Starting June 4, Anthem will begin sending members a communication that includes several notices they are required to give them each year.
Good communications make for satisfied customers. And the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is often what members mention first when asked about their health plan communications. That's why Anthem redesigned their EOBs to make them easier for members to read and understand.
Recent changes to California law (SB189) will require the following attention.
Big payouts are once again at stake with Anthem's 2018 Specialty Bonus program. You can earn up to $50,000 per case when you sell new dental, vision, life and disability accounts with effective dates between February 1, 2018, and January 31, 2019. Get additional bonuses for retaining your existing business with Anthem.
Once again, VSP Vision Care is raising the bar as the only vision care company to offer fully-covered standard progressive lenses—included as part of the VSP Choice, Signature, or VSP Individual Vision Plans.
Help customers get a 5% second year rate cap when they add a dental plan by January 1, 2019.
Delta Dental has eliminated the restriction on the number of eligible employees allowed to reside out-of-state on their PPO plans. Delta Dental now requires a minimum of two California employees enrolled with groups sitused in California.
Health Net is offering a bonus program, underwriting deals and a single carrier option.
Anthem Small Group is announcing NEW underwriting promotions for July 1, 2018 effective dates. These promotions will be available to help you with your new business as well as your existing Small Group book of business through 12/15/18 effective dates.
As part of the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurers must categorize clients as either individual, small group or large group. For employer groups, this is determined based on the average number of employees they had in 2017. This includes full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.
For a limited time, EaseCentral is offering HRIS, their powerful suite of HR tools, for only $2 PEPM. When brokers buy today, they lock in this price and feature set of HRIS forever.
January 1st is almost upon us, here are some important reminders to help you provide the best possible service to your clients this enrollment season. ID Cards Members should not use their existing ID card after the new policy's effective date, even if they haven't received their new carrier's ID card.
December 1st is almost upon us, here are some important reminders to help you provide the best possible service to your clients this enrollment season. ID Cards Members should not use their existing ID card after the new policy's effective date, even if they haven't received their new carrier's ID card.
Click the carrier name below for a full summary of plan and rate updates effective January 2018. All rates are available for quoting!
bpQuote has a new Enrollment Export button that will allow Brokers with existing EaseCentral accounts to export a Group from the quote engine into their EaseCentral portal.The button is available on the Main Menu and the on the Proposal Options page of a specific group quote.The basic information being sent to EaseCentral includes: Group InformationCensus InformationPlans OfferedRates for those PlansBenefits for those PlansEligibility for those PlansEmployer Contribution (optional)Applications and any benefits summaries, SBCs, and provider and prescription search links will need to be added within the group's EaseCentral account.
Q4 is right around the corner!What are you doing to go deeper with your groups this fourth quarter? EaseCentral, cloud-based benefits enrollment software built for insurance brokers, has a special offer on their subscriptions ending June 30th, 2017. If you purchase an EaseCentral subscription before June 30th, 2017 you’ll receive HRIS by EasCentral for free or 2 groups up to 200 lives each.
On February 21st, 2017 EaseCental is announcing changes to their subscription for all brokers and sharing a few product updates that are coming in the near future. To read about these changes and updates please click the link below: Changes & Updates Two changes that you should be aware of: Onboarding will be included in the EaseCentral subscription when brokers renew their subscription, starting with April renewals.
Rates January 2017 Rate Updates Dental: Two-Year Rate Pass Vision: Two-Year Rate Pass Delta Dental's rate pass for 2017 and 2018 effective dates means they haven't raised rates since 2013!Plans & Benefits Plan Name Reminders PPO A changed to PPO Value. PPO B12 changed to PPO Enhanced. PPO C changed to PPO Plus Premier Enhanced.
Subscribe to EaseCentral before the end 2016, and you'll receive not one (1), but two (2) gifts! A $5,400 savings!Subscription Subsidy from b&p Plus, when you work with beere&purves, you may choose to receive a subsidy toward your new EaseCentral subscription for every group you submit with a b&p medical carrier.EaseCentral in 3 MinutesWatch this quick, 3 minute video to learn more about using EaseCentral as a simple solution for Benefits and HR.
Distribution Deadline Extended Great news! The IRS announced a deadline extension for providing 2016 Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to covered individual and full-time employees. The deadlines in which employers and carriers are required to file 2016 forms with the IRS have not been extended. Deadlines 1095-C Form Distribution (to insureds and F-T employees): March 2, 2017 1095-B Form Distribution (to insureds): March 2, 2017 IRS Paper Form Filling: February 28, 2017 IRS Electronic Form Filing: March 31, 2017 Form Usage 1095-C Form: Issued by employers with 50 or more full-time employees (including full-time equivalents).
If you'd like to add your logo to your bpQuote proposals, please send your logo as a 270-pixel wide x 200-pixel high JPEG to marketing@beerepurves.com.
bpQuote has a new enhancement for the ACA Worksheet report that allows users to sort plans by Premium instead of Plan Name.
bpQuote has a new enhancement for the Multi-Option report that will show the Totals by Plan for each scenario built out.
bpQuote pushed out 3 enhanced this morning.
bpQuote pushed out two reporting enhancements on the proposal options page and two enhanced to the EaseCentral Enrollment Export feature.COST COMPARISON REPORTUsers now have the ability to select one or more Metallic tiers to filter the Cost Comparison Report by. An example of the Metallic tier filter is provided below.TABLE RATESWhen generating table rates, users now have the ability to factor in a base plan contribution.
We've added a new enhancement to a number of reports within bpQuote! Starting Wednesday, November 8, 2017, the following reports will show whether each quoted plan falls into a Broad Network, or a Narrow Network:Side By SideSide By Side DetailPlan GridEmployee Rate Side By SideSingle Plan DetailFull BenefitsDual OptionThis enhancement makes it easier for users to identify if they have unintentionally included a Narrow Network plan.
