News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
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 |
MDLIVE Claims Cost IncreaseBroker Update | April 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 4 Effective April 1, 2023, the MDLIVE claim cost for medical consults increased. The medical claim cost increased from $40.00 to $50.00 per MDLIVE visit, which is still 39% below the non-MDLIVE member price. This cost is also significantly below a telehealth visit with a... |
April 21, 2023 |
May Is Mental Health Awareness MonthBroker Update | April 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 4 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine... |
April 21, 2023 |
Rx Update - 2022 Results For Pharmacy ConciergeBroker Update | April 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 4 Higher prescription costs affect everyone. We know that escalating drug prices are a problem for more and more Americans. And we understand that employers want to offer their employees the best possible health care but need to keep costs in check. Pharmacy Concierge is... |
April 21, 2023 |
Safety Net Recertifications UpdateBroker Update | March 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 3 During the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), NY State has not required most Safety Net members to renew their Medicaid Managed Care, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus eligibility. For most group members, coverage has been auto renewed during the PHE. ... |
March 20, 2023 |
NEW! Primary Care Provider Toolkit Now AvailableBroker Update | March 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 3 A new Primary Care Provider (PCP) toolkit is now live and can be found on UniveraforBusiness.com. With a ready-to-send email, PCP checklist, find a doctor tool fact sheet and e-book, employers can encourage their team to find a provider and stay ahead of illnesses. Get... |
March 20, 2023 |
2022 Pharmacy Reporting Under The Consolidated Appropriations Act (RxDC)Broker Update | March 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 3 To comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), we will complete all required pharmacy benefit and prescription drug cost reporting on behalf of fully insured groups (small and large) and self-funded groups with medical and pharmacy coverage with Univera... |
March 20, 2023 |
Small Group Underwriting Healthy NY Form And Annual Group Information Form WebTool UpdatesBroker Update | March 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 3 Small Group Underwriting form updates are rolling out as outlined below. Impacted lines of business include Small Group Medical, Dental, Vision and Healthy NY. Healthy NY (HNY) Group Size Information Going forward, Underwriting will begin collecting group size... |
March 20, 2023 |
Healthy Vision Is Important To Overall HealthBroker Update | March 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 3 Have you ever heard of “tear film”? Every time you blink, a thin layer of tears called “tear film” spreads across your eyes. Tear film has three layers: an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer, and an inner mucous layer. All three of these layers work together to help... |
March 20, 2023 |
Rx Update - Fully Insured Pharmacy BenefitsBroker Update | March 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 3 Did you know that we offer the nine innovative trend management programs to fully insured groups at no extra charge? All our fully insured employer groups receive fully integrated medical and pharmacy benefits built right into their plan with no hidden costs or additional... |
March 20, 2023 |
UniveraForBusiness.Com: Free Resources To Help Care For Your TeamBroker Update | February 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 2 When was the last time you checked out UniveraForBusiness.com? Univera For Business is your destination for toolkits and content that help businesses and employees enjoy better physical, emotional, and financial health and get the most from their health plan. Resources... |
February 13, 2023 |
2023 Healthy New York Resources And Forms Are HereBroker Update | February 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 2 The Healthy New York maximum wage has been increased to $47,750 and the Healthy New York (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. The cutoff for reviewing the... |
February 13, 2023 |
Safety Net Recertifications UpdateBroker Update | February 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 2 During the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), most Safety Net members have not been required by NY State to renew their Medicaid Managed Care, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus eligibility. For most members, coverage has renewed automatically during the... |
February 13, 2023 |
Focus On Fiber For Colon Cancer Awareness MonthBroker Update | February 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 2 March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. An estimated 153,020 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023. Colon cancer, however, is largely preventable through... |
February 13, 2023 |
Rx Update - Our Patient Assurance Program EnhancementBroker Update | February 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 2 The Patient Assurance Program was expanded on January 1, 2023, to include certain cardiovascular drugs in a continued commitment to provide affordable medications to members. The program is intended to counteract escalating costs of diabetic and cardiovascular therapy.... |
February 13, 2023 |
