News Archive
All News
Title | Issued Date |
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Managed Care Organization TaxBroker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved New York's Managed Care Organization tax (MCO), effective 1/1/2025. This tax, authorized by the 2024-2025 State Budget, will apply different tax rates to Medicaid and non-Medicaid plans. The tax rates... |
February 12, 2025 |
Enrollment Portal Reminder – Accuracy Is ImportantBroker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2 There has been an increase in keying errors submitted from the web and requests submitted through the enrollment portal. This has resulted in ID cards being mailed to incorrect recipients, members being enrolled in incorrect groups and information being sent to groups... |
February 12, 2025 |
Tax Form 1095-BBroker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2 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... |
February 12, 2025 |
Understanding Your Wellbeing; 2025 Wellbeing Webinar SeriesWe are excited to host a new wellbeing webinar series in 2025, geared towards helping our members learn about various health topics that can support and improve their wellbeing from our own internal experts. Promotional flyers will be available for each month’s upcoming... |
February 12, 2025 |
Why Having A Primary Care Provider (PCP) MattersBroker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2 Individuals with a PCP may receive higher value healthcare. PCPs provide preventive care such as cancer screenings, identify and treat common medical conditions and provide referrals for specialists as needed. Preventive care can help identify health concerns and chronic... |
February 12, 2025 |
New Year, New Goals: Take Charge With Preventive Health TodayBroker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2 Preventive care can help catch potential issues early before they develop into more serious health conditions. Things like routine checkups, screenings, and immunizations can fall under preventive care. Preventive services are covered in full by Univera Healthcare. Our... |
February 12, 2025 |
March Wellbeing Tip: Healthy Eating On A BudgetBroker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2 According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), good nutrition is essential for well-being across all stages of life. A nutritious diet consists of primarily whole foods which include unprocessed fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans... |
February 12, 2025 |
Rx Update - We’re Making Medications More Affordable With Our Automatic Prescription Discount ProgramBroker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2 Members who pay 100% out-of-pocket for certain medications outside of their pharmacy benefit now have access to the automatic prescription discounts. The automatic prescription discount program provides discounts on medications outside a member’s pharmacy benefit through... |
February 12, 2025 |
Rx Update - Updated Integrated Pharmacy Program Flyers Now AvailableBroker Update | February 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 2 We've refreshed our integrated pharmacy program flyers to showcase new offerings and remove discontinued ones. These flyers highlight all the value-added and optional pharmacy programs available to groups with our integrated medical and pharmacy coverage. Each flyer is... |
February 12, 2025 |
Gag Clause Certificate Of Attestation Now AvailableBroker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1 On December 30, 2024, Univera Healthcare completed the Gag Clause Attestation on behalf of our fully insured and minimum premium groups who have our Rx. A Gag Clause Certificate of Attestation is available to groups, upon request. Please reach out to your account manager... |
January 15, 2025 |
Understanding Your Wellbeing; 2025 Wellbeing Webinar SeriesBroker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1 We are excited to launch a new wellbeing webinar series in 2025, geared toward helping our members learn about various health topics that can support and improve their wellbeing from our own internal experts. Promotional flyers will be available for each month’s upcoming... |
January 15, 2025 |
Starting The Year Off RightBroker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1 January is a great time of year for employer group members to review their online account information or register for an account if they don’t already have one. Members can check their personal information, plan details and gain access to additional resources such as: ... |
January 15, 2025 |
February Wellbeing Tip: Heart HealthBroker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1 February is American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The term “heart disease” includes several... |
January 15, 2025 |
Rx Update - Pharmacy Affordability Toolkit AvailableBroker Update | January 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 1 Health care costs are continuing to rise, impacting both groups and members alike. To address these challenges and support employee wellbeing, employers can now download our pharmacy savings toolkit. This toolkit offers ready-to-use educational resources and prewritten... |
January 15, 2025 |
Season’s Greetings From All Of Us At Univera HealthcareBroker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12 As the year comes to a close, we extend our warmest appreciation and gratitude for your partnership and loyalty. We wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and look forward to working together in the New Year! Have a safe and happy holiday season! |
December 12, 2024 |
Automatic Payment Error ImpactBroker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12 Some members may have received an email from us via our vendor, Instamed, saying that their automatic payment agreement has been terminated. If members received a letter in regard to their automatic payments, please refer to the banner on our Member Bill Pay Options page... |
December 12, 2024 |
2025 Broker Guide Is HereBroker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12 The 2025 Broker Guide is now available to help you better service our clients and grow your brokerage business. The guide is available on the broker tools page. If you have any questions about the 2025 Broker Guide, contact your account consultant or:... |
