Archive for the ‘Broker Updates’ Category

Blue Shield Q1-2022 Small Group Broker Roadshow

Attend Blue Shield’s virtual broker roadshow to learn how to grow and develop your business. Get a preview of the 2022 small business portfolio plus tips and ideas to maximize Blue Shield sales.

Topics

• 2022 plan and pricing updates.
• How Blue Shield’s newest tool for brokers will improve member benefits management.
• Resources for managing renewals through the current market.
• New producer reward programs.
• Tools for managing open enrollment – in person or virtually.

Register to Attend One of The Two Roadshows:

• Monday, September 20 at 9:30 am
• Tuesday, September 21 at 2:00 pm

Register for September 20

Register for September 21

Space is limited.

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

MetLife – Deliver Dental that Differentiates

Choosing the right dental benefits can be challenging – especially for a small business. With MetLife, it’s easy to offer a dental plan that helps balance costs while meeting employer and employee needs.

Dental benefits are an important and highly visible part of an employer’s benefits program. Not only do 70% of employees consider dental coverage a must-have benefit¹, but it’s also coverage they’re likely to use regularly. And with each visit to the dentist, they’re evaluating the value of the plan, the savings, and the provider network.

Dental Differentiators that Meet Employer and Employee Needs

Flexibility to See Any Dentist
MetLife’s dental plans offer a comprehensive range of options to meet employer objectives and diverse employee needs, including the choice of visiting dentists in or out of network.

Extensive Provider Network and Cost Savings²
With a PPO network that includes 521,000+ dentist access points nationwide³, MetLife’s dental plans include network discounts that average 30% to 45% below community average charges⁴.

MetLife’s high in-network utilization is 6.5% higher than the industry average⁵, indicating that MetLife offers more savings for the dentists that employees prefer.

In addition, MetLife’s network providers are held to the network’s discounted fee schedule. So there are no unexpected costs for plan participants, even if they exceed the annual maximum benefit and frequency and age limitations.

Provider Quality
A network is only as good as the quality of the dentists who participate. MetLife’s extensive vetting process before dentists join its network, continual monitoring, and re-credentialing process every three years ensures a stable network that helps provide employees with access to quality consistent care.

Help your small business clients deliver dental benefits that help increase employee satisfaction, retention, and recruitment. To learn more, download the flyer.

Reminder

Secure a 5% discount on dental rates when bundling a second line of coverage. To learn more about this and other MetLife incentives, contact us today at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Start quoting MetLife dental today.

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

¹MetLife’s 19th Annual U.S. Employee Benefits Trends Study, 2021.
²Savings from enrolling in a dental benefits plan will depend on various factors including the cost of the plan, how often participants visit the dentist and the cost of services rendered.
³MetLife PDP Plus data as of 2020.
⁴Based on MetLife internal data.
⁵Dental Actuarial Analytics, Dental PPO Network Study, 2019 edition.

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Covered California for Small Business – MyCCSB.com Enhancements

Beginning September 1st, you can expedite your account updates by registering for a MyCCSB.com account. Through this convenient online portal, you’ll be able to submit and receive confirmation for real-time payments, employee enrollments, changes, and terminations.

To enable these enhancements, MyCCSB.com will be temporarily unavailable from Friday, August 20, 2021 at 5:00 pm to Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 8:00 am PT. This will not affect a September 1st coverage date for enrollment and coverage requests during this period.

MyCCSB.com Enhancements

• View real-time account balances and confirm payment receipt.
• Submit and confirm employee adds online, which will include new expanded functionality for all employee(s) and/or dependent(s) enrollments.
• Simplify new employee enrollment with the support tool which identifies plan options that best fit your clients’ needs.

Log-in Instructions

• Existing registered MyCCSB.com users will receive a one-time registration link on September 1st.
• New users will need to register online at MyCCSB.com on September 1st.

Conveniently access your clients’ enrollment and account information 24/7 with CCSB’s enhanced MyCCSB portal.

Access The MyCCSB Portal

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

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CaliforniaChoice Reminder: Amendment to Agent Agreement

CaliforniaChoice has amended the Agent Agreement regarding Broker of Record (BOR) changes:

• Six Month Commission Consideration Eliminated
  When a group chooses a new broker during the first six months following the original sold effective date, the new broker shall begin receiving commissions the first of the following month, consistent with the new BOR effective date.
• 14 Day Rescission Period Eliminated
  Upon being awarded a BOR on an existing CaliforniaChoice group, brokers will now have immediate access to the group’s policy and plan information beginning on the date for which the BOR request is processed, eliminating the 14-day rescission period.

