News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Tax Form 1095-BBroker Update | January 2022 | Vol. 17 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 20, 2022 |
February Is American Heart MonthBroker Update | January 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 1 February is American Heart Month, a time to spotlight heart disease which is the #1 killer of Americans. Yet heart disease is largely preventable by living a healthy lifestyle: eat a healthy diet, get regular physical activity, manage stress, don’t smoke, and get enough... |
January 20, 2022 |
Healthy NY UpdatesBroker Update | January 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 1 Based on NYS changes, the Healthy NY New Business Application and Healthy NY Recertification have been updated to reflect the new maximum annual wage of $45,450.00 on all systems including Univera On Demand Login. The cutoff for using prior versions of the form will be... |
January 20, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Welcomes Dr. Gina CuylerBroker Update | December 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 12 In keeping with its mission to ensure access to high quality health care and reduce health disparities, Univera Healthcare announced that Gina Cuyler, MD. has joined the health plan as Vice President Health Equity and Community Investments. In this new role, Dr. Cuyler... |
December 14, 2021 |
Sending Our Thanks This Holiday SeasonBroker Update | December 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 12 As we come to the end of another year, we once again want to thank you for your partnership as we continue to help our shared clients navigate through these unprecedented times. We wish you and your families a safe and healthy holiday season. We hope the communities we... |
December 14, 2021 |
COVID Treatment Benefits Ending On 12/31/21Broker Update | December 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 12 Please remind your groups that COVID treatment benefits will be ending on December 31, 2021. Beginning January 1, 2022, COVID treatment benefits will process according to the member’s benefits. |
December 14, 2021 |
Online Billing For Brokers UpdateBroker Update | December 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 12 We will be launching Online Billing to all Brokers in early January. We will post an alert on our website when the tool is available. If you currently have access to enrollment for a group, you will be given access to billing for that group under the same account. ... |
December 14, 2021 |
Enhancements Made To Find A DoctorBroker Update | December 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 12 We continue to work to give our members the best user experience possible when it comes to our digital tools. Our Find A Doctor tool recently received the following enhancements to take advantage of in-app features such as: Location services Mapping capabilities ... |
December 14, 2021 |
New Individual Market COBRA Special Enrollment Period Effective January 1, 2022Broker Update | December 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 12 On May 5, 2021, CMS released the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP) for the 2022 plan year final rule, and it included a new/modified qualifying event for a special enrollment period (SEP). The existing SEP for Involuntary Loss of Minimum Essential Coverage... |
December 14, 2021 |
An Ounce Of Prevention…Broker Update | December 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 12 Are your employees regularly seeing their doctors for preventive care? Regular preventive care can help reduce the risk or severity of chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 90... |
December 14, 2021 |
Member ID Card UpdateBroker Update | November 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 11 - Special Issue As we previously communicated, because of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021, we will be reissuing many Member ID cards for January 1, 2022. To ensure cards are efficiently issued, please send us your enrollment as soon as possible or notify us as to when... |
November 30, 2021 |
Recipients Of 2021 Health Equity Awards AnnouncedBroker Update | November 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 11 Univera Healthcare announced the recipients of its 2021 Health Equity Awards. The awards represent more than $388,000 in financial support we are providing to community programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities across New York State. The funding will... |
November 16, 2021 |
2022 Individual Market PlansBroker Update | November 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 11 Our SafetyNet and Individual Market Sales Team is ready to assist brokers during the upcoming 2022 Open Enrollment Period. If you have a client who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare, or Qualified Health Plan offerings, we are here to support you.... |
November 16, 2021 |
2022 Product Update: Calm® App And Univera Clear OptionsBroker Update | November 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 11 Great news! The Calm® App now has full contract finalization and New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) approval. Additionally, DFS has approved Univera Clear Options for fully insured large groups with effective dates of 1/1/22 and later. Calm® App... |
November 16, 2021 |
Coping With Winter And Holiday BluesBroker Update | November 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 11 As the days get shorter and the temperatures colder, some people may notice they feel down or have less energy than usual. This could just be the winter blues caused by less activity, or stress or sadness related to the holidays. Daylight, exercise, healthy eating, and... |
November 16, 2021 |
Changes To Member ID CardsBroker Update | October 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 10 - Special Issue Both New York State and the federal government have mandated changes to health insurance member identification cards. Beginning November 1, 2021, we will begin sending member cards in compliance with the federal mandate that takes effect January 1, 2022. Federally... |
