We are excited to announce the addition of Cigna + Oscar to the Beere&Purves small group portfolio beginning with October 1, 2020 effective dates. 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 Cigna + Oscar does exactly that!
Anthem Blue Cross has some exciting updates to share for small groups, including competitive rates and relaxed participation, new digital tools and apps for brokers and groups, and more!
This year Anthem is fast-tracking the annual medical loss ratio (MLR) rebates that groups and Individual members typically receive in late September. The rebates will be issued in August.
The global coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented situation affecting everyone. CaliforniaChoice, on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross, wants to help and support their customers during this challenging time which is why Anthem Blue Cross has elected to forgive a percentage of groups' Anthem April 2020 premium.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial HMO Agreement with Seaview IPA, located in Ventura County.
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) sent the below ASKCCSB newsletter to Employer Groups on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 2:00 PM.
Your Large Group, Fully Insured clients might qualify for Anthem’s Technology Credit if they use a benefits administration vendor to help manage their enrollment and benefits management process.
As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, Kaiser Permanente's playbook is meant to offer useful tools for you and your leadership teams to make workplaces as safe as possible and to support your groups and their employees.
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.
MetLife is excited to announce that MetLife Legal Plans will be launching a new improved website experience this August. The updated website, www.legalplans.com, provides a new, modern experience for members, guiding them to the information they need and providing new tools for their legal matters.
We revamped our Small Group Insurance Boot Camp to give you access to training materials from wherever, whenever!
Like all of the country, Beere&Purves continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and the impact around us. We take the health of our employees, broker partners and groups seriously.
As you may know, PG&E is planning a PSPS in the Bay Area and Beere&Purves could be affected. This is our service contingency plan if we lose power.
We are pleased to announce that Beere&Purves has signed a small group General Agency contract with Kaiser Permanente. You can sell Kaiser Permanente business through Beere&Purves beginning with a December 1, 2019 effective date.
We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Human Interest as our preferred retirement plan provider!
Join B&P's Workers' Compensation Specialist, Patrick Kim, for his Workers' Compensation Boot Camp Webinar Series. Through these four sessions, you'll learn everything you need to know to operate successfully in the workers' compensation market.
As part of our service commitment to you and your groups, Beere&Purves is now offering ongoing maintenance for your EaseCentral groups.
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.
Beere&Purves is excited to add the new EaseCentral-Anthem Blue Cross API Integration to BrokerPicks! When you sell a new medical group with Anthem Blue Cross and want to process changes through EaseCentral, elect our EaseCentral-Anthem API BrokerPick and B&P will pay for the integration.
Visit our NEW, comprehensive Q1 2019 Resource Library for access to all the Q1 2019 materials you'll need in a single convenient location.
HealthConnect will be performing maintenance on the quote engine from 6 PM to 11 PM PDT on Friday, May 8th. bpQuote may have intermittent outages during this time.
bpQuote added a new feature that allows users to export multiple reports into a single excel file with each available report on its own sheet.
Please be advised that bpQuote will be unavailable on Friday, February 7th and Thursday, February 13th from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM PST due to site maintenance.
Aetna notified HealthConnect of some benefit corrections needed on their 1/1/20 – 3/31/20 Medical plans. The seven plans listed below (available in multiple Aetna Networks) were affected.
A 1/1/20 Anthem Blue Cross plan accidentally listed an incorrect Brand Name Rx Copay. The incorrect Copay was listed as $50 when it should have listed $55.
WHA listed an incorrect Individual with Family Coverage Deductible on their Gold HMO D (HSA Eligible) plan within the 1/1/20 CaliforniaChoice portfolio. The incorrect Individual with Family Coverage Deductible was listed as $2,700 when it should have listed $2,800.
HealthConnect will be performing quarterly maintenance on the quote engine on Friday, November 8th from 6PM - 9PM PST.
UnitedHealthcare introduced six new PPO plans effective 7/1/19. Unfortunately, the six new plans did not use the correct plan availability information when quoting out of state employees.
HealthConnect will be performing quarterly maintenance on the quote engine on Friday, August 9th, from 6PM to 9PM. HealthConnect does not anticipate a full outage during this time, but the system may become temporarily unstable for users accessing the system.
