News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
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 |
Federal Government Re-issuing New Medicare CardsBeginning this month, the Federal government will be mailing all Medicare beneficiaries new cards. This is the first time that Medicare is re-issuing cards. Social security numbers will no longer be used; instead each card will now have a unique... |
April 6, 2018 |
Managing a High Deductible Health Plan with an Online AccountIf your employees haven't done so already, now is the perfect time to register for an online account on our website. Many questions members have can be answered by accessing their personalized information online. This custom information is especially helpful for... |
April 5, 2018 |
Important Information to Qualify for Small Group Health PlansIn order to comply with the Affordable Care Act, an employer must have at least one common-law employee enrolled to qualify as a group health plan. Businesses that do not have any common-law employees enrolled are no longer eligible for a group health plan and must... |
April 4, 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... |
April 3, 2018 |
Telemedicine A Win-Win For Your BusinessIt all comes down to supporting your number-one resource—your employees. Besides lowering health care costs, telemedicine is an easy-to-use benefit that can be an important retention tool, decrease time missed at work, and increase productivity. Get Our Telemedicine... |
April 1, 2018 |
Updated Retiree Group Drug Plan Certificate of CoverageThroughout the month of May, group administrators and members of group sponsored Medicare Advantage Plans that include Part D drug coverage (MAPD) or Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) will receive an updated Retiree Group Drug Plan Certificate of Coverage. The... |
April 1, 2018 |
Telemedicine A Win-Win For Your BusinessIt all comes down to supporting your number-one resource—your employees. Besides lowering health care costs, telemedicine is an easy-to-use benefit that can be an important retention tool, decrease time missed at work, and increase productivity. Get Our Telemedicine... |
March 4, 2018 |
Reminder: Tips to Expedite the AGIF Process - Q2 RenewalsThe Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) was sent in February, to those groups renewing from April 1 – June 30, 2018. The form was being sent by email, as well as by US mail. To expedite review of the AGIF and any benefit changes, please ensure the... |
March 2, 2018 |
Updated Enrollment and Billing Support FormIn order to complete requests in a more timely and accurate manner, we've made the following changes to the online enrollment and billing form. "Request a copy of bill(s)" has been added to the drop-down menu as a Reason for Inquiry. This option should be used... |
March 2, 2018 |
8 Risks and Behaviors Drive These 15 Chronic ConditionsWhether you employ six people or 6,000, there’s a universal truth that can help keep your costs under control: healthy employees cost less to insure. Pass along this fact sheet with the eight risks and behaviors that drive 15 chronic conditions, as well as tips for... |
March 1, 2018 |
Silver&Fit® Medicare BenefitIf your Medicare eligible employees enjoy being active--or if they’re looking to develop a healthier lifestyle—our Medicare Advantage Plans offer a program that includes a physical fitness benefit. Our nationwide Silver&Fit program gives Medicare Advantage... |
March 1, 2018 |
Start The Plan Year With An Online AccountIf 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 can be answered by accessing their personalized information online. Members can review their current plan, benefits and claims... |
February 5, 2018 |
Q2 Small Group Rates Available in Univera on DemandView Our Plans & Rates! |
February 3, 2018 |
Reminder: 2018 High Deductible Health Plan UpdateOn January 1, the in network out of pocket maximum cap increased from $6,550 to $6,650. This is consistent with the IRS maximum amount for Health Savings Account (HSA) qualified plans. Letters were sent to our Large Group members who are impacted by this... |
February 2, 2018 |
HDHP/HSA Plans and MedicareMany employer groups offer health insurance plans that combine a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Some employers now offer these plans exclusively. Employees can benefit from these plans due to the potential premium savings and... |
February 2, 2018 |
8 Risks and Behaviors Drive These 15 Chronic ConditionsWhether you employ six people or 6,000, there’s a universal truth that can help keep your costs under control: healthy employees cost less to insure. Pass along this fact sheet with the eight risks and behaviors that drive 15 chronic conditions, as well as tips for... |
January 8, 2018 |
