News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Small Group Underwriting Guideline UpdateBroker Update | March 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 3 The revised Small Group Underwriting Guidelines are based on the October 2021 updates and have been approved through New York State Department of Financial Services. The changes are effective immediately to ensure we are meeting all regulatory requirements for group... |
March 24, 2022 |
CAA Compensation Disclosure RequirementBroker Update | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), we are required to identify for our ERISA groups all direct or indirect compensation we may potentially receive in connection with covered services of $1,000 or more, for the term of a group’s contract. Programs can... |
April 21, 2022 |
May Is Mental Health MonthBroker Update | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41 percent of adults report struggling with mental health or substance use, which is up 20 percent from pre-pandemic reports. Our own data also reflects this trend with nearly 1/3 of adults now reporting... |
April 21, 2022 |
Making The Most Of Your Health PlanBroker Update | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 Many members are not aware of the programs, resources, and tools we make available to them. We want to help close that gap. That’s why we created the Making the Most of Your Health Plan video. The video provides a member-level overview of creating an online account, using... |
April 21, 2022 |
Welvie My Surgery Web PageBroker Update | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 Welvie My Surgery℠ is now available to our Fully Insured commercial group plans, Qualified Health Plan, and Essential Plan members. This self-guided online program leads participants through the decision-making process if they’re considering an elective surgery. If... |
April 21, 2022 |
Updates To Small Group Non-EnrollmentBroker Update | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 We are updating our practices for groups that have had prolonged periods of no enrollment in their small group health plan. The following changes will take effect June 1, 2022: Small groups will be reviewed at the time of renewal and will be non-renewed if there has... |
April 21, 2022 |
Legislative Update, Additional Resources Now AvailableBroker Update | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 Hinman Straub, our external legal counsel, is providing legislative updates for our brokers. Additional sessions are planned throughout the year. The first update is available and includes: 2021 recap of legislation signed into law 2022 NYS budget COVID policy moving... |
April 21, 2022 |
New Business Bonus Now Paid MonthlyBroker Update | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 A new section is now visible on your commission statement. It includes the group detail for the New Business Bonus. This ONE-TIME BONUS PAYMENT is now being made monthly rather than quarterly. Please contact the Broker Contracts Team with any bonus or commission questions. |
April 21, 2022 |
COBRA Terminations For Non-Payment Of Premiums Will Resume July 1, 2022Broker Update | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 - Special Issue In March 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL), together with the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (collectively “Agencies”), issued final rules and, in February 2021 and July 2021 subsequent guidance with respect to the extension of certain... |
May 19, 2022 |
Sun, Safety & HydrationBroker Update | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 As the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outside, it is important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Drinking plenty of water every day is good for overall health any time of year. Getting enough water every day is even more important when... |
May 20, 2022 |
Updates To Our Enrollment ToolsBroker Update | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 One update you will see soon, is an updated Enrollment Inquiry & Support tool, located within the Get Help section of our website. This support tool will be updated the weekend of May 20 - 22. The form will now include “Case For” and “Product” fields. The addition of... |
May 20, 2022 |
Calm E-Book For Brokers And GroupsBroker Update | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 We worked with Calm to create a new informational resource to help Groups and Brokers with some of our most asked questions. It’s a great tool if you’re looking for: Registration Instructions Sample HR Email template Member FAQs Links to additional Calm resources... |
May 20, 2022 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesBroker Update | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 On May 10, 2022, an application was submitted requesting 2023 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 2023... |
May 20, 2022 |
Updates To Our Professional Employer Organization GuidelinesBroker Update | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 Univera Healthcare has made the following updates to our Professional Employer Organization (PEO) guidelines, allowing for more flexibility in the market for PEO business. Beginning with groups effective January 1, 2023, a PEO may choose to insure co-employees in two... |
May 20, 2022 |
Make A Mid-Year Resolution To Be More ActiveBroker Update | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), physical activity is one of the best things people can do for their health, both physical and mental. Not only does physical activity help people immediately feel better, function better, and sleep... |
June 23, 2022 |
New Wellness Videos Available To ShareBroker Update | February 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 2 A new suite of wellness videos is now available for brokers, employers, and members. The videos cover a variety of topics, including: Avoiding Processed Foods Be Stressed Less Benefits of Meditation Diabetes: Take Control of Your Health Fighting Virtual Work... |
February 17, 2022 |
Paul Valley Joins Univera HealthcareBroker Update | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 With the recent retirement of Pam Pawenski, Univera Healthcare has hired Paul Valley as Vice President Sales. Paul is a Western New York native and a health insurance veteran with nearly 25 years’ experience in the industry, having held executive positions locally with... |
June 23, 2022 |
