Anthem Blue Cross has extended the deadline for fully-insured employers to complete their 2023 Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Submission online form to March 24, 2023. The previous deadline was March 1, 2023.
The following information was sent from California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara regarding a new requirement for a one hour of study on insurance fraud as part of the prelicensing education for new applicants and continuing education requirements for licensed agents and brokers. Please review the entire message to ensure you satisfy the new education requirements in effect as of March 1, 2023.
As part of pharmacy reporting under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021, Kaiser Permanente is required to submit information on prescription drugs and healthcare spending to CMS. Please make sure your groups submit their information to Kaiser Permanente by filling out this form by April 3, 2023.
Pulled from a year’s worth of benefits decisions in Ease — featuring trends from the past three years — the 2023 SMB Benefits and Employee Insights Report helps brokers and agencies benchmark.
Enroll in Delta Dental’s Small Business Broker Rewards Program at ddsbrewards.com, and you could earn additional compensation for selling and retaining eligible groups of 2-99 lives.
MetLife is excited to share valuable resources and industry insights to help you and your clients stay informed.
Delta Dental provided news and insights for their brokers.
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. Anthem is working closely with stakeholders, including state and federal partners to carefully review policies tied to the PHE and determine ongoing coverage options for items such as vaccines, testing, and telehealth.
Aetna Small Groups must complete Aetna RxDC Plan Sponsor Data Collection Form by 4/1/23. Failure to respond will mean your clients will need to submit the information directly to CMS by 6/1/23.
Effective May 1, 2023, Prime Care Medical Group of Chino Valley PPG will no longer be a part of the following Health Net networks across their Commercial lines of business:
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
You have 4 valuable opportunities to join the B&P Sales Team to learn about the changes going into effect on January 1, 2023 for B&P carrier partners.
All Q4 2022 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Anticipated renewal release dates for B&P medical carrier partners are outlined in the table below.
Don't forget to review the items listed below before the end of your group's effective month. Employers only have until the end of their effective month to request changes, any change after will require an exception and may not be approved retroactively.
All Q4 2021 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
TotalHIPAA is offering a free Business Associate Agreement on their new, redesigned website! When you are on their home page, click the bar at the top of the screen to download a copy of their BAA template.
Almost all Q2 2021 rates are available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Complete our Calendar Card Request Form to get a 2021 B&P Calendar Card sent to your address! Our 2021 calendar is a 5x7 card with rounded corners and is printed on Shutterfly's thickest available cardstock.
Some Q1 2021 rates are available in bpQuote, with more expected to be released in the next couple of weeks! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
HealthConnect will be performing maintenance on the quote engine from 3 AM to 8 AM PST on Saturday, February 11th. bpQuote may have intermittent outages during this time.
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
bpQuote has rolled out four new enhancements to the quote engine. These enhancements will make it easier to filter, sort, and export information.
HealthConnect will be performing maintenance on the quote engine from 3 AM to 8 AM PST on Saturday, November 12th. bpQuote may have intermittent outages during this time.
All Q4 2022 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
bpQuote has rolled out an enhancement to the Employee Worksheets ACA report that allows the user to easily select the same plans from other reports without having to reselect them once the Carrier Package is chosen.
bpQuote has rolled out an enhancement to the Benefits & Table Rates Report section at the front of the quote engine that allows you to filter to a specific carrier if desired. You can also select "All" to show all plans for available based on the effective date and the plan type radio button options.
bpQuote has rolled out an enhancement that will make it easier to find existing employees in a large census.
bpQuote has rolled out an enhancement to the quote engine to allow you to filter to plans with or without infertility coverage.
HealthConnect will be performing maintenance on the quote engine from 6 PM to 9 PM PST on Saturday, November 13th. bpQuote may have intermittent outages during this time.
The following information was sent from California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara regarding a new requirement for a one hour of study on insurance fraud as part of the prelicensing education for new applicants and continuing education requirements for licensed agents and brokers. Please review the entire message to ensure you satisfy the new education requirements in effect as of March 1, 2023.