December 12, 2024 |
Upcoming Member Webinar For Small GroupsBroker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12 Many members are not aware of the programs, resources, and tools available to them through their Univera Healthcare membership. We want to help close that gap. That’s why we are hosting a live “Making the Most of Your Health Plan,” webinar for our Small Group, Commercial... |
December 12, 2024 |
2025 Workplace Wellbeing ResourcesBroker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12 The new year brings new resources to help employers support the wellbeing of their employees. They can engage, educate and empower their workforce with these helpful resources: Employee Wellbeing Webinars: Looking to have your employees learn about health topics such as... |
December 12, 2024 |
January Wellbeing Tip: New Year, Well YouBroker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12 The new year is a great time to reflect and set intentions for the upcoming year. Many resolutions center on health and wellness, highlighting the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. Despite resolutions having several benefits, sticking to them can be difficult. ... |
December 12, 2024 |
Updates: 2025 Qualified Health Plans And The Essential PlanBroker Update | December 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 12 Changes to Special Enrollment Period Coverage Effective Dates: Beginning January 1, 2025, NY State of Health must make the coverage effective date for special enrollment periods with no other specific effective date the first of the month following plan selection, with an... |
December 12, 2024 |
Incorrect ID Card Mailing ImpactBroker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11 Univera Healthcare has identified that incorrect ID cards were recently mailed out to some small groups. Since ID cards are mailed in batches, not all small group members would have received an incorrect ID card. We are working promptly to reissue ID cards... |
November 15, 2024 |
REMINDER: Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under the Consolidated Appropriation ActBroker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11 As a reminder, Univera Healthcare has determined that we will be completing the attestation on behalf of our fully insured and minimum premium groups for the time they had Univera Healthcare coverage in 2024. If any additional information is required to submit the... |
November 15, 2024 |
Healthy New York - New Group Application and Recertification FormBroker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11 The new Healthy New York – New Group Application and Recertification Form is now available for brokers and small groups. The New Group Application should only be used when a small group is applying for a standalone Healthy New York plan, or when applying for... |
November 15, 2024 |
Health Status QuestionnaireBroker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11 We encourage all plan members to complete a health status questionnaire upon enrollment and annually thereafter. We use this information to identify our members who may need care right away and are eligible for health care services that may be beneficial to them. Our case... |
November 15, 2024 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Self Care & Seasonal BluesBroker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11 While the holiday season can be a time of joy, it may bring added stress, anxiety, and depression for some people. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 9 in 10 (89%) of U.S. adults say that concerns such as financial pressure, family conflict, and... |
November 15, 2024 |
Rx Update - Introducing HelpScript, formerly Smart RxAssistBroker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11 In July, we announced our partnership with Smart RxAssist to help maximize savings available from drug manufacturers assistance programs. This program provides financial relief to self-funded employer groups and decrease out-of-pocket costs for medical specialty drugs.... |
November 15, 2024 |
Rx Update - Improving the Affordability of Pharmacy Care Webinar Now AvailableBroker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11 The rising trend in health care costs shows no signs of slowing, placing a growing burden on both employers and individuals. High prescription drug prices, increases in outpatient procedures, and more members requiring costly hospital care are straining health plans,... |
November 15, 2024 |
Rx Update - Univera Healthcare 2025 Formulary Update: Humira and BiosimilarsBroker Update | November 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 11 Biosimilars present a significant opportunity to enhance access to affordable medications for our community. Since 2018, Univera Healthcare has been a strong advocate for biosimilars, beginning with the inclusion of our first biosimilar on our covered medication list.... |
November 15, 2024 |
Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under the Consolidated Appropriation ActBroker Update Vol. 19 No. 11: Special Issue The gag clause prohibition under the Consolidate Appropriations Act (CAA) prohibits health plans from entering into contracts that restrict specific data and information that a plan can make available to another party. Plans must annually submit an attestation that they... |
November 12, 2024 |
Medicare Recognizes Univera Healthcare For QualityBroker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its 2025 quality ratings, and again this year recognized Univera Healthcare for its Medicare Advantage plans. This is the 12th consecutive year the health plan has ranked above average or higher for its... |
October 29, 2024 |
Web Enrollment Training For BrokersBroker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 A new Web Enrollment e-learning is now available for Brokers in the Sales Hub. This training provides brokers with interactive lessons on how to navigate web enrollment with Univera Healthcare. This resource can be used for new broker training or as a reference for... |
October 29, 2024 |
New: Affordability PagesBroker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 Increasing costs and growing demands for medical care are leading to premium rate increases and higher out-of-pocket expenses for members and employers nationwide. It’s important for us to find solutions that prioritize the wellbeing of our groups while also addressing... |
