News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Simplified AGIF Coming in SeptemberWe’ve received feedback from brokers and groups letting us know that our Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) is too long and overly complex. We listened and are pleased to let you know a shorter, simpler version of both the web and paper versions will be available by... |
August 27, 2020 |
Mini-COBRA Timeframe Extension InformationThe recent Department of Labor (DOL) regulation requiring COBRA timeframe extensions DOES NOT apply to mini-COBRA groups. COBRA regulations state that an employer qualifies as mini-COBRA if they employ fewer than 20 employees on at least 50 percent of the employer’s... |
August 27, 2020 |
2021 Large Group Product Updates2020 is testing the resilience of Western New York businesses and individuals alike, us included. And, in a bigger way than ever before, it brought to light the importance of supporting and protecting the health and wellbeing of every business’ greatest asset: your... |
July 16, 2020 |
We’re With You As You Get Ready To ReopenWe’ve been by your side as our schools, favorite restaurants and places of employment closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. And now, we’ll be with you as our communities begin to reopen as New York State’s PAUSE initiative sets to expire by region. Ready To Reopen |
June 2, 2020 |
Special Enrollment Period Extended to June 15The Special Enrollment Period for enrolling in Qualified Health Plans has been extended through June 15, 2020. Individuals can enroll between May 16 and June 15, and their coverage will begin June 1, or July 1. Our customer care advocates can assist with any questions on... |
June 2, 2020 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval of Rate ChangesWe know the focus for everyone the past two months has been the coronavirus pandemic. And now, our attention is turning to efforts to reopen businesses in accordance with state and local guidelines. While all of this is happening, there are still mandates set by New York... |
June 2, 2020 |
COVID-19 Pharmacy UpdateOur pharmacy team has been closely monitoring the supply of medications that are available during the COVID-19 outbreak. We’re taking several actions to ensure our members have access to clinically appropriate medications. Providing early refill overrides.... |
April 27, 2020 |
Don’t Fall For Fraud During COVID-19 FightPlease remind your employees to be aware that there are various scams and fraudulent activities that can occur during this difficult time. As is often the case, a national and global emergency brings out people who prey upon the fears and vulnerabilities of... |
April 27, 2020 |
Telemedicine Visits Covered At No Cost To MembersA reminder for your employees; telemedicine visits are being covered at no cost to members for 90 days beginning with NYS’s State of Emergency issued on March 13, 2020. The purpose is to help alleviate the burden on provider offices, urgent care centers and hospitals as a... |
April 27, 2020 |
Small Group Extended Grace PeriodIn these uncertain times, we’re doing everything we can to fulfill our corporate mission: to provide the people in the communities we serve with access to high quality, affordable health care. One way we can help is by providing some financial relief for those small... |
April 20, 2020 |
Finding Coverage During Job LossWe’re all facing an uncertain future, but for many employer groups this is a particularly anxious time. We have resources for groups and members, including those members who may be facing job loss and the loss of their employer-sponsored health insurance. There are... |
April 15, 2020 |
Cost Relief Available With Mid-Year Plan Changes For GroupsUnivera Healthcare wants to ensure as many of our group members as possible can maintain their health insurance benefits. Through June 1, 2020, we are allowing mid-year plan changes to allow for lower cost employer and employee plans to accommodate the COVID-19 impacts on... |
April 10, 2020 |
Univera Healthcare Waives COVID-19 Cost SharingUnivera Healthcare will waive out of pocket costs for COVID-19 medical testing, diagnosis and treatment for its fully insured employer groups, individual market qualified health plans and Medicare Advantage members for the next 60 days. This waives the member’s... |
April 10, 2020 |
Can the CARES Act Help Your Business?We’re all continuing to navigate these unchartered waters while striving to find our new normal. Last week, the Federal government signed a stimulus package to help businesses with 500 or fewer employees to stay afloat as the country continues to battle the COVID-19... |
April 6, 2020 |
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan ResourcesDuring these uncertain and challenging times, our Univera Healthcare team is here to provide access to resources to help your business and employees. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has programs and initiatives in place as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief... |
March 31, 2020 |
Protecting the Health of Our CommunitiesThe coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting life for everyone as our communities battle this deadly virus. Those being hit hardest include many small businesses around the country and in our own communities, and many we insure. We have options for those employers who... |