All existing CaliforniaChoice brokers are required to sign and submit the Agent Agreement Amendment. The previous version of the Agent Agreement will no longer be accepted.

Please sign and return the documents as soon as possible to commissions@calchoice.com or fax it to 714.908.3519. CaliforniaChoice is contacting brokers directly about the amendment.

Agent Agreement

Agent Agreement Amendment

Contact us today to learn about all the CaliforniaChoice updates.

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

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Beam 2021 Broker Bonus Program

Earn more as you head into the final half of 2021 with Beam’s 2021 broker bonus program.

2021 Broker Bonus Program

Earn up to 2.5% on annualized premium for new group sales with effective dates from February to December 2021. Download the Beam Dental 2021 Broker Bonus Program flyer for details.

Reminders

• As of July 2021, Beam offers dental and vision benefits to employers in Virginia. With this addition, Beam now provides employee benefits in 43 states.
• Vision plans are offered in partnership with industry leader VSP^® Vision Care.
• Beam has over 400,000 dental access points and more than 31,000 vision access points through VSP^® Vision Care.
  Access points are comprised of these dental networks: Dental Benefit Providers (DBP owned by UHC), Careington, DenteMax Plus, Connection Dental, and First Dental Health.
• When evaluating employers’ requirements to offer dental coverage (especially for an initial benefit consideration), it’s important to keep in mind Beam’s standard provisions:
  • Annual open enrollment on all plans.
  • No waiting periods unless requested.
  • No missing tooth clause.
  • Implants are covered.
  • Occlusal (night) guards covered.
  • 90th, 95th, MAC options for out-of-network.
  • Composites on posterior teeth covered on all dental plans, porcelain material covered on posterior teeth with no downgrades.
  • Child ortho at 5+ with five enrolling (standard plans).
  • Adult ortho at 10+ enrolled, minimum of five with family or dependent coverage.

Start quoting Beam today and take advantage of the bonus!

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

Allied Benefit Suite Advantages for Employers

Offer your clients (2-99 employees) a comprehensive suite of top-tier carriers and employee benefits under one convenient and cost-effective program through Allied Benefit Suite (ABS). ABS, which is offered through Allied Administrators, combines the popular Delta Dental Small Business Program, with the choice of VSP vision benefits, Equitable life and long-term disability (LTD) coverage, a Personal Protection Plan that includes Teladoc 24/7 doctor access, Legal Club of America Family Plan legal services, Global Emergency Assistance, and ID Theft Resolution Services.

Designed for small and growing businesses, Allied Benefit Suite makes offering benefits to employees easy. And it’s highly regarded by both benefits experts and employers.

Features

• Group size 2 to 99.
• One application, one invoice, and 5-star administrative service.
• No out-of-state restrictions.
• Delta Dental and VSP enrollment need not match.
• Option of list enrollment.

Download the ABS brochure, Broker Tool Kit, and Reference Guide to learn more.

Contact your Claremont team or visit quote@claremontcompanies.com to start quoting Allied Benefit Suite today.

Get a Quote

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

Cigna + Oscar Network Spotlight: Dignity Health

Cigna + Oscar is here to support your clients and prospects that need access to Dignity Health. Dignity Health facilities are in-network with both the LocalPlus and Open Access Plus networks.

Employers throughout Northern California and Southern California that use the LocalPlus network can see up to 17% savings when switching from PPOs. And with their Q4 rate hold, Cigna + Oscar is a competitive option! What’s more, Cigna + Oscar offers both a deductible and maximum out-of-pocket credit for employers switching to Cigna + Oscar.

Cigna + Oscar’s LocalPlus network is also accessible through CaliforniaChoice effective July 1, 2021.

Download the Cigna + Oscar Broker Sales Kit and broker training resources to learn more.

Reminders

California Broker Mega Bonus Program
Earn a $5,000 bonus for groups with 25-100 enrolled employees. Effective dates from July 1, 2021 to September 15, 2021. Download the Cigna + Oscar Mega Bonus Program flyer.

2021 Broker Bonus Program
Earn a $350 bonus for every Cigna + Oscar group with four or more enrolled employees. Effective dates from April 1, 2021 to December 15, 2021. Download the Cigna + Oscar 2021 Broker Bonus Program flyer.

With Cigna + Oscar, your groups get quality care and all of these (EPO) plan features:

• No referrals are required to see a specialist.
• Access to Virtual Urgent Care, available 24/7 with a $0 copay via the Oscar app.
• Personalized Care Teams to help members manage their care.
• Savings on prescriptions with Express Scripts and easy prescription refills via the Oscar app.
• Access to Cigna’s behavioral health network for mental health resources.
• Step-tracking rewards (up to $100 per year).