Rx Update - Mona Chitre, PharmD Appointed New Senior Leadership RoleBroker Update | February 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 2 Mona Chitre, PharmD has been named President of Pharmacy Solutions, in addition to her role as Chief Pharmacy Officer. In her expanded role, Dr. Chitre will focus on delivering clinically sound pharmacy solutions to enable growth and diversification and bolster... |
February 13, 2023 |
Watch: New Experience Rated Formula VideoBroker Update | January 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 1 As we shared earlier this month, Univera Healthcare has filed with NYS DFS and received approval for changes to our insured rating formula, effective July 1, 2023. The changes filed include modifying the credibility and pooling methodology to provide more stable... |
January 25, 2023 |
2023 Broker Guide Is HereBroker Update | January 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 1 The 2023 Broker Guide for Univera Healthcare is now available to help you better serve our clients and grow your brokerage business. The guide is also available in the broker portal on the Univera Healthcare website. 2023 Broker Guide (PDF) Login Required |
January 25, 2023 |
Newly Updated Telemedicine Toolkit Is Now LiveBroker Update | January 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 1 The newly updated Univera Healthcare Telemedicine Toolkit is now available for employers to download on UniveraforBusiness.com. With this collection of informational flyers, FAQ and ready-to-send email, employers can encourage their team to activate their telemedicine... |
January 25, 2023 |
Tax Form 1095-BBroker Update | January 2023 | Vol. 18 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 25, 2023 |
Submission Of Prescription Drug Data Collection ReportBroker Update | January 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 1 On December 23, 2022, 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... |
January 25, 2023 |
Here’s To Heart HealthBroker Update | January 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 1 Did you know your heart is about the size of your fist? Your heart is the engine that runs your circulatory system, which carries blood to and from all areas of your body. Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to your organs and carbon dioxide to your lungs. If your... |
January 25, 2023 |
Rx Update - Pharmacy Concierge ProgramBroker Update | January 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 1 The rising price of prescription drugs continues to be a major driver of health care costs. Our innovative approach to pharmacy cost management has produced outstanding savings for our employer groups and their employees while maintaining the highest quality of individual... |
January 24, 2023 |
Rx Update - Frozen Formulary Mandate - Effective January 1, 2023Broker News | January 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 1 The Frozen Formulary Mandate is a New York state law that goes into effect January 1, 2023. The mandate prohibits health plans that provide essential benefits from removing a prescription drug from a formulary, or adding additional formulary restrictions, during an... |
January 24, 2023 |
Update: New Experience Rated Formula RolloutBroker Update | January 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 1 - Special Issue We have filed and received approval from NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS) for changes to our insured rating formula, effective July 1, 2023. The changes filed include modifying the credibility and pooling methodology to provide more stable year to year renewal... |
January 4, 2023 |
Sending Warm Wishes To You, Western New YorkBroker Update | December 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 12 In the spirit of the holidays, we’d like to thank you for your partnership over the past year as we’ve worked together to bring high quality, affordable health care and peace of mind to so many in our community. Here's to new opportunities and exceptional client... |
December 19, 2022 |
Introducing Rx UpdateBroker Update | December 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 12 We’re excited to announce a new section of our Broker Update newsletter called Rx Update that will provide important pharmacy updates for you and your groups. Starting in January, you will see content each month under the heading “Rx Update” that will include information... |
December 19, 2022 |
The Perks Of Being A Univera Healthcare MemberBroker Update | December 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 12 Are your groups aware of Perks4U, our member discount program that offers exclusive savings on healthy programs, products, and services with vendors throughout Western New York? Perks are always available and constantly being added, and Univera Healthcare members can... |
December 19, 2022 |
Add Preventive Care To Your List Of New Year’s ResolutionsBroker Update | December 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 12 A new year is around the corner and for many, that means evaluating their health status and lifestyle habits. This year, we encourage you and your groups to add preventive care to your list of new year resolutions. Regular preventive care can help reduce the risk or... |
December 19, 2022 |
Fixing The Family GlitchBroker Update | November 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 11 To be eligible for subsidized qualified health plans today, employees must not have "affordable coverage" through their own/spouse's employer. For some, if their employer doesn’t contribute to the cost (or only contributes a small amount) toward the family premium, it may... |
November 22, 2022 |
2022 Health Equity Awards Winners Announced!Broker Update | November 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 11 We recently announced the recipients of our Univera Healthcare 2022 Health Equity Awards. More than $120,000 in financial support was given to six nonprofit organizations that address racial and ethnic health disparities across Western New York received. "This…Health... |