October 29, 2021 |
Univera Healthcare Achieves 5-Star Rating For Its Medicare PlansBroker Update | October 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 10 Among the highest in the nation and Western New York. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) annual Star Ratings for 2022 has awarded Univera Healthcare a five-star rating, making it among the highest-rated Medicare plans in the nation and in Western New... |
October 25, 2021 |
Coming Soon – Online Billing For BrokersBroker Update | October 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 10 We have started our pilot program and will be rolling out Online Billing to all Brokers in the coming months. With Online Billing you will be able to: Access all your group’s billing information under one login View and download your group’s invoices View your... |
October 25, 2021 |
Annual Rate Notices Being MailedBroker Update | October 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 10 Groups will receive Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. This includes: Small Group Products Individual Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription and Dental prospective pooled group notices and rates will be issued and viewable in Information Connection... |
October 25, 2021 |
Update To Small Group Medical Underwriting GuidelinesBroker Update | October 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 10 Small Group medical underwriting guidelines have been updated and are available on our website and on Univera On Demand. Please reach out to your dedicated underwriter or account representative with any questions. View the Updated Guidelines |
October 25, 2021 |
Univera Healthcare Inside Rx Prescription Discount CardBroker Update | October 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 10 Univera Healthcare continues its mission of helping people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through high-quality and affordable health care access. As part of that ongoing commitment, we’re excited to announce that we have partnered with Inside Rx®,... |
October 25, 2021 |
Update To COVID Treatment BenefitsBroker Update | October 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 10 Univera Healthcare will continue to cover IN-NETWORK COVID treatment benefits for fully insured members in full through December 31, 2021. Self-funded groups that previously opted-in will be given the choice to extend that option through December 31, 2021. |
October 25, 2021 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthBroker Update | October 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 10 November is Diabetes Month, a national observance designed to raise awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, types of diabetes, and the impact this disease has every day on millions of Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association®, Diabetes is the seventh... |
October 25, 2021 |
Coming Soon! Online Billing For BrokersBroker Update | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 Earlier this year, we launched a new online bill pay tool for your groups. Soon, brokers will have access to online billing as well. Beginning in mid-October, brokers will be able to: Access all Group billing information under one login View Group invoices View... |
September 22, 2021 |
Revised Waiting Period PolicyBroker Update | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 We understand that employers may be looking for ways to position themselves more competitively in the current hiring environment. Health insurance is often a key component of employee benefit packages. From now until January 1, 2022, employers may change their new hire... |
September 22, 2021 |
2022 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Rates/Plans Now AvailableBroker Update | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 You can now view 2022 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Univera on Demand. Univera on Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2022 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your Group Medicare Sales Consultant with any... |
September 22, 2021 |
Medicare Annual Notice Of Change MailingBroker Update | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 This month, 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 2022 benefit changes. These members will receive their 2022 ANOC, along with their... |
September 22, 2021 |
REMINDER: COBRA Subsidy Period Coming To An EndBroker Update | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 The COBRA subsidy period will end on September 30, 2021. Groups will NOT need to take any action to return to standard billing in October and going forward. If a Group wants to terminate a COBRA enrollee, they will need to notify us. As a reminder, the American Rescue... |
September 22, 2021 |
Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBroker Update | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 255,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease in the US every year. Here’s how... |
September 22, 2021 |
Plan Highlights And New Resources For 2022Broker Update | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 - Special Issue New! 2022 Open Enrollment Highlights Streamlined collateral that provides a quick overview of the key updates planned for 2022 groups. Talk to your Univera Account Manager for more information about this and other supportive marketing collateral. What’s New for 2022... |
September 13, 2021 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2022 Now Available!Broker Update | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 - Special Issue Small Group plans and rates for 2022 are available on Univera on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance brochures and product guides are also available. Now available: NEW! Univera Clear Options Medical Plan Univera Access & Univera Access... |
September 13, 2021 |