There’s a new enhancement to the Multi Option report! Users can still map all employees to a single plan by using the “Bulk Mapping” option or they can select the new “Current Plan Mapping” option instead. With the new feature, the user can designate a corresponding alternate plan for each Current plan.
bpQuote has a new Enrollment Export button that will allow Brokers with existing EaseCentral accounts to export a Group from the quote engine into their EaseCentral portal.The button is available on the Main Menu and the on the Proposal Options page of a specific group quote.The basic information being sent to EaseCentral includes: Group InformationCensus InformationPlans OfferedRates for those PlansBenefits for those PlansEligibility for those PlansEmployer Contribution (optional)Applications and any benefits summaries, SBCs, and provider and prescription search links will need to be added within the group's EaseCentral account.
The Medical Plan Selection page has been enhanced to include the Inpatient Hospitalization benefits. This enhancement will provide an easily accessible way to help differentiate between plans during the selection process.The image below shows the location of the Inpatient Hospitalization benefits on the Medical Plan Selection page.For assistance with bpQuote enhancements, please contact your B&P Group Specialist – 888.
The bpQuote dental plan comparison has been enhanced to enable users to easily compare benefit information between plans. By clicking the “Compare” button with multiple plans selected, benefits information for the selected plans will be displayed in a side-by-side format.The below image features the enhanced dental plan comparison process.For assistance with bpQuote enhancements, please contact your B&P Group Specialist – 888.
Recent changes to California law (SB189) will require the following attention.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has re-established $6,900 as the 2018 health savings account (HSA) contribution limit for individuals with family coverage under a high deductible health plan (HDHP).
Contribution Limit for Individuals with HDHP Family Coverage Drops by $50.
National Association of Health UnderwritersJanuary 23, 2018 Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) applauds congressional leaders and the Administration for passing legislation to end the government shutdown and continue to provide federal funding through February 8, 2018. “H.R. 195 also includes several of NAHU’s major legislative priorities,” stated NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein.
NAHUJanuary 12, 2018TAKE ACTIONYesterday, Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced S. 2303, joining Representatives Billy Long (R-MO) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) who introduced H.R. 4575 last month. These bills would remove independent agent and broker compensation from the definition of "administrative expense" from the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) calculation.
December 22, 2017IR-2017-209IRS Extends Due Date for Employers and Providers to Issue Health Coverage Forms to Individuals in 2018WASHINGTON ― The IRS announced today that it has extended the 2018 due date for certain entities to provide 2017 health coverage information forms to individuals. Insurers, self-insuring employers, other coverage providers, and applicable large employers now have until March 2, 2018, to provide Forms 1095-B or 1095-C to individuals, which is a 30-day extension from the original due date of Jan.
HR360, Inc.December 22, 2017New Tax Law Repeals Individual Mandate, Eliminates Tax Breaks for Several Fringe BenefitsPresident Trump has signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which, among other things, effectively repeals the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate beginning in 2019, eliminates tax breaks for several fringe benefits, and creates a new tax credit for employers offering paid family and medical leave.
Kaiser Health NewsMelissa BaileyNovember 27, 2017Surprise Ambulance Bills: A Consumer's GuideQ: What’s a surprise ambulance bill? When the ambulance service that picks you up is out-of-network, your insurer pays what it considers fair. And then — surprise! — the ambulance service sends you a bill for the rest.Q: What can I do if I get one?Ask your insurance company to pay more.
Currently, children ages 0-20 are in one premium age band. Effective 1/1/18 for new and renewing business, children ages 0-20 will follow the new Federal uniform age curve: One age band for children 0-14; andSeparate single age bands for children 15-20In addition to the increase for single age bands from 15-20, the 0-14 age band premium ratio has also increased: Age 2017 Ratio 2018 Ratio % Change 0-14 0.
National Association of Health UnderwritersOctober 12, 2017Earlier today, President Trump signed an executive order in an attempt to improve access, increase choices and lower costs for healthcare. What Is in the EO? The EO directs the secretary of Labor to consider proposing regulations or revising guidance to expand Association Health Plans.
HMO Network EnhancementsAnthem's Small Group HMO Network now matches their Large Group HMO Network in Northern California with the addition of 6 new Sutter providers effective July 1, 2017.For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.722.3373.
Health Net and Sutter Health have successfully completed negotiations for a one year contract renewal through 2017. No network disruption is expected.BackgroundSutter Health's contract with Health Net of California, Inc. and Health Net Life Insurance Company (Health Net) was set to expire on December 31, 2016. Had Health Net and Sutter Health been unable to complete a new contract, Sutter Health physicians, medical groups and hospitals would no longer participate in currently contracted Health Net networks.
Announcing a Dual Network PPO Promotional Option for Small Groups As of January 1, 2017 Anthem will allow clients to offer Dual PPO Networks on a promotional* basis. How does the promotion work? For new groups, simply indicate network option on the existing Employer Application, located on Easy Renew For January through March renewing groups – clients can request the PPO dual network option by: Submitting a Plan Change Request Form located on Easy Renew Submitting a letter signed by the owner/officer For groups that have already renewed, or will renew after March, clients can submit an Anniversary Month Change Form.
Health Net of California, Inc. and Health Net Life Insurance Company (Health Net), and Sutter Health are currently negotiating their contract, set to expire on December 31, 2016. While Health Net is working in good faith to reach a fair agreement that offers sustained affordability to their members, if Health Net and Sutter Health are unable to complete a new contract, Sutter Health physicians, medical groups and hospitals will no longer participate in currently contracted Health Net networks.
Updated 2016 Small Group HMO Network Guide Now Available Anthem's updated 2016 Small Group HMO Network Guide* is now available. The HMO Network Guide for small businesses with 1 to100 employees shows the participating medical groups and independent practice associations (PMGs/IPAs) that are part of these networks: CaliforniaCare, the Anthem Blue Cross HMO network Select HMO, a network built around PMGs and IPAs that demonstrate the most efficient practice patterns and hospital referrals Priority Select HMO, a network built around PMGs and IPAs that demonstrate the most efficient practice patterns and hospital referrals in select Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San DiegoIn the guide, a prime code identifies our contracted providers.
