News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Dental Membership Termination DatesThere are specific days of the month that should be used when terminating dental contracts. For cancelling members with ID numbers that begin with a “2” and do not contain an alpha character, use the last day of the month as the cancel date (this applies to medical... |
December 3, 2018 |
Medicare Creditable Drug List for 2019One of the requirements of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) requires us to notify Medicare eligible policyholders whether their prescription drug coverage is creditable coverage. In order for a drug plan to be creditable, the benefits should be worth at least as much... |
December 2, 2018 |
Working Hard to Keep Current on Regulatory ChangesEvery year, as part of your relationship with us, we work to communicate with our brokers and groups about changes in regulations and requirements that we all must adhere to. We ensure our coverage plans are compliant with the most current changes. And we are in... |
December 1, 2018 |
It pays to stay healthy—literally!With Wellness Rewards for Small Groups and Wellness Your Way for Large Groups, employees can receive up to $300 annually to be used on programs and services to help keep their families’ healthy. Rewards can be used to help pay for things like healthy food home... |
November 8, 2018 |
Small Business Spotlight Buffalo MRIFrom bringing the first open MRI to WNY to sponsoring countless little league sports teams, small businesses like Buffalo MRI make our community special. We're big fans. Take a closer look at these imaging experts. Kevin Burns, COO of Buffalo MRI Meet... |
November 7, 2018 |
Small Group Medicare Advantage plans are now available on Univera on DemandView 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 |
November 6, 2018 |
Enhanced Benefits for Medicare Eligible EmployeesFor those of you that have Medicare eligible employees, we have Medicare Advantage products suited for all budgets. Adding individual Medicare products to your benefits package provides an added service to your employees. Contact your account consultant or... |
November 5, 2018 |
Univera Healthcare Earns Highest National Accreditation for QualityUnivera Healthcare’s commercial plans have received the highest accreditation status available, a rating of “Excellent,” from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. The Excellent rating applies to Univera Healthcare’s HMO, point of service, preferred provider... |
November 4, 2018 |
Important Underwriting UpdatesWe have several underwriting updates to communicate. Healthy New York Offer of Coverage by Business within the Last 12 Months Healthy NY is a program designed to make reduced-cost, comprehensive health insurance available to small employers. One of the conditions to be... |
November 3, 2018 |
Low rates for small business. With awesome extras.Supporting local small business with rates from $312/month Small business is the heart and soul of Western NY. And in this community, we take care of our own. We're offering the quality health coverage you want for your employees at special low rates that... |
November 2, 2018 |
HSA Bank Planned MaintenancePlease note that the HSA Bank website will experience a planned outage on Saturday, October 20th. Both the Employer and Member sites will be impacted and will include the Mobile App (iOS and Android) and IVR. The sites will be unavailable from 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM... |
October 17, 2018 |
Low Rates for Small Business. With Awesome Extras.Supporting local small business with rates from $312/month Small business is the heart and soul of Western NY. And in this community, we take care of our own. We're offering the quality health coverage you want for your employees at special low rates that... |
October 10, 2018 |
Calculate Your Estimated Federal Small Business Tax CreditNew York’s Small Business Marketplace (SBM) made significant changes to expand the number of health plans available and to make it easier for participating small employers to access the Federal Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. Eligible employers can now access tax... |
October 9, 2018 |
Small Business Spotlight Lebro's RestaurantWhether it's bringing families together for a great meal or donating thousands to local charities, small businesses like Lebro's restaurant make our community special. We're big fans. Take a peek beyond the pasta. Carm Paolini, Owner of Lebro's... |
October 8, 2018 |
Prepare Your Employees for Open Enrollment With Online AccountsIf your employees haven't done so already, now is the perfect time to register for an online account on our website. Many questions they have—especially as we enter into open enrollment—can be answered by accessing their personalized information online. This is... |
October 7, 2018 |
Reduced Dental Underwriting for Current Medical GroupsGroups that are currently carrying medical coverage with us may now be eligible for reduced underwriting for dental coverage. You must currently carry our medical with a commercial product. Also, You must select the same class as the current medical plan carries. Please... |
October 6, 2018 |
