Broker Update \| May 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 5 - Special Issue The Special Enrollment Period for enrolling in Qualified Health Plans has been extended through June 15, 2020. Individuals can enroll between May 16 and June 15, and their coverage will begin June 1, or July 1. Our customer care advocates can assist with any...	May 26, 2020
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval of Rate Changes Broker Update \| May 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 5 - Special Issue We know the focus for everyone the past two months has been the coronavirus pandemic. And now, our attention is turning to efforts to reopen businesses in accordance with state and local guidelines. While all of this is happening, there are still mandates set by New...	May 26, 2020
COVID-19 Pharmacy Update Broker Update \| April 2020 \| Vol. 15 No. 4 - Special Issue Our pharmacy team has been closely monitoring the supply of medications that are available during the COVID-19 outbreak. We’re taking several actions to ensure our members have access to clinically appropriate medications. Providing early refill overrides....	April 24, 2020

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