News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Managed Care Organization TaxThe 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 18, 2025 |
Enrollment Portal Reminder – Accuracy Is ImportantThere 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 18, 2025 |
New Web Enrollment And Online Bill Pay Trainings Now AvailableWeb Enrollment and Online Bill Pay trainings are now available on the web under Employers > Resources > Employer Training Materials. These are interactive, self-paced courses that employers can navigate to learn more about Web Enrollment and Online Bill Pay. Web... |
February 18, 2025 |
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, 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 18, 2025 |
Why Having A Primary Care Provider (PCP) MattersIndividuals 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 18, 2025 |
New Year, New Goals: Take Charge With Preventive Health TodayPreventive 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 18, 2025 |
March Wellbeing Tip: Healthy Eating On A BudgetAccording 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 18, 2025 |
Rx Update - We’re Making Medications More Affordable With Our Automatic Prescription Discount ProgramMembers 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 18, 2025 |
Rx Update - Integrated Pharmacy Benefits: A Smart Solution For Cost Control And Risk ReductionDiscover a more comprehensive approach to pharmacy care with our integrated medical and pharmacy benefits. Our 2025 integrated pharmacy program flyer is now available for download, showcasing all the value-added and optional programs we offer for your business. Head over... |
February 18, 2025 |
Gag Clause Certificate Of Attestation Now AvailableOn 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 broker or... |
January 17, 2025 |
Understanding Your Wellbeing; 2025 Wellbeing Webinar SeriesWe 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 17, 2025 |
Starting The Year Off RightJanuary is a great time of year for employees 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: Online member... |
January 17, 2025 |
February Wellbeing Tip: Heart HealthFebruary 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 17, 2025 |
Rx Update - Pharmacy Savings Toolkit AvailableHealth care costs continue to rise, affecting both businesses and employees alike. High prescription drug prices, increased outpatient procedures and hospital care are driving up premiums and out-of-pocket costs. It's important to find solutions that support employee... |
January 17, 2025 |
Season’s Greetings From Our Team To YoursThank you for your valued business and for making our days merry and bright all year round. Wishing you and your employees peace, joy and even more success in 2025! Have a safe and happy holiday season! |
December 19, 2024 |
Automatic Payment Error ImpactSome of your employees may have received an email from us via our vendor, Instamed, saying that their automatic payment agreement has been terminated. If any of your employees received a letter in regard to their automatic payments, please refer them to the banner on our... |
December 19, 2024 |
Reminder: We Want To Hear From You!At some point throughout the year, you should have received a satisfaction survey from us. Your feedback and experience are valuable, and we want to learn from you. If your group has received an email and survey link, please respond by December 31st. If you have any... |
December 19, 2024 |
Upcoming Member Webinar For Small GroupsMaking the Most of Your Health Plan! Thursday, January 9 11:00 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. ET Online event for all small group members Looking to educate your employees on the benefits, tools and resources available through Univera Healthcare? Encourage your employees to register... |
December 19, 2024 |
2025 Workplace Wellbeing ResourcesThe 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 19, 2024 |
January Wellbeing Tip: New Year, Well YouThe 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 19, 2024 |
Incorrect ID Card Mailing ImpactUnivera 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 19, 2024 |
REMINDER: Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under the ConsolidatedAs 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 19, 2024 |
Healthy New York - New Group Application and Recertification FormThe new Healthy New York – New Group Application and Recertification Form is now available for 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 Healthy New York... |
November 19, 2024 |
Health Status QuestionnaireWe 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 19, 2024 |
We Want to Hear from You!At some point throughout the year, you should receive a satisfaction survey from us. The fourth quarter survey is being sent to the remainder of our employer groups this month. Your feedback and experience are valuable, and we want to learn from you. If your group has... |
November 19, 2024 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Self Care & Seasonal BluesWhile 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 19, 2024 |
Rx Update - Introducing HelpScript, formerly Smart RxAssistIn 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... |
November 19, 2024 |
Rx Update - Univera Healthcare 2025 Formulary Update: Humira and BiosimilarsBiosimilars 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 19, 2024 |
Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under the Consolidated Appropriation ActThe 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 |
2025 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 29, 2024 |
Medicare Recognizes Univera Healthcare For QualityThe 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 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthDiabetes 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 SubmissionsFor Groups that are submitting their annual renewal requests through the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) Webtool, please ensure that you or your broker are selecting the correct Renewal Year for your submissions. The Webtool will auto populate with the 2025... |
October 29, 2024 |
Member Mailing NotificationDue 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 |
Upcoming Member Webinar For Small Group Plans*Looking to educate your employees on the benefits, tools and resources they have available through their Univera Healthcare membership with the Small Group plan your company offers? Tuesday, September 24 12:00 P.M. - 12:30 P.M. ET Online event for all small group members... |
September 23, 2024 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBreast 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 23, 2024 |
REMINDER: Medicare Part D Creditable CoverageAs 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. Employer Group... |
September 23, 2024 |
Rx Update - Save Money And Protect Employees With DiabetesOur model is built to bring all your benefits together, providing an integrated and holistic approach to health care by leveraging medical and pharmacy data. When medical and pharmacy teams are working collaboratively, it’s proven to be the best care, while driving costs... |
September 23, 2024 |
Small Group Rates And Plans for 2025 Are Now Available!2025 Plan Highlights*: 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 2025. Let’s look at what’s... |
September 12, 2024 |
Medicare Supplement – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn 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 NotificationsInitial notification letters are being... |
August 28, 2024 |
Medicare Part D Creditable CoverageMedicare 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 28, 2024 |
Enterprise File Transfer Service UpdatesAs 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 impact SOME groups. Impacted... |
August 28, 2024 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersUnder 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 28, 2024 |
All-Access To Member BenefitsMany 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 28, 2024 |
September Wellbeing Tip: Substance Use DisordersAccording 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 28, 2024 |
Rx Update - Understanding The Biosimilar LandscapeAs new biosimilars enter the market, increased competition brings down the price of the biosimilar and reference product. As biosimilars continue to grow in use, it is important to understand what they are and their impact in the market. In our ongoing efforts to ensure... |
August 28, 2024 |
2024 Pharmacy Updates From Mona ChitreA Message from Mona Chitre As we look to the rest of the 2024 plan year, I wanted to take a moment to share all that has been happening in the pharmacy space and reiterate our mission to provide greater access to high-quality health care. As supporters of your business... |
August 15, 2024 |
Coordinated Care, Complete Coverage And Greater Value. It’s All Right Here. For You.When you’re there to help care for your people, they’ll be there for your business. It’s a simple idea – and it’s why you’re committed to providing great health coverage for employees. Coverage that goes beyond basic medical care to help people live healthier lives while... |
July 26, 2024 |
Warby Parker Added To Vision NetworkTogether 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 26, 2024 |