Pulled from a year’s worth of benefits decisions in Ease — featuring trends from the past three years — the 2023 SMB Benefits and Employee Insights Report helps brokers and agencies benchmark.
The Biden Administration announced on January 30, 2023, that it will end the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. These emergencies were set to expire on March 1 and April 11 respectively, but they will now extend to May 11 to allow a wind-down period as they had previously committed to.
Section 204 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) requires insurance companies and employer-based health plans to submit information about prescription drugs to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
On December 15, 2022, the IRS released a final rule permanently extending the ACA deadlines for furnishing forms to individuals by 30 days. This means the next deadline, which is for the 2022 plan year, for furnishing forms to individuals will be March 2, 2023, as opposed to January 31, 2023.
The IRS recently issued final regulations that revise how employer-sponsored affordability is calculated for a family regarding their eligibility for the premium tax credit for Marketplace coverage.
The following information was sent from California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara regarding a new law that requires licensees to include their license number on emails. Please review the entire message to ensure you are in compliance with the new law beginning January 1, 2023.
We understand that you and your clients are responsible for more work than ever before. Therefore, we are providing you with this reminder that the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) requires your clients to complete two disclosure requirements pertaining to the creditable coverage of their prescription drug plan.
The IRS has released the 2023 annual HSA contribution limits as well as the HDHP deductible and out-of-pocket expense limits. The tables below show the 2022 and 2023 amounts with the year-over-year changes.
Help your clients make smart decisions instead of gut decisions by downloading the 2022 SMB Benefits and Employee Insights Report.
Effective May 1, 2023, Prime Care Medical Group of Chino Valley PPG will no longer be a part of the following Health Net networks across their Commercial lines of business:
UnitedHealthcare and Community Medical Centers (CMC) have reached a multi-year agreement that ensures UnitedHealthcare’s members enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans, as well as Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans, have access to the following CMC hospitals and facilities in the Fresno region...
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial and Medicare agreement with Community Memorial Health System, comprising the below-referenced hospitals...
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial HMO Agreement with San Diego County’s Scripps Health Plan Services, comprising the following entities...
Anthem Blue Cross has reached an agreement with Shasta Regional Medical Center. Shasta Regional Medical Center is located in Shasta County.
Anthem Blue Cross has reached an agreement with Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital. Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital provides services to members in San Benito County.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial HMO Agreements with these Optum entities...
Health Net is pleased to inform you that Tenet HealthCare Corporation (Tenet) will remain a part of the Health Net of California, Inc. and Health Net Life Insurance Company (Health Net) provider networks.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully reached a new multi-year agreement with Stanford Health, comprising the below referenced entities with their effective dates...
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that Adventist Health has rescinded its notice of termination. All entity contracts (i.e., hospital-referenced below, ambulatory surgery center, hospice, home health, and prudent buyer professional) remain in full force and effect until the contract renewal is fully implemented.
Aetna Small Groups must complete Aetna RxDC Plan Sponsor Data Collection Form by 4/1/23. Failure to respond will mean your clients will need to submit the information directly to CMS by 6/1/23.
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Aetna announced plan and rate updates for April 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
With an Aetna Funding Advantage plan, health care costs can be more predictable for your clients' businesses. That’s because it has stable monthly payments based on the expected health trends of their employees.
Aetna provide update on the Attain by Aetna program and new portfolio enhancements for Small Group Aetna Funding Advantage members.
It’s simple. Just sell Aetna new business plans to groups in California with 1-100 eligible employees. When you do, you’ll receive a reward.
Aetna announced plan and rate updates for January 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
2023 rates are starting to be released, below is the status of Q1 2023 rate releases for B&P medical carriers.
All Q4 2022 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Anticipated renewal release dates for B&P medical carrier partners are outlined in the table below.
Anthem Blue Cross has extended the deadline for fully-insured employers to complete their 2023 Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Submission online form to March 24, 2023. The previous deadline was March 1, 2023.
