News Archive
All News
Title | Issued Date |
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April 16 Is National Healthcare Decisions DayNational Healthcare Decisions Day was created to emphasize the importance of advance care planning. Advance care planning is the process we use to plan for future medical care, consider what matters most to us, share our values, beliefs, and goals with our loved ones and... |
March 29, 2022 |
Do You Really Need The Emergency Department?There are millions of visits to hospital emergency departments (ED) in New York state each year that don’t result in a hospital stay, according to New York State Department of Health data. And while some health conditions require emergency care, many are better suited for... |
February 22, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Earns 90 Percent In Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality IndexUnivera Healthcare received a score of 90 percent out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.... |
February 22, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Is Now Accepting Community Health Award Applications Until March 17thNonprofit organizations in Western New York can apply for Univera Healthcare’s Community Health Awards that the company is offering to help fund health and wellness programs in the region. The application period opened on Thursday, February 17th and closes Monday, March... |
February 22, 2022 |
New Wellness Videos Available To ShareA new suite of wellness videos is now available for employers and members. The videos cover a variety of topics, including: Avoiding Processed Foods Be Stressed Less Benefits of Meditation Diabetes: Take Control of Your Health Fighting Virtual Work Fatigue ... |
February 22, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Is Always At Your ServiceWhen you travel and ask the hotel concierge for help making plans, it comes with a certain sense of relief. You know that the person who knows the business the best is going take the pressure off of you when it comes to navigating an unfamiliar environment. That’s... |
February 22, 2022 |
Helpful Resources For Employees Using Our Website Or Mobile AppIt’s early in the new year and a great time for employees to review the benefits and extras that are a part of their health plan. Employees can visit UniveraHealthcare.com 24/7 to: Register and/or log in to their online member account Download our mobile app Easy... |
February 22, 2022 |
March Is National Colorectal Awareness MonthIn the United States, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Men are much more likely than women to get colon cancer, and African Americans are more likely to get it than any other race or ethnicity. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force... |
February 22, 2022 |
Leadership UpdatesWe are excited to share the following changes to our leadership team: Univera Healthcare Cindy Langston Named First Female Chief Information Officer Cindy Langston has been named senior vice president and the company’s first female chief information officer. In her new... |
January 27, 2022 |
Wishing You The Best In 2022As we begin another new year, I want to thank you for your continued partnership as we work together during these unprecedented times. Our local leadership—based right here, in Western New York—remains ready to support you and your business with the familiar names and... |
January 27, 2022 |
Enrollment Inquiry & Support UpdatesUpdates to our Enrollment Inquiry & Support tool are scheduled to go live on February 7. Users who login and contact us by using the Enrollment Inquiry & Support tool will have access to new features that will enhance the support process from start to finish. ... |
January 27, 2022 |
2021 Diversity Equity And Inclusion Report AvailableWe are proud to share our inaugural, “Diversity Equity and Inclusion Report, Bringing I.D.E.A. to Life,” which details our approach to mitigating the impact of bias, and our commitment to equitable treatment for all, within and beyond our walls. Our Corporate Commitment... |
January 27, 2022 |
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 27, 2022 |
February Is American Heart MonthFebruary is American Heart Month, a time to spotlight heart disease which is the #1 killer of Americans. Yet heart disease is largely preventable by living a healthy lifestyle: eat a healthy diet, get regular physical activity, manage stress, don’t smoke, and get enough... |
January 27, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Welcomes Dr. Gina CuylerIn keeping with its mission to ensure access to high quality health care and reduce health disparities, Univera Healthcare announced that Gina Cuyler, MD. has joined the health plan as Vice President Health Equity and Community Investments. In this new role, Dr. Cuyler... |
December 16, 2021 |
Sending Our Thanks This Holiday SeasonAs we come to the end of another year, we once again want to thank you for your business as we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times. We wish you and your families a safe and healthy holiday season. We hope the communities we live and do business in... |