With rates comparable to Kaiser, and networks that include Dignity Health, UCSF, Stanford, and Sutter, Cigna + Oscar brings together the power of Cigna’s nationwide and local provider networks, and Oscar’s member-focused tech-driven experience, to deliver small group health insurance that understands the unique needs of California small businesses and their employees.

To learn more about Cigna + Oscar, view our recorded webinar and web page.

Contact your Claremont team or visit quote@claremontcompanies.com to start quoting Cigna + Oscar today.

Get a Quote

Note: to enroll your groups, you will need to have an appointment with Cigna. Check out the Cigna + Oscar Appointments Guide for full instructions.

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

Covered California for Small Business Advantages for Small Employers

Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) offers small businesses (1-100 employees) a choice of quality, affordable HMO and PPO health plans from Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, Oscar, and Sharp Health Plan. What’s more, CCSB provides access to the broadest network of physicians and hospitals in California.

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, available only with coverage purchased through CCSB, can save employers up to 50% on health care premiums and generate new business opportunities for agents. To learn more, get our Health Care Tax Credit Solution.

Advantages

• Quality, affordable health insurance plans from well-known trusted carriers regionally and statewide.
• Greater choice – employees can select any plan from any carrier in their region.
• Financial control – employers can define the amount they will contribute toward employees’ premiums.
• Exclusive tax credits of up to 50% on employee health care premiums to help pay for the cost of providing health insurance. This tax credit is only available through CCSB and can be applied to their federal tax return. To qualify, small business clients:
  • Must have less than 25 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs);
  • Pay an average wage of less than $56,000 per year; and
  • Pay at least half of their employees’ health insurance premiums.
  • Learn more about the tax credit, and download the Employer Tax Credit flyer and How to Apply for The Tax Credit flyer.
  • Check out Claremont’s Tax Credit Solution for brokers with tips on how to sell the tax credit to your clients and downloadable resources.
• Employee-only coverage that allows eligible dependents to qualify for subsidies.
• No pediatric dental requirement.
• Price protection – Covered California will always have the lowest cost plans.
• Discounts and free programs to help members reach their fitness and health goals are available from certain CCSB carriers. Download the Added Values flyer for details.
• Simplified administration and online tools.
• Lead generating marketing and promotions for agents.

Resources

• CCSB Health and Dental Plan Offerings for 2021. A visual map of the California counties where the carriers are available, including full and partial coverage for the 19 pricing regions.
• CCSB 2021 Plan Summaries – All Tiers. – A chart of plan benefits (in-network and out-of-network) offered by tier.
• CCSB Advantages for Agents Sales Guide. – Why sell it and how you benefit. Ten advantages and broker benefits, plus comparisons of CCSB, private exchange, and carrier direct features.
• CCSB Advantages for Employers Sales Guide. – Nine reasons why a CCSB plan delivers value to employers, plus comparisons of CCSB, private exchange, and carrier direct features. (Distribute to your prospects and clients.)
• CCSB FAQs.
• CCSB overview, new business submission deadlines and instructions.

To learn how you and your employer groups will benefit from Covered California for Small Business, get a quote now!

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

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ChoiceBuilder – Ancillary Benefits for Businesses with 2-500 Employees

Offer your clients with 2-500 employees the only place with the nation’s premier dental, vision, chiropractic/acupuncture, and life insurance benefits in a single easy-to-manage program – with both employer-sponsored and voluntary coverage options. Plus, ChoiceBuilder can be offered alongside any medical plan.

It’s a great way to enhance your clients’ employee benefits package without the high cost of additional benefits or the difficulties of managing different services. There’s one application, one bill, and one point of contact for administration.

With more than 8,000 employers and 130,000 members across the state, ChoiceBuilder offers freedom, simplicity, and affordability with access to the following ancillary carriers:

Additional Benefits

Online HR Support at No Cost
Your clients get no-cost access to an Online HR Support Center. Plus, employers have access to critical state and federal employment laws and a database of over 2500+ questions and answers to common human resource issues. Customizable employee handbooks, forms, and job descriptions are available for download.

Employee Discounts Through Cal Perks
Cal Perks offers employees discounts on the stuff they love – saving them hundreds of dollars on sporting events, movie tickets, theme parks, office and school supplies, and more.

To learn more, download the ChoiceBuilder Program Highlights, Fast Facts, and At-a-Glance flyers.