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. Anthem is working closely with stakeholders, including state and federal partners to carefully review policies tied to the PHE and determine ongoing coverage options for items such as vaccines, testing, and telehealth.
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Anthem Blue Cross is sending emails to select Small Group and Large Group fully insured clients asking them to submit monthly average premium information required for Prescription Drug Data (RxDC) reporting.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial and Medicare agreement with Community Memorial Health System, comprising the below-referenced hospitals...
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial HMO Agreement with San Diego County’s Scripps Health Plan Services, comprising the following entities...
Anthem Blue Cross has reached an agreement with Shasta Regional Medical Center. Shasta Regional Medical Center is located in Shasta County.
Anthem announced rate and plan updates for April 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Anthem Blue Cross has reached an agreement with Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital. Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital provides services to members in San Benito County.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial HMO Agreements with these Optum entities...
Anthem groups and Individual members in 9 states will receive 2021 medical loss ratio (MLR) rebates this year. Anthem mailed the rebates during the week of 9/5/22.
We are excited to announce that B&P's large group carriers are now all quoting January 1, 2023 rates! Send your next large group RFP to B&P to get quotes for Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net, and Kaiser Permanente large group plans.
Members will be reimbursed for over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests they buy on or after January 15, 2022. They may have to pay out of pocket when they buy the test, but they can submit a claim online in Anthem's member portal for reimbursement.
A recent announcement from the federal government intends to increase access to COVID-19 testing. As of January 15, 2022, members can get reimbursed by their health plan without cost-share for the costs of over-the-counter diagnostic COVID-19 tests until the end of the Coronavirus Public Health Emergency. Diagnostic tests are performed if members are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been recently exposed.
Anthem Large Group and Small Group in California are pleased to announce that Hoag is joining their Priority Select Network starting January 1, 2022.
It’s important for people to understand their COVID-19 testing options should they need to get tested. To help you and your clients understand your options, check out Anthem's latest article on the COVID-19 Resource Center called, The Different Types of COVID-19 Tests.
We are excited to announce that B&P's large group carriers are now all quoting January 1, 2022 rates! Send your next large group RFP to B&P to get quotes for Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net, and Kaiser Permanente large group plans.
The Employer Resource Center (ERC) is a personalized website created exclusively for each of your Large Group clients that makes it easy for them to find materials and resources about the products they’ve purchased from Anthem. Plan information and resources your clients need to help employees stay healthy and obtain the most from their benefits are all gathered in one place.
As the number of fully vaccinated people grows, Anthem wants to keep you informed. Current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that more than one-fifth of all Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination and more than one-tenth are fully vaccinated.
Group administrators can now view an electronic enrollment file through Anthem's new Electronic Enrollment Tool (EET) in EmployerAccess. Available in late March, this new process delivers faster results than emailed PDF forms that needed to be filled out and returned.
It's tax season. And business owners are reminded of how much they pay. They are probably wondering how they can get more tax breaks, including on healthcare expenses.
ArmadaCare has moved beyond the C-Suite with other unique employer-paid supplemental plan options. Come find out how these plans can help solve business problems for your clients.
Many benefits address only one or two benefit categories: saving time, promoting well-being, supporting financially, or providing tax savings. Ultimate Health is a supplemental healthcare reimbursement plan designed to help companies address virtually every benefit category.
When you talk about an executive medical reimbursement plan, also called expense reimbursed insurance, it’s not rare to get questions like, “Is that still allowed,” or “I thought you couldn’t do that anymore?” Let’s tackle those questions and get to the bottom of it.
Ultimate Health by ArmadaCare is a supplemental healthcare reimbursement plan designed to help companies offer a broad range of coverage types that tailor to different life stage needs, a way to get back to 100% coverage levels, a tax-efficient compensation tool, along with health, wellness and travel support services.Ultimate Health is suitable for any size and type of company and can be added onto virtually any company base medical plan at any month of the year.
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
CaliforniaChoice announced plan and rate updates for April 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
CaliforniaChoice is launching their new CaliforniaChoice Member Marketplace, a selection of supplemental products available to all CalChoice subscribers at calchoice.com.