After careful consideration, Aetna will no longer offer the Vitalidad network in California effective January 1, 2017. As of September 1, 2016, quoting for Vitalidad HMO network is no longer be available for new business. Details for existing groups with members enrolled in Vitalidad HMO include: Current Vitalidad HMO members may access the SIMNSA network until December 31, 2016.
As previously communicated Anthem Blue Cross and Stanford Health Care have been engaged in contract negotiations for several months.
Anthem's goal is to create a Small Group portfolio that is competitive, meets the changing needs of the Small Group employer, and allows you to offer your clients the most robust product offering & network choice in the marketplace. Therefore, Anthem is pleased to announce that they have added 6 Sutter Providers to their CA SG Full HMO Network effective July 1, 2016.
Good news! Anthem is pleased to inform you that El Camino Hospital, which includes hospital campuses in Mountain View and Los Gatos, once again participates in the Anthem Blue Cross network. In Anthem's February 29, 2016 letter, they informed you that El Camino Hospital terminated its contract with Anthem Blue Cross.
Network Updates: Additions to the Savings Plus Network (click here for full network list) Beverly Hospital, Los Angeles; Rady's Childrens Hospital; effective 4/1/16 for all members Additions to the Open Access Managed Choice Network (OAMC/MC)Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula; effective 2/1/16For questions, please contact a member of your b&p Sales Team - 888.
Aetna announced rate updates for July 1, 2018 effective dates with no changes to plan benefits. Rates are available for quoting!
Aetna updated their Small Group Affordable Care Act (ACA) submission deadlines. Starting with May effective dates, new business submission deadlines for Small Group ACA plans in California are the 20th of the month prior to the effective date for 1st of the month effective dates and the 5th of the month for 15th of the month effective dates.
Effective April 1, 2018, Aetna Small Group will no longer sell life products to new business.
Aetna announced rate updates for April 1, 2018 effective dates with no changes to plan benefits. Rates are available for quoting!RATESMedical: Rate changeDental: Two rate changes Rate change effective 4/1/18-4/30/18Rate change effective 5/1/18-6/30/18Vision: RATE PASSLife: PendingBOOK RATESAetna 2018 book rates are provided below and available on the B&P website. HMO Rate GuideMC Rate GuideFor questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.
Press ReleaseDecember 3, 2017Woonsocket, RI and Hartford, CTCVS Health to Acquire AetnaCombination aims to provide consumers with a better experience, reduced costs and improved access to health care experts in homes and communities across the country. Combines CVS Health’s Unmatched Local Presence and Clinical Capabilities with Aetna’s Leading Health Care Benefits and ServicesProvides Greater Integration of Care, Empowering Consumers and their Health Professionals to Make More Informed Decisions Transaction Expected to Generate Significant Synergies for Shareholders and Benefits for CustomersRead the full press release.
Aetna announced plan and rate updates for January 1, 2018 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!RATESMedical: Varies by plan and regionDependents:Currently, children ages 0 to 20 are in one premium age band. Effective January 1, 2018 for new and renewing business, children ages 0 to 20 will follow the new Federal uniform age curve: One age band for children 0-14; and Separate single age bands for children 15-20 The rating for large families will not be impacted; the three oldest children under the age of 21 will continue to be used for rating.
Aetna announced a medical RATE PASS for October 1, 2017 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!RatesMedicalHMO: RATE PASSPPO: RATE PASSDental: Rate ChangeVision: RATE PASSLife: RATE PASSNetworksSaint John's Health Clinic is joining Aetna's HMO and HMO Deductible network effective August 1, 2017 The SCCIPA EPO and MC plans (Santa Clara County) are not available for new business as of 9/1/17; members enrolled in these plans will be asked to enroll in a different network at the time of their renewal starting January 2018October Rate GuideRate Guides for October 1, 2017 is provided below and on the B&P website.
Aetna and Sutter Health to Form Health Care Joint Venture in Northern CaliforniaAetna and Sutter Health are launching a new jointly owned health plan. The new joint venture will bring new, affordable insurance plan options to the greater Sacramento, Central Valley and Bay Area communities in 2018*. The collaboration is designed to deliver high-quality, fully insured and self-insured commercial health care products to employers and their employees.
Aetna is committed to delivering a simpler, more connected experience for their members. That's why they're reminding members of the resources available to help manage their health care benefits. And they can access these resources as soon as they enroll. Members can find a doctor, view Explanations of Benefits (EOBs), and even get personalized cost estimates using Aetna Navigator®.
Total average employee (TAE) counts for California dental customersCollecting TAE for CA dental customers in May 2017Aetna is mailing letters to plan sponsors on May 29, 2017. Aetna needs a response by August 11, 2017. California plan sponsors with 200 or fewer employees enrolled with Aetna Dental® On May 29, 2017, Aetna will mail letters to plan sponsors with 200 or fewer enrolled employees that had an Aetna fully insured dental plan in 2016.
Starting June 4, Anthem will begin sending members a communication that includes several notices they are required to give them each year.
Good communications make for satisfied customers. And the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is often what members mention first when asked about their health plan communications. That's why Anthem redesigned their EOBs to make them easier for members to read and understand.
Big payouts are once again at stake with Anthem's 2018 Specialty Bonus program. You can earn up to $50,000 per case when you sell new dental, vision, life and disability accounts with effective dates between February 1, 2018, and January 31, 2019. Get additional bonuses for retaining your existing business with Anthem.
Anthem Small Group is announcing NEW underwriting promotions for July 1, 2018 effective dates. These promotions will be available to help you with your new business as well as your existing Small Group book of business through 12/15/18 effective dates.
As part of the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurers must categorize clients as either individual, small group or large group. For employer groups, this is determined based on the average number of employees they had in 2017. This includes full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.
