News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
COBRA And The New York State Extension Of Benefits For Dental And VisionFederal COBRA benefits are generally available to employers with 20 or more employees in the prior calendar year. The New York state continuation of coverage (Mini-COBRA) is available for all insured health plans with under 20 employees; however, it does not apply to... |
July 28, 2022 |
Five Things To Know About The Transparency In Coverage RulesTransparency in Coverage rules have been established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and require health plans and self-funded employer groups to post on their public website machine-readable files containing the following pricing information: ... |
July 28, 2022 |
Univera Named To The Best Places To Work For Disability Inclusion®Univera Healthcare is pleased to be named to the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion after receiving a top score of 100 percent on the 2022 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a national benchmarking survey by Disability:IN and the American Association of People... |
July 28, 2022 |
Pharmacy Reporting Under The Consolidated Appropriations ActTo comply with the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), we will complete the required pharmacy benefit and prescription drug cost reporting for insured businesses and self-funded groups at no charge; however, there will be a charge for a self-funded group that... |
July 28, 2022 |
Medicare Supplement – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn August 19, 2022, an application will be submitted requesting 2023 premium rate changes in accordance with New York state prior approval law. This rate application applies to Medicare Supplement products. Employer Group Notifications Initial notification letters will... |
July 28, 2022 |
September Wellbeing Tip: Substance Use DisordersAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 14 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder, a disease in which a person overuses or abuses alcohol or drugs. Some people may use drugs to help cope with stress, trauma, or to help... |
August 25, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Addresses Health Disparities In Western New York With Available Health Equity Award FundingUnivera Healthcare invites nonprofit organizations to apply for their Health Equity Awards to help fund health and wellness programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities in Western New York. “At Univera Healthcare, the health of our communities is at the... |
August 25, 2022 |
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 25, 2022 |
HSA Education Made Easy – Introducing My HSA PlannerWe know that the benefits of an HSA vary based on unique lifestyle and financial goals of your employees. This makes it difficult and time consuming for you to explain to employees the benefits of a HSA in a way that resonates to help them *actually* use or sign up for an... |
August 25, 2022 |
Small Group Rates and Plans for 2023 Are Now Available!2023 Plan Highlights: We know that health and wellbeing have taken on new meaning and significance over the past few years. We’ve got exciting changes planned that will help groups and their employees enjoy even better health and wellbeing in 2023. Let’s look at what’s in... |
September 8, 2022 |
Dental Checkups And A Healthy Smile? You’re Covered!Did you know that adults born between 1946 and 1964 (baby boomers) are the first generation where the majority of people will keep their natural teeth for their entire lifetime? This is largely because of the fluoride in water and in toothpaste. Oral health is essential... |
September 30, 2022 |
Reimbursement For Travel And Lodging Expenses – New Coverage For 2023*As a result of the recent decision by the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued optional reimbursement travel and lodging coverage that may be applied to Small and Large Group... |
September 30, 2022 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBreast cancer is the second most common form of cancer found in women in the United States, after skin cancers. About one in eight women will develop breast cancers at some point in their lifetime. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who... |
September 30, 2022 |
New On-Site Optical Clinics For Groups With Univera Vision PlansIf your group has a Univera Vision plan, you can host convenient, comprehensive pop-up optical clinics at your workplaces, making it easier than ever for employees to use their vision benefits and select eyewear! These on-site optical clinics bring all equipment... |
September 30, 2022 |
November Is National Diabetes MonthDid you know medical costs for people with diabetes are twice as high as for those who don’t have diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has more... |
October 31, 2022 |
2023 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 Safety Net coverage and Qualified Health Plans (metal level plans). If you would like to review your health care options,... |
October 31, 2022 |
Annual Rate Notices Are In The MailGroups will receive Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October 2022. This includes the following products: Small Group Individual Please note that Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription, Dental prospective pooled and dental/vision standalone group notices and... |