HealthConnect will be performing quarterly maintenance on the quote engine on Friday, May 10th, from 6 PM to 9 PM. HealthConnect does not anticipate a full outage during this time, but the system may become temporarily unstable for users accessing the system.
The IRS has released the 2021 annual HSA contribution limits as well as the HDHP deductible and out-of-pocket expense limits. The tables below show the 2020 and 2021 amounts with the year-over-year changes.
On April 28, 2020, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (U.S. Department of Labor) and IRS issued a joint ruling titled Extension of Certain Timeframes for Employee Benefit Plans, Participants, and Beneficiaries Affected by the COVID-19 Outbreak. This ruling provides temporary relief regarding certain COBRA, HIPAA special enrollment, and health and disability claims submissions and appeal rights.
On May 1, 2020, the Department of Labor issued a news release announcing new COBRA model notices along with some frequently asked questions.
CAHU added a COVID-19 information page to their website providing a comprehensive listing of useful links to state and federal resources.
CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a notice on March 30th regarding access to telehealth during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
The United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship provided a document answering some frequently asked questions from small businesses on the Paycheck Protection Program.
President Trump signed the CARES Act on Friday, March 27, 2020. Two ways small businesses can access cash are through the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and the Paycheck Protection Program.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Mayor's March 23, 2020 proclamation, San Francisco is cancelling the employer requirement to submit the 2019 Annual Reporting Form for the Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) and the Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO).
The California Department of Insurance issued a cease and desist order to protect California consumers from misleading health plans known as "Health Care Sharing Ministries."
The IRS posted Notice 2020-15 that says that HDHPs can pay for 2019 Novel Coronavirus-related testing and treatment without jeopardizing their status.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial HMO Agreement with Seaview IPA, located in Ventura County.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial Agreements with John Muir Health which provides services to members in Contra Costa County and surrounding communities.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial Hospital Agreement with Dameron Hospital, located in the City of Stockton in San Joaquin County.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial Hospital Agreement with Community Medical Centers, which includes the following hospitals located in Fresno County.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their PPO Physician Agreement with Rady Children’s Specialists of San Diego (a PPO physician group affiliated with Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego).
HealthCare Partners/HCP has or may be terminating its contracts with certain hospitals and/or medical group partners.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that the termination has been rescinded for the 12 Prime Healthcare Services hospitals listed below.
Riverside Physician Network’s CaliforniaCare HMO agreement with Anthem Blue Cross will terminate effective March 31, 2020. As a result of this termination, members currently assigned to Riverside Physician Network will be transferred to alternate participating medical groups.
Health Net is excited to announce that Riverside Physicians Network (RPN) is a part of their small business WholeCare Network as of 1/1/20!
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that Cottage Health, which includes Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, has rescinded its notice of termination.
Aetna announced rate updates for October 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Creating a safe environment for your employees, customers and vendors has taken on new meaning. To help you keep employers’ workforces healthy and protected, Aetna has developed guidance on the return-to-worksite process.
Aetna is pleased to share that their parent company, CVS Health, has expanded access to COVID-19 testing to 1,200 CVS Pharmacy locations across the country.
Treating minor injuries and illnesses doesn’t have to mean hours or even days of lost time for your clients’ employees.
Aetna announced rate updates for July 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Aetna is offering a Special Enrollment Period opt-in for Aetna Commercial-insured/ACA and Small Group Aetna Funding Advantage customers.
Aetna is pleased to announce that they are waiving cost-sharing and co-pays for inpatient hospital admissions related to COVID-19 for Aetna’s commercially insured members, part of several additional steps to help members access the care that they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Aetna has extended their new business deadlines to the following.
Aetna has provided an update on how they are handling the COVID-19 and what it means for members.
Aetna announced rate updates for April 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Anthem Blue Cross has some exciting updates to share for small groups, including competitive rates and relaxed participation, new digital tools and apps for brokers and groups, and more!
This year Anthem is fast-tracking the annual medical loss ratio (MLR) rebates that groups and Individual members typically receive in late September. The rebates will be issued in August.
Anthem Blue Cross is pleased to announce that they have successfully renewed their Commercial HMO Agreement with Seaview IPA, located in Ventura County.
Anthem is on a continued mission to make it easier for you to do business with them through technology improvements. Their new Broker Plus app provides you with easy access to track applications, the added flexibility of delegate access for agencies, timely notifications and alerts in Anthem's message center, and offers a pipeline view of new sales and commissions earned — all from the convenience of your phone.