Soon, Anthem will start introducing a streamlined membership ID card that will be cleaner, neater, less cluttered and easier to read. The roll-out will take place in phases, beginning in July.
Anthem Blue Cross announced rate updates for July 1, 2018 effective dates, with no changes to plan benefits. All rates are available for quoting!
Through an extension of their partnership with the Independence Holding Company (IHC), Anthem is pleased to now have the ability to offer complementary products to Small Group ACA plans.
Anthem Metallic Dental rates have been reduced by 10% in rating area 1 of Northern California for April 1, 2018 effective dates.
Beginning May 1, 2018, electronic enrollment submission becomes the Anthem standard through their new, convenient and user-friendly online enrollment tools. Ask your groups to register now!
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.
CaliforniaChoice announced plan and rate updates for July 1, 2018 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
For effective dates through June 1, 2018, you’ll earn a bonus for each enrolled employee in every group with a minimum of five employees.
CaliforniaChoice announced plan and rate updates for April 1, 2018 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!RATESMedical: A RATE PASS has been offered by Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health Plus, UnitedHealthcare and Western Health Advantage.Health Net and Sharp Health Plan will adjust ratesAncillary: RATE PASSPLANS & BENEFITSUpdated Medical PlansKaiser Permanente, Sutter Health Plus, and Western Health Advantage will implement some minor benefit changes retroactive to January 1, 2018.
Q1 2018 BIGBROKER BONUSStart the new year off with a BIG bonus for all new CaliforniaChoice groups with a January, February, and March effective date. You'll ear $50 for every employee on all groups with a minimum of 5 employees.For more information, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.
Bay Area Employees Have New Choice for Health Coverage Western Health Advantage Expands Service Area with Canopy Health Agreement Bay Area employers will have an opportunity to receive outstanding healthcare at an affordable cost, thanks to a new agreement between Canopy Health and Western Health Advantage. HMO benefit plans for employer group health coverage from Western Health Advantage (WHA) will offer access to the Canopy Health alliance of providers and hospitals effective January 1, 2018, subject to regulatory approval.
The Member Value Program is the newest addition to CaliforniaChoice's Business Solutions Suite and offers your clients access to some amazing discounts on high-end products and services like Fitbit, Jawbone, and Polar products – up to 40% off!Fitness Trackers (activity trackers; heartrate monitors)Fitness Gear (yoga, Pilates, BOSU, office fitness) Mental Well-Being (books, videos, candles, massage oils, vitamins, meditation) Health Interest (health monitoring, diabetes, kids' fitness, oral care, pain management, sleep) Healthy Eating (juicers, cookbooks, cookware, hydration, portion control) Parent & Child (baby monitors, nursing, strollers, teething) For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.
CaliforniaChoice now offers your clients the ability to manage their invoice preferences. Rather than only having the option to get a paper invoice, they now have the option to request their invoice by: Email only – go green! Mail – like they do today Both email and mail If your clients want to update their billing preference, they can: Go to calchoice.
CaliforniaChoice announced rate and benefit changes for January 1, 2018 effective dates with no underwriting changes. Rates are available for quoting!Please note, Kaiser Permanente is offering rate and benefit parity on all plans beginning in 2018 (no off anniversary moves, i.e. a current Kaiser direct group could only move to CaliforniaChoice at their Kaiser renewal).
Health insurance is important when it comes to protecting your employees’ future financial security and ensuring they have access to health care when they need it. But how can you and your employees be sure you’re making the right choices when it comes to selecting your health insurance plan? CaliforniaChoice makes it easier to find the right plan at the right price, based on your individual or family health care needs and your anticipated plan usage.
CaliforniaChoice announced updates for October 1, 2017 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting.RatesMedical:A RATE PASS has been offered by Kaiser PermanenteAnthem Blue Cross, Health Net, Sharp Health Plan, Sutter Health Plus, UnitedHealthcare and Western Health Advantage will adjust ratesAncillary: RATE PASSPlans & BenefitsUpdated Medical PlansAnthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente and Western Health Advantage will implement some minor benefit changes retroactive to January 1, 2017.
Choice Builder announced a Rate Pass for July 1, 2018 effective dates with no changes to benefits or underwriting. Rates are effective through December 1, 2018. All rates are available for quoting!
Choice Builder announced a Rate Pass for April 1, 2018 effective dates with no changes to benefits or underwriting. All rates are available for quoting! RATES Dental: RATE PASS Vision: RATE PASS Life: RATE PASS Chiro: RATE PASSAPRIL RATE GUIDEThe Rate Guide will be posted to the B&P website as soon as it becomes available.
Choice Builder announced rate adjustments and minor benefit changes for January 1, 2018 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!RatesRate changes for Ameritas, Anthem Blue Cross, Delta Dental & MetLife.Plans & BenefitsMetLife Voluntary Silver PPO removed the 12 month waiting period for Major and Ortho services.Ameritas Platinum and Gold plans added Dental Implants.
Choice Builder announced a Rate Pass and minor benefit changes for October 1, 2017 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!RATES Dental: RATE PASSVision: RATE PASSLife: RATE PASSChiro: RATE PASSPLANS & BENEFITSVSP: Increase to frames allowance on all Employer Sponsored and Voluntary Vision Plans. OCTOBER RATE GUIDEThe rate guide for October 2017 will be posted on the B&P website as soon as it's available.
Choice Builder announced a Rate Pass for July 1, 2017 effective dates with no changes to benefits or underwriting. Rates are effective through December 1, 2017. All rates are available for quoting!RATES Dental: RATE PASSVision: RATE PASS Life: RATE PASS Chiro: RATE PASSJULY RATE GUIDEThe Rate Guide is available below and on the B&P website.
For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.722.3373.
