News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
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 |
Preparing A Child For Peak Asthma SeasonIf you have a child with asthma, now is the time to revisit their asthma action plan so you are prepared for the annual increase in asthma attacks that occurs each year as kids return to the classroom. A dramatic rise in the number of asthma flare-ups occurs each year... |
July 31, 2023 |
Vaccines Are Important For Adults, TooVaccinations are not just for children – adults need vaccinations, too. Immunity from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time and adults are at risk for different diseases (shingles, for example) than children. Vaccines are important during pregnancy too. According... |
July 31, 2023 |
2024 Large Group Product UpdatesWe’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 in store. Here’s What’s New for 2024*: Vitalize℠ ** Introducing Vitalize, a digital homebase dedicated to engaging teams... |
July 5, 2023 |
Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Report SubmittedOn June 1, 2023, we submitted the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) report as required under Section 204 of Division BB, Title II of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021. The submission included information for fully insured policies issued and for... |
June 27, 2023 |
Creating A Clearer Path To Better HealthAdvancing health equity is central to our mission and is woven throughout the work we do day in and day out. It’s good for your members and the Western New York community. With this, it’s important to recognize the diversity of employees and how their different... |
June 27, 2023 |
2024 Small Group Package UpdateThe following Univera Access package will no longer be offered directly through Univera Healthcare or on the New York State of Health (SHOP) Marketplace beginning January 1, 2024: Univera On Demand will be updated for package comparisons.The package that will no longer... |
June 27, 2023 |
Healthy NY Group Recertification FormsUnivera Healthcare was set to begin requiring the Healthy NY (HNY) Recertification form and Supplemental form from all HNY groups upon renewal starting July 1, 2023. We are postponing the requirement of the HNY Supplemental form at this time; however, all HNY groups will... |
June 27, 2023 |
Offering Members Cost-Effective, Convenient OptionsSite of Care is an Univera Healthcare program that provides valuable options to group members who are currently receiving infusion drugs at high-cost facilities. Our program provides cost savings by transitioning members from receiving their treatment at a hospital or... |
June 27, 2023 |
The Benefits Of Getting OutdoorsAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. But going outside actually has lots of benefits to our mental and physical wellbeing. Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the benefits of getting outdoors in nature, whether... |
June 27, 2023 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn May 10, 2023, an application was submitted requesting 2024 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 2024... |
June 2, 2023 |
What Happens With Claims, COBRA And Special Enrollments Once The National Emergency Ends?As you may recall, due to the COVID-19 National Emergency, the Department of Labor provided relief via extensions for filing and appealing claims, electing and paying for COBRA, and notifying administrators of disability notices and special enrollments. The extensions... |
May 30, 2023 |
How Safety Net Plan Renewals Impact Your Business And MembersAs we’ve been sharing for the past few months, Safety Net recertifications resumed in April, with the first of our members receiving notifications in May. We understand that not all groups typically engage with our Safety Net population, but it’s important to understand... |
May 30, 2023 |
Well-Child Visits Over Summer Break: Book Them NowIt’s not too early to arrange the medical and dental visits your kids will need over the summer break from school. “Don’t wait too long to make your child’s summertime medical and dental appointments because your doctor may not have openings when you want them,” says... |
May 30, 2023 |
June Is Men’s Health MonthMen's health is a critical issue. Unfortunately, many men tend to neglect their health until they experience a severe illness or injury. This leads to a higher risk of chronic diseases, disability, and premature death. Additionally, men also tend to engage in riskier... |
May 30, 2023 |
COVID-19 National Emergency And Federal Public Health Emergency To End May 11, 2023The federal government announced the COVID-19 National Emergency and Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. Univera Healthcare has been reviewing the guidelines surrounding COVID-19 related vaccines, testing and telehealth services and is sharing... |
April 27, 2023 |
MDLIVE Claims Cost IncreaseEffective April 1, 2023, the MDLIVE claim cost for medical consults increased from $40.00 to $50.00 per MDLIVE visit. This is still 39% below the non-MDLIVE member price and also significantly below a telehealth visit with a local primary care physician. Who Is Impacted?... |
April 27, 2023 |
May Is Mental Health Awareness MonthAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine... |
April 27, 2023 |
What You Need To Know About Safety Net RecertificationsDuring the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), NY State has not required most Safety Net members to renew their Medicaid Managed Care, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus eligibility. For most group members, coverage has been auto renewed during the PHE. ... |
March 27, 2023 |
NEW! Primary Care Provider Toolkit Now AvailableA new Primary Care Provider (PCP) toolkit is now live and can be found on UniveraforBusiness.com. With a ready-to-send email, PCP checklist, find a doctor tool fact sheet and e-book, you can encourage your members to find a provider and stay ahead of illnesses. Get The... |
March 27, 2023 |
2022 Pharmacy Reporting Under The Consolidated Appropriations Act (RxDC)To comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), we will complete all required pharmacy benefit and prescription drug cost reporting on behalf of fully insured groups (small and large) and self-funded groups with medical and pharmacy coverage with Univera... |
March 27, 2023 |
Healthy Vision Is Important To Overall HealthHave you ever heard of “tear film”? Every time you blink, a thin layer of tears called “tear film” spreads across your eyes. Tear film has three layers: an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer, and an inner mucous layer. All three of these layers work together to help... |
March 27, 2023 |