Anthem is extending their Dual PPO promo in regions 1 and 9 through 12/15/20 effective dates. This allows employers in these two regions to offer the Full Prudent Buyer PPO alongside the Select PPO, giving them and their employees more flexibility.
You can help your clients manage their biggest health care cost drivers by offering Anthem ancillary benefits like dental, vision, and disability plans. These products are strong on their own but even more powerful when they are connected.
Anthem announced rate and plan updates for October 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Anthem remains committed to expanding access to care and helping to ease the financial burdens created by COVID-19.
Anthem is continuously working to improve, simplify and streamline the new broker onboarding process with the goal of making Anthem even easier to do business with.
COVID-19 requires that dentists take extra precautions to protect both themselves and their patients. These added steps can add to the cost of a dental visit.
Your Large Group, Fully Insured clients might qualify for Anthem’s Technology Credit if they use a benefits administration vendor to help manage their enrollment and benefits management process.
You can help your clients manage their biggest health care cost drivers by offering Anthem ancillary benefits like dental, vision, and disability plans. These products are strong on their own but even more powerful when they are connected.
Anthem remains committed to expanding access to care and helping to ease the financial burdens created by COVID-19.
COVID-19 requires that dentists take extra precautions to protect both themselves and their patients. These added steps can add to the cost of a dental visit.
Anthem's primary focus is their members’ health and well-being, and making sure they have access to the care they need. In response to the national COVID-19 emergency, Anthem is giving clients more time to enroll in a health plan, file and appeal claims, elect COBRA continuation coverage, and pay COBRA premiums.
Vision coverage is not only important for maintaining good eye health. It's also important for the overall health and productivity of your clients' employees.
Anthem members in Los Angeles County may face disruptions to their access to care as a result of social unrest. Anthem is taking immediate action to provide additional support to help members receive care. These changes are effective from May 30, 2020, to June 29, 2020, and apply to members who live in Los Angeles County.
As a response to these challenges, Anthem is supporting customers by issuing premium credits to their Fully Insured employer groups based on their April 2020 invoices.
Anthem is expanding its care options to give members better access to dental care during the COVID-19 crisis. The TeleDentists® and [email protected] providers joined the Dental Prime and Complete plan networks on May 1, 2020.
Anthem remains deeply committed to supporting their members and their families during this time of uncertainty. One key way they are doing this is through Resource Advisor, a member assistance program included with Anthem’s life and disability plans.
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.
The global coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented situation affecting everyone. CaliforniaChoice, on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross, wants to help and support their customers during this challenging time which is why Anthem Blue Cross has elected to forgive a percentage of groups' Anthem April 2020 premium.
Beginning October 01, 2020, CaliforniaChoice, on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) will only offer its Prudent Buyer – Small Group PPO Network to Out-of-State employees. The Select PPO, Advantage PPO, and EPO networks will no longer be available to them.
CaliforniaChoice announced rate and benefit changes for October 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
CaliforniaChoice has some exciting updates effective July 1, 2020. They've added Anthem Blue Cross PPO plans with Anthem full Prudent Buyer PPO network. Plus, they now allow groups to offer any three adjacent metallic tiers with their Triple Tier options.
Effective July 1, 2020, your new and renewing CaliforniaChoice groups have access to two Triple Tier options, including Bronze, Silver, Gold.
Last week, CaliforniaChoice introduced several big enhancements to their portfolio for 7/1. More than 1,300 people tuned in to hear the news during their live webinars.
CaliforniaChoice announced rate and benefit changes for July 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
CaliforniaChoice worked with their eight health plans to answer common questions regarding COVID-19.
CaliforniaChoice's new “California Different” video spotlights their innovative approach to employee benefits, how their program works, and why it’s a refreshing alternative to the traditional way of offering benefits – all in less than one minute.
CaliforniaChoice announced rate and benefit changes for April 1, 2020 effective dates with no underwriting changes. Rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for October 1, 2020 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder worked with their ancillary partners to answer common questions regarding COVID-19.
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate updates for July 1, 2020 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
ChoiceBuilder announced plan and rate adjustments for January 1, 2020 effective dates. All rates are available for quoting!
DeltaCare USA plans will have a new rating methodology effective November 1, 2019.