Choice Builder has announced a Rate Pass for April 1, 2017 effective dates except for the addition of rates for the new MetLife dental plans. All rates are available for quoting!RATESDental: RATE PASS*Vision: RATE PASSLife: RATE PASSChiro: RATE PASS*Rates added for the new MetLife dental plans.PLANS & BENEFITSNew Plan Offerings MetLife Platinum Plus PPO & Platinum PPOEmployer sponsored only5 group sizes (2-9, 10-24, 25-49, 50-99, 100-199)Ortho option is available for group sizes (10-24, 25-49, 50-99, 100-199) onlyMetLife Silver PPOEmployer Sponsored and voluntaryGroup sizes:Employer sponsored: 5 group sizes (2-9, 10-24, 25-49, 50-99, 100-199)Voluntary: 4 group sizes (10-24, 25-49, 50-99, 100-199)Ortho option is available for group sizes (10-24, 25-49, 50-99, 100-199) onlyAPRIL BOOK RATESBook rates for April 2017 effective dates are provided below and on the b&pwebsite.
For questions, please contact a member of your b&p Sales Team - 888.722.3373.
Choice Builder announced a RATE PASS for all products, for December 1, 2016 through March 30, 2017 effective dates and the addition of new dental plans through Anthem Blue Cross. All rates are available for quoting! RATESDental: RATE PASSVision: RATE PASSLife: RATE PASSChiro: RATE PASSNEW PLAN OPTIONS Anthem Blue Cross has been added to the portfolio as a new Dental carrier.
Choice Builder announced a RATE PASS for October 1, 2016 effective dates with no changes to benefits or underwriting. All rates are available for quoting!Please contact any member of your beere&purves Sales Team for assistance with quote requests and questions regarding the details above - 888.722.3373.
Delta Dental has eliminated the restriction on the number of eligible employees allowed to reside out-of-state on their PPO plans. Delta Dental now requires a minimum of two California employees enrolled with groups sitused in California.
Effective April 1, 2018, new and current Delta Dental groups can add a new service called the Personal Protection Plan.
EyeMed is now available alongside Delta Dental for groups with 2-4 employees! Previously, EyeMed was available alongside Delta Dental for group with 5 or more employees.For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.722.3373.
Did you know that problems in other parts of your body can have consequences for your teeth and gums? From diabetes to ulcers, these illnesses can erode teeth, cause bad breath and even turn your tongue black!Acid reflux. Your dentist may be the first to notice gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as acid reflux.
News ReleaseOak Brook, IllinoisMay 25, 2017Delta Dental Survey Sees 7% Decline in Out-of-Office DaysTooth aches, pain and unplanned trips to the dentists keeping American adults away from the office are on the decline compared to last year, finds a survey from Delta Dental. In 2016, more than one-quarter (28 percent) of adults in the workforce cited missing work due to oral health issues.
Rates January 2017 Rate Updates Dental: Two-Year Rate Pass Vision: Two-Year Rate Pass Delta Dental's rate pass for 2017 and 2018 effective dates means they haven't raised rates since 2013!Plans & Benefits Plan Name Reminders PPO A changed to PPO Value. PPO B12 changed to PPO Enhanced. PPO C changed to PPO Plus Premier Enhanced.
San Francisco — Delta Dental of California and its affiliates today announced their recommitment to participate in 16 state and federal public exchanges for plan year 2017. The open enrollment period for plan year 2017 is November 1, 2016, to January 31, 2017. In 2016, about 250,000 people purchased either DeltaCare® USA, a prepaid/dental HMO-type program, or Delta Dental PPOSM plans, which allow enrollees to get covered services from both in- and out-of-network providers.
Delta Dental offers many resources to help you manage your client's eligiblity and billing information, view enrollee benefits and more. Simplify your billing and reconciliation processDelta Dental can move your client's billing and reconciliation process online. Their Online Billing and Reconciliation application lets users: View and download current and historical invoices in an Excel-based format.
How does Delta Dental follow three straight years without a rate increase? By adding two more. that's how! Delta Dental of California is very pleased to announce that they are continuing the Small Business Program rates for two additional years beginning in 2017. This amounts to five straight years with no change in rates! You can begin quoting the current benefit designs to any new groups requesting a 2017 effective date, and these contracts will be issued for a two year period.
The Delta Dental Participation requirement has been reduced to 75% for January 1, 2016 effective dates and beyond.For questions, please contact any member of your b&p Sales Team - 888.722.3373
Recent changes to California law (SB189) will require the following attention.
EMPLOYERS is now writing workers' compensation insurance in Louisiana. In addition to competitive rates and effective services, appointed agents also have access to instant online quoting through EACCESS ®— EMPLOYERS' online quoting system. EACCESS provides the ability to quickly and easily submit and quote new business (including multi-state policies) in numerous, targeted class codes.
Earn a $100 gift card* for every 3 new small business workers' compensation policies bound with EMPLOYERS.Small business is defined as below $25,000 estimated annual premium Incentive period includes new policies bound December 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018 Earn up to a maximum of $400Login to EACCESS for a full list of small business classes and start quoting today!*This promotion is only offered to select licensed and appointed EMPLOYERS agencies.
Workers' Comp ExecutiveNovember 30, 2017California employers – be they insured or self-insured – will be paying more to fund the state’s workers’ comp system next year. Insured employers will be paying nearly 4% of premium – a 28% overall increase for assessments over 2017 – while the rate for self-insured employers is up nearly 17%.
Most policy management problems, including coverage and premium audit issues, arise from discrepancies related to how Named Insureds are listed on policies. A Named Insured is a legal entity that EMPLOYERS® has agreed to cover and has been endorsed onto a policy. To help avoid problems, it is important that at the time of application, you confirm the following for each Named Insured: The accurate legal entity name is listed on the application (the legal entity name would be the name used in the execution of official business documents, such as IRS filings and business licenses.
Premium audits are required by the insurance carrier and are typically routine and relatively quick. At the end of your annual policy period, a final premium audit is conducted to determine if you paid the appropriate amount for your workers' compensation insurance based on your actual payroll, operations and job classifications.