Annual Rate Notices Being MailedRate Information Available through Information Connection for Community Rated Groups. You will receive your Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. We've included links below to the sample letters they may receive. Also at the end of October, you... |
October 5, 2018 |
Annual Group Information Form UpdatesThe online Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) tool (used for community rated groups only) has been updated as of September 29, 2018, in order to make the submission process quicker and simpler for Groups. In addition, the paper form has been updated, as well as the... |
October 4, 2018 |
Dental Rates Hold Steady in 2019 for Most Fully-Insured GroupsOne of the benefits of the dental claims and membership migration we are currently undergoing, is improved operational efficiencies. As a result, we are able to provide the majority of our fully-insured dental groups with a rate hold for 2019 when releasing their... |
October 3, 2018 |
Waiting Period Changes for Dental CoverageChanges are coming to the waiting periods on our Univera Dental Select voluntary plans. Effective January 1, 2019, we are waiving the waiting periods for timely entrants (eligibility as determined by the group). Contributory plans do not have waiting periods.... |
October 2, 2018 |
Reminder: There's More to Get Excited About This YearMid-to-Large Group Signature Designs: 2019 is bringing more of the changes our members asked for. More benefits covered in full, more coverage outside of deductibles, more value in every plan, and more flexibility to make them your own. Always local service... |
October 1, 2018 |
It Pays to Show Your Teeth Some Love Open a PDFAccording to the American Dental Hygienist Association, nearly 75% of American adults have some form of gum disease and don’t even realize it. Here are a few more reasons not to skip that next checkup. |
September 5, 2018 |
New Rewards for Good HealthIt pays to stay healthy—literally! With Wellness Rewards for Small Groups and Wellness Your Way for Large Groups, employees can receive up to $300 annually to be used on programs and services to help keep their families’ healthy. Rewards can be used to help... |
September 4, 2018 |
New Dental Rewards Made EasyDental Rewards is a unique program to the market. We offer families an annual reward for getting dental exams and cleanings. Claiming rewards is easy. Members simply provide us with proof that they received the services and their rewards amount will be... |
September 3, 2018 |
Upstate’s Uninsured Rate Remains at Historic LowUpstate New York’s health insurance uninsured rate continued to hold at the historic level of 4 percent, while the state’s uninsured rate hit its lowest level in history, according to a Univera Healthcare analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey... |
September 2, 2018 |
Changes to Our Pharmacy Network for Some MembersCVS and Target retail pharmacies are no longer participating in our pharmacy network for members enrolled in the following plans: Medicaid Managed Care and Health and Recovery Plan (HARP). This includes: Univera Healthcare MyHealthSM and MyHealth PlusSM ... |
September 1, 2018 |
There's More to Get Excited About This YearMid-to-Large Group Signature Designs: 2019 is bringing more of the changes our members asked for. More benefits covered in full, more coverage outside of deductibles, more value in every plan, and more flexibility to make them your own. Always local service... |
August 5, 2018 |
New Group Numbers and Member Cards for Dental GroupsWe have some updates coming to our dental claims processing system for groups currently covered under the dental plan. The new system will improve the overall member experience with simpler, easier-to-understand explanation of benefits, anytime access to convenient... |
August 4, 2018 |
Telemedicine Consumer Pricing ReminderDirect to consumer pricing for MDLIVE medical consults is $59.00. This charge is for members who do not have telemedicine included in their benefit plan. Get more facts, videos and information on Telemedicine. If you have questions, please contact your... |
August 3, 2018 |
Coming Soon - Annual Notice of Change LettersThis 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 2019 benefit changes. Your members will receive their 2019 ANOC before September... |
August 2, 2018 |
Save Time Using Our New AGIF Online ToolWe understand completing the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) can be time-consuming. Now, if you submit the form using our online web tool, you may be exempt from completing the form the following year. Any group that submitted their AGIF in 2017 using the web... |
August 1, 2018 |
View a Summary Of Your Benefits On The GoMembers can now see a summary of their benefits when they use our mobile app. The most common benefits will be displayed at the top of the benefits screen and other benefits will appear below that in alphabetical order. All benefits on the app are searchable. In... |
July 5, 2018 |
Free Advanced Opioid Management ProgramThe opioid epidemic is nationwide, and our local region is no different. This addiction costs employers $2.6 billion a year. Our FREE Advanced Opioid Management Program aims to prevent excess opioid medications upon first fill; ensure that high doses across all... |