2023 Small Group Package UpdateBroker Update | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 The following Univera Access packages will no longer be offered directly through Univera Healthcare or on the New York State of Health (SHOP) Marketplace beginning January 1, 2023. Univera On Demand will be updated for package comparisons. The packages that will no... |
June 23, 2022 |
2023 Large Group Product UpdatesBroker Update | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 - Special Issue We know that health and wellbeing have taken on new meaning and significance over the past few years. We’ve got exciting changes planned that will help groups and their employees enjoy even better health and wellbeing in 2023. Let’s look at what’s in store.* Here’s... |
June 29, 2022 |
August Wellbeing Tip: Vaccines Are Important For Adults, TooBroker Update | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 Vaccinations are not just for children – adults need vaccinations, too. Immunity from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time and adults are more at risk for different diseases (shingles, for example) than children. Vaccination is one of the safest and most... |
July 26, 2022 |
COBRA And The New York State Extension Of Benefits For Dental And VisionBroker Update | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 Federal COBRA benefits are generally available to employers with 20 or more employees in the prior calendar year. The New York state continuation of coverage (Mini-COBRA) is available for all insured health plans with under 20 employees; however, it does not apply to... |
July 26, 2022 |
Five Things To Know About The Transparency In Coverage RulesBroker Update | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 Transparency in Coverage rules have been established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and require health plans and self-funded employer groups to post on their public website machine-readable files containing the following pricing information: ... |
July 26, 2022 |
Univera Named To The Best Places To Work For Disability Inclusion®Broker Update | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 Univera Healthcare is pleased to be named to the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion after receiving a top score of 100 percent on the 2022 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a national benchmarking survey by Disability:IN and the American Association of People... |
July 26, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Provides Community Health Awards To Area NonprofitsBroker Update | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 Univera Healthcare is awarding a total of 65 community health awards to nonprofit organizations across upstate New York, including eight nonprofits in Western New York. The community health award funding will support innovative programs and solutions to advance health... |
June 23, 2022 |
Pharmacy Reporting Under The Consolidated Appropriations ActBroker Update | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 To comply with the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), we will complete the required pharmacy benefit and prescription drug cost reporting for insured businesses and self-funded groups at no charge; however, there will be a charge for a self-funded group that... |
July 26, 2022 |
Coming In September: Virtual Training For 2023 Open EnrollmentBroker Update | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 Training for 2023 Open Enrollment will be virtual through the New Univera Sales Hub. This Sales Hub is designed to support all your open enrollment training and presentation needs for the 2023 season and beyond. Univera Sales Hub will go live in early August;... |
July 26, 2022 |
NYS Prior Approval Of Rate Changes For Medicare SupplementBroker Update | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 On August 19, 2022, an application will be submitted requesting 2023 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... |
July 26, 2022 |
The New Univera Healthcare Sales Hub Is Here!Broker Update | August 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 8 | Special Issue We’re excited to announce an all new Sales Hub experience. This will be your virtual destination for on-demand training videos and educational materials, covering topics like new product offerings, annual Open Enrollment updates, and new broker education. Download this... |
August 2, 2022 |
September Wellbeing Tip: Substance Use DisordersBroker Update | August 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 8 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 14 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder, a disease in which a person overuses or abuses alcohol or drugs. Some people may use drugs to help cope with stress, trauma, or to help... |
August 23, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Addresses Health Disparities In Western New York With Available Health Equity Award FundingBroker Update | August 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 8 Univera Healthcare invites nonprofit organizations to apply for their Health Equity Awards to help fund health and wellness programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities in Western New York. “At Univera Healthcare, the health of our communities is at the... |
August 23, 2022 |
Andrew Napierala Named VP Of Medicare And Individual Market SalesBroker Update | August 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 8 Andrew Napierala has been hired as Vice President of Medicare and Individual Market Sales for Univera Healthcare. His oversight will include field sales, telesales, retail sites, and broker operations. A Western New York native, Napierala has two decades experience in... |
August 23, 2022 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersBroker Update | August 2022 | Vol. 17 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, 2022 |
HSA Education Made Easy – Introducing My HSA PlannerBroker Update | August 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 8 We know that the benefits of an HSA vary based on unique lifestyle and financial goals of individuals. This makes it difficult and time consuming for you to explain the benefits of an HSA in a way that resonates to help your clients and their employees use or sign up for... |
August 23, 2022 |
