News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval of Rate ChangesBroker News | May 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 5 On May 13, 2019, an application was submitted requesting 2020 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... |
May 6, 2019 |
Do your clients have unclaimed money?Broker Update | Vol. 14 No. 5 | May 2019 It’s not pocket change. Univera Healthcare is looking for almost 11,000 individuals and companies who haven’t cashed checks totaling $1.77 million. The unclaimed checks were issued in 2015 to members and health care providers. A complete list of names of people and... |
May 5, 2019 |
Reminder: The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA)Broker Update | Vol. 14 No. 4 | April 2019 The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) is a federal law which becomes effective January 1, 2020 and will change who can buy Medicare Supplement Plans C, F, and High F (F+). Beneficiaries who are newly eligible for Medicare Part A and B effective... |
April 5, 2019 |
Rate of Registered Organ Donors Grows, but State and Regional Rates Still Lag National RateBroker News | April 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 4 More New Yorkers than ever before are signing up to be organ donors, but the state still lags the nation when it comes to the percentage of adults in the donor registry, according to an analysis by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. At the same time, the need for organ... |
April 3, 2019 |
Reminder: How Going to the Dentist Can Save Everyone a Lot of MoneyBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 3 | March 2019 When minor issues are left untreated, they can snowball into serious conditions that can affect everything from an employee’s overall health to workplace productivity and health insurance costs. This one-page handout makes the case for oral health and provides a... |
March 24, 2019 |
Reminder: Member Webinars - The Value of Your Health Insurance CoverageBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 3 | March 2019 Do your groups need a refresh on our telemedicine programs or what tools and resources are available to groups within their health plan coverage? Our Workplace Wellness & Telemedicine team will be hosting live monthly webinars for members. Please view the... |
March 18, 2019 |
There’s a Difference Between Single Payer and Universal CoverageBroker News | March 2019 | Vol. 14 No. 3 A “single payer” health care proposal is currently under consideration in the New York State Legislature. There is a significant difference between “single payer” and “universal coverage”. Many people are confused by these two terms. With... |
March 8, 2019 |
“Who Will Speak for You?” Infographic Promotes Importance of Advance Care PlanningBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 3 | March 2019 Univera Healthcare issued an infographic "Who Will Speak for You?"Open a PDF to prompt the beginning of advance care planning conversations between adults and their physicians or nurse practitioners. The infographic is being made available to doctors' offices throughout... |
March 4, 2019 |
This winter, consider prescription home deliveryBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 2 | February 2019 Getting to the pharmacy to pick up maintenance medications to treat chronic conditions is easier for some people than for others. That’s especially true in the cold weather months when roads and walkways can be snowy and treacherous, making staying home much more... |
February 18, 2019 |
2019 Broker Guide - Committed to Helping You Better Meet Your Clients’ NeedsBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 1 | January 2019 You want your clients to feel confident about their health plan selection. And we want you to have that same sense of confidence as you help them navigate health insurance products. The programs and tools outlined in the 2019 Broker Guide demonstrate our commitment... |
February 10, 2019 |
Reminder: 2019 Small Group At-A-Glance BrochureBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 2 | February 2019 Second Quarter rates are available now, and you can also get our At-A-Glance Brochure on Univera on Demand. The At-A-Glance Brochure provides you with our product portfolio and includes all the essential details you need to quickly compare benefits from plan to plan. ... |
February 8, 2019 |
Reminder: Start The Plan Year With An Online AccountBroker Update | February 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 2 If your group’s members haven't done so already, now is the perfect time to register for an online account on our website. Many questions members have can be answered by accessing their personalized information online. Members can review their current plan,... |
February 8, 2019 |
Tips to Expedite the AGIF Process - Q2 RenewalsBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 2 | February 2019 The Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) request is being sent the week of March 4, to those groups renewing from April 1 – June 30, 2019. The form is being sent by email, as well as by US mail. You can assist your groups by logging into our website and completing... |
February 5, 2019 |
Reminder: Do Your Groups Have Employees Turning 65?Broker Update | Vol. 14 No. 2 | February 2019 Do You Have Clients Born Between February 1 and December 1, 1954? In addition to a birthday celebration, these clients are going to need some assistance navigating their Initial Election Period or IEP. This is when they first become Medicare eligible. There is a... |
February 4, 2019 |
Reminder: More Answers, Access, And Control With An Online AccountBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 1 | January 2019 If your groups and their employees haven't done so already, now is the perfect time to register for an online account on our website. Many questions members have can be answered by accessing their personalized information online. Members can review their current... |
January 11, 2019 |
Behavioral Health Telemedicine Now Available Through MDLIVEBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 1 | January 2019 Univera Healthcare has partnered with MDLIVE® to provide a faster way to access healthcare for non-emergency medical conditions. As of January 1, 2019, most members can access MDLIVE for behavioral health conditions.* We recognize that often those needing... |
January 9, 2019 |
New HealthyU Biometric Screening Program VendorBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 1 | January 2019 As of January 1, 2019, HealthyU biometric screening programs are being provided by a new vendor partner, Integrated Health 21 (IH21). IH21 is a national biometric screening vendor. They provide customer centered, high quality and cost effective services, employ... |