What are the benefits of using the Off-Site Transitional Duty Program? Reduces lost time days. Non-profit placement within 24 hours (on average) of receiving an approved job description or list of restrictions from the employee’s physician. Electronic timecard tracking with 24/7/365 accessibility for the employer, claims handler and case manager. Structured return-to-work process with meaningful and productive work.
Workers’ compensation insurance is an important safety net that protects your business and employees in case of an on-the-job illness or injury. However, you might not be aware of some additional resources your insurance carrier may provide to help you maintain a safe workplace, save money and get more value out of your policy.
As of November 1, 2016, Integrated MediComp's combined billing feature with Anthem's small group health coverage was discontinued. New customers participating in Integrated MediComp will now receive an invoice directly from EMPLOYERS for their workers' compensation insurance coverage and will have their choice of four convenient direct bill payment options: 100% payment in full 10% down payment and 11 monthly installment payments 30% down payment and three quarterly installment payments PrecisePay® (pay-as-you-go) system requires a minimum premium threshold of $2,500 Please note that existing Integrated MediComp participants will need to select one of the above payment options at renewal.
New Exclusion Rule Effective January 2017 What's Changing? The recent passage of AB 2883 introduces a significant change to the exclusion rules governing Workers' Compensation policies. Currently, certain individuals are provided benefits under a Workers Compensation policy by election, but effective January 1, 2017, these same individuals will no longer be excluded from the Workers' Compensation policy unless a compliant waiver is signed and submitted to the Work Comp carrier.
Guardian has announced rate adjustments for January 1, 2018 effective dates with no changes to benefits or underwriting. Rates are available for quoting! RATES Average Increase: <1%CONTRACT UPDATEB&P can now write groups up to 99 lives! Groups will fewer than 51 employees can continue to be quoted in bpQuote. For groups of 51-99, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team.
Beere&Purves' can now write groups up to 99 lives with Guardian Life Insurance Company!For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.722.3373.
Guardian Awarded Life Insurance Brand of the Year by Harris Poll’s 2017 EquiTrend SurveyBusiness WireJune 15, 2017NEW YORK - The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), one of the nation’s largest mutual life insurers and a leading provider of employee benefits, has been recognized as Brand of the Year in the Life Insurance category, according to The Harris Poll® EquiTrend Study, which reveals the strongest brands across industries based on consumer response.
2020 Women on Boards RecognitionFor 2016, Guardian has been named a Winning “W” Company, 2020 Women on Boards’ highest award. This honor is given to companies that champion diversity by having 20 percent or more of their board seats held by women. 2020 Women on Boards is a national campaign working to increase the percentage of women who serve on company boards to 20 percent or more by the year 2020.
Plans & BenefitsGuardian plans are available for groups with 2-49 employees. Dental plans are available for quoting in bpQuote. Please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team for quotes with additional lines of coverage and discounts.DentalOne of the largest dental networks nationwide with 360,800+ total locationsNo waiting period for groups with 5+ employeesImplants for groups with 2+ employeesMaximum Rollover on all plansVision Flexible copay and frequency optionsTwo provider networks VSP: 58,000 access pointsDavis Vision: 44,000 access pointsLife & DisabilityOffer big company benefits to small business clients including the following Guaranteed Issue* amounts for groups under 10 employees:2-4 Employees Life: $50,000 STD: $1,500 per week LTD: $2,500 per month 5-9 Employees Life: $100,000 STD: $1,500 per week LTD: $6,000 per monthGroups with 10-49 Employees can receive other generous Guaranteed Issue amounts.
Download PDF.For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.722.3373.
Workers Overestimate Their Employee Benefits IQ. How Big of a Problem is That? Working Americans don’t understand their employee benefits as well as they think. Guardian asked a variety of true/false questions about group insurance products and terminology. While IQ results varied, the average grade of C clearly indicates a need for more effective education and benefits enrollment support.
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), a leading provider of employee benefits, announced it is working with Maxwell Health (Maxwell) to launch Guardian BenefitsCenter, a multi-carrier, proprietary platform that provides brokers and their clients with a comprehensive end-to-end operating system for delivering employee health and financial security benefits.“The launch of Guardian BenefitsCenter is another example of how Guardian is at the forefront of the workplace benefits market,” said Dong Ahn, Executive Vice President, Group and Worksite Markets at Guardian.
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), one of the nation’s largest mutual life insurers, announced two new enhancements to its whole life insurance offerings. Guardian’s Lifetime Protection Builder and Enhanced Whole Life Policy Loan Options provide policyholders choice around how their protection is structured and how they may access policy cash value for any use.
It’s time to re-evaluate. With employee benefits administration becoming increasingly complex, companies need to take stock of their in-house resources and capabilities to ensure they can achieve their benefits goals. An increasing number of outsourcing solutions with niche expertise can be leveraged. Guardian's Third Annual Guardian Workplace Benefits StudySM can provide insights on how to take a more strategic approach to employee benefits plans.
Health Net is offering a bonus program, underwriting deals and a single carrier option.
Health Net and Dignity Health reached a new agreement after successful negotiations. The organizations have entered into a new 2-year contract renewal, effective 5/1/18.
Health Net is currently negotiating their contract with Dignity Health's hospitals (term date 4/30/2018) and Dignity's physicians, medical groups, facilities, and rural health clinics (term date 6/30/2018).
Health Net announced rate and plan updates for July 1, 2018 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Health Net is bringing primary, preventive and urgent care right to their members — literally. Starting May 1, your PPO clients (individuals and all group sizes) will have a new way to connect to care.
Health Net is reducing participation requirements for their EnhancedCare PPO Choice package in Q2! 35% participation is all it takes for groups with 6-100 eligible employees to offer Health Net's EnhancedCare PPO Choice package.