December 16, 2021 |
COVID Treatment Benefits Ending On 12/31/21Please remind your employees that COVID treatment benefits will be ending on December 31, 2021. Beginning January 1, 2022, COVID treatment benefits will process according to the member’s benefits. |
December 16, 2021 |
Online Billing For Brokers UpdateWe will be launching Online Billing for Brokers in early January. With Online Billing your Broker will be able to assist with: Viewing and downloading invoices Reviewing payment history Checking for enrollment in automatic payments Note: While Brokers will have... |
December 16, 2021 |
Enhancements Made To Find A DoctorWe continue to work to give our members the best user experience possible when it comes to our digital tools. Our Find A Doctor tool recently received the following enhancements to take advantage of in-app features such as: Location services Mapping capabilities ... |
December 16, 2021 |
An Ounce Of Prevention…Are your employees regularly seeing their doctors for preventive care? Regular preventive care can help reduce the risk or severity of chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 90... |
December 16, 2021 |
2022 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 SafetyNet coverage and Qualified Health Plans (metal level plans). If you would like to review your health care options,... |
November 22, 2021 |
2022 Product Update: Calm® App And Univera Clear OptionsCalm® App Available in 2022 Effective Jan 1, 2022, a 12-month premium subscription to the Calm app is now an embedded benefit in all Fully Insured Large Group plans and available to Self-Funded and Minimum Premium Groups as a buy-up. The Calm app is a digital experience... |
November 22, 2021 |
Recipients Of 2021 Health Equity Awards AnnouncedUnivera Healthcare announced the recipients of its 2021 Health Equity Awards. The awards represent more than $388,000 in financial support we are providing to community programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities across New York State. The funding will... |
November 22, 2021 |
Coping With Winter And Holiday BluesAs the days get shorter and the temperatures colder, some people may notice they feel down or have less energy than usual. This could just be the winter blues caused by less activity, or stress or sadness related to the holidays. Daylight, exercise, healthy eating, and... |
November 22, 2021 |
Changes To Member ID CardsBoth New York State and the federal government have mandated changes to health insurance member identification cards. Beginning November 1, 2021, we will begin sending member cards in compliance with the federal mandate that takes effect January 1, 2022. Federally... |
November 2, 2021 |
Univera Healthcare Achieves 5-Star Rating For Its Medicare PlansAmong the highest in the nation and Western New York. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) annual Star Ratings for 2022 has awarded Univera Healthcare a five-star rating, making it among the highest-rated Medicare plans in the nation and in Western New... |
October 29, 2021 |
Univera Healthcare Inside Rx Prescription Discount CardUnivera Healthcare continues its mission of helping people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through high-quality and affordable health care access. As part of that ongoing commitment, we’re excited to announce that we have partnered with Inside Rx®,... |
October 29, 2021 |
Online Bill Pay UpdatesWe listened to your feedback and continue to make updates to our Online Bill Pay tool! Earlier this month we updated the Billing Summary page to make it simpler and easier to use. New updates include, selecting date of payment withdrawal for one-time payments and... |
October 29, 2021 |
Annual Rate Notices Being MailedGroups will receive their Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. Also, at the end of October, groups will be able to access the Monthly Rate Summary report through Information Connection with their January 2022 renewals. This includes: Small Group Products ... |
October 29, 2021 |
Update To COVID Treatment BenefitsUnivera Healthcare will continue to cover IN-NETWORK COVID treatment benefits for fully insured members in full through December 31, 2021. Self-funded groups that previously opted-in will be given the choice to extend that option through December 31, 2021. |
October 29, 2021 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthNovember is Diabetes Month, a national observance designed to raise awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, types of diabetes, and the impact this disease has every day on millions of Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association®, Diabetes is the seventh... |
October 29, 2021 |
Revised Waiting Period PolicyWe understand that employers may be looking for ways to position themselves more competitively in the current hiring environment. Health insurance is often a key component of employee benefit packages. From now until January 1, 2022, employers may change their new hire... |
September 29, 2021 |