October 31, 2022 |
Univera Healthcare Is The One-Stop Shop For Health Insurance NeedsAs employees move through life and situations change, you can always count on our team at Univera Healthcare to be there for them. Our Group plans are just a part of how we here to care for businesses and people in our community. We also offer a complete range of plans... |
October 31, 2022 |
Achieving Some Of The Highest Medicare Star Ratings In The State And Nation!The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2023 quality ratings and Univera Healthcare has again been awarded some of the highest ratings in Western New York and the nation for quality and performance! CMS awarded Univera Healthcare’s Medicare... |
October 31, 2022 |
‘Tis The Season For Self-CareWhile the holiday season can be a time of joy, it may bring added stress, anxiety, and depression for some people. Many things contribute to the “holiday blues”: fatigue, money problems, over-commitment, and missing family or friends. That’s why, during the holiday... |
November 30, 2022 |
REMINDER: 2023 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 Safety Net coverage and Qualified Health Plans (metal level plans). If you would like to review your health care options,... |
November 30, 2022 |
2022 Health Equity Awards Winners Announced!We recently announced the recipients of our Univera Healthcare 2022 Health Equity Awards. More than $120,000 in financial support was given to six nonprofit organizations that address racial and ethnic health disparities across Western New York. "This…Health Equity Award... |
November 30, 2022 |
Fixing The Family GlitchTo be eligible for subsidized qualified health plans today, employees must not have "affordable coverage" through their own/spouse's employer. For some, if their employer doesn’t contribute to the cost (or only contributes a small amount) toward the family premium, it may... |
November 30, 2022 |
Add Preventive Care To Your List Of New Year’s ResolutionsA new year is around the corner and for many, that means evaluating their health status and lifestyle habits. This year, we encourage you and your employees to add preventive care to your list of new year resolutions. Regular preventive care can help reduce the risk or... |
December 21, 2022 |
The Perks Of Being A Univera Healthcare MemberAre your employees aware of Perks4U, our member discount program that offers exclusive savings on healthy programs, products, and services with vendors throughout Western New York? Perks are always available and constantly being added, and Univera Healthcare members can... |
December 21, 2022 |
Here’s To Heart HealthDid you know your heart is about the size of your fist? Your heart is the engine that runs your circulatory system, which carries blood to and from all areas of your body. Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to your organs and carbon dioxide to your lungs. If your... |
January 30, 2023 |
Submission Of Prescription Drug Data Collection ReportOn December 23, 2022, we submitted the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) report as required under Section 204 of Division BB, Title II of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021. The submission included information for fully insured policies issued and for... |
January 30, 2023 |
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 30, 2023 |
Newly Updated Telemedicine Toolkit Is Now LiveWe've updated our Univera Healthcare Telemedicine Toolkit, which can be found on UniveraforBusiness.com. With this collection of informational flyers, FAQs and ready-to-send emails, you can encourage your employees to activate their telemedicine accounts and stay ahead... |
January 30, 2023 |
Mona Chitre, PharmD Appointed New Senior Leadership RoleMona Chitre, PharmD has been named President of Pharmacy Solutions, in addition to her role as Chief Pharmacy Officer. In her expanded role, Dr. Chitre will focus on delivering clinically sound pharmacy solutions to enable growth and diversification and bolster... |
February 20, 2023 |
Focus On Fiber For Colon Cancer Awareness MonthMarch is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. An estimated 153,020 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023. Colon cancer, however, is largely preventable through... |
February 20, 2023 |
UniveraForBusiness.Com: Free Resources To Help Care For Your TeamWhen was the last time you checked out UniveraForBusiness.com? Univera For Business is your destination for toolkits and content that help businesses and employees enjoy better physical, emotional, and financial health and get the most from their health plan. Resources... |
February 20, 2023 |
Healthy Vision Is Important To Overall HealthHave you ever heard of “tear film”? Every time you blink, a thin layer of tears called “tear film” spreads across your eyes. Tear film has three layers: an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer, and an inner mucous layer. All three of these layers work together to help... |
March 27, 2023 |