Individual Metal Plans And Rates For 2022 Now Available!Broker Update | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 - Special Issue Individual plans and rates for 2022 are now available on Univera on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including Product Placemats and Product Brochures are also available. Now available: Individual Metal Level Medical Plans Univera Healthy Smile Stand-Alone... |
September 13, 2021 |
COBRA Subsidy Period Coming To An EndBroker Update | August 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 8 The COBRA subsidy period will end on September 30, 2021. Groups will NOT need to take any action to return to standard billing in October and going forward. If a Group wants to terminate a COBRA enrollee, they will need to notify us. As a reminder, the American Rescue... |
August 26, 2021 |
Updates To Non-COVID Telehealth BenefitsBroker Update | August 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 8 The New York State regulation to cover non-COVID telehealth benefits in full for fully insured members, ended on June 24, 2021. Univera Healthcare will continue to cover IN-NETWORK NON-COVID telehealth benefits for fully insured members in full through December 31, 2021.... |
August 26, 2021 |
Univera Healthcare Addresses Health Disparities In Western New York With New Health Equity AwardsBroker Update | August 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 8 Recognizing structural racism as a driving force of health inequities and a barrier to its goal of health equity, Univera Healthcare invites nonprofit organizations to apply for Health Equity Awards of up to $30,000 each to help fund health and wellness programs that... |
August 26, 2021 |
Help Protect Employees From The FluBroker Update | August 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 8 Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Millions of people get the flu every year; many are hospitalized and some die from flu-related causes every year. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall before flu season begins. The... |
August 26, 2021 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersBroker Update | August 2021 | Vol. 16 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 September, we will send Social Security number request letters to individuals who had health... |
August 26, 2021 |
NYS Prior Approval Of Rate Changes For Large Group HMO And Medicare SupplementBroker Update | July 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 7 On July 15, 2021 an application was submitted requesting 2022 premium rate changes in accordance with New York state prior approval law. This rate application applies to Medicare Supplement products. Employer Group Communication Initial notification letters will be... |
July 26, 2021 |
Online Bill Pay Available Now For Your GroupsBroker Update | July 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 7 Earlier this year, we launched new and improved online bill pay features. Your groups with bill pay access can log in to Employer.UniveraHealthcare.com to: View invoices, payments, and balance due Pay premium bills Setup automatic payments Pay for one or multiple... |
July 26, 2021 |
The Price Of Back Pain In The Workplace And Home OfficeBroker Update | July 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 7 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), low back pain (LBP) causes more global disability than any other condition. According to a report by Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI), nearly one in four U.S. employees report experiencing lower-back... |
July 26, 2021 |
Your ARPA Questions Answered About The Individual MarketBroker Update | July 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 7 - Special Issue We have received many questions from brokers regarding the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and how it impacts members who may have transitioned from group coverage to the individual market. Several new changes have been implemented for NY State Residents: New... |
July 8, 2021 |
2022 Large Group Product UpdatesBroker Update | July 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 7 - Special Issue We know that health and wellbeing have taken on new meaning and significance over the past year. We’ve got exciting changes planned that will help groups and their employees enjoy even better health and wellbeing in 2022. Let’s look at what’s in store. Here’s What’s New... |
July 1, 2021 |
Premium Payment ReminderBroker Update | June 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 6 Please remind your groups, per contract, there is a 30-day grace period to make their premium payment. If payment is not received within the 30-day grace period, we will initiate the termination process. As a reminder, the first premium payment must be made prior to the... |
June 18, 2021 |
New Feature Added To Enroll & UpdateBroker Update | June 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 6 Based on feedback provided by our brokers, we have added a filtering feature to Enroll & Update. Login to the broker portal → Click on Enroll & Update. Click on View Member Roster Filter by package status: Active, Terminated, Pending, All View a screenshot... |
June 18, 2021 |
Free Mobile Health SupportBroker Update | June 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 6 Caring for your employees isn’t something you only do from 9 to 5. In this 24/7 world we’re helping you help employees manage their health every day with the Wellframe® app. It’s an easy way for our dedicated team of health care professionals to give confidential,... |
June 18, 2021 |
Our Opioid Management StrategyBroker Update | June 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 6 Over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States between May 2019 and May 2020. This is the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths were already... |
June 18, 2021 |
Broker Support Needed For SELECT GROUPS With COBRABroker Update | June 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 6 - Special Issue As a reminder, the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Disaster Relief Notice 2021-01 (the Notice) that further defined previously issued tolling periods for certain COBRA timeframes. Shortly after, Congress passed the American Rescue... |
June 4, 2021 |
