News Archive
All News
Title | Issued Date |
---|---|
Binder Checks No Longer Required For Small Groups Beginning June 1Broker Update | April 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 4 - Special Issue While much of our attention is committed to COVID-19, there are of course day-to-day activities and operations on which we remain laser focused. One of these initiatives is our review of the feedback that comes from our broker community and how we can make it... |
April 24, 2020 |
Don’t Fall For Fraud During COVID-19 FightBroker Update | April 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 4 - Special Issue Please remind your groups to be aware that there are various scams and fraudulent activities that can occur during this difficult time. As is often the case, a national and global emergency brings out people who prey upon the fears and vulnerabilities of others—especially... |
April 24, 2020 |
Telemedicine Visits Covered At No Cost To MembersBroker Update | April 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 4 - Special Issue A reminder for your groups; telemedicine visits are being covered at no cost to members for 90 days beginning with NYS’s State of Emergency issued on March 13, 2020. The purpose is to help alleviate the burden on provider offices, urgent care centers and hospitals as a... |
April 24, 2020 |
Help For Our Small GroupsBroker Update | April 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 4 - Special Issue In these uncertain times, we’re doing everything we can to fulfill our corporate mission: to provide the people in the communities we serve with access to high quality, affordable health care. One way we can help is by providing some financial relief for those small... |
April 17, 2020 |
Finding Coverage During Job LossBroker Update | April 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 4 - Special Issue We’re all facing an uncertain future, but for many employer groups this is a particularly anxious time. We have resources for groups and members, including those members who may be facing job loss and the loss of their employer-sponsored health insurance. There are... |
April 14, 2020 |
Cost Relief Available With Mid-Year Plan Changes For GroupsBroker Update | April 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 4 - Special Issue Univera Healthcare wants to ensure as many of our group members as possible can maintain their health insurance benefits. Through June 1, 2020, we are allowing mid-year plan changes to allow for lower cost employer and employee plans to accommodate the COVID-19 impacts on... |
April 9, 2020 |
Univera Healthcare Waives COVID-19 Cost SharingBroker Update | April 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 4 - Special Issue Univera Healthcare will waive out of pocket costs for COVID-19 medical testing, diagnosis and treatment for its fully insured employer groups, individual market qualified health plans and Medicare Advantage members for the next 60 days. This waives the member’s... |
April 9, 2020 |
Can the CARES Act Help a Small Business You Know?Broker Update | April 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 4 - Special Issue We’re all continuing to navigate these unchartered waters while striving to find our new normal. Last week, the Federal government signed a stimulus package to help businesses with 500 or fewer employees to stay afloat as the country continues to battle the COVID-19... |
April 6, 2020 |
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan ResourcesBroker Update | March 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 3 - Special Issue During these uncertain and challenging times, the Univera Healthcare team is here to help provide access to critical resources to support you, our employers, their businesses and employees. If your employer groups need assistance, the Small Business Administration (SBA)... |
March 31, 2020 |
Protecting the Health of Our CommunitiesBroker Update | March 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 3 The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting life for everyone as our communities battle this deadly virus. Those being hit hardest include many small businesses around the country and in our own communities, and many we insure. We have options for those employers who... |
March 25, 2020 |
Our Sales Representatives Are Here to HelpBroker Update | March 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 3 If an employer has contacted you and needs additional information on health insurance options for employees who have been laid off, please contact your account representative. Our staff is working remotely, but we are available to meet with you and your group by phone or... |
March 25, 2020 |
We're Here For You Every Step Of The WayBroker Update | March 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 3 - Special Issue To Our Valued Brokers: These are anxious and unsettling times. We’re bombarded by wall-to-wall news and around-the-clock social media about coronavirus (COVID-19) – and the impact on the economy. I want to reassure you that Univera Healthcare is well prepared and... |
March 24, 2020 |
Pending Federal Regulations on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Member Cost ShareBroker Update | March 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 3 - Special Issue The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting life for everyone as our communities battle this deadly virus. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow in New York state and across the country. New York state is requiring all insured health... |
March 17, 2020 |
Update On COVID-19 (Coronavirus)Broker Update | March 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 3 - Special Issue We know there are many ongoing questions regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and how it impacts everything from your businesses, your groups and even your own families. Please know that we have an internal team dedicated to researching and vetting the most... |
March 12, 2020 |
2020 Broker Guide: Committed to Helping you Better Meet Your Clients’ NeedsBroker Update | February 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 2 The 2020 Broker Guide is now available and includes information on programs and tools that demonstrate our commitment to helping you better serve your clients and grow your business. New this year: Commissions on all new and existing Medicare Advantage Group plans (prior... |
February 17, 2020 |
What Do You Want to Know?Broker Update | February 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 2 As your health insurance partner, we want to keep you informed on the most important matters that effect you. That’s why we would like to provide educational webinars throughout 2020. Because you’re an important partner in our business, we want to hear from you. Please... |