March 25, 2020 |
We're Here For YouTo Our Valued Employer Groups: These are anxious and unsettling times. We’re bombarded by wall-to-wall news and around-the-clock social media about coronavirus (COVID-19) – and the impact on the economy. I want to reassure you that Univera Healthcare is well prepared... |
March 24, 2020 |
Pending Federal Regulations on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Member Cost ShareThe coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting life for everyone as our communities battle this deadly virus. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow in New York state and across the country. New York state is requiring all insured health... |
March 18, 2020 |
Update On COVID-19 (Coronavirus)We know there are many ongoing questions regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and how it impacts everything from your businesses, your employees and even your own families. Please know that we have an internal team dedicated to researching and vetting the most... |
March 13, 2020 |
Simple Ways to Work Wellness Into Your DayWhether it’s sharing a few everyday tips or rewarding smart choices with wellness debit cards, our goal is to improve the health of everyone in WNY. Here are a few easy ways to help your employees focus on wellness throughout the day and make their time on the job a... |
February 25, 2020 |
Use of Telemedicine for Behavioral Health Increasing Year Over YearBehavioral health services delivered via telemedicine now account for nearly one-third of all telemedicine visits, according to a review of 2019 claims data by Univera Healthcare and its parent health plan. In 2018, behavioral health services accounted for less than 25... |
February 25, 2020 |
New Year, New MandatesThe beginning of a new year also means state mandated changes to some of our plans. The Healthy NY wage level for small employers is now in line with federal poverty guidelines. Read more about the increase and eligibility criteria. NYS now requires insurers to cover... |
January 29, 2020 |
Update on 1095-B Form for Tax SeasonBeginning this year, health insurers—including Univera Healthcare—will no longer be 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... |
January 29, 2020 |
Flu Season Going StrongFlu season runs through May—so there's still time for employees to get the flu vaccine. As of November 30, 2019, New York state logged 3,158 confirmed cases of the flu, compared to 1,462 confirmed cases at this time last year. There is still time to get your flu Shot.... |
January 29, 2020 |
Member Webinars - "Making the Most of Your Health Plan"Do you have members that need a refresh on the wellness tools and resources available to them within their health plan coverage? Our Workplace Wellness & Telemedicine team will host live monthly webinars for members in 2020. "Making the Most of Your Health... |
December 18, 2019 |
Important Reminders for ActiveRewardsThe end of the calendar year also means the end of the plan year for many members. Please have them keep in mind these important deadlines about ActiveRewards if this is the end of their plan year. For members renewing their ActiveRewards plan (subscriber ID not... |
December 18, 2019 |
Underwriting Guideline Changes Filed With The Department Of Financial ServicesChanges to our underwriting guidelines were recently filed for reference with the Department of Financial Services. There are changes in several areas including group and subscriber eligibility. Please contact your broker or account consultant with any... |
November 22, 2019 |
NEW! A Clear Look Ahead – 2020 Small Group Plans and Rates for all Quarters Now Available!You will no longer have to wait to see upcoming quarterly rates for Small Group. New this year, the 2020 Small Group plans and rates are available for all quarters now. Now Available: Q1 At-A-Glance (PDF)Open a PDF Q2 At-A-Glance (PDF)Open a PDF Q3... |
November 22, 2019 |
Caring. Now Available Anywhere.Caring for your people isn’t something you only do from 9 to 5. So in this 24/7 world we’re helping you help employees manage their health each and every day with the Wellframe® app. It’s an easy way for our dedicated team of health care professionals to give... |
November 22, 2019 |
New Feature For ActiveRewards Members - Rally Marketplace™Starting January 1, members with Active Rewards will have an additional option for using the coins they earn from completing tasks through the Rally platform. Previously, members only had the option of donating their coins to a charity of their choice. With the launch of... |
October 29, 2019 |
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 2020 renewals. This includes: Small Group... |
October 29, 2019 |
Employer-Based Waiting Periods for Medical and DentalPlease remember, when an online request is submitted to add a new hire for medical and dental, you need to be aware of your company's employer-based waiting period. If your company's waiting period for medical is different than the waiting period for dental, the request... |
October 29, 2019 |
2020 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans are now Available on Univera on DemandYou can now view 2020 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Univera on Demand. Univera on Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2020 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your broker or Group Medicare Sales... |