Health Net announced rate updates for April 1, 2018 effective dates with no changes to plan benefits. Rates are available for quoting!RATESMedical:HMO: 2.2% average decrease PPO: RATE PASSAncillary: rate changeBOOK RATESHealth Net's April 2018 book rates will be added to the B&P website as soon as they become available.For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.
On Jan. 1, 2018, Health Net will change their Commercial Member Medical Claim Form submission address to their Farmington, Missouri, post-office box addresses. This change impacts Health Net's medical claims address only. Their pharmacy, dental, vision, mental health, chiropractor, and acupuncture claims addresses will remain the same. This crosswalk PDF identifies the specific address changes.
Health Net, Inc. is helping ensure that members of its subsidiaries who have lost their homes or been evacuated due to current wildfire activity in Ventura and Los Angeles counties have access to essential prescription medications, critical Health Net information and other services to help them cope with grief, loss, stress or trauma.
Health Net announced plan and rate updates for January 1, 2018 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!RATESMedical: HMO: 0.2% average decreasePPO: 3.3% average increaseAncillary: rate changeDependents: Currently, children ages 0 to 20 are in one premium age band. Effective January 1, 2018 for new and renewing business, children ages 0 to 20 will follow the new Federal uniform age curve: One age band for children 0-14; and Separate single age bands for children 15-20 The rating for large families will not be impacted; the three oldest children under the age of 21 will continue to be used for rating.
MetLife's 16th Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends examines what matters to employees and helps identify the strategies and investments employers can make to attract and retain the best talent and help improve job satisfaction and productivity, so both employees and businesses thrive.
Recommending the right combination of voluntary benefits can offer your clients an appealing option to build benefits programs that stand out without adding to the budget or administrative burden.
The competition for talent is fierce for small businesses. One in four say the talent pool for their open positions is poor, and the Society for Human Resource Management lists retaining employees as one of the top three issues facing companies with 3-99 employees (along with employee productivity and controlling health insurance costs).
Help small business clients expand beyond medicalIt's no secret that cost is a key driver in most decision making for small business owners. When trying to balance many financial obligations, adding additional benefits can be a tough sell. MetLife’s latest white paper can help you warm the door by sharing real life examples of small businesses that strategically added benefits and how they did it.
The broker role in an evolving benefits landscapeMetLife's latest U.S. Employee Benefit Trends research report shares findings and insights to help brokers tap into client needs and identify opportunities for growth with both existing and new customers.The stakes have changedNew opportunities are opening up in the benefits environment driven by workforce change and digital disruption.
At some point, virtually everyone will need to deal with a legal issue. With important legal implications associated with many common life events, an affordable legal services plan is a natural and valued fit for your clients – especially those small business clients looking to add more to their benefits program without added cost.
Driving small business success through benefitsFor questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.722.3373.
It's no joke or secret that for small business owners cost is a key driver in most decision making. When trying to balance many financial obligations adding insurance programs can be a tough sell. MetLife's insightful white paper can help you warm the door by sharing real life examples of small businesses that added benefits to their offerings and how they did it.
Accounting for two-thirds of new jobs and generating more than half the nation's economic output1, there's nothing small about small business.The MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index takes the pulse of this critical segment within the workforce to gauge its outlook on economic and societal trends, resulting in a quarterly Index score.
The Power of Legal Plans for Small Business Benefits Programs At some point, virtually everyone will need to deal with a legal issue. There are important legal implications associated with many common life events. An affordable legal services plan is a natural and valued fit for your clients – especially those small business clients looking to add more to their benefits program without added cost.
Help your clients keep their employees happy by offering a benefit of an additional 20% of their earnings through Principal's enhanced short-term disability insurance.
Principal quotes can be obtained through your B&P Sales Team for the most competitive rates for Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, Accident, and Critical Illness.Principal’s rates are no longer available in bpQuote as of January 8, 2018.For questions, or to request a quote, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.
We are excited to announce the addition of Principal to the Beere&Purves portfolio effective immediately. As your business partner, we continue to make sure you have access to carriers that will help you meet the needs of your clients and their employees, and Principal does exactly that.Principal offers:Dental standalone for groups of 3+ livesVision, Life, STD and LTD standalone for groups of 5+ lives Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness for groups with 5 enrolled or 10% participation, whichever is greater5% discount on dental, life, STD and LTD if 3 or more lines are selectedDental highlights:Point of Service Plan (POS) for California Contracts Strong national network with 113,000+ dentists, California alone has:8,356 EPO dentists19,108 PPO dentistsChild orthodontia down to 3 lives, adult orthodontia available for 25+ livesRefreshed annual maximum at takeoverVision highlights:VSP Choice provider networkProvide ID cardsConsolidated billing with other Principal productsLife/AD&D highlights:Flat or multiples of salaryAbility to class outExpanded definition of owner compensation; salary plus net income averaged over 2 yearsSTD highlights:70% benefit availableOptional benefit of 20% up to $1,000 not coordinated with SDI availableOwn job descriptionLTD highlights:Expanded definition of owner compensation; salary plus net income averaged over 2 yearsNo mandatory rehabilitationSpecialty contract for attorneys and physiciansRates are available for dental, vision and life in bpQuote.
TriNet has long been recognized as a leading provider of full-service HR solutions and a trusted advisor to thousands of small and midsize companies in a wide range of industries. TriNet's HR services are built with five distinct components: 1. HR Team: industry specialization, employee onboarding, and benefits enrollment 2. Payroll: tax remittance and filing, real-time entry, and direct deposit 3.
We are excited to announce our new partnership with TriNet! We recognize you may compete against a PEO for new clients or existing clients may view PEOs as a viable option for their business, so we want to make sure you are prepared to protect your business. TriNet is the only broker-friendly PEO, so when consulting with your existing clients and prospects, you can confidently recommend TriNet's HR bundled solutions without the threat of losing the business and revenue.
Help customers get a 5% second year rate cap when they add a dental plan by January 1, 2019.