Kaiser Permanente's most recent Broker Briefing provided important updates for Kaiser Permanente Small Business groups.
Kaiser Permanente is offering a $100 broker bonus per enrolled subscriber for all new small groups sold with effective dates between December 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023. This bonus will be payable for new small groups written through any sales channel – broker direct, General Agency, CaliforniaChoice, and Covered California for Small Business.
CaliforniaChoice announced plan and rate updates for January 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
2023 rates are starting to be released, below is the status of Q1 2023 rate releases for B&P medical carriers.
All Q4 2022 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Anticipated renewal release dates for B&P medical carrier partners are outlined in the table below.
CaliforniaChoice announced plan and rate updates for October 1, 2022 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for April 1, 2023 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for January 1, 2023 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for December 1, 2022 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for October 1, 2022 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for July 1, 2022 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for April 1, 2022 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for January 1, 2022 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for October 1, 2021 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
CHOICE Administrators provided an update on the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) as it relates to the COBRA Premium Assistance.
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for July 1, 2021 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
Cigna + Oscar announced plan and rate updates for April 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
This Q4, Cigna + Oscar's bonus program will reward you $$$ for writing multiple groups (eligible for 12/1/22, 12/15/22 and 1/1/23 effective dates).
Cigna + Oscar announced plan and rate updates for January 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
2023 rates are starting to be released, below is the status of Q1 2023 rate releases for B&P medical carriers.
All Q4 2022 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Cigna + Oscar announced plan and rate updates for October 1, 2022 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Cigna + Oscar announced their extended LocalPlus network effective July 1, 2022.
Cigna + Oscar announced plan and rate updates for July 1, 2022 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Cigna + Oscar announced plan and rate updates for April 1, 2022 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Cigna + Oscar announced plan and rate updates for January 1, 2022 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Cigna + Oscar announced rate updates for October 1, 2021 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
It's warming up! Summer is here and Cigna + Oscar has some sizzling hot plans and rates. Take advantage of Cigna + Oscar’s Q4 rate hold and quote your groups early!
Cigna + Oscar announced a $10,000 Mega Bonus for groups with 50 or more enrolled employees. That's right - Cigna + Oscar would like to pay a $10,000 bonus for groups with 50-100 enrolled employees.
Cigna + Oscar announced rate updates for July 1, 2021 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Great news: Cigna + Oscar has a new bonus program to share with you. Beginning April 1, 2021 in Northern California AND Southern California you can earn $350 for every Cigna + Oscar group with four or more enrolled employees with effective dates from April 1, 2021 through December 15, 2021.
Great news: Cigna + Oscar has expanded their Cigna LocalPlus® network in Northern California! With 63 hospitals and more than 23,000 primary care providers and specialists, Cigna + Oscar plans offer members easy access to even more quality providers like UCSF, Stanford, John Muir and Dignity.
Cigna + Oscar is expanding to 9 additional rating regions effective April 1, 2021.
Cigna + Oscar announced rate updates for April 1, 2021 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Cigna + Oscar received approval for their 2021 plans and rates from the California Department of Insurance!
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) provided the below updates on their Exclusive Tax Credit for Small Business, New Business Deadlines for 2023, and expanded coverage options.
Covered California for Small Business announced rate updates for April 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) provided the below updates on their Partnership That Pays bonus program, New Business Deadlines for the remained of the year, and expanded coverage options.
Kaiser Permanente's most recent Broker Briefing provided important updates for Kaiser Permanente Small Business groups.
More and more brokers are writing their first case with CCSB! As a reminder, brokers writing CCSB for the first time must be certified. The certification process is simple and will ensure your new case does not get held up due to the broker's certification approval.
Kaiser Permanente is offering a $100 broker bonus per enrolled subscriber for all new small groups sold with effective dates between December 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023. This bonus will be payable for new small groups written through any sales channel – broker direct, General Agency, CaliforniaChoice, and Covered California for Small Business.
