Archive for the ‘Broker Updates’ Category

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.

Q3-2021 Rates (Effective July 1, 2021)

• Sharp Health Plan will not change rates.
• Overall quarterly rate trends, not plan or region specific:
  – Blue Shield of CA 1.2%
  – Health Net -1.4%
  – Kaiser Permanente 3.0%
  – Oscar 4.5%

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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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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TASC Webinar: COBRA Compliance Update

COVID-19 continues to have a huge impact on many employers, employees, and benefits professionals. Since January 2021, we have seen numerous legislative updates affecting account based plans and employer benefit plans. One of those is the return of the COBRA subsidy. To keep you informed, TASC is hosting several webinars to cover the effect of these legislative laws on COBRA.

Presented by Carolyn McNairy, this webinar will cover:

• Refresher of COBRA standard regulations.
• High-level overview of:
  – EBSA Disaster Relief Notice 2021-01 that extends COBRA deadlines.
  – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) – The COBRA Subsidy.
  – Penalties for non-compliance, both to the COBRA qualified beneficiary and employer.
  – TASC deliverables for each.

Details: 

• Date: May 5 or May 6, 2021
• Time: 2:00 pm PT
• Place: Online
• Price: Free

Register to attend the webinar on May 5 or May 6, 2021. Space is limited.

Save My Seat for May 5

Save My Seat for May 6

About Carolyn McNairy, CFCI, TASC Compliance Service Vice-President of Sales
With over 38 years of compliance, employee benefits, and administration experience, Carolyn educates TASC’s Group Sales Force, employee benefits consultants, general agents, carrier sales staff, providers, and clients on ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, FSA, and ACA legal requirements.

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

Blue Shield Trio HMO Plans

Blue Shield’s Trio HMO plans are a great way for small businesses to lower healthcare costs without sacrificing the coverage they need. With its quality network of providers (over 17,000 doctors in 26 counties) and enhanced customer service, Trio keeps healthcare costs – and, in turn, rates and premiums – as low as possible.

Benefits for Employers

With a simple way to maintain a strong benefits program while reducing unnecessary expenses, Trio offers:

• Lower benefits costs without shifting the cost to the employee through higher deductibles and copays.
• Typically lower premiums than Blue Shield’s Access+ HMO®, estimated at 12% to 15% less, depending on the region.
  – The statewide average rate difference between Trio HMO and Access+ HMO is 18%.
• Cost trends lower than Blue Shield’s Access+ HMO or full PPO, which can bring stabilization to annual price increases.
• More coordinated care, which can translate to faster returns to work and a higher level of employee wellness and productivity.

Benefits for Employees

Designed to offer convenience, quality, and affordability, Trio HMO comes standard with the following benefits:

• 360˚ customer service with Shield Concierge (helpful for employers with a small or no HR team).
• $0 24/7 virtual care consults online or by phone with Teladoc.
• $0 virtual mental health support with Teladoc*.
• $0 first visit on-demand doctor house calls with Heal™.
• myStrength digital program that helps members deal with stress, anxiety, sleep, and more*.
• Extensive pharmacy network that includes major chains.
• Option to self-refer to specialists within the same medical group.
• Access to healthy foods at a reduced price with Healthy Savings^®.
  – Healthy Savings is included at no additional cost.
  – Savings of up to $50 each week.
  – 22,00 participating retail stores nationwide.
• Urgent and emergency care coverage worldwide.
• $0 meal delivery program for qualified patients recovering from a serious illness with LifeSpring.
• $0 non-emergency medical transportation services for eligible Trio members who have a serious illness with Call the Car.

*Effective with new or renewing 2021 plans.

The Difference Between Trio HMO and Full Network PPO Plans

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) offers guided care with your doctor.
Members partner with a doctor in their local network to coordinate their care at lower costs.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) offers care on your own terms.
Members enjoy the flexibility to see doctors in a larger network and the ability to customize their care.

Employer groups with current Blue Shield small group coverage will be able to find easy-to-use Trio HMO rate comparisons in their upcoming renewal statement.

Trio HMO Resources

• 2021 Trio Broker Brochure
• Trio Network and Service Area
• Plan Comparison Tool and Network Comparison Tool
• Trio Availability in Your Area
• What is Trio HMO [Video]
• Trio HMO: Changing They Way You Access Health Care [Video]
• Trio HMO with Shield Concierge – Enhanced Customer Service [Video]
• Shield Concierge Brochure
• Teladoc Brochure
• Healthy Savings Brochure
• LifeSpring Brochure
• Call the Car Brochure

For help presenting Trio HMO options to current and prospective employer groups, contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

COVID-19 Resources

• COVID-19 Resources for brokers and employers.
• COVID-19 Resources Broker Connection
• COVID-19 FAQs
• COVID-19 Member Resource Page
• California Coronavirus Response Website
• California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) FAQs
• DMHC COVID-19 Response and Guidelines
• CDC COVID-19 Testing Overview

Blue Shield Resources

• Q3-2021 Sales Guide
• Blue Shield News Center
• Product Cycle Updates
• Employer Connection Plus (EC+)
• Broker Communications
• Broker Connection
• Plan Comparison Tool and Network Comparison Tool
• Small Business Plan Documents
• Mandates
• Renewal Center
• Forms and Applications

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

Ease Webinar: The Digital Broker

Dates/Times: May 5, 2021 at 10:00 am PT or May 11, 2021 at 12:00 pm PT
Place: Online
Cost: FREE

Technology is changing the world and companies are changing with it. Are you ready to meet their needs? The role of the broker is evolving to face new challenges and provide unmatched service to clients.

