Q2-2021 Updates

Below are the updates, changes, and reminders to prepare for Q2-2021.

Q2-2021 Rates

• Rates are now available through PRISM, our free and easy online quoting system.
• The Q2-2021 rate action statewide average is 1%.

New Silver PPO 2225/50 Medical Plan

• Includes Value Based Benefits, $0 office visits and lab tests for members with diabetes, asthma, COPD, and CAD.
• Available on Full PPO and Tandem PPO networks.
• No deductible on Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs.
• Any eligible member can enroll.

Changes to Life Plans Effective April 1, 2021

• 12 existing multiple of salary (1x and 2x) plans with benefit maximums between $125,000 and $300,000 available for groups with as few as 10 eligible lives.
• 6 new multiple of salary (2x) plans added with higher benefit maximum amounts of up to $600,000.

Enhancements to The Bronze PPO Plans

• All of the non-HSA Bronze PPO plans have been redesigned and now offer enhanced first dollar coverage prior to the deductible.

Q2 Renewals

• April through June renewals are available online.
• Group renewal packets include an options census for quick quoting that displays the current and renewing rates along with several plan options with the new 2021 rates.
• The statewide average rate difference between Trio HMO and Access+ HMO is 18%, and there is a 9% difference between Tandem PPO and Full PPO plans.

Reminders

• Relaxed participation requirements for small businesses have been extended to December 31, 2021.
• Members will receive a new ID card as a result of Blue Shield's transition to a new pharmacy vendor, CVS Health. 

Get the details and take advantage of the broker bonus programs.

Small Group Rate Actions and Bonus Programs

Prepare for Q2-2021 with the latest updates and broker bonus programs.

Q2-2021 Small Group Rate Actions

• Northern California
  - Quarterly Change: PPO +2.7% and HMO +2.3%
  - Annual Renewal: PPO +3.9% and HMO +3.0%
• Southern California
  - Quarterly Change: PPO +2.1% and HMO +2.3%
  - Annual Renewal: PPO +0.3% and HMO +1.8%

Broker Bonus Programs

• 'New' Sales Bonus
  Earn $100 for each member enrolled in medical coverage.
• Renewal Bonus
  Earn an additional $100 for each enrolled member for groups that receive the 'New' Sales Bonus for 2021, and renew coverage in 2022. Plus another $100 bonus for each enrolled employee if the group renews in 2023. 
• Current Small Business Broker Bonus
  In addition to the above 2 programs, earn up to $100 for each member enrolled in medical coverage - March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 effective dates.

Learn more about the bonus programs and get all the updates.

UnitedHealthcare Vision Provider Network Update

Effective January 1, 2021, 1-800 Contacts has become UnitedHealthcare's newest online provider. Eligible members can apply their contact lens allowance by logging in at 1800contacts.com.

Plus LensCrafters, a recent UnitedHealthcare partner, offers consumers a large selection of designer frames, convenient hours and locations.

Reminders

• Vision Coverage
  Members continue to have in-store and on-line access to warbyparker.com products and services. GlassesUSA.com will continue to be offered as an online retailer. 
• Specialty Benefits Quick-Quote-Tool
  See all the steps you need to follow for quoting dental, vision, and basic life for 2-100 eligible employees. 
• Dental and Vision Rate Passes Through April 2021.
  Life and disability coverage are still subject to review and potential rate increases due to filed claims.

Get the details.

April 2021 Updates

Get ready for Q2-2021 with updates on medical rates from Health Net, Sharp Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, and Western Health Advantage. And learn about new medical and ancillary zip codes, MetLife DHMO plans, forms and materials.

In 2021, CaliforniaChoice offers full network PPO and HMO plans, plus all 4 metal tiers for groups up to 100 employees. No individual carrier participation to worry about. Include CaliforniaChoice in your quote to compare rates. Learn more about the 2021 networks and plan tiers.

The Value of Dental Provider Networks

Employees rank dental coverage as one of their top five must-have benefits. But providing a quality dental plan requires more than simply looking at the size of the network. A strong dental provider network can increase satisfaction and savings for important and visible benefits.

The value of a dental network is not just about the number of providers. It's also about:

• Discounts: MetLife’s discounts average 30 - 45% below community average charges. And, with its high in-network utilization rates, it’s clear MetLife is offering deep discounts on the dentists that employees are seeing the most.
• Provider quality: MetLife typically rejects around 9% of provider applications upfront, which is higher than the industry average.
• Cost protections: MetLife’s network providers are held to a discounted fee schedule so there are no unexpected costs.

Help your clients understand the true value of provider networks by delivering the right dental plan – and network – to their employees. Learn more.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

As always, we'll keep you informed about healthcare issues and news affecting you and your clients. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you succeed.

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.