Earn up to $8,000* for enrolling a new small group with Covered California for Small Business with coverage effective now through January 1, 2023.
2023 rates are starting to be released, below is the status of Q1 2023 rate releases for B&P medical carriers.
Covered California for Small Business announced rate updates for January 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Enroll in Delta Dental’s Small Business Broker Rewards Program at ddsbrewards.com, and you could earn additional compensation for selling and retaining eligible groups of 2-99 lives.
Delta Dental provided news and insights for their brokers.
Delta Dental provided news and insights for their brokers.
Delta Dental provided news and insights for their brokers.
Delta Dental provided news and insights for their brokers.
Delta Dental provided news and insights for their brokers.
Delta Dental announced plan and rate updates for January 1, 2023 effective dates, rates are available for quoting.
Delta Dental provided news and insights for their brokers.
Delta Dental provided news and insights for their brokers.
Selling and retaining small groups isn’t easy. That’s why brokers deserve a reward for their hard work and Delta has announced a new small group broker rewards program. Brokers may be eligible for additional compensation for selling to new groups and retaining eligible groups of two to 99 lives.
A key element of Guardian's Group Benefits strategy is to enhance and expand their portfolio of products and services to support the well-being of members. As part of this focus, Guardian also continually evaluates their existing products and services, measuring their impact and seeing how well they align with their Purpose and strategy.
Guardian announced rate updates for January 1, 2022 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Guardian announced rate updates for January 1, 2021 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
As a reminder, Guardian introduced the Guardian Pandemic Support Program* to help your clients with fully-insured Guardian dental and vision plans be able to manage costs by choosing either a premium credit or extended rate guarantee.**
Guardian recently introduced the Guardian Pandemic Support Program* to help your clients manage costs and provide employees with affordable, uninterrupted access to dental care as practices reopen for elective treatments.
Guardian has heard directly from many of you about how significantly the pandemic has impacted employers and their members’ ability to receive dental care.
Currently, 92% of small business owners are reporting a moderate to very high level of stress at this time, yet over 70% are still optimistic about the future. Guardian is committed to providing their small businesses customers with the support they need to help navigate the challenges of this unprecedented time.
Guardian announced rate updates for January 1, 2020 effective dates with some changes to underwriting. Rates are available for quoting!
EaseCentral, the leading HR and benefits SaaS platform powered by insurance brokers, has announced an integration with insurance provider The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America®, (Guardian).
Guardian has announced rate and underwriting adjustments for January 1, 2019 effective dates with no benefit changes. Rates are available for quoting!
Effective May 1, 2023, Prime Care Medical Group of Chino Valley PPG will no longer be a part of the following Health Net networks across their Commercial lines of business:
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Health Net announced plan and rate updates for April 1, 2023. Rates are available for quoting!
Starting on December 1st, HMO members can receive flu shots at a pharmacy in their health plan’s pharmacy network at no charge.
Health Net is pleased to inform you that Tenet HealthCare Corporation (Tenet) will remain a part of the Health Net of California, Inc. and Health Net Life Insurance Company (Health Net) provider networks.
The flu season is here and Health Net understands members have no time to get sick. This year, Health Net partnered with Kinsa to pilot a program offering free local illness alerts. By signing up, members get notifications when their risk level changes based on local conditions along with personalized guidance on how to stay healthy.
Commercial Small and Large Group Evidence of Coverage (EOC) booklets, for plans effective January 1, 2023 and later, will contain the updates as shown in the Notice of Changes links below. This Notice reflects Health Net of California (Health Net) compliance with new laws and regulatory requirements. It also addresses Health Net administrative changes.
Health Net sent contracted brokers the following communication on October 6, 2022, in their broker news.
2023 rates are starting to be released, below is the status of Q1 2023 rate releases for B&P medical carriers.
Health Net provided more information on their compliance with the Transparency in Coverage requirements to post Machine Readable Files.
With upcoming registration deadlines approaching for CalSavers, you are probably hearing a lot about California’s retirement savings program.