Choice Builder has added a low-cost DHMO with Delta Dental. And, Delta Dental rates are guaranteed for plans effective through 12/1/19. With rates this low and the ability to lock them in for multiple years, Choice Builder has never been more attractive.
Choice Builder announced rate updates for October 1, 2019 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Choice Builder has made some recent changes that make selling even easier! They're also making changes effective 10/1/19 that will affect new and renewing groups.
Choice Builder makes selling ancillary easy by combining simple underwriting with a wide variety of plan options.
Great news! Anthem Blue Cross has made a positive change to their Dental benefits.!
We are excited to announce the addition of Cigna + Oscar to the Beere&Purves small group portfolio beginning with October 1, 2020 effective dates. 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 Cigna + Oscar does exactly that!
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) sent the below ASKCCSB newsletter to Employer Groups on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 2:00 PM.
Covered California for Small Business announced rate updates for October 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
With the MyCCSB Portal, it’s easy for your groups to access everything they need to keep their account up to date! As part of CCSB's commitment to providing resources to employers to manage their account, CCSB has created how-to-guides for processing adds and terminations for Employees.
Covered California for Small Business launched a new program aimed at helping hundreds of small businesses continue to provide insurance to their employees during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) is extending A Partnership That Pays bonus program from July 1, 2020 through January 1, 2021.
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) is extending A Partnership That Pays bonus program from February 1, 2020 through June 1, 2020.
Covered California for Small Business announced a Premium Deferral Program that will help groups maintain coverage through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) is committed to providing employers with the tools and resources necessary to manage their employees' benefits.
CCSB provided some updates on bonuses, eligibility & enrollment, and SBA Loans in their recent partner news email.
Covered California for Small Business announced rate updates for July 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) is actively monitoring the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and is working on your behalf to ensure quality care and resources. As part of this effort, they are communicating other resources available to Small Businesses.
Covered CA for Small Business (CCSB) is actively monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation and are working to ensure quality care and resources. As part of this effort, CCSB is communicating an update from Covered California Individual Exchange regarding their special enrollment period extension.
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) is committed to the health of agents and the health of groups and their employees. They are actively monitoring the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and are working to ensure quality care and resources.
Covered California for Small Business announced rate updates for April 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Attract new groups during this busy open enrollment season with this exclusive tax credit that is only available with CCSB.
CCSB is committed to driving the success of their agent partners by providing you with the tools and resources necessary to manage your accounts.
CCSB is excited to announce they are extending the SEP deadline and will accept submissions all the way through December 31, 2019.
Kaiser Permanente announced their broker bonus for 2020. For all small groups you sell effective January 1, 2020, take home a $100 bonus per enrolled subscriber. This bonus is payable for new small groups written through any sales channel - direct, General Agency, CaliforniaChoice, and Covered California for Small Business.
Covered California for Small Business sent an email to all active CCSB employers about the California Individual Mandate and how CCSB can help.
Covered California for Small Business announced rate updates for January 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
Delta Dental's goal is to provide their customers with beneficial and meaningful financial support, highlighted by the following support for all of their small business program customers.
The Allied Benefit Suite announced that the Equitable Life rates will be changing effective June 1, 2020. They are now allowing groups of all sizes to get custom Life/AD&D quotes, which can save up to 50% off the shelf rate.
The Allied Benefit Suite announced that the Personal Protection Plan premium will be $7.50 PEPM for groups effective May 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020.
Allied Administrators is excited to announce the launch of their Producer Portal where California brokers can access and manage their Delta Dental Small Business Program book of business.
Start the New Year off right with benefits that shine! ABS is a premier set of benefits for small businesses including: Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and a Personal Protection Plan.
The Allied Benefit Suite has a snazzy new web page. Check it out now! ABS is a premier set of benefits for small businesses including: Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and a Personal Protection Plan.
VSP within the Allied Benefit Suite will have a rate pass in 2020. Rates are available for quoting in bpQuote!
With VSP taking over for EyeMed in the Allied Benefit Suite, any inforce groups with EyeMed vision should keep the following in mind.
The Allied Benefit Suite added VSP to the portfolio allowing you to bundle Delta Dental, VSP, AXA Life/AD&D, LTD, and the Personal Protection Plan!
Delta Dental announced a rate pass for January 1, 2020 effective dates with no changes to plan benefits.
