News Archive
All News
Title | Issued Date |
---|---|
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 |
Learn How ACQAs Help Increase Quality Care For MembersAn Accountable Cost & Quality Agreement (ACQA) is our localized approach to value-based payment agreements. ACQAs promote a better, more holistic patient experience for members while working to reduce unnecessary medical costs for all. Watch Our 3-Minute Video To... |
February 22, 2024 |
Encourage Your Team To Get Started With Vitalize℠A toolkit for our new digital, wellbeing program Vitalize, administered by Virgin Pulse, can now be found on UniveraforBusiness.com. With a ready-to-send email, member guide, quick start flyer, overview flyer, and reward flyers you can now encourage your team to put a... |
February 22, 2024 |
Help Your Team Manage More Aspects Of Their Wellbeing With HeadspaceStress takes a big toll on a person’s mental, physical, and emotional health. That’s why we’re offering* Headspace, administered by Virgin Pulse, to help employees better manage stress and overall wellbeing. This science-based app offers your team access to hundreds of... |
February 22, 2024 |
Reminder: Real Life Savings With Pharmacy ConciergeStarting this month, we will begin sharing a new series of videos highlighting some of the real-life savings realized through Pharmacy Concierge, our innovative prescription savings solution. Watch the first video in the series and make sure to follow us on all our... |
February 22, 2024 |
The Importance Of SleepSleeping is a basic human need, like eating, drinking, and breathing. Did you know adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, and children and teens need even more? Surveys show the average adult sleeps fewer than seven hours a night. According to the... |
February 22, 2024 |
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... |
January 26, 2024 |
Gag Clause Confirmation Of Attestations CompletedOn December 31, 2023, Univera Healthcare completed the gag clause attestations 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. Reach out to your account manager or... |
January 26, 2024 |
NEW For 2024: Virtual Physical Therapy Through Vori HealthEvery business wants to help their employees live their best. That’s why we are providing another option for physical therapy, so employees can have more accessibility when it comes to the care they need. Univera Healthcare is now partnering with Vori Health to offer... |
January 26, 2024 |
Watch: Making The Most Of Your Health PlanThe Making the Most of Your Health Plan videos for 2024 are ready! These member-level videos provide a navigation of our member online account and mobile app, while highlighting important benefits, tools, and resources available to members. There are three videos based... |
January 26, 2024 |
Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) – Mailbox Update For Small GroupsOver the past several months there have been some AGIFs emailed to Univera (AnnualGroupInformationUnivera@UniveraHealthcare.com) that were not received through our email system. While most of the emails were received, we realize this could create a situation where a small... |
January 26, 2024 |
Univera On Demand Website Enhancements For Small GroupsTo help create a better user experience for our Small Groups, we’ve updated Univera on Demand with the following enhancements: Medical Updates You can now compare the previous Q4 year rating period selected (Ex: 2022 to 2023) Added a new banner to link to dental and... |
January 26, 2024 |
February Is American Heart MonthAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventive (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, people aged 45 and over, and most races and Hispanic-origin groups, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths in the US. The term “heart disease”... |
January 26, 2024 |
Real Life Savings With Pharmacy ConciergeStarting this month, we will begin sharing a new series of videos highlighting some of the real-life savings realized through Pharmacy Concierge, our innovative prescription savings solution. Watch the first video in the series and make sure to follow us on all our... |
January 26, 2024 |
This Holiday Season We're Grateful To Be Right Here. For You.Thank 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 2024! Have a safe and happy holiday season! |
December 14, 2023 |
Our Next Step Toward Health EquityWe want everyone to have the chance to be as healthy as possible. Health equity is about removing any barriers that get in the way of health. We notified you earlier this fall that we would begin contacting your employees and asking them to share more about themselves so... |
December 14, 2023 |
Univera Healthcare Earns 85 Percent In Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-24 Corporate Equality IndexUnivera Healthcare has received a score of 85 percent out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace... |
December 14, 2023 |
January Wellbeing Tip: The Importance Of Preventive Care“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is as true now as it was when Benjamin Franklin said it in 1735. While healthy behaviors such as exercise, sleep and good nutrition can significantly impact wellbeing, getting routine preventive care is an important... |
December 14, 2023 |
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 28, 2023 |
Sunsetting Wellbeing Programs & How Members Can Claim Their RewardsWith the much-anticipated transition to our new digital, wellbeing engagement program, VitalizeSM, we will be sunsetting several of our wellbeing programs. The following programs* will be discontinued the last day of a groups’ benefit year (*program participation varies... |
November 28, 2023 |
Tell Us What You Think!In the coming weeks, you will receive an email inviting you to take an Univera Healthcare satisfaction survey. This survey is an opportunity to provide feedback on your interactions and experiences with the health plan. Your feedback is confidential, and your... |
November 28, 2023 |
Fully Insured Large Groups To Move To Preferred Value FormularyPlease be advised that all Commercial Fully Insured Large Groups will move from the current 3 Tier Open Formulary to our Preferred Value Formulary (PVF) based on their plan year. This change excludes Minimum Premium groups, who will continue to have the option to choose... |
November 28, 2023 |
Updated Annual Group Information Form And Web Tool AvailableAn updated version of the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) is available for Large and Small Groups. The only change in this version is that a question has been added to the AGIF and online AGIF Web Tool which requires employers who offer a dental plan through the... |
November 28, 2023 |
Updated Brochures Now AvailableWe’ve updated the brochures below with our new Univera Healthcare branding. Questions? Contact your account manager. Out-of-Pocket Protection Program Brochure (PDF) Rx Home Delivery Brochure (PDF) |
November 28, 2023 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Where To Go For CareUnderstanding where to go for medical care before you need it can help you and your employees minimize frustration, time, and cost. Your primary care provider should be your first choice for routine medical care or minor illnesses or injuries that are not an emergency. A... |
