News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
2021 Diversity Equity And Inclusion Report AvailableBroker Update | January 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 1 We are proud to share our inaugural, “Diversity Equity and Inclusion Report, Bringing I.D.E.A. to Life,” which details our approach to mitigating the impact of bias, and our commitment to equitable treatment for all, within and beyond our walls. Our Corporate Commitment... |
January 20, 2022 |
Leadership UpdatesBroker Update | January 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 1 We are excited to share the following changes to our leadership team: Univera Healthcare Cindy Langston Named First Female Chief Information Officer Cindy Langston has been named senior vice president and the company’s first female chief information officer. In her new... |
January 20, 2022 |
Enrollment Inquiry & Support UpdatesBroker Update | January 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 1 Updates to our Enrollment Inquiry & Support tool are scheduled to go live on February 7. Users who login and contact us by using the Enrollment Inquiry & Support tool will have access to new features that will enhance the support process from start to finish. ... |
January 20, 2022 |
Coming In FebruaryBroker Update | January 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 1 Beginning next month, Hinman Straub, our external legal counsel, will be providing a legislative update for our brokers. Our first update will include: 2021 recap of legislation signed into law 2022 NYS budget COVID policy moving forward Additional sessions are... |
January 20, 2022 |
2022 Broker Guide Now AvailableBroker Update | January 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 1 Good health and preventive care are more important than ever and guiding your clients through their health care benefits is one way you provide confidence and security in uncertain times. The programs and tools outlined in the 2022 Broker Guide demonstrate our commitment... |
January 20, 2022 |
March Is National Colorectal Awareness MonthBroker Update | February 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 2 In the United States, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Men are much more likely than women to get colon cancer, and African Americans are more likely to get it than any other race or ethnicity. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force... |
February 17, 2022 |
Do You Really Need The Emergency Department?Broker Update | February 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 2 There are millions of visits to hospital emergency departments (ED) in New York state each year that don’t result in a hospital stay, according to New York State Department of Health data. And while some health conditions require emergency care, many are better suited for... |
February 17, 2022 |
Helpful Resources For Employees Using Our Website Or Mobile AppBroker Update | February 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 2 It’s early in the new year and a great time for employees to review the benefits and extras that are a part of their health plan. Employees can visit UniveraHealthcare.com 24/7 to: Register and/or log in to their online member account Download our mobile app Easy... |
February 17, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Earns 90 Percent In Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality IndexBroker Update | February 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 2 Univera Healthcare received a score of 90 percent out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.... |
February 17, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Is Always At Your ServiceBroker Update | February 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 2 When you travel and ask the hotel concierge for help making plans, it comes with a certain sense of relief. You know that the person who knows the business the best is going take the pressure off of you when it comes to navigating an unfamiliar environment. That’s... |
February 17, 2022 |
Group Premium Payment ReminderBroker Update | February 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 2 - Special Issue The beginning of a new month is a good time to 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... |
February 28, 2022 |
April 16 Is National Healthcare Decisions DayBroker Update | March 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 3 National Healthcare Decisions Day was created to emphasize the importance of advance care planning. Advance care planning is the process we use to plan for future medical care, consider what matters most to us, share our values, beliefs, and goals with our loved ones and... |
March 24, 2022 |
Behind Every Great Health Care Outcome Is An Informed DecisionBroker Update | March 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 3 Introducing Welvie My Surgery℠ – We know that one of the keys to better health is better health literacy – the ability to understand health information and services and use that knowledge to make informed decisions. It’s especially important with major decisions like... |
March 24, 2022 |
Small Group Underwriting Web UpdateBroker Update | March 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 3 The Medicare page/tab has been removed from the AGIF web tool as it was deemed no longer required in 2021. Groups are still not required to submit a Medicare AGIF and they will no longer be processed through SGUW. If a Medicare AGIF is submitted to SGUW, we will only save... |
March 24, 2022 |
2022 Best Places To Work In Western New YorkBroker Update | March 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 3 Univera Healthcare is once again a top honoree in the Business First Best Places to Work, winning the Silver Award among employers with more than 250 employees. Companies were voted the best places to work in Western New York by those who know them best: their employees!... |
March 24, 2022 |
