News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Rx Update - Join Our May Pharmacy Webinar!May Topic: "Rx Market Insights: Navigating Rising Pharmacy Costs While Facing Expanding Drug Utilization" Date: Tuesday, May 26 Time: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Across today’s pharmacy landscape, new drug indications, evolving formulations, and expanding patient... |
April 24, 2026 |
Rising Cost Support For Small Businesses: How To Get The Most From Your Health PlanFor many businesses, health and wellness benefits are an important employee attraction and retention driver. With the ongoing rising costs of healthcare, small businesses are looking for ways to continue offering comprehensive benefits to their teams. In this blog... |
April 24, 2026 |
REMINDER: Updated Medical Commercial Community Rated Underwriting GuidelinesThe Medical Commercial Community Rated Underwriting Guidelines have been updated to include the newly implemented Out of Area (OOA) and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) rules. You can find the updated guidelines on the employer website by following this path: ... |
April 24, 2026 |
Understanding Your Wellbeing: April - Upcoming WebinarsHelp keep your employees engaged and inspired with our monthly webinars, featuring fresh, practical insights to support members’ health and wellbeing. Webinar flyers and registration links are available below to share with your team. May Topic: "Transforming Stress Into... |
April 24, 2026 |
Rx Update - Supporting Employees With IBD, With Care That Makes A DifferenceInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can take a toll on your employees and your business through higher health care costs, missed work and ongoing health challenges. Our latest pharmacy blog takes a closer look at how a more connected, personalized approach to care can help... |
April 24, 2026 |
Rx Update - Pharmacy Concierge Brochure Updates For 2026We’ve recently refreshed our Pharmacy Concierge brochure to reflect the latest program updates. Designed to help manage pharmacy costs while supporting clinically appropriate care, Pharmacy Concierge takes a thoughtful, hands-on approach—analyzing claims, identifying... |
April 24, 2026 |
May Wellbeing Tip: The Power Of Nature For Mental HealthMay is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on simple, effective ways to support our mental wellbeing. One of the most powerful—and accessible—ways to do this is by spending time outdoors. Research shows that spending time outdoors can help lower... |
April 24, 2026 |
Reminder: Please Submit Group Data Using The RxDC FormAs a reminder, Univera Healthcare will complete the required pharmacy benefit and prescription drug cost reporting for all fully insured and self-funded groups that have both our medical and pharmacy coverage. However, you and/or your broker must submit premium... |
March 17, 2026 |
Quarterly Legislative Update - MarchIn this quarter’s Legislative Update, we highlight key political, legislative, and regulatory developments that may impact our industry. New York State Proposed New York State Budget The 2026 New York State legislative session began on Jan. 7, and shortly after... |
March 17, 2026 |
Updated Medical Commercial Community Rated Underwriting GuidelinesThe Medical Commercial Community Rated Underwriting Guidelines have been updated to include the newly implemented Out of Area (OOA) and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) rules. You can find the updated guidelines on the employer website by following this path: ... |
March 17, 2026 |
Building A Workplace Culture That Supports Preventive CarePaul’s doctor recommended he get a colonoscopy but, even if he could get the time off work, his co-workers would give him a hard time. Maria can’t take time off work to get her mammogram, even though she has a family history of breast cancer. Carlo has diabetes... |
March 17, 2026 |
Empower Your Workforce: Join Our Upcoming Understanding Your Wellbeing WebinarsHelp your employees stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members' health and wellbeing. Monthly flyers are available below to share with your team. March Topic: "Eat Well, Live Well: Using Food as Medicine" Date:... |
March 17, 2026 |
Rx Update - Understanding Shifts In Specialty Drug UseAs specialty medications are approved for more conditions, employees may find themselves prescribed treatments they’ve never considered before. While this can improve access to effective therapies, it also adds complexity to prescription trends and budget planning. This... |
March 17, 2026 |
Rx Update - Helping Employees Manage Inflammatory Bowel Disease With ConfidenceInflammatory Bowel Disease often requires ongoing, carefully coordinated care—something many employees struggle to manage on their own. Our latest article explores how a connected care model can reduce frustration, improve support and strengthen overall wellbeing for team... |
March 17, 2026 |
Rx Update - Support That Simplifies The Specialty Medication JourneyStarting a specialty medication can be intimidating. Accredo offers personalized assistance, clinical expertise and convenient delivery options—all designed to help employees manage their treatment with greater comfort and clarity. This flyer highlights how Accredo’s... |
March 17, 2026 |
April Wellbeing Tip: Sleep SmarterSleep is when the body and brain restore energy, strengthen the immune system, and support learning and memory. Regularly getting less sleep than you need increases the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and slows reaction... |
March 17, 2026 |