ChoiceBuilder Program Highlights   Fast Facts   At-a-Glance

Updates

Dental
Two new employer-sponsored coverage options are available to groups with January 1, 2021 and later effective dates:

• Anthem Blue Cross Silver PPO
• Delta Dental Silver PPO

Ameritas (Employer-Sponsored and Voluntary Plans)

• Platinum PPO: The annual maximum benefit has changed from $2,000 to $2,100 for in-network (IN) and out-of-network (OON).
• Gold PPO: The annual maximum benefit has changed from $1,500 to $1,600 for IN and OON.
• Silver PPO: The annual maximum benefit has changed from $1,000 to $1,100 for IN and OON.
• All Plans: A new maternity benefit that provides an additional comprehensive evaluation and cleaning during pregnancy is now included.

MetLife (Employer-Sponsored and Voluntary Plans)

• Benefits paid for preventive services will not count toward the annual maximum benefit. Only benefits paid for basic and major services are applied to the annual benefit maximum. (A great way for members to extend their calendar year dental maximums.)

Vision
VSP Vision Care (Employer-Sponsored and Voluntary Plans)

• VSP will now be available at Sam’s Club and Walmart Vision Centers.
• $180 frame allowance for Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans.
• 12/24/24, 12/12/24, 12/12/12 = frequency options.
• VSP Sun Care included. Plano sunglasses are provided to members who don’t have a prescription.

EyeMed Vision Care (Employer-Sponsored and Voluntary Plans Provided by Ameritas)

• $100, $130, $150 frame allowance options.
• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans = 12/12/12 frequency.

Life (Employer-Sponsored Plans)
Assurity Life Insurance Company

• Effective March 1, 2021, Assurity Life will have a new guaranteed issue amount for groups with 200-500 employees of $10,000 – $150,000.

Earn a 10% level commission up to 500 lives on both new and renewing business.

Start quoting ChoiceBuilder today!

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

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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.

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Delta Dental Small Business Program

Designed especially for small business owners, Delta Dental’s new easy-to-sell and easy-to-understand Small Business Program offers a wide variety of plans and options, all with comprehensive coverage, quality care, and savings. For a quick overview, check out this video.

Small Business Program

Three Plan Levels

• Deluxe: extensive benefits with the lowest out-of-pocket costs and more options for employees.
• Advantage: the most popular plan designs featuring increased choice and flexibility.
• Core: quality care at a lower cost.

All PPO plans include:

• Low- or no-cost preventive care and comprehensive coverage.
• Higher annual maximums up to $3,000.
• Expanded access to orthodontics.
• White resin fillings on all teeth.
• Implant coverage with no separate implant maximum.
• No missing tooth exclusions for teeth lost prior to this coverage.
• Expanded voluntary choice options.
• Expanded plan choices for groups of 2-4.
• Dual choice and Core/buy-up plans.
• SmileWay® Wellness Benefits for additional preventive care for employees with qualifying conditions.

A new lower-cost DeltaCare USA plan (17B) has also been added.

Plus, employers can manage costs by offering a new dual choice plan and Core buy-up option:

• Dual Choice 1: Build Your Own Plan: Choose any one PPO plan and any one DeltaCare USA plan.
• Dual Choice 2: Matching Premiums: Offer two same-priced plans with differing coverage, so employees can decide what works best for them: a PPO plan with higher coverage (100/100/60)  or a PPO Plus Premier plan (100/80/50) with greater dentist choice.
• Dual Choice 3: Differing Premiums: Offer both a high (PPO Plus Premier 100/90/60) and a low (PPO Plus Premier 100/80/50) PPO plan with different prices and coverage amounts, so employees can decide what works best for them: more coverage at a higher price or less coverage for a lower price.
• Core/Buy-up: Clients can control costs with a set contribution (Core 100/50/50), while giving employees the option to purchase more coverage (Buy-up 100/80/60).

PPO-Eligible Enrollee Contribution and Participation

• 100% employer contribution, 100% eligible enrollee participation.
• 75%-99.9% employer contribution, 75% eligible enrollee participation.
• 50%-74.9% employer contribution, 50% eligible enrollee participation.
• Employers contributing between 50% and 74.9% can now choose from Delta Dental’s employer-paid plans.
• In place of a state wage report, an employer can provide a complete census of eligible employees.

To learn more, download the Delta Dental Small Business Program and Reasons to Sell Dental Dental brochures.

Delta Dental Small Business Program Brochure

Reasons to Sell Delta Dental

Include Delta Dental PPO and DHMO plans in your next dental quote and help your groups benefit from the small business program.

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

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.

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