EMPLOYERS provided updates regarding the Coronavirus outbreak and what it means for their clients.
Exclusive news and information to help your clients manage and grow their small businesses.
EMPLOYERS recently unveiled several automation enhancements that provide you with more self-service tools right at your fingertips. Their latest investment in technology allows your clients to quickly and easily submit their premium audits online!
It’s time to spring into action — earn a $100 gift card for every four new small business workers’ compensation policies bound with EMPLOYERS in the next four months!
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.
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.
NEW YORK, N.Y., September 8, 2015 —The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), one of the nation’s largest mutual life insurers, is taking Whole Life insurance to a new level with the introduction of the Index Participation Feature (IPF).1,2 This patent-pending feature allows Whole Life policyholders to link a portion of their cash value to the performance of the S&P 500 Price Return Index,3 subject to a cap and floor – a feature that no other Whole Life insurance carrier offers in the market today.
Guardian has announced rate adjustments for January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 effective dates with no changes to benefits or underwriting. Rates are available for quoting! RATESEE: 3% EE+SP: 3% EE+CH: -0.5% up to 0.5%FAMILY: -0.5% up to 0.5% JANUARY BOOK RATES Book rates for January 2016 effective dates are not yet available. Once they become available, you can access them on the b&p website.
Under Health Care Reform (HCR), pediatric oral (Dental) coverage is one of the essential health care benefits employers must provide to their employees. So one of the first decisions plan sponsors need to make about benefits is whether to rely on limited Dental coverage via their health insurer, or keep it with a separate Dental carrier.
The national average cost of attending a four-year public college is more than $28,000 per year, and more than $59,000 for a private college*. Given these costs and future projections, the need for financial assistance has become increasingly important. As part of its commitment to help customers attain financial confidence, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) announced the launch of the College Tuition Benefit®, a value-added benefit that helps Guardian Dental members pay for college.
Health Net announced rate updates for October 1, 2020 effective dates with no changes to plans or benefits. Rates are available for quoting!
Health Net of California, Inc. and Health Net Life Insurance Company (Health Net) remain steadfast in their commitment to members during the state of emergency in Los Angeles County.
Access to telehealth services for all Health Net members is an essential component to the national pandemic brought on by COVID-19. Therefore, in addition to Teladoc, Health Net is working with Babylon Health, a leading digital health care provider, to offer our members telehealth at no cost during this national pandemic.
As part of Health Net's commitment to members, they are pleased to announce new, two-sided plastic ID Cards. The updated ID cards will be sent to members of new small business groups effective May 1, 2020 and later, as well as to any SBG member who calls the Customer Contact Center to request a replacement ID card after April 17th.
Health Net would like to thank those of you who were able to attend their webinar last week on "Employer hot topics in response to COVID-19 and related legislation." You should have received the recording of the webinar from Reed Smith. Health Net has also provided a link to the recording below.
Health Net wants to help their members get the care they need. During the current “shelter in place” order, members need other ways to talk to a doctor.
Health Net posted new updates and information regarding how they are handling COVID-19.
Health Net announced rate updates for July 1, 2020 effective dates with no changes to plans or benefits. Rates are available for quoting!
Health Net is excited to announce that Riverside Physicians Network (RPN) is a part of their small business WholeCare Network as of 1/1/20!
Health Net announced rate updates for April 1, 2020 effective dates with no changes to plans or benefits. Rates are available for quoting!
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 COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, Kaiser Permanente's playbook is meant to offer useful tools for you and your leadership teams to make workplaces as safe as possible and to support your groups and their employees.
Kaiser announced rate updates for October 1, 2020 effective dates with no changes to plans or benefits. Rates are available for quoting!
Kaiser Permanente provided the following updates on their extensions to payment grace period and COVID-19 treatment.
We know this is a challenging time for everyone in the country and that the COVID-19 pandemic may affect some employer-sponsored coverage. Although we hope we can help you and your clients maintain their current group coverage, we understand that some employees may need to find individual plans. If you do not sell individual insurance, Kaiser Permanente shared the following link that can help employees that lose their employer-sponsored coverage learn more about their options.
Kaiser Permanente has announced that it will waive all member out-of-pocket costs for inpatient and outpatient services related to the treatment of COVID-19, as of April 1, 2020.
Kaiser announced rate updates for July 1, 2020 effective dates with no changes to plans or benefits. Rates are available for quoting!