October 29, 2024 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthBroker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into blood sugar to use for energy. There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for 90-95% of cases. According to the... |
October 29, 2024 |
Annual Renewal Request SubmissionsBroker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 For Brokers that are submitting their annual renewal requests through the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) Webtool, please ensure you are selecting the correct Renewal Year for your groups submissions. The Webtool will auto populate with the 2025 Renewal year and... |
October 29, 2024 |
Member Mailing NotificationBroker Update • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 Due to new requirements of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, we are required to send an annual Notice of Nondiscrimination and Notice of Availability of Language Assistance Services to all members no later than 11/2/2024. This mailing is currently underway,... |
October 29, 2024 |
Individual Metal Plans And Rates For 2025 Now Available!Broker Update | October 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 10 - Special Issue Individual plans, rates, placemats, tip sheets and product brochures for 2025* are now available on Univera on Demand. Now available: Individual & Family Qualified Health Plans Healthy Smile Stand-alone Dental Plans *Subject to DFS approval 2025 Plan... |
October 1, 2024 |
Upcoming Member Webinar For Small Group Plans*Broker Update | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 Many Small Group members are not aware of the programs, resources, and tools available to them through their benefit plan. We want to help close that gap. That’s why we are hosting a live “Making the Most of Your Health Plan,” webinar. Tuesday, September 24 12:00 P.M. -... |
September 18, 2024 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBroker Update | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States among people who were born female, after skin cancers. About one in eight women will have breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. While white women are more likely to develop breast cancer, Black... |
September 18, 2024 |
REMINDER: Medicare Part D Creditable CoverageBroker Update | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 As part of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), employers and union groups offering prescription drug coverage must disclose to Medicare eligible individuals with prescription drug coverage under their plan, whether the coverage is creditable. Employers must provide... |
September 18, 2024 |
Rx Update - New Integrated Medical & Pharmacy Diabetes Programs BrochureBroker Update | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 We have a new brochure available to learn more about our integrated medical and pharmacy solutions for diabetes management. This piece offers information on each program, as well as group savings opportunities. This piece is now available to download on... |
September 18, 2024 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2025 Are Now Available!Broker Update | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 - Special Issue Explore Univera on Demand for the latest Small Group rates, plan updates, and all your open enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance brochures and product guides. Summary Benefits and Coverage (SBCs) are coming soon and will be available by October 1. Learn more and order... |
September 12, 2024 |
Reminder: Large Group Open Enrollment MaterialsBroker Update | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 - Special Issue If you need printed copies of the 2025 Large Group Open Enrollment materials, reach out to order through your Account Service Consultant. And remember, electronic versions and downloadable PDFs of each piece are also available on Univera On Demand and the Sales Hub. ... |
September 12, 2024 |
NYS Prior Approval Of Rate Changes For Medicare SupplementBroker Update | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 On June 25, 2024, an application was submitted requesting 2025 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... |
August 23, 2024 |
Medicare Part D Creditable CoverageBroker Update | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 Medicare beneficiaries can receive subsidized prescription drug coverage through the Medicare Part D program. Beneficiaries who have other sources of drug coverage—through a current or former employer or union, for example—may choose not to enroll in Medicare Part D, if... |
August 23, 2024 |
Enterprise File Transfer Service UpdatesBroker Update | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards of digital security, we are updating our encryption protocols in line with industry standards and best practices. These changes to our enterprise file transfer service MAY affect you or SOME of your... |
August 23, 2024 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersBroker Update | August 2024 | Vol. 19 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 23, 2024 |
All-Access To Member BenefitsBroker Update | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 Many people are getting ready for fall, a new school year, and open enrollment, making it the perfect time to check out their online account and make sure they’re using their plan to the fullest. An online account is like an “all-access pass” to customized member... |
August 23, 2024 |
September Wellbeing Tip: Substance Use DisordersBroker Update | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 17% of people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (being addicted to, overusing or misusing drugs or alcohol) in the past year. That’s one in six people! A substance use disorder is a disease (not a... |
August 23, 2024 |
Rx Update - Specialty Drug Webinar Recording Now AvailableBroker Update | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 As we learned in our recent pharmacy webinar, the specialty landscape continues to evolve as advancements in care provide additional treatment options for members. While these innovative treatment options can be great for members, they can also present financial... |
August 23, 2024 |