2022 Pharmacy Reporting Under The Consolidated Appropriations Act (RxDC)To comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), we will complete all required pharmacy benefit and prescription drug cost reporting on behalf of fully insured groups (small and large) and self-funded groups with medical and pharmacy coverage with Univera... |
March 27, 2023 |
NEW! Primary Care Provider Toolkit Now AvailableA new Primary Care Provider (PCP) toolkit is now live and can be found on UniveraforBusiness.com. With a ready-to-send email, PCP checklist, find a doctor tool fact sheet and e-book, you can encourage your members to find a provider and stay ahead of illnesses. Get The... |
March 27, 2023 |
What You Need To Know About Safety Net RecertificationsDuring the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), NY State has not required most Safety Net members to renew their Medicaid Managed Care, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus eligibility. For most group members, coverage has been auto renewed during the PHE. ... |
March 27, 2023 |
May Is Mental Health Awareness MonthAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine... |
April 27, 2023 |
MDLIVE Claims Cost IncreaseEffective April 1, 2023, the MDLIVE claim cost for medical consults increased from $40.00 to $50.00 per MDLIVE visit. This is still 39% below the non-MDLIVE member price and also significantly below a telehealth visit with a local primary care physician. Who Is Impacted?... |
April 27, 2023 |
COVID-19 National Emergency And Federal Public Health Emergency To End May 11, 2023The federal government announced the COVID-19 National Emergency and Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. Univera Healthcare has been reviewing the guidelines surrounding COVID-19 related vaccines, testing and telehealth services and is sharing... |
April 27, 2023 |
June Is Men’s Health MonthMen's health is a critical issue. Unfortunately, many men tend to neglect their health until they experience a severe illness or injury. This leads to a higher risk of chronic diseases, disability, and premature death. Additionally, men also tend to engage in riskier... |
May 30, 2023 |
Well-Child Visits Over Summer Break: Book Them NowIt’s not too early to arrange the medical and dental visits your kids will need over the summer break from school. “Don’t wait too long to make your child’s summertime medical and dental appointments because your doctor may not have openings when you want them,” says... |
May 30, 2023 |
How Safety Net Plan Renewals Impact Your Business And MembersAs we’ve been sharing for the past few months, Safety Net recertifications resumed in April, with the first of our members receiving notifications in May. We understand that not all groups typically engage with our Safety Net population, but it’s important to understand... |
May 30, 2023 |
What Happens With Claims, COBRA And Special Enrollments Once The National Emergency Ends?As you may recall, due to the COVID-19 National Emergency, the Department of Labor provided relief via extensions for filing and appealing claims, electing and paying for COBRA, and notifying administrators of disability notices and special enrollments. The extensions... |
May 30, 2023 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn May 10, 2023, an application was submitted requesting 2024 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 2024... |
June 2, 2023 |
The Benefits Of Getting OutdoorsAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. But going outside actually has lots of benefits to our mental and physical wellbeing. Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the benefits of getting outdoors in nature, whether... |
June 27, 2023 |
Offering Members Cost-Effective, Convenient OptionsSite of Care is an Univera Healthcare program that provides valuable options to group members who are currently receiving infusion drugs at high-cost facilities. Our program provides cost savings by transitioning members from receiving their treatment at a hospital or... |
June 27, 2023 |
Healthy NY Group Recertification FormsUnivera Healthcare was set to begin requiring the Healthy NY (HNY) Recertification form and Supplemental form from all HNY groups upon renewal starting July 1, 2023. We are postponing the requirement of the HNY Supplemental form at this time; however, all HNY groups will... |
June 27, 2023 |
2024 Small Group Package UpdateThe following Univera Access package will no longer be offered directly through Univera Healthcare or on the New York State of Health (SHOP) Marketplace beginning January 1, 2024: Univera On Demand will be updated for package comparisons.The package that will no longer... |
June 27, 2023 |
Creating A Clearer Path To Better HealthAdvancing health equity is central to our mission and is woven throughout the work we do day in and day out. It’s good for your members and the Western New York community. With this, it’s important to recognize the diversity of employees and how their different... |
June 27, 2023 |
Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Report SubmittedOn June 1, 2023, we submitted the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) report as required under Section 204 of Division BB, Title II of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021. The submission included information for fully insured policies issued and for... |
June 27, 2023 |