November 28, 2023 |
Kicking Off A New Social Media CampaignWe launched a new campaign on our social media channels that will feature some of the positive feedback we receive from our health plan members. Topics will vary monthly so be sure to bookmark our various social media sites and check back often. This month we’re... |
November 28, 2023 |
The Right Meds At The Best ValueA Univera Healthcare program is focusing on medication safety while saving millions of dollars in prescription drug costs. The program, Pharmacy Concierge, is available to most midsize and large employers through the health plan. “Improving care is the primary goal of... |
November 28, 2023 |
Medicare Recognizes Univera Healthcare For QualityThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its 2024 quality ratings, and again this year recognized Univera Healthcare for its Medicare Advantage plans. This is the eleventh consecutive year the health plan has ranked above average or higher for its... |
October 26, 2023 |
2024 Individual Market PlansIf you have an employee who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare, or COBRA, we’re here to help connect them with NY State sponsored Safety Net coverage, Qualified Health Plans (metal level plans) and stand-alone dental plans. If you would like to review... |
October 26, 2023 |
Annual Rate Notices Being MailedGroups will receive their Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. This includes the following products: Small Group Individual Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription, Dental prospective pooled and dental/vision standalone group... |
October 26, 2023 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthDiabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into blood sugar to use for energy. According to the CDC, one in three people have prediabetes and more than 37 million Americans (11.3% of the population) have diabetes. Because blood sugar in the body... |
October 26, 2023 |
Leading The Industry In Our Pursuit Of BiosimilarsAt Univera Healthcare, we are proud to lead the insurance industry in pursuing biosimilars for our health plan members. Biosimilars are safe and effective treatment options and can be provided at a lower cost. Univera Healthcare was the first stand-alone health plan to... |
September 27, 2023 |
Right Here. For You. Univera Healthcare Of Western New York.You may have noticed that Univera Healthcare’s brand looks different this month. With the direction of our leadership team and several months of planning and research, we’ve developed a new position for the brand, a new tagline and a new campaign. This new brand position... |
September 27, 2023 |
Coming Soon: Annual Notice Of Change LettersThis month, group benefit administrators with Senior Choice (HMO-POS) or Univera Healthcare Medicare (PPO) plans will be mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). The ANOC provides details on 2024 benefit changes. Group members will receive their 2024 ANOC, along with... |
September 27, 2023 |
2024 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Rates And Plans Are Now Available On Univera On DemandYou can now view 2024 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Univera on Demand. Univera On Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2023 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your Group Medicare account manager with any... |
September 27, 2023 |
Small Group Materials Now Available For Vitalize℠Western New Yorkers work hard. That’s why accessing the resources needed for all aspects of health should be easy. We’re here to provide technology that empowers your teams to take control of their health. Vitalize, powered by Virgin Pulse, is a new digital tool we’re... |
September 27, 2023 |
Together We Can Move Towards Health EquityHealth care should meet the needs of everyone – no matter who you are, where you live or who you love. This is something we are taking very seriously at Univera Healthcare. Health equity is when everyone has the chance to be as healthy as possible. To improve health... |
September 27, 2023 |
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 27, 2023 |
Univera Healthcare Launches Innovative Program To Reduce CostsThe Medication Assurance Program is a new initiative of Univera Healthcare aimed at reducing self-funded employer group overall spend. This program is designed to reduce spend on medications by holding manufacturers accountable for drugs that were approved through the... |
September 27, 2023 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2024 Are Now Available!2024* 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 2024. Let’s look at what’s... |
September 11, 2023 |
Coming Soon! Enrollment Inquiry & Support UpdatesWe’re excited to announce that updates to our Enrollment Inquiry & Support tool are coming soon. You’ll access an enhanced submission form that better supports the enrollment process from start to finish with features like: An option allowing the form to be... |
August 30, 2023 |
We Want To Hear From You!In the coming weeks, you’ll receive an email inviting you to complete a brief Univera Healthcare satisfaction survey. This survey is an opportunity to provide feedback on your interactions and experiences with the health plan. Your responses are confidential, and your... |
August 30, 2023 |
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 August, we will send Social Security number request letters to individuals who had health... |
August 30, 2023 |
The Importance Of Taking Medications As DirectedDid you know that not taking medications the way they were prescribed leads to 125,000 deaths in the US every year? In addition to death, not taking medications as directed costs nearly $300 billion per year in additional doctors’ visits, trips to the emergency room, and... |
August 30, 2023 |
Accurate Effective Dates Help Ensure Employees Are CoveredAny employer who use the online Enroll & Update tool on the Univera Healthcare website to enroll a new employee in medical or dental plans must select the correct effective date in the online tool — a date that is in alignment with the new employee’s waiting period... |
July 31, 2023 |
Making It Easier To Reinstate & UpdateWith the click of a button, we’re making it easier for you to track and view requests to reinstate health plan policies for your members. Today on UniveraHealthcare.com, employers can go to the View/Update Policy tool to view or reinstate their members’ cancelled... |
July 31, 2023 |
Wellbeing For All Is Now Within ReachNew for 2024: Introducing Vitalize℠ Powered by Virgin Pulse We’re excited to announce our new digital home base dedicated to engaging teams in health and wellbeing, called Vitalize! This tool will be embedded for our fully insured group plans and will be available as a... |
July 31, 2023 |
Looking For Something?Ever found yourself looking for a certain employer news article or announcement? You know you read it and filed it away but now can’t locate it! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We archive all our employer news articles and announcements chronologically on the... |
July 31, 2023 |