UnitedHealthcare is focused on protecting customer information in light of how the world has changed from a cyber and privacy risk perspective, and increased data security issues within all industries. UnitedHealthcare would like to work with all members of their valued distribution team to confirm that your data security controls and encryption processes minimize risk and effectively operate on behalf of mutual customers.
UHC announced rate updates for July 1, 2018 effective dates with no changes to plan benefits. Rates are available for quoting!
UnitedHealthcare will expand pharmacy discounts to millions of its plan participants when they fill prescriptions through retail pharmacies or home delivery. The new program will apply to over 7 million people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare fully insured commercial group benefit plans, lowering out-of-pocket costs by directly providing consumers with savings from pharmacy manufacturer rebates at the time of purchase.
UnitedHealthcare is even more focused on protecting customer information in light of how the world has changed from a cyber and privacy risk perspective, and increased data security issues within all industries.
UnitedHealthcare has partnered with the National Restaurant Association (NRA) and the California Restaurant Association (CRA) to offer exclusive health care pricing and solutions for NRA/CRA member businesses through the Restaurant & Hospitality Association Benefit Trust (NRA Trust).OverviewThe NRA Trust is available for groups with 2-99 employees and the following SIC codes only: 5812: Eating Places5813: Drinking Places (alcoholic beverages)7011: Hotels and Motels7032: Sporting & Recreational Camps7041: Organization Hotel and Lodging Houses, on membership basisThe NRA Trust is sitused out of the state of Illinois as a Single Large Employer/Bona Fide Association and offers: UHC Illinois plansUHC’s Choice Plus National NetworkComposite ratesGroups with 2-19 enrolled employees (and virgin groups with less than 100 employees) will be individually underwritten.
UHC has updated their owner only underwriting guidelines effective February 1, 2018.UHC will no longer write a group that has the owner enrolling and the common-law employee waiving. These group will need to have one or more W2 enrolled employees.UHC will continue to write owner only C-Corps, S-Corps, and LLCs with at least two owners (non-spouses), with at least one enrolling owner actively working the minimum required hours.
UHC announced rate updates for April 1, 2018 effective dates with no changes to plan benefits. Rates are available for quoting!RATES Medical: PPO: 5% statewide average increase HMO: RATE PASS BOOK RATESUHC book rates will be posted on the B&P website as soon as they become available.For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.
The UnitedHealthcare Healthy PregnancySM mobile app, an interactive program providing expectant women with personalized content and 24/7 nurse support during pregnancy and after delivery, is now available to people enrolled in most UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored plans*. Employers can offer the UnitedHealthcare Healthy Pregnancy mobile app to their employees at no additional cost as part of their benefit plan.
Real Appeal® will offer broker information sessions throughout October, November, and December 2017. During these half-hour sessions, participants will learn more about UnitedHealthcare’s Real Appeal weight loss program and the benefits it offers Fully Insured Small Business customers. The sessions will showcase how the program has helped members lose more than 1 million pounds* through one-on-one personalized coaching and engaging digital tools that lead to behavior change, scalable disease prevention and medical savings for employers.
Once again, VSP Vision Care is raising the bar as the only vision care company to offer fully-covered standard progressive lenses—included as part of the VSP Choice, Signature, or VSP Individual Vision Plans.
Be the hero! Let your employees know that now through December 31, eligible VSP® members get an extra $40 to spend on bebe®, Calvin Klein, Columbia, Dragon®, and Flexon® frames. No extra paperwork, no hassle, just incredible frames. Maximize your employees’ benefits by sharing the news.Share the coupon.For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.
VSP has announced a Rate Pass through December 31, 2018, with no changes to plan benefits or underwriting. Rates are available for quoting!RATESChoice Plans: Non-voluntary: RATE PASSVoluntary: RATE PASSSignature Plans: Non-voluntary: RATE PASSVoluntary: RATE PASSBOOK RATESThe January 1, 2018 book rates for VSP are provided below and available on the B&P website. 5-99 Choice Rate Guide (3-tier)5-99 Choice Rate Guide (4-tier)5-99 Signature Rate Guide (3-tier)5-99 Signature Rate Guide (4-tier)For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.
MARCHON EYEWEAR, INC. AND CALVIN KLEIN, INC. ANNOUNCE RENEWAL OF EXCLUSIVE LONGTERM GLOBAL EYEWEAR LICENSING AGREEMENTMELVILLE, NY + NEW YORK, NY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 – Marchon Eyewear, Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunwear, and Calvin Klein, Inc., the global lifestyle brand and wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp.
As a VSP Vision Care member, you have access to great eye doctors, eyewear, and the affordable care you deserve. VSP wants to be sure you get the most out of your vision benefit! We know vision care naturally comes with some questions; here are five popular questions asked by VSP members: Where’s all of my benefit information? Your personalized benefit information and eligible services is just clicks away on vsp.
Exciting savings for your clients and their employees: through July 31, eligible employees get an Extra $40 to spend on Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, and Salvatore Ferragamo frames.No extra paperwork, no hassle, just fabulous frames. The extra $40 is automatically added to the current frame allowance by their VSP® doctor when they select an eligible frame brand.
For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.722.3373.
Download PDF.For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.722.3373.
Rates January 2017 Rate Updates Signature Plans Non-Voluntary: 2.0% increase Voluntary: 3.0% increase Signature 4-Tier Rate GuideChoice Plans Non-Voluntary: 1.5% increase Voluntary: 3.0% increaseChoice 4-Tier Rate GuidePlans & Benefits Direct contract for 5-99; no monthly administration fees. Choose between Signature and Choice plans, Non-Voluntary and Voluntary. Choice plans can offer a 25% savings over Signature plans with a minor difference in network providers.
Exciting savings for your clients and their employees: from November 1 through March 31, eligible employees get an Extra $40 to spend on Calvin Klein and Cole Haan frames. No extra paperwork, no hassle, just fabulous frames. The extra $40 is automatically added to the current frame allowance by their VSP® doctor when they select an eligible frame brand.
