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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Wishing You The Best In 2022Broker Update | January 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 1 As we begin another new year, I want to thank you for your continued partnership as together we guide our shared clients and members during these unprecedented times. Our local leadership—based right here, in Western New York—remains ready to support you and your... |
January 20, 2022 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesBroker Update | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 - Special Issue On May 15, 2024, an application was submitted requesting 2025 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 2025... |
May 31, 2024 |
July Wellness Topic: The Benefits Of Physical ActivityBroker Update | June 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 6 Exercise gives you energy. That may seem counterintuitive, but exercise boosts energy levels. Even occasional exercise improves your mental wellbeing, thinking and sleep and reduces anxiety and blood pressure. Regular exercise has even more benefits than an occasional... |
June 18, 2024 |
We Want To Hear From Your Employer Groups!Broker Update | June 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 6 Throughout the year, employer groups receive a satisfaction survey from us. The second quarter survey is being sent to some employer groups this month. The feedback and experience of our employer groups is valuable, we want to learn from them. If your group has not yet... |
June 18, 2024 |
Rx Update - Site Of Care For Infusion Drug TherapyBroker Update | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 We are continuously looking for ways to promote member convenience while lowering overall costs. The Site of Care (SOC) program provides outreach to patients receiving select infusion or injectable drugs at high-cost facilities and transitions these patients to home... |
July 19, 2024 |
Rx Update - Join Us For Our First Univera Healthcare Pharmacy WebinarBroker Update | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 Topic: Rx Market Insights: Specialty Drug Trends & Solutions July 26th, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. ET What are the top trend drivers for specialty pharmacy? What does the future look like for these trends? How can businesses save money on these high-cost drugs? These... |
July 19, 2024 |
August Wellness Topic: The Importance Of VaccinesBroker Update | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 Most of us probably don’t remember when people regularly died from smallpox or polio. There have been no cases of smallpox anywhere in the world since 1980. Polio has been eliminated in the United States because of vaccination, though it is still a threat in some other... |
July 19, 2024 |
Warby Parker Added To Vision NetworkBroker Update | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 Together with our partner, Davis Vision, we are excited to announce the expansion of our vision network to include Warby Parker as of July 1, 2024. This enhancement has no premium rate impact. Members will enjoy full access to Warby Parker’s elevated shopping experience... |
July 19, 2024 |
Right Here For A More Holistic Approach To HealthBroker Update | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 We’re proud to provide Western New York with a more coordinated, caring, personalized, and holistic health insurance experience. It’s an approach that connects the dots for employees while improving care and helping address rising costs for everyone. We’ve taken a hard... |
July 19, 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 - 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