Employers in California with 5 or more employees will be required to offer a qualified retirement savings plan starting as early as 2020, or face financial penalties.
We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Human Interest as our preferred retirement plan provider!
As part of pharmacy reporting under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021, Kaiser Permanente is required to submit information on prescription drugs and healthcare spending to CMS. Please make sure your groups submit their information to Kaiser Permanente by filling out this form by April 3, 2023.
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Kaiser Permanente's most recent Broker Briefing provided important updates for Kaiser Permanente Small Business groups.
Kaiser Permanente is reaching out to clients to reduce duplication in efforts to comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and Transparency in Coverage requirements.
Kaiser Permanente's most recent Broker Briefing provided important updates for Kaiser Permanente Small Business groups.
Kaiser Permanente is offering a $100 broker bonus per enrolled subscriber for all new small groups sold with effective dates between December 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023. This bonus will be payable for new small groups written through any sales channel – broker direct, General Agency, CaliforniaChoice, and Covered California for Small Business.
2023 rates are starting to be released, below is the status of Q1 2023 rate releases for B&P medical carriers.
Kaiser Permanente provided a response to the Supreme Court ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case.
Kaiser Permanente's broker briefing provides important updates for individual, small group, and large group clients.
Kaiser Permanente is pleased to announce that in California Kaiser Permanente’s individual, small group, and large group MBRs satisfied the required standards for 2021. Therefore, Kaiser Permanente will not be required to issue any Affordable Care Act rebates for 2021 experience.
Over the last year and a half, healthcare workers have faced an immense amount of pressure. Now, even as these employees recover, they continue to navigate pandemic-related concerns in all aspects of their lives – and they need employer support now more than ever.
Employee benefits programs are set to play a pivotal role as employees take a fresh look at the protection and financial security their benefits options can provide. 62 percent of employees think benefits are more important because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And 78 percent want benefits that work together to protect their physical, financial, mental, and social well-being.
Over the last year, the world and the workforce have changed in unprecedented ways. Now, MetLife is sharing the workforce trends that are impacting brokers, their clients and other employers.
For many people, pets are more than a furry distraction—they’re important members of the family. And keeping them healthy and happy is a top priority for maintaining the pet’s quality of life. But even one unexpected trip to the vet can wreak havoc on an employee’s personal finances.
2020 was a roller coaster of challenges for small business owners. Navigating the impact of the pandemic meant most had to pivot and, in many cases, make hard choices to survive and succeed. Through all the ups and downs, small business employees were right there with their employers. The close-knit employer-to-employee relationships are the foundation of American small businesses. According to MetLife’s 18th annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study research in 2020, seven in ten small business employers believe they have a responsibility for their employees’ well-being.¹ And, despite budget concerns, they’re looking for options to enhance their benefits programs.
At MetLife, brokers and customers are their top priority. As such, they want to help their mutual small business customers who may be facing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MetLife announced that they have completed their acquisition of Versant Health, owner of the well-established brands Davis Vision and Superior Vision. MetLife expects to complete the integration of Versant Health's Davis Vision and Superior Vision into their product portfolio by the end of 2021.
The consequences of the pandemic continue to impact small businesses, as they try to support employees while also navigating economic uncertainty. According to the most recent MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, 78% of small business owners view the current economic situation as average to somewhat poor or very poor.
Offering dental benefits with provider networks that include the dentists the employees want is essential for benefit satisfaction. But it’s not the only factor you should consider when evaluating dental networks. Asking three key questions can help you uncover how hard a provider network will work for your clients and their employees.
While 2020 has been anything but business as usual for America’s small businesses, their entrepreneurial resilience and optimism continue to shine through. MetLife’s new small business report, based on its 18th Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study, examines how the pandemic is impacting work-life dynamics and the strategic role for benefits.
Principal sent an email to brokers and groups last week regarding the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021's (ARPA) COBRA subsidy, including versions for states that offer state continuation benefits. These letters went to Principal clients with dental and/or vision insurance with Principal.