Individual Metal Plans And Rates For 2023 Now Available!Broker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 - Special Issue Individual plans and rates for 2023 are now available on Univera on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including Product Placemats and Product Brochures will also be available. Now available: Individual Metal Level Medical Plans Healthy Smile Stand-Alone Dental... |
September 8, 2022 |
Reminder: Large Group Open Enrollment MaterialsBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 - Special Issue If you need printed copies of the 2023 Large Group Open Enrollment materials, reach out to order through your Account Service Consultant. At-a-Glance Brochure Product Guide And remember, electronic versions and downloadable PDFs of each piece are also be available... |
September 8, 2022 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2023 Are Now Available!Broker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 - Special Issue Small Group plans and rates for 2023 are now available on Univera on Demand! Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guide, are also available. Learn more and order open enrollment materials now. Now available: Univera Access and... |
September 8, 2022 |
Dental Checkups And A Healthy Smile? You’re Covered!Broker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Did you know that adults born between 1946 and 1964 (baby boomers) are the first generation where the majority of people will keep their natural teeth for their entire lifetime? This is largely because of the fluoride in water and in toothpaste. Oral health is essential... |
September 20, 2022 |
Reimbursement For Travel And Lodging Expenses – New Coverage For 2023*Broker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 As a result of the recent decision by the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued optional reimbursement travel and lodging coverage that may be applied to Small and Large Group... |
September 20, 2022 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer found in women in the United States, after skin cancers. About one in eight women will develop breast cancers at some point in their lifetime. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who... |
September 20, 2022 |
New On-Site Optical Clinics For Groups With Univera VisionBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Now available: Employer groups with Univera Vision plans can have convenient, comprehensive pop-up optical clinics at their workplaces, making it easier than ever for employees to use their vision benefits and select eyewear! These on-site optical clinics bring all... |
September 20, 2022 |
REMINDER: 2023 Open Enrollment Materials Are Available Through Sales HubBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Open Enrollment 2023 training and select marketing materials will be available virtually through the Sales Hub this year at UniveraForBusiness.com/SalesHub. The Sales Hub has been designed to be a convenient resource for your open enrollment (OE) and ongoing training... |
September 20, 2022 |
Updated 2023 Commercial Broker Commission Program For Dental & VisionBroker Update | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 The Commercial Broker Commission program for Dental & Vision has been updated for 2023. Please note these are pending Department of Financial Services (DFS) approval, so we will notify you as soon as we have received approval from DFS. For a copy of... |
September 20, 2022 |
November Is National Diabetes MonthBroker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 Did you know medical costs for people with diabetes are twice as high as for those who don’t have diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has more... |
October 27, 2022 |
2023 Individual Market PlansBroker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 Our Safety Net and Individual Market Sales Team is ready to assist brokers during the upcoming 2023 Open Enrollment Period. If you have a client who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare, or Qualified Health Plan offering, we are here to support you.... |
October 27, 2022 |
Annual Rate Notices Are In The MailBroker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 Groups will receive Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October 2022. This includes the following products: Small Group Individual Please note that Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription, Dental prospective pooled and dental/vision standalone group notices and... |
October 27, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Is The One-Stop Shop For Health Insurance NeedsBroker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 As employees move through life and situations change, you can always count on our team at Univera Healthcare to be there for them. Our Group plans are just a part of how we here to care for businesses and people in our community. We also offer a complete range of plans... |
October 27, 2022 |
Achieving Some Of The Highest Medicare Star Ratings In The State And Nation!Broker Update | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2023 quality ratings and Univera Healthcare has again been awarded some of the highest ratings in Western New York and the nation for quality and performance! CMS awarded Univera Healthcare’s Medicare... |
October 27, 2022 |
‘Tis The Season For Self-CareBroker Update | November 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 11 While the holiday season can be a time of joy, it may bring added stress, anxiety, and depression for some people. Many things contribute to the “holiday blues”: fatigue, money problems, over-commitment, and missing family or friends. That’s why, during the holiday... |
November 22, 2022 |
REMINDER: 2023 Individual Market PlansBroker Update | November 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 11 Our Safety Net and Individual Market Sales Team is ready to assist brokers during the upcoming 2023 Open Enrollment Period. If you have a client who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare, or Qualified Health Plan offering, we are here to support you.... |
November 22, 2022 |
2022 Health Equity Awards Winners Announced!Broker Update | November 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 11 We recently announced the recipients of our Univera Healthcare 2022 Health Equity Awards. More than $120,000 in financial support was given to six nonprofit organizations that address racial and ethnic health disparities across Western New York received. "This…Health... |
November 22, 2022 |