Important Information Regarding Annual RxDC Prescription Data SubmissionThe Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) requires group and individual health plans to report annual data about prescription drugs and health care spending to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The last day to submit this data to CMS for the 2025... |
February 25, 2026 |
Ensure Broker Authorization To Streamline Employee SupportAs a reminder, our online tools offer valuable convenience for your employees. To ensure fast, efficient support, it’s important that brokers are authorized to speak with us on the members’ behalf. Completing this authorization saves valuable time and allows our team to... |
February 18, 2026 |
New AGIF Requirement For Community Rated HMO Groups And Additional Underwriting UpdatesStarting in 2026, Community Rated HMO groups will be required to provide an Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) for renewal. Community Rated HMO groups will be included as part of the small group AGIF renewal mailing notifications. Additionally, the AGIF Webtool has... |
February 18, 2026 |
Tax Form 1095-BHealth 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 18, 2026 |
Make Preventive Care Easy For Your EmployeesKeeping your team healthy starts with preventive care, and we’re here to help. Our preventive care toolkit (ZIP) gives you simple, ready-to-use materials to encourage employees to take advantage of preventive services that are fully covered under their plan. The toolkit... |
February 18, 2026 |
Understanding Your Wellbeing: February - Upcoming WebinarsHelp your employees stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members' health and wellbeing. Monthly flyers are available below to share with your employees. February Topic: "Understanding Your Heart Health: Risks,... |
February 18, 2026 |
Vitalize℠ Toolkits Now Available: Make Employee Engagement EasyVitalize℠, in partnership with Personify Health, is a digital wellbeing program dedicated to engaging your team in their health and wellbeing. Vitalize gives your employees the tools and support needed to make small, everyday changes to their wellbeing that are focused on... |
February 18, 2026 |
March Wellbeing Tip: Food As MedicineThe food you choose every day has a powerful impact on your health, energy, and overall wellbeing. The concept of “food as medicine” highlights how nourishing eating habits—paired with positive lifestyle choices—can help prevent and manage disease, boost your energy, and... |
February 18, 2026 |
2026 - January - Pharmacy Updates From Mona ChitreA Message from Mona Chitre As we step into 2026, we’re proud to reflect on the progress we’ve made together - because caring for Western New Yorkers starts with collaboration. We’re looking forward to the exciting developments this year has in store for pharmacy care. ... |
January 26, 2026 |
Understanding How Premium Dollars Are UsedSmall businesses are feeling the pressure of rising health care costs and the impact of those costs on insurance premiums. The health care system is complex and understanding how premium dollars are used can be hard. Read more for a closer look at how premium dollars are... |
January 23, 2026 |
Expanding Access To Behavioral Health Care: What Employers Need To KnowThe rapidly growing need for mental health services and the limited availability of service providers has been well-documented. In addition, those same providers are experiencing burnout at higher levels than ever before and many are leaving or limiting their... |
January 23, 2026 |
Gag Clause Certificate Of Attestation Now AvailableOn December 30, 2025, 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 Broker or... |
January 23, 2026 |
Understanding Your Wellbeing: January - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsHelp your employees stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members' health and wellbeing. Monthly flyers are available below to share with your employees. January Topic: "Train Your Brain – The Psychology Behind... |
January 23, 2026 |
Simple Ways Preventive Care Can Support Your BusinessPreventive care plays an important role in keeping employees healthy while helping employers manage long-term costs. In this blog, we outline four easy, effective ways to encourage preventive care, such as sharing clear reminders and offering simple incentives. Many... |
January 23, 2026 |
February Wellbeing Tip: Heart DiseaseHeart disease is a broad term for conditions affecting the heart, most commonly Coronary Artery Disease. One of the most serious outcomes of heart disease is a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. Managing... |
January 23, 2026 |
Happy Holidays – From Our Team to YoursAs the year draws to a close, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for trusting us with the health and wellbeing of your employees. It’s an honor to partner with you. We wish you and your team a joyous holiday season and look forward to continuing to be right... |
December 17, 2025 |
Strengthening Our Efforts To Streamline Prior AuthorizationIn support of our ongoing mission to help members access quality, affordable health care, Univera Healthcare is participating in a joint effort to streamline, simplify and reduce prior authorization. This effort supports the federal government’s efforts to improve the... |
December 17, 2025 |
Legislative Updates - December 2025In this quarter’s Legislative Update, we highlight key political, legislative, and regulatory developments that may affect coverage and costs. Including: Federal & New York State Updates, Local Business Relief Coalition information and What We’re Reading. Learn More... |
December 17, 2025 |