Principal has exciting news to share. Beginning with May 1, 2021 effective dates, Principal will be able to quote down to 2 lives! Their updated guidelines are:
Principal shared some important updates and reminders that will benefit both new and current Principal business.
COVID-19 is impacting everyone’s lives – including trips to the dentist. Most dental offices have been temporarily closed for non-emergency services. And Principal understands employers and their employees have had limited use of their dental benefits.
Increase your earning potential by working with Principal. Place new business and retain business with Principal, and you may be eligible for their group benefit bonus programs.
Principal has made some enhancements to their open enrollment guidelines effective 2020.
Principal's EAP vendor, Magellan, is offering free services to anyone who needs some support due to the wildfires in California.
Principal is giving you even more reasons to sell dental only or bundled coverages! Promotion is available for groups through January 1, 2020.
CaliforniaChoice, Covered CA for Small Business, Principal, and UnitedHealthcare all have 2019 bonus programs for specific effective dates. Click on the hyperlinks below each carrier to see the full details and program rules.
Increase your earning potential by working with Principal. Place new business and retain business with Principal, and you may be eligible for their group benefit bonus programs.
All Q2 2023 rates are now available in bpQuote! Click the links below to read more about carrier-specific changes.
Beginning with the June 1 submission date, UnitedHealthcare will be submitting the P2 (Group Health Plan), D1 (Premium and Life Years) and D2 (Spending by Category) files for all fully insured and self-funded customers who had active coverage during the reference year (2022).
UnitedHealthcare and Community Medical Centers (CMC) have reached a multi-year agreement that ensures UnitedHealthcare’s members enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans, as well as Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans, have access to the following CMC hospitals and facilities in the Fresno region...
UHC announced plan and rate updates for April 1, 2023 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
UHC provided more information on their Packaged Savings program, how groups can save when they add more Specialty lines, and their Dental Rate Cap promotion extension.
UHC provided more information on what their dental plan codes mean, how deductibles and annual maximums work, and how their rating works.
UHC's new wellness program, UHC Rewards, is a great way for members to get $$ back in their pockets! The below information applies to CA SG 1-100 but it also applies to most states nationwide SG segment.
UHC provided more important whether or not certain financial protection products need underwriting approval, how groups with 2-9 employees can add UHC Life/AD&D, and their participation requirements for Disability products.
UHC provided more information on their Beneficiary Companion included in Life plans, Life/AD&D eligibility, and Life/AD&D value-add services.
UHC provided more information about what their dental plan codes mean, how groups can waive the waiting period for major sevices at install, and vision network, and what networks their dental plans use.
VSP announced a 2023 rate pass, with no changes to plan benefits or underwriting. Rates are available for quoting!
VSP has announced a Rate Pass through December 31st, 2022, with no changes to plan benefits or underwriting. Rates are available for quoting!
At VSP the wellbeing of their clients, members, partners, and VSP network doctors is at the heart of everything they do. They are available to help members access the vision care they need, when they need it most. As you’ve likely already heard, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) provides temporary premium assistance for continuation of coverage for qualified individuals who lost their coverage due to COVID-19 through tax credits for employers and insurance carriers, as appropriate. The premium assistance will be available from April 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021.
VSP has announced a Rate Pass through December 31st, 2021, with no changes to plan benefits or underwriting. Rates are available for quoting!
VSP Vision Care is committed to doing all they can to help you and your clients navigate through the uncertainty, as we move toward recovery.
After an 11-year partnership, VSP has reached an agreement to acquire Visionworks, a full-service optical retailer.
VSP has announced a Rate Pass through December 31st, 2020, with no changes to plan benefits or underwriting. Rates are available for quoting!
VSP has announced a Rate Pass through December 31, 2019, with no changes to plan benefits or underwriting.
When your employees create an account on vsp.com, they'll get the most out of their VSP benefit and be eligible to win a $5,000 shopping spree.
Now through January 31, eligible VSP® Vision Care members get an extra $40 to spend on bebe, Cole Haan, Flexon®, and Salvatore Ferragamo frames.