January 8, 2019 |
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Available for a Limited Time for ChangesBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 1 | January 2019 Although the Annual Enrollment Period has ended for Medicare Advantage, there are still opportunities to assist those clients. From January 1 – March 31, 2019, beneficiaries, who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, are allowed a one-time opportunity to... |
January 5, 2019 |
Reminders and New Information for ActiveRewardsBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 1 | January 2019 For your groups with Active Rewards, please remind them that rewards do not roll over to the new benefit year. Please review and share these details with them. There are also new missions available for 2019. For members renewing their ActiveRewards plan (subscriber... |
January 4, 2019 |
Claiming Wellness Rewards Is EasyBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 1 | January 2019 It pays to stay healthy—literally! With Wellness Rewards for Small Groups, employees can receive up to $300 annually to be used on programs and services to help keep their families’ healthy. With Wellness Your Way for Large... |
January 3, 2019 |
New Dental Rewards Made EasyBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 1 | January 2019 Dental Rewards is a unique program to the market. We offer families an annual reward for getting dental exams and cleanings. Claiming rewards is easy. Members simply provide us with proof that they received the services and their rewards amount will be... |
January 2, 2019 |
Now Accepting Applications for Summer 2019 InternshipsBroker Update | Vol. 14 No. 1 | January 2019 Univera Healthcare and its corporate parent are seeking a total of about 90 college student interns for Summer 2019 positions at locations in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Utica. The 10-week paid internships are offered through the health insurer's Diversity &... |
January 1, 2019 |
Working Hard to Keep Current on Regulatory ChangesBroker Update | December 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 12 Every year, as part of your relationship with us, we work to communicate with our brokers and groups about changes in regulations and requirements that we all must adhere to. We ensure our coverage plans are compliant with the most current changes. And we are in... |
December 9, 2018 |
Medicare Creditable Drug List for 2019Broker Update | December 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 12 One of the requirements of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) requires us to notify Medicare eligible policyholders whether their prescription drug coverage is creditable coverage. In order for a drug plan to be creditable, the benefits should be worth at least as much... |
December 8, 2018 |
Dental Membership Termination DatesBroker Update | December 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 12 There are specific days of the month that should be used when terminating dental contracts. For cancelling members with ID numbers that begin with a “2” and do not contain an alpha character, use the last day of the month as the cancel date (this applies to medical... |
December 7, 2018 |
Health Plans to Mail IRS Form 1095-B by MarchBroker Update | December 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 12 Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurers are required to mail Form 1095-B to individuals regarding their health coverage information for the prior year. We will mail Form 1095-B to individuals by no later than March 3, 2019. For more information on... |
December 6, 2018 |
Reminder: Important Underwriting UpdatesBroker Update | December 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 12 We have several underwriting updates to communicate. Healthy New York Offer of Coverage by Business within the Last 12 Months Healthy NY is a program designed to make reduced-cost, comprehensive health insurance available to small employers. One of the conditions... |
December 5, 2018 |
Reminder: New Broker Commission Programs for 2019Broker Update | December 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 12 Beginning on January 1, 2019, three new broker commission programs will go into effect for Medicare Supplemental, Prescription Drug Plan, and Existing Dental Groups. Medicare Supplemental and Prescription Drug Plan Five percent (5 %) broker commission on all Medicare... |
December 4, 2018 |
Reminders and New Information for ActiveRewardsBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 12 | December 2018 The end of the year also means the end of the plan year for many members. Please keep in mind these important points about ActiveRewards at the end of your plan year. For members renewing their ActiveRewards plan (subscriber ID not changing): ActiveRewards... |
December 3, 2018 |
Telemedicine A Win-Win For your TeamBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 12 | December 2018 It all comes down to supporting your number-one resource—your employees. Besides lowering health care costs, telemedicine is an easy-to-use benefit that can be an important retention tool, decrease time missed at work, and increase productivity. Get Our Telemedicine... |
December 1, 2018 |
Thank You to Our Partners!Broker Update | December 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 12 It's hard to believe we're at the end of another year. On behalf of Univera Healthcare, I extend my sincere thanks for your partnership and continued commitment to our mutual clients in WNY; not only during open enrollment, but all year long. We make our community... |
December 1, 2018 |
Meet Lori Florack Lifetime Benefit Solutions New President GridBroker Update | November 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 11 Lori Florack is the new President of Lifetime Benefit Solutions, responsible for overseeing the strategic plan and executive leadership for the organization, as well as ensuring that our team of 200 employees is focused on delivering on our commitments to you and our... |
November 9, 2018 |
Individual Market Open Enrollment - Broker TipsBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 11 | November 2018 Open enrollment for the Individual Market is about to ramp-up significantly, and we want you to be aware of several key items and dates: This is an excellent opportunity to provide a “total solution” to your groups with employees that may not be eligible for group... |
November 8, 2018 |