October 29, 2019 |
Compliance With New York State Insurance Law and Small Group EligibilityAs part of our ongoing commitment to maintain compliance with New York State Insurance Law 4317(a)(1), we will continue to verify that our small groups are receiving community rates. As has been our practice, this process will include our request for confirmation of... |
September 26, 2019 |
Get Your Employees Ready for Open EnrollmentWe have received great feedback about our member portal and the personalized information members can access when they register for an online account. This is a great way to educate your employees about their health insurance and to prepare them for this year’s open... |
September 26, 2019 |
Care That’s Always In Your CornerWe believe that health insurance isn’t something to be used once in a while. That’s why we want to give you everything you need to help employees take control of their health each and every day. Introducing Wellframe®, a free and convenient way for your employees and... |
September 26, 2019 |
Have Your Employees Changed Their Password Yet?On August 3, we made enhancements to our website including our member portal. At that time, members were asked to reset their password when they visited the site to login. If they HAVE NOT accessed their online account since August 3, they will be prompted to... |
September 26, 2019 |
Small Group Rates and Plans for 2020 now Available!Individual & Small Group plans and rates for 2020 and stand alone small group dental plans are now available on Univera on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guides are also available. Now available: Univera... |
September 26, 2019 |
Small Group Plans, Rates and Product Updates for 2020Small Group plans and rates for 2020 will be available on Univera on Demand in early September, tentatively the week of the 9th. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guides will also be available. Good news—no discontinuances for... |
August 26, 2019 |
Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) LettersComing soon, 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 2020 benefit changes. Your members will receive their 2020 ANOC, along with their... |
August 26, 2019 |
Site Changes Coming The Weekend Of August 3This includes a password change, so have yours ready! Updates to our Employer web portals, which include a new look and menu options, will be going live on Saturday, August 3. The new look includes a simplified layout giving you easy access to the tools you... |
July 30, 2019 |
Adults With Diabetes Are Getting Better at Managing Their DiseaseCompliance with care recommendations is on the rise. Upstate New York adults who have diabetes are better at managing their disease than they were just a few years ago, according to a review of self-reported patient data by Univera Healthcare. More adults with diabetes... |
June 5, 2019 |
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... |
June 4, 2019 |
Q4 Small Group Rates Available July 1View Our Plans & Rates Access Univera On Demand to view Univera Access medical plan options, rates and enrollment forms for small businesses of 100 or fewer full time equivalent employees: Click Here to Begin (Login Required) Click Here to Begin |
June 4, 2019 |
Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) Non-CompliancePlease be advised that employer groups who have not submitted an Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) in the past 2 or more consecutive years will be non‐renewed beginning January 2020. We ask for your assistance in ensuring the completion and submission of the AGIF as... |
June 3, 2019 |
Univera Healthcare Mobile Office Hours Every WednesdayKnow someone looking for health insurance and can’t get it from an employer? Univera Healthcare Mobile Office Hours are available every Wednesday from 9 to 1, at The Salvation Army of Buffalo located at 960 Main Street, across from the Buffalo Niagara Medical... |
June 2, 2019 |
How Well Do Your Employees Know Their Benefits?Do they need a refresh on our telemedicine programs or what tools and resources are available within their health plan coverage? Our Workplace Wellness & Telemedicine team can help as we continue to host live monthly webinars for members. These member level webinars... |
May 6, 2019 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval of Rate ChangesOn May 13, 2019 an application was submitted requesting 2020 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... |
May 5, 2019 |
Do You or Your Employees Have Unclaimed Money?Every year, the state requires insurers to make a list of unclaimed checks that are three years old. The names are then placed in advertisements in local papers in an attempt to find the people who have money to claim. If the property is not claimed by August, the... |
May 4, 2019 |
Univera Healthcare Partners With Houghton College to Prepare Students for Careers in Wellness TrainingUnivera Healthcare and Houghton College today announced the awarding of a $90,000 Univera Healthcare grant to support the Houghton College Wellness Initiative, a program aimed at preparing students for careers in wellness training and improving the health and wellness of... |
May 3, 2019 |
