News Archive
All News
Title | Issued Date |
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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 |
August Wellness Topic: The Importance Of VaccinesMost 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 26, 2024 |
Rx Update - Site Of Care For Infusion Drug TherapyWe 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 26, 2024 |
2025 Large Group Product UpdatesWe’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 in store. Here’s What’s New for 2025*: Reminder! Vitalize℠ Introduced in 2024, Vitalize is a digital home base dedicated... |
June 27, 2024 |
We Want To Hear From You!At some point throughout the year, you should receive a satisfaction survey from us. The second quarter survey is being sent to some of our employer groups this month. Your feedback and experience is valuable, and we want to learn from you. If you have not yet received... |
June 26, 2024 |
July Wellness Topic: The Benefits Of Physical ActivityExercise 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 26, 2024 |
Rx Update - Reduce Risk And Control Costs With Integrated Pharmacy Benefits Available To Your TeamExperience a more comprehensive approach to pharmacy care when your team has integrated medical and pharmacy. We now have Integrated Pharmacy Program Flyers so you can see every value-added and optional pharmacy program we have available for your business. Download the... |
June 26, 2024 |
Rx Update - New! Pharmacy Concierge Program Video SeriesNow available! A new series of videos highlighting our Pharmacy Concierge Program. Mona Chitre, Chief Pharmacy Officer, and President Pharmacy Solutions Chapter 1: Why we created Pharmacy Concierge Chapter 2: What sets us apart with Pharmacy Concierge Steve Conrad,... |
June 26, 2024 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn 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... |
June 4, 2024 |
The Lifetime Healthcare Companies Announce Plans To Affiliate With CDPHPToday (May 22), we announced that The Lifetime Healthcare Companies (LTHC), the parent company of Univera Healthcare, plans to form an affiliation with CDPHP, one of New York’s leading not-for-profit health insurance companies. This affiliation is aimed at improving... |
May 22, 2024 |
Past Due: What To Do If You Missed The RxDC Deadline?We have received questions from groups about what to do if they did not complete the RxDC online form by the due date of April 12. If a group missed the deadline, they should report the information directly to CMS in HIOS (or have another reporting entity report it for... |
May 17, 2024 |
Plan Designation Indemnification Is Now A Fillable FormWe’re excited to share the availability of a fillable Plan Designation Indemnification form. This has been a request from brokers and self-insured groups that use the form, and we look forward to this new form saving time for everyone. The fillable versions of these... |
May 17, 2024 |
Working To Deliver A Real Time Enrollment ExperienceEnhancements are coming soon to our online “Enroll & Update” tool that will allow us to process many of your transactions in real time. You’ll begin seeing these changes within the next month. For example: When making “Enroll a New Member” transactions, a... |
May 17, 2024 |
June Is Employee Wellness MonthMost adults spend more time at work than anywhere else. And work has a significant impact on all aspects of our wellbeing. According to Gallup, people who are thriving in all aspects of wellbeing are healthier and more engaged at work. Yet 6 in 10 adults in the US have a... |
May 17, 2024 |
A New Way For Self-Funded Groups To SaveSelf-funded commercial group members now have access to GoodRx® prescription pricing. GoodRx provides automatic savings on many generic prescription drugs when available. Our Price Assure flyer has additional information. Please contact your account representative with... |
May 17, 2024 |
Healthy New York Business Applications And Recertifications For Small GroupUpdated versions of the Healthy New York (HNY) New Business application and the HNY Recertification form are now available online at Univera On Demand. They are also available on our website under the Broker and Employer portals where small group new business and renewal... |
April 17, 2024 |
Get To Know Our Unique Approach To Value-Based CareWe all recognize that health care costs are continuously on the rise. It is estimated that $935 billion is wasted annually in the U.S. health care system. To address these issues, Univera Healthcare has created a new way of thinking. One that opens the doors for us to... |
April 17, 2024 |
Online Chat Now Available On Davis Vision WebsiteDavis Vision now has an online chat tool available to assist members in locating their benefits and eligibility information. The chat tool becomes available after a member creates an account and logs into the Davis Vision website. Members can ask questions or gather... |
April 17, 2024 |
May Is Mental Health Awareness MonthMental and physical health are equally important components of overall health and wellbeing. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Poor mental health increases physical health risks, while poor... |
April 17, 2024 |
It’s Time To Report Your 2023 Prescription DataThe 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) requires group and individual health plans to report annual data about prescription drugs and health care spending to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The last day to submit this data to CMS for the 2023... |
March 15, 2024 |
Target Optical And Pearle Vision Being Added To Vision NetworkTogether with our partner, Davis Vision, we are excited to announce the expansion of our network in 2024 with the addition of Target Optical and Pearle Vision. With this addition, members will be able to access more than 150,000 in-network points of eye care. This... |
March 15, 2024 |
Why Your Primary Care Provider MattersTaking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do to help you feel your best every day. Your Primary Care Provider is your partner in managing your health. Seeing them for regular preventive care ensures you are up to date on recommended screenings... |
March 15, 2024 |