Kaiser Permanente has introduced a digital self-care portfolio as part of their commitment to bring their members innovative ways to receive mental health care and service.
Effective January 1, 2020, a new California law (AB 731) requires that all large groups must receive notice of changes to rates and benefits 120 days prior to their renewal date.
A new California law requires all state residents to have qualifying health coverage beginning January 1, 2020 — or face state tax penalties. To help your clients' employees avoid these penalties, Kaiser Permanente is offering a special open enrollment period from October 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019.
Kaiser Permanente announced their broker bonus for 2020. For all small groups you sell effective January 1, 2020, take home a $100 bonus per enrolled subscriber. This bonus is payable for new small groups written through any sales channel - direct, General Agency, CaliforniaChoice, and Covered California for Small Business.
MetLife is excited to announce that MetLife Legal Plans will be launching a new improved website experience this August. The updated website, www.legalplans.com, provides a new, modern experience for members, guiding them to the information they need and providing new tools for their legal matters.
At MetLife, brokers and customers are their top priority. As such, MetLife wants to help their mutual small business customers who may be facing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognizing that many services will be deferred or cancelled altogether, customers with fully insured dental PPO plans will receive a premium credit on a future bill in the amount of 25% for the months of April and May, 2020.
As work and life continue to blend and unemployment remains low, the competition for employee talent is intense. Small businesses are seeking solutions to help their companies stand out as they tackle the challenge of attracting, engaging, and retaining employees.
Those high-profile benefits often grab all the attention during client meetings. (Yes, we're talking about you, medical insurance.) But, carve out a little time as part of your next proposal to focus in on your Vision insurance recommendation.
With continued low unemployment rates, businesses of all sizes are refining their recruiting and retention strategies to ensure they're attracting – and keeping – the best employees.
At a glance, what employers expect from their benefits brokers and consultants hasn't changed dramatically in recent years. The expectations that top the list are largely the same from year to year. However, MetLife's latest employee benefit trends report takes a deeper dive into the responses of employers and employees to uncover insights into how expectations are evolving – and how brokers can deliver for their clients.
As your clients consider adding legal services plans to their benefit offerings, affordability is always going to be a top consideration. While costs are always key, five additional factors can help your clients evaluate their options and feel confident they’re choosing a legal plan that delivers real value to their employees.
As work and life continue to blend and unemployment remains low, the competition for employee talent is intense. Small businesses are seeking solutions to help their companies stand out as they tackle the challenge of attracting, engaging, and retaining employees. Strategic benefits can play a pivotal role.
With nearly one-fifth of the total American workforce now earning their primary income from gig or part-time work, the gig economy is here to stay.
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.
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.
UHC announced plan and rate updates for October 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits has taken several steps to help members access care, provide financial relief and ensure their collaboration endures beyond these extraordinary events. As the environment remains dynamic, UHC will continue to update their COVID FAQs so you have access to the latest information.
UHC provided three important updates regarding underwriting, premium credit relief, and Employer eServices.
UnitedHealth Group announced that they will be providing $1.5 billion in assistance and premium credits to customers nationwide.
As a part of UnitedHealthcare’s Go Green initiative and due to the number of brokers now working from home, UnitedHealthcare will no longer send hard copy renewal packets to their broker and general agent partners starting with Sept. 1, 2020, renewals.
UnitedHealthcare is providing its fully-insured employer customers with a Special COVID-19 Dental and Vision Enrollment Opportunity (“Special Enrollment Opportunity”) to enroll employees who previously did not enroll in Dental and/or Vision coverage.
The UHC Together resource page has moved to https://www.uhceservices.com/brokercontent/us/en/uhc/california. If you've bookmarked this page, please update accordingly.
Please review these important updates below and find more information on frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the broker and employer sections of uhc.com.
UHC announced plan and rate updates for July 1, 2020 effective dates. Rates are available for quoting!
UHC's response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) is focused on one thing: helping brokers and their clients get access to the information and services they need.
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.
VSP has a new EasyOptions package for groups enrolling 50 or more employees that allows each employee to select a covered upgrade after they receive their prescription from their VSP network doctor.
Now through August 31, eligible VSP® Vision Care members get an extra $40 to spend on Anne Klein, CALVIN KLEIN and Dragon® frames.
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.
