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Revised Waiting Period Policy

We 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...

2022 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Rates/Plans Now Available

You 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...

Online Bill Pay Updates

We 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...

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 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...

Medicare Annual Notice Of Change Mailing

This 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...

REMINDER: COBRA Subsidy Period Coming To An End

The 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...

Univera Healthcare Addresses Health Disparities In Western New York With New Health Equity Awards

Recognizing 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...

COBRA Subsidy Period Coming To An End

The 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...

Updates To Non-COVID Telehealth Benefits

The 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....

Help Protect Employees From The Flu

Every 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. ...

Request For Missing Social Security Numbers

Under 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...

Premium Payment Reminder

Reminder, 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...

New Feature Added To Enroll & Update

Based 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...

Our Opioid Management Strategy

Over 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...

Free Mobile Health Support

Caring 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,...

Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate Changes

On 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...

Our Pandemic Response And Support For Pharmacy Members

Our 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,...

24/7 Access With Our Mobile App

Remember, 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...

Univera Healthcare Website Now Supports Edge

Our 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...

Overview Of The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, contains multiple provisions that will affect group health plans and the health care system, overall. The timeline to implement these provisions is an aggressive one with many effective dates of January 1, 2022. Mental Health...

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Now—more than a year into a global pandemic—isolation, anxiety, and loneliness have made a difficult time more challenging for many people. Learn more about how to fight the stigma of mental...

Changes To Member ID Cards Coming In April

In December, the NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued new minimum standards for the content on health insurance identification cards. Changes apply to MEDICAL and MEDICAL/PHARMACY IDENTIFICATION CARDS ONLY (changes will not apply to dental only and pharmacy...

MDLIVE Partnership

Univera Healthcare partners with MDLIVE for its telemedicine services.  We are aware that Evernorth has entered into an agreement to acquire MDLIVE and is expected to complete the acquisition in second quarter 2021.  At this time, Univera Healthcare plans to...

Tools To Help Members Make The Most Of Their Health Plan

It’s easier than ever for your employees to navigate and use their high deductible health plans (HDHP). Did you know? Groups and employees new to HDHP take time to transition, and satisfaction is often lower the first year. An online member account, paired with a health...

We’re Here To Help You Navigate The Individual Market

The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured individuals has been extended to May 15, for qualified health plans or stand-alone dental. In addition, we continue to be here to support you and help with the many questions you may have about free or low-cost health insurance...

Small Group Dental Changes To Minimum Enrollment Requirements For Orthodontic Coverage

Any New Dental groups looking to obtain dental coverage that includes Class IV Ortho coverage will only be required to have 5 enrolled as opposed to the 10 previously required. Additionally, any Existing Dental groups that are looking to align their Medical and Dental...

Call Out COVID-19 Vaccine Fraud With NYS Hotline

New York State has established a hotline that anyone can call to report suspected COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud or scams. Remember, it’s a red flag if anyone is promising individuals the vaccine in exchange for payment. To make a report, please direct individuals to...

March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know one in 20 people develops colon cancer in their lifetime? The good news is Colon Cancer can often be prevented through regular screenings and screening is recommended for adults ages 50-75. Learn more by downloading and sharing this poster. Poster - Facts...

Your Employees Have Questions; We Have Answers

COVID-19 has dominated every aspect of our lives for nearly a year. While the approval—and pending approval—of new vaccines offers hope, they also raise many questions. Is a vaccine that was created so quickly actually safe? Can I stop wearing a mask if I receive the...

COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage

By mid-2021, it is believed that FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines will be available to the general public. Once available, under state and federal mandate, vaccines will be provided at no cost* to our members during the public health emergency. Key facts about COVID-19...

Relief Provided For Flexible Spending Account Plans In Stimulus Bill

On December 27, 2020, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2021. This new law provides relief options related to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Employers can choose to adopt any of these provisions or to keep their plan the same. Optional...

Tax Form 1095-B

Health 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...

An Unusual Year But Our Health Plan Was Prepared

Planning for risk is what we do, and when Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a State of Emergency in March due to COVID-19, we were ready. Through it all, we’ve remained focused on our mission: “To help people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through...