July 4, 2018 |
2019 Small Group Package UpdateGroups in Univera Preferred Access Plans will be converted into Univera Access plans on their renewal in 2019. Univera Access plans offer the same benefits and coverage, a new name and access to our full Univera Access network. Univera On Demand will be updated... |
July 3, 2018 |
6 Questions to Ask About Your Pharmacy BenefitsWith the rising cost of prescription medications, having a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) with your best interests at heart is more important than ever. And getting the best value starts with asking the right questions. Use this guide to get the conversation started. ... |
July 2, 2018 |
Reminder: Planning for a High Deductible Health PlanParticipating in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) requires some planning and preparation. We have tips to help your employees better understand the plan, a worksheet to calculate costs, and four ways to minimize surprises. If you have any questions, please contact... |
July 1, 2018 |
6 Questions to Ask About Your Pharmacy BenefitsWith the rising cost of prescription medications, having a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) with your best interests at heart is more important than ever. And getting the best value starts with asking the right questions. Use this guide to get the conversation started. ... |
June 7, 2018 |
Medicare Products - NYS Prior Approval of Rate ChangesOn or about July 31, an application will be submitted requesting 2019 premium rate changes to Medicare Supplement products, in accordance with New York state prior approval law. Initial notification letters will be mailed to employer groups and direct pay members... |
June 6, 2018 |
Healthy New York Program UpdatesThe following article provides information on Healthy New York from the NYS Department of Financial Services: Univera Healthcare requires employees to work a minimum of 20 hours per week to be eligible for coverage. Effective immediately, this requirement will also... |
June 5, 2018 |
Reminder: Q3 and Q4 Small Group Rates in Univera on DemandView 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, 2018 |
Reminder: Planning for a High Deductible Health PlanParticipating in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) requires some planning and preparation. We have tips to help your employees better understand the plan, a worksheet to calculate costs, and four ways to minimize surprises. If you have any questions, please contact... |
June 3, 2018 |
Changes to the Small Health Options Program (SHOP) ProcessNew SHOP groups Effective April 1, 2018, the New York State of Health (NYSOH) began sending groups that have been approved to enroll through the SHOP directly to insurers for enrollment purposes. What does this mean for you? New SHOP groups can now enroll directly with... |
June 2, 2018 |
How Easy Is It to Make a Medicare Advantage Premium Payment?It’s as easy as 1-2-3, E-F-T! Just complete an Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Form or complete the Premium Payment Option section of the Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Application. This is especially good to know if your... |
June 1, 2018 |
Individual & Small Group - NYS Prior Approval of Rate ChangesOn May 14, 2018, an application was submitted requesting 2019 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 6, 2018 |
We're Looking for Owners of Unclaimed FundsMore than 10,400 individuals and companies in New York State have not cashed more than $2.1 million in checks issued by Univera Healthcare. This is money that was paid for claims or refunded premiums. It rightfully belongs to our members or providers and we want to... |
May 5, 2018 |
Special Election Periods for Medicare Eligible EmployeesYour Medicare eligible employees may be able to join or change Medicare Advantage plans under special circumstances that qualify as Special Election Periods. A Special Election Period provides an opportunity to enroll in, or change plans, if your employee is: ... |
May 4, 2018 |
Q3 & Q4 Small Group Rates in Univera on DemandView 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 |
May 3, 2018 |
Planning for a High Deductible Health PlanParticipating in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) requires some planning and preparation. We have tips to help your employees better understand the plan, a worksheet to calculate costs, and four ways to minimize surprises. If you have any questions, please contact... |
May 2, 2018 |
Child Health Plus Available in Erie CountyDid you know Univera Healthcare offers Child Health Plus, Medicaid Managed Care and MyHealthPlusSM, our Health and Recovery Plan (HARP) in Erie County? Child Health Plus is New York State’s health insurance program for kids. How to enroll Prospective members can... |
May 1, 2018 |
Planning for a High Deductible Health PlanParticipating in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) requires some planning and preparation. We have tips to help your employees better understand the plan, a worksheet to calculate costs, and four ways to minimize surprises. If you have any questions, please contact... |
April 7, 2018 |