Rx Update - The Future Of Prescription Drugs: 5 Trends Impacting Your Business And EmployeesPrescription drugs play a major role in keeping employees healthy, but rising costs continue to challenge businesses across Western New York. As we look ahead to 2026, several important trends are beginning to reshape how pharmacy benefits work. Specialty medications,... |
December 17, 2025 |
Updated Forms For Commercial Medical and Healthy New York ProductsUnderwriting has recently updated several forms for our Commercial Medical and Healthy New York (HNY) products. The new group instructions, new group checklist, and new group applications have been updated for our commercial medical and HNY products. HNY recertification... |
December 17, 2025 |
Understanding Your Wellbeing: December - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsHelp your employees stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members' health and wellbeing. Monthly flyers are available below to share with your employees. January: "Train Your Brain – The Psychology Behind Healthy... |
December 17, 2025 |
Save the Date: Upcoming Vitalize Webinars for Employees!Vitalize℠, in partnership with Personify Health, is a digital home base dedicated to engaging our members in their health and wellbeing. Through Vitalize, eligible members have access to a certified health risk assessment, digital health coaching modules, a variety of... |
December 17, 2025 |
January Wellbeing Tip: Building A Healthier YouA new year brings new opportunities to focus on your health and wellbeing. While resolutions can be exciting, they often feel daunting—and it’s easy to get discouraged if things don’t go to plan. To build sustainable behavior change, start small. Bite-sized goals make... |
December 17, 2025 |
Manage Rising Health Care Costs: 3 Practical TipsWe understand the pressures small businesses face in today’s economic climate and we continue to be right here for you. As your local, nonprofit Health Plan, we’re committed to helping small businesses find meaningful ways to manage costs while improving the quality of... |
November 14, 2025 |
Understanding Your Wellbeing: November & December - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsHelp your employees stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members health and wellbeing. Monthly flyers are available below to share with your employees. November: "Demystifying Diabetes" November 20: 12:00... |
November 14, 2025 |
2026 Wellbeing ResourcesMany members are not aware of the programs, resources, and tools available to them through Univera Healthcare. We are right here to help close that gap. Below are two resources that describe many of the programs and benefits available to members through their health plan.... |
November 14, 2025 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Healthy Eating During The HolidaysNavigating food choices during the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to maintain balance. If you’ve ever felt guilt or anxiety around holiday eating, you’re not alone. Balancing indulgence with intention can be difficult, but there are... |
November 14, 2025 |
ACTION REQUIRED: Multi-Factor Authentication Launching In The Coming Days For Employer Web AccountsTo improve account security, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be enabled in the coming days. What you can do to prepare for this change: Log into your employer web account and go to Account Settings in the upper right corner. Verify that your email address and... |
October 22, 2025 |
Univera Healthcare Welcomes Dr. Martin Stallone To Executive Leadership TeamWe’re thrilled to announce that Martin Stallone, M.D. has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Healthcare Services Officer for Univera Healthcare and its parent company, The Lifetime Healthcare Companies. Dr. Stallone currently serves as CEO of Centralus... |
October 22, 2025 |
2025 Gag Clause Attestation Process & Separate Letter NotificationAs part of our ongoing support for the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) gag clause attestation, Univera Healthcare will continue to attest on behalf of our fully insured and minimum premium groups in 2025, unless the group instructs us otherwise. For Self-funded, Rx... |
October 22, 2025 |
2026 Individual Market PlansIf you have an employee who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare or COBRA, we are here to help connect them with Qualified Health Plans (metal level plans), stand-alone dental plans and NY State sponsored Safety Net coverage, including plans for children. ... |
October 22, 2025 |
2026 Annual Rate Notices Being MailedThe New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has finalized the 2026 rate adjustments for the following products: Small Group Individual Medicare Supplement Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) will be mailed to groups by the end of October. Medicare Advantage,... |
October 22, 2025 |
Manage Rising Health Care Costs: 3 Practical TipsWe understand the pressures small businesses face in today’s economic climate and we continue to be right here for you. As your local, nonprofit Health Plan, we’re committed to helping small businesses find meaningful ways to manage costs while improving the quality of... |
October 22, 2025 |
Donate Life Registry Question Added To Health Plan ApplicationsA new question regarding the New York State Donate Life Registry has been added to select health plan enrollment forms and online tools. This update is in response to a new state mandate and applies to both paper and digital enrollment processes. This requirement applies... |
October 22, 2025 |