November 22, 2022 |
REMINDER: 2023 Individual Market PlansBroker Update | November 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 11 Our Safety Net and Individual Market Sales Team is ready to assist brokers during the upcoming 2023 Open Enrollment Period. If you have a client who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare, or Qualified Health Plan offering, we are here to support you.... |
November 22, 2022 |
‘Tis The Season For Self-CareBroker Update | November 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 11 While the holiday season can be a time of joy, it may bring added stress, anxiety, and depression for some people. Many things contribute to the “holiday blues”: fatigue, money problems, over-commitment, and missing family or friends. That’s why, during the holiday... |
November 22, 2022 |
Achieving Some Of The Highest Medicare Star Ratings In The State And Nation!Broker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2023 quality ratings and Univera Healthcare has again been awarded some of the highest ratings in Western New York and the nation for quality and performance! CMS awarded Univera Healthcare’s Medicare... |
October 27, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Is The One-Stop Shop For Health Insurance NeedsBroker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 As employees move through life and situations change, you can always count on our team at Univera Healthcare to be there for them. Our Group plans are just a part of how we here to care for businesses and people in our community. We also offer a complete range of plans... |
October 27, 2022 |
Annual Rate Notices Are In The MailBroker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 Groups will receive Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October 2022. This includes the following products: Small Group Individual Please note that Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription, Dental prospective pooled and dental/vision standalone group notices and... |
October 27, 2022 |
2023 Individual Market PlansBroker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 Our Safety Net and Individual Market Sales Team is ready to assist brokers during the upcoming 2023 Open Enrollment Period. If you have a client who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare, or Qualified Health Plan offering, we are here to support you.... |
October 27, 2022 |
November Is National Diabetes MonthBroker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 Did you know medical costs for people with diabetes are twice as high as for those who don’t have diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has more... |
October 27, 2022 |
Updated 2023 Commercial Broker Commission Program For Dental & VisionBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 The Commercial Broker Commission program for Dental & Vision has been updated for 2023. Please note these are pending Department of Financial Services (DFS) approval, so we will notify you as soon as we have received approval from DFS. For a copy of... |
September 20, 2022 |
REMINDER: 2023 Open Enrollment Materials Are Available Through Sales HubBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Open Enrollment 2023 training and select marketing materials will be available virtually through the Sales Hub this year at UniveraForBusiness.com/SalesHub. The Sales Hub has been designed to be a convenient resource for your open enrollment (OE) and ongoing training... |
September 20, 2022 |
New On-Site Optical Clinics For Groups With Univera VisionBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Now available: Employer groups with Univera Vision plans can have convenient, comprehensive pop-up optical clinics at their workplaces, making it easier than ever for employees to use their vision benefits and select eyewear! These on-site optical clinics bring all... |
September 20, 2022 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer found in women in the United States, after skin cancers. About one in eight women will develop breast cancers at some point in their lifetime. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who... |
September 20, 2022 |
Reimbursement For Travel And Lodging Expenses – New Coverage For 2023*Broker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 As a result of the recent decision by the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued optional reimbursement travel and lodging coverage that may be applied to Small and Large Group... |
September 20, 2022 |
Dental Checkups And A Healthy Smile? You’re Covered!Broker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Did you know that adults born between 1946 and 1964 (baby boomers) are the first generation where the majority of people will keep their natural teeth for their entire lifetime? This is largely because of the fluoride in water and in toothpaste. Oral health is essential... |
September 20, 2022 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2023 Are Now Available!Broker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 - Special Issue Small Group plans and rates for 2023 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 8, 2022 |
Reminder: Large Group Open Enrollment MaterialsBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 - Special Issue If you need printed copies of the 2023 Large Group Open Enrollment materials, reach out to order through your Account Service Consultant. At-a-Glance Brochure Product Guide And remember, electronic versions and downloadable PDFs of each piece are also be available... |
September 8, 2022 |