Revised Guidelines For ExerciseRewards

Univera Healthcare members can now earn ExerciseRewards for at-home workouts through the end of 2021. We are waiving our standard guidelines for this program due to continued gym closures, mask mandates, and other requirements, as a result of the ongoing pandemic. ...

Small Group Dental Rates Now Available For All Quarters

New in 2021, Small Groups can align their medical and dental plan years. Rates for all effective dates in 2021 are now available on Univera on Demand. This includes the following products: Univera Dental Select Univera Access Dental Be sure to note, a new section...

Update On Pre-Authorizations

For fully insured employer group plan members, pre-authorization is waived beginning on December 23, 2020 through February 21, 2021 for scheduled inpatient surgeries, inpatient mental health services, hospital admissions, inpatient rehabilitation, in-network home health...

2021 Large & Small Group Product Updates

2020 tested 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 employees....

Our Best Wishes For A Healthy Holiday Season

As we come to the end of an historic year, we want you to know how truly grateful we are for your business. Entering 2021 amid a global health crisis will continue to be a challenge for everyone. Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance, so...

Updated Microsite And New COVID-19 Resources

Keeping you informed throughout this global pandemic is one of our top priorities. Earlier this year, we launched a dedicated COVID-19 Resource Website: UniveraHealthcare.com/covid19.  We are closely monitoring COVID-19 and vaccine developments and this website has...

Stay Safe. Spread Joy.

Though this holiday season may look different than what we’re used to, we’d like to encourage you to celebrate the things we can do. Sending cards. Keeping in touch with friends and family. Virtual gatherings. Learning to cook something new. Having a snowman contest. ...

COVID-19 Related Exceptions For Univera Fit Dollars

Due to Covid-19, the reimbursement criteria will be expanded to allow reimbursement for the following new items: At-home online workout subscriptions (i.e., Daily Burn, Beach Body, etc.) At-home fitness equipment (i.e., dumbbells, Peloton bikes, ellipticals, etc.) ...

The Power To Quit Smoking

Beginning January 1, 2021, smoking cessation support will be provided through our Wellframe app. Members have access to a comprehensive program that includes program modules, videos, and articles to support them on their journey to quit smoking. And they can access all...

New Group Bill Pay Features - What You Need To Know

As we shared in October, as a result of the feedback provided by both brokers and employer groups, we’re improving our online bill pay features and invoices, so they are easier to use. In mid-January 2021, we will launch an improved online invoice and payment feature...

Medicare Advantage Recognized For Quality

The federal government’s latest quality ratings have awarded the Medicare Advantage programs from Univera Healthcare with some of the highest ratings in the state. Medicare awarded Univera with 4.5 stars out of a possible 5-star rating for its Medicare Senior Choice HMO...

Resources For You And Your Employees

Get everything you expect from a health plan for your team and resources to keep your employees healthier and happier. You can find these tool kits and resources at UniveraForBusiness.com Individual Medicare Employee Toolkit Don't Forget About the Flu Toolkit Get...

Premium Payment Processor Change

On January 1, 2021 our premium payment processor will change from Chase Paymentech to InstaMed®, a J.P. Morgan company. Groups that have scheduled online automatic premium payments and invoice delivery preferences will continue uninterrupted. The AutoPay feature will be...

Annual Rate Notices Mailed

Groups will receive Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October.  This includes:   Small Group Products Individual Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription and Dental prospective pooled group notices and rates will be issued and viewable in...

Pharmacy Network Change

As of September 1, 2020, Kroger, Albertson’s and Publix pharmacies are no longer part of the Univera Healthcare network.* Express Scripts (ESI), our pharmacy benefit manager, is working hard to help reduce overall costs for members by removing higher-cost pharmacies from...

Simplified AGIF Now Available

A shorter, simpler version of both the web and paper versions of the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) are now available.  We redesigned the look and feel of the form and reduced the number of fields by over 60 percent—just in time to help simplify your open...

PPE Notification to Members

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is requiring us to notify members that our participating providers cannot bill their patients for the costs related to their purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE). Providers may only collect any...

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