February 17, 2020 |
Use of Telemedicine for Behavioral Health Increasing Year Over YearBroker Update | February 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 2 Behavioral health services delivered via telemedicine now account for nearly one-third of all telemedicine visits, according to a review of 2019 claims data by Univera Healthcare and its parent health plan. In 2018, behavioral health services accounted for less than 25... |
February 17, 2020 |
Update on 1095-B Form for Tax SeasonBroker Update | January 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 1 Please inform your groups; health insurers—including Univera Healthcare—will no longer be 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, beginning this... |
January 24, 2020 |
New Year, New MandatesBroker Update | January 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 1 The beginning of a new year also means state mandated changes to some of our plans. The Healthy NY wage level for small employers is now in line with federal poverty guidelines. Read more about the increase and eligibility criteria. NYS now requires insurers to cover... |
January 23, 2020 |
Flu Season Going StrongBroker Update | January 2020 | Vol. 15 No. 1 Flu season runs through May—so there's still time for employees to get the flu vaccine. As of November 30, 2019, New York state logged 3,158 confirmed cases of the flu, compared to 1,462 confirmed cases at this time last year. There is still time to get your flu Shot.... |
January 23, 2020 |
Holiday Wishes and Happy New Year!Broker Update | December 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 12 2019 is coming to a close, and we couldn’t let it slip by without thanking you for your commitment and dedication to our shared clients and communities. Our members can rely on you for thoughtful insights and valuable information, and that is what sets us apart. We... |
December 16, 2019 |
We’re Looking for Feedback on Our Broker WebsiteBroker Update | December 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 12 It’s been a few months since the redesign of our broker website. We would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to give us some feedback about your experience using the site. The survey should take five minutes or less to complete. We value your feedback, and your... |
December 16, 2019 |
Member Webinars - "Making the Most of Your Health Plan"Broker Update | December 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 12 Do you have new groups or groups that need a refresh on the wellness tools and resources available to them within their health plan coverage? Our Workplace Wellness & Telemedicine team will host live monthly webinars for members in 2020. "Making the Most of... |
December 16, 2019 |
Important Reminders for ActiveRewardsBroker Update | December 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 12 The end of the calendar year also means the end of the plan year for many members. Please have your groups keep in mind these important deadlines about ActiveRewards if this is the end of their plan year. For members renewing their ActiveRewards plan (subscriber ID not... |
December 16, 2019 |
Direct Pay/Individual Market Collateral Now AvailableBroker Update | December 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 12 Placemats and brochures for the 2020 direct pay portfolio are now available on Univera On Demand. In Univera On Demand, click the link for the Product Placemats (PDF) or Product Brochures (PDF) under the Individual Metal Level Plans heading. Univera On Demand -... |
December 16, 2019 |
Underwriting Guideline Changes Filed With The Department Of Financial ServicesBroker Update | November 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 11 Changes to our underwriting guidelines were recently filed for reference with the Department of Financial Services. There are changes in several areas including group and subscriber eligibility. Please contact your account consultant with any questions. Please... |
November 19, 2019 |
NEW! A Clear Look Ahead – 2020 Small Group Plans and Rates for all Quarters Now Available!Broker Update | November 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 11 You will no longer have to wait to see upcoming quarterly rates for Small Group. New this year, the 2020 Small Group plans and rates are available for all quarters now. Now Available: Q1 At-A-Glance (PDF)Open a PDF Q2 At-A-Glance (PDF)Open a PDF Q3... |
November 19, 2019 |
Caring. Now Available Anywhere.Broker Update | November 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 11 Caring for your people isn’t something you only do from 9 to 5. So in this 24/7 world we’re helping you help employees manage their health each and every day with the Wellframe® app. It’s an easy way for our dedicated team of health care professionals to give... |
November 19, 2019 |
New Feature For ActiveRewards Members - Rally Marketplace™Broker Update | October 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 10 Starting January 1, members with Active Rewards will have an additional option for using the coins they earn from completing tasks through the Rally platform. Previously, members only had the option of donating their coins to a charity of their choice. With the launch of... |
October 17, 2019 |
Annual Rate Notices Being MailedBroker Update | October 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 10 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 Information Connection with your January 2020 renewals. This includes: Small Group... |
October 17, 2019 |
We're Ramping Up Efforts To Curb E-Cigarette Use And Boost EducationBroker Update | October 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 10
|
October 17, 2019 |
New 2020 Broker Commission ProgramsBroker Update | October 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 10 Beginning on January 1, 2020, two new broker commission programs will go into effect; Medicare Advantage Plans and Rx Concierge. Brokers will be eligible for commission for both new and existing Medicare Advantage plans. We’re also very excited to offer a new no-risk... |
October 17, 2019 |
Employer-Based Waiting Periods for Medical and DentalBroker Update | October 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 10 A reminder for your groups; when an online request is submitted to add a new hire for medical and dental, please be aware of the employer-based waiting period. If the employer waiting period for medical is different than the waiting period for dental, the request needs... |
October 17, 2019 |