2022 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Rates/Plans Now AvailableYou can now view 2022 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Univera on Demand. Univera on Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2022 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your broker or Group Medicare Sales Consultant... |
September 29, 2021 |
Online Bill Pay UpdatesWe listened to your feedback and continue to make updates to our Online Bill Pay tool! Throughout the fall, you will see changes including an updated billing summary page and enhancements to autopay functionality including being able to enroll and manage autopay at the... |
September 29, 2021 |
Breast Cancer Awareness MonthOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 255,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease in the US every year. Here’s how you... |
September 29, 2021 |
Medicare Annual Notice Of Change MailingThis month, group benefit administrators with Senior Choice (HMO-POS) or Univera Medicare (PPO) plans will be mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). The ANOC provides details on 2022 benefit changes. These members will receive their 2022 ANOC, along with their... |
September 29, 2021 |
REMINDER: COBRA Subsidy Period Coming To An EndThe COBRA subsidy period will end on September 30, 2021. Groups will NOT need to take any action to return to standard billing in October and going forward. If a Group wants to terminate a COBRA enrollee, they will need to notify us. As a reminder, the American Rescue... |
September 29, 2021 |
Univera Healthcare Addresses Health Disparities In Western New York With New Health Equity AwardsRecognizing structural racism as a driving force of health inequities and a barrier to its goal of health equity, Univera Healthcare invites nonprofit organizations to apply for Health Equity Awards of up to $30,000 each to help fund health and wellness programs that... |
August 30, 2021 |
COBRA Subsidy Period Coming To An EndThe COBRA subsidy period will end on September 30, 2021. Groups will NOT need to take any action to return to standard billing in October and going forward. If a Group wants to terminate a COBRA enrollee, they will need to notify us. As a reminder, the American Rescue... |
August 30, 2021 |
Updates To Non-COVID Telehealth BenefitsThe New York State regulation to cover non-COVID telehealth benefits in full for fully insured members, ended on June 24, 2021. Univera Healthcare will continue to cover IN-NETWORK NON-COVID telehealth benefits for fully insured members in full through December 31, 2021.... |
August 30, 2021 |
Help Protect Employees From The FluEvery flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall before flu season begins. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. ... |
August 30, 2021 |
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 30, 2021 |
Premium Payment ReminderReminder, per contract, there is a 30-day grace period to make their premium payment. If payment is not received within the 30-day grace period, we will initiate the termination process. As a reminder, the first premium payment must be made prior to the effective date of... |
June 30, 2021 |
New Feature Added To Enroll & UpdateBased on feedback provided by our employers, we have added a filtering feature to Enroll & Update. Login to the employer portal → Click on Enroll & Update. Click on View Member Roster Filter by package status: Active, Terminated, Pending, All View a... |
June 30, 2021 |
Our Opioid Management StrategyOver 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States between May 2019 and May 2020. This is the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths were already... |
June 30, 2021 |
Free Mobile Health SupportCaring for your employees isn’t something you only do from 9 to 5. In this 24/7 world we’re helping you help employees manage their health every day with the Wellframe® app. It’s an easy way for our dedicated team of health care professionals to give confidential,... |
June 30, 2021 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn May 12, an application was submitted requesting 2022 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 2022 rate... |
May 27, 2021 |
Our Pandemic Response And Support For Pharmacy MembersOur number one priority is to always provide our members with high-quality, low-cost care. The importance of doing this came to the forefront at the height of the pandemic; especially when the search for therapies to treat COVID-19 were at a peak. Early in the pandemic,... |
May 27, 2021 |
24/7 Access With Our Mobile AppRemember, our mobile app offers members 24/7 access to their health plan. They can view member cards, find participating doctors, view plan benefits and claims, at home or on the go. Creating an account is easy with a quick scan of their member card or by typing their... |
May 27, 2021 |
Univera Healthcare Website Now Supports EdgeOur website now officially supports the Edge browser and will no longer be supporting Internet Explorer, since it is being retired by Microsoft. Please change to either Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Edge or Chrome continue to be supported and are more secure. Browser... |
May 27, 2021 |