Important Underwriting UpdatesBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 11 | November 2018 We have several underwriting updates to communicate. Healthy New York Offer of Coverage by Business within the Last 12 Months Healthy NY is a program designed to make reduced-cost, comprehensive health insurance available to small employers. One of the conditions... |
November 7, 2018 |
Univera Healthcare Earns Highest National Accreditation for QualityBroker Update | November 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 11 Univera Healthcare’s commercial plans have received the highest accreditation status available, a rating of “Excellent,” from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. The Excellent rating applies to Univera Healthcare’s HMO, point of service, preferred provider... |
November 6, 2018 |
Portfolio Stability and Enhanced Benefits for Medicare Eligible ClientsBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 11 | November 2018 For those of you that have Medicare eligible clients, we have Medicare Advantage products suited for all budgets. Adding individual Medicare products to your portfolio provides an added service to your clients and added revenue to your agency. Our overall... |
November 5, 2018 |
Medicare Advantage plans are now available on Univera on DemandBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 11 | November 2018 You can now view 2019 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Univera on Demand. Univera on Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2019 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your Group Medicare Sales Consultant with any... |
November 4, 2018 |
New Broker Commission Programs for 2019Broker Update | Vol. 13 No. 11 | November 2018 Beginning on January 1, 2019, three new broker commission programs will go into effect for Medicare Supplemental, Prescription Drug Plan, and Existing Dental Groups. Medicare Supplemental and Prescription Drug Plan Five percent (5 %) broker commission on all Medicare... |
November 3, 2018 |
Small Business Spotlight - Buffalo MRIBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 11 | November 2018 From bringing the first open MRI to WNY to sponsoring countless little league sports teams, small businesses like Buffalo MRI make our community special. We're big fans. Take a closer look at these imaging experts. Kevin Burns, COO of Buffalo MRI Meet... |
November 2, 2018 |
It pays to stay healthy—literally!Broker Update | Vol. 13 No. 11 | November 2018 With Wellness Rewards for Small Groups and Wellness Your Way for Large Groups, employees can receive up to $300 annually to be used on programs and services to help keep their families’ healthy. Rewards can be used to help pay for things like healthy food home... |
November 1, 2018 |
HSA Bank Planned MaintenanceBroker Update | October 2018 | Vol. 13 No. 10 - Special Issue Please note that the HSA Bank website will experience a planned outage on Saturday, October 20th. Both the Employer and Member sites will be impacted and will include the Mobile App (iOS and Android) and IVR. The sites will be unavailable from 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM... |
October 11, 2018 |
HSA Bank Website Planned Maintenance for October 27Broker Update | Vol. 13 No. 10 | October 2018 Please note that the HSA Bank website will be down from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM EST on Saturday 10/27/2018. During this time, debit Cards will still be functional and will not be impacted, but there may be limited access to the website. Messages of the outage will be... |
October 10, 2018 |
Waiting Period Changes for Dental CoverageBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 10 | October 2018 Changes are coming to the waiting periods on our Univera Dental Select voluntary plans. Effective January 1, 2019, we are waiving the waiting periods for timely entrants (eligibility as determined by the group). Contributory plans do not have waiting periods. This... |
October 9, 2018 |
Dental Rates Hold Steady in 2019 for Most Fully-Insured GroupsBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 10 | October 2018 One of the benefits of the dental claims and membership migration we are currently undergoing, is improved operational efficiencies. As a result, we are able to provide the majority of our fully-insured dental groups with a rate hold for 2019 when releasing their... |
October 8, 2018 |
Annual Group Information Form UpdatesBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 10 | October 2018 The online Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) tool (used for community rated groups only) has been updated as of September 29, 2018, in order to make the submission process quicker and simpler for Groups. In addition, the paper form has been updated, as well as the... |
October 7, 2018 |
Annual Rate Notices Being MailedBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 10 | October 2018 Rate Information Available through Information Connection for Community Rated Groups. Your groups will receive their Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. We've included links below to the sample letters they may receive. Also at the end of... |
October 6, 2018 |
Reduced Dental Underwriting for Current Medical GroupsBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 10 | October 2018 Groups that are currently carrying medical coverage with us may now be eligible for reduced underwriting for dental coverage. The group must currently carry our medical with a commercial product. Also, they must select the same class as the current medical plan carries. ... |
October 5, 2018 |
Prepare Your Groups for Open Enrollment With Employee Online AccountsBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 10 | October 2018 If your group members haven't done so already, now is the perfect time to register for an online account on our website. Many questions members have—especially as we enter into open enrollment—can be answered by accessing their personalized information online. This... |
October 4, 2018 |
Small Business Spotlight - Lebro's RestaurantBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 10 | October 2018 Whether it's bringing families together for a great meal or donating thousands to local charities, small businesses like Lebro's restaurant make our community special. We're big fans. Take a peek beyond the pasta. Carm Paolini, Owner of Lebro's... |
October 3, 2018 |
Calculate Your Estimated Federal Small Business Tax CreditBroker Update | Vol. 13 No. 10 | October 2018 New York’s Small Business Marketplace (SBM) made significant changes to expand the number of health plans available and to make it easier for participating small employers to access the Federal Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. Eligible employers can now access tax... |
October 2, 2018 |