2020 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans are now Available on Univera on DemandBroker Update | October 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 10 You can now view 2020 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Univera on Demand. Univera on Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2020 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your Group Medicare Sales Consultant with... |
October 17, 2019 |
Get Your Groups Ready for Open EnrollmentBroker Update | September 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 9 We have received great feedback about our member portal and the personalized information members can access when they register for an online account. This is a great way to educate your employees about their health insurance and to prepare them for this year’s open... |
September 12, 2019 |
Compliance With New York State Insurance Law and Small Group EligibilityBroker Update | September 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 9 As part of our ongoing commitment to maintain compliance with New York State Insurance Law 4317(a)(1), we will continue to verify that our small groups are receiving community rates. As has been our practice, this process will include our request for confirmation of... |
September 12, 2019 |
A Valuable New Tool to Make You a More Valuable PartnerBroker Update | September 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 9 You’re always looking for new ways to add value to your groups. We’re always looking for new ways to help you deliver it. That’s why we’re introducing the Wellframe® app, a free and convenient way for our Care Managers to provide confidential, text-based, one-on-one... |
September 12, 2019 |
Have Your Members Changed Their Password Yet?Broker Update | September 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 9 On August 3, we made enhancements to our website including our member portal. At that time, members were asked to reset their password when they visited the site to login. If they HAVE NOT accessed their online account since August 3, they will be prompted to... |
September 12, 2019 |
Individual & Small Group Rates and Plans for 2020 now Available!Broker Update | September 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 9 - Special Issue Individual & Small Group plans and rates for 2020 and stand alone small group dental plans 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... |
September 6, 2019 |
The Future of Care ManagementBroker Update | August 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 8 The Univera Healthcare Sales Leadership Team invites you to attend "The Future of Care Management," on September 19. A networking reception will follow. The presentation will provide an overview of our clinical care management strategies, including emerging innovations... |
August 21, 2019 |
Individual & Small Group Plans, Rates and Product Updates for 2020Broker Update | August 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 8 Individual & Small Group plans and rates for 2020 will be available on Univera on Demand in early September, tentatively the week of the 9th. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guides will also be available. Good news—no... |
August 21, 2019 |
Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) LettersBroker Update | August 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 8 Coming soon, group benefit administrators with Senior Choice (HMO-POS) or Univera Medicare (PPO) plans will be mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). The ANOC provides details on 2020 benefit changes. Your members will receive their 2020 ANOC, along with their... |
August 21, 2019 |
Department of Financial Services (DFS) Guidance Regarding Rate Guarantees and New Business DiscountsBroker Update | August 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 8 - Special Issue Because the DFS guidance may impact your business with us, we’d like to provide some additional information: The guidance only applies to non-Medicare, comprehensive, fully insured medical commercial products. The guidance prohibits the application of rate... |
August 6, 2019 |
Site Changes Coming The Weekend Of August 3Broker Update | Vol. 14 No. 7 | July 2019 -Special Issue This includes a password change, so have yours ready! Updates to our Broker and Employer web portals, which include a new look and menu options, will be going live on Saturday, August 3. The new look includes a simplified layout giving you easy access to the tools... |
July 30, 2019 |
Request for Missing Social Security NumbersBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 7 | July 2019 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... |
July 15, 2019 |
Reminder: Q4 Small Group Rates AvailableBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 6 | June 2019 Fourth quarter rates were made available in Univera on Demand on July 1 Print versions of the 2019 Univera Access Small Group Products At-A-Glance brochures are also available to order through your account consultant. The At-A-Glance brochures provide you with our... |
June 9, 2019 |
Adults With Diabetes Are Getting Better At Managing Their DiseaseBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 6 | June 2019 Compliance with care recommendations is on the rise. Upstate New York adults who have diabetes are better at managing their disease than they were just a few years ago, according to a review of self-reported patient data by Univera Healthcare. More adults with diabetes... |
June 8, 2019 |
Reminder: Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) Non-ComplianceBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 6 | June 2019 Please be advised that groups who have not submitted an Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) in the past 2 or more consecutive years will be non-renewed beginning January 2020. We ask for your assistance in ensuring your employer groups understand the importance of... |
June 4, 2019 |
Dental Experienced Rated Pooled - Information ConnectionBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 6 | June 2019 Starting in June 2019, Stand Alone Dental will be added to the Broker Summary Report in Information Connection for funding arrangements "prospective pooled voluntary" (2-50 Eligible Employees) and "prospective pooled contributory". Login to Information... |
June 2, 2019 |
Reminder: Univera Healthcare Mobile Office Hours Every WednesdayBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 6 | June 2019 Know someone looking for health insurance and can’t get it from an employer? Univera Healthcare Mobile Office Hours are available every Wednesday from 9 to 1, at The Salvation Army of Buffalo located at 960 Main Street, across from the Buffalo Niagara Medical... |
June 1, 2019 |