In this webinar, Ease CEO and Co-Founder, David Reid sheds light on the future of the insurance industry and shares how technology can help you stay competitive. Is your agency ready to face the industry’s challenges?

Register for the Ease webinar on May 5th at 10:00 am PT or May 11th at 12:00 pm PT.

Register Now!

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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Cigna + Oscar Time-Limited Broker Quoting Promotions

Cigna + Oscar is rewarding you for including C+O in your marketing. Get a gift card for considering the advantages of Cigna + Oscar’s California Small Group plans.

1) Quote Promotion

Get a $20 Amazon gift card when you run a C+O quote for a California group with at least 4 employees between April 26, 2021 and May 7, 2021. Contact Claremont to schedule a brief quote review to earn your gift card.

2) Client Presentation Promotion

Through May 7, 2021, invite a member of the Cigna + Oscar team to your virtual finalist meetings and get a $25 UberEats gift card.

Reminders

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

• No referrals 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 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.

Check out the 2021 Broker Bonus Program, Q2 Rates, and California Expansion. To learn more about Cigna + Oscar, view our recorded webinar and web page.

Contact your sales team or quotes@claremontcompanies.com to get a quote and qualify for the Cigna + Oscar promotions.

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.

COBRA Premium Subsidy

Resources for Brokers and Employers

The American Rescue Plan, signed into law on March 11 2021, provides a 100 percent COBRA premium subsidy – between April 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2021 – for individuals whose reduction in hours or involuntary termination of employment makes them eligible for COBRA continuation coverage during this period.

The administration of the COBRA subsidy includes requirements of employers, plan sponsors and COBRA administrators, who will need to take prompt action to ensure compliance. Brokers will want to familiarize themselves with the new subsidy and the requirements of employers.

Employers that provide coverage subject to federal COBRA law should consult their COBRA administrator. Claremont can assist brokers looking to partner with a COBRA administrator.

Employers that provide coverage subject to Cal-COBRA law should look out for information being provided by their medical carriers. Brokers should do the same. Claremont can help brokers find answers to questions they may have.

Below are several helpful resources that will assist brokers and employers navigate the new subsidy.

Have questions? We can get the answers. Our partners, Benefit Resource Inc. (BRi), TASC, and BASIC all specialize in COBRA administration.

Resources

• US Department of Labor (DOL)
  COBRA Premium Subsidy Guidance Including FAQs and Model Notices
• Benefit Resource, Inc
  COBRA Subsidy FAQs: Answers to the Most Common Questions
  Am I Eligible for a COBRA Subsidy?
• ThinkHR with Mammoth
  COBRA Subsidy: What Employers Need to Know
• National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU)
  The Department of Labor Releases ARPA COBRA Guidance

Carrier Resources

• Blue Shield of California
  Understanding Expanded Subsidies for COBRA Coverage
• UnitedHealthcare
  COBRA and American Rescue Plan Act and Premium Tax Credits

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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CaliforniaChoice – Cigna + Oscar Addition, Q3-2021 Updates, & ChoiceBuilder Rate Pass

CaliforniaChoice is adding Cigna + Oscar to their portfolio effective July 1, 2021. See below for more information plus other Q3 updates and the ChoiceBuilder rate pass.

Cigna + Oscar Addition

Cigna + Oscar is included in the portfolio effective July 1, 2021. Eight plans from the LocalPlus network are available. Learn more.

Other Q3-2021 Updates

Medical Plans/Networks – Effective July 1, 2021

• UnitedHealthcare is adding the Harmony network with seven new HMO plans across three metal tiers.

Medical Rates

• New rates for Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna + Oscar, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, Oscar, and Unitedhealthcare.

Medical Zip Codes

• Cigna + Oscar has added zip codes for the LocalPlus network.
• UnitedHealthcare has added zip codes for the Harmony network.

Administrative

• Two new HSA contribution scenarios:
  • Employer pays a percentage based on the least costly HMO/EPO and specified metal tier.
  • Employer pays a percentage based on the least costly PPO and specified metal tier.

Forms and Materials

• Updated employer and employee forms and materials for July 1, 2021 effective dates have been posted to the CaliforniaChoice website.
• Only updated applications for July 1, 2021 will be accepted due to the CaliforniaChoice portfolio changes.

Download the Summary of Changes to learn more.

CaliforniaChoice Summary of Changes

ChoiceBuilder Q3-2021 Rate Pass

All carriers and plans will have rate passes for July 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021 effective dates.

Start quoting CaliforniaChoice and ChoiceBuilder today!

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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LAAHU Annual Symposium

LAAHU’s Annual Symposium is the largest in the state and includes updates from D.C., breakout sessions for Wellness & Mental Health, Technology, Compliance, and Small & Large Employers. Once again, this will be the premier networking and educational gathering of insurance professionals in Southern California.

Featuring Keynote Speaker Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner

About Commissioner Lara:
Raised in East Los Angeles by immigrant parents, Commissioner Ricardo Lara made history in 2018 by becoming the first openly gay person elected to statewide office in California’s history. Commissioner Lara previously served in the California Legislature, representing Assembly District 50 from 2010 to 2012 and Senate District 33 from 2012 to 2018. Commissioner Lara earned a BA in Journalism and Spanish with a minor in Chicano Studies from San Diego State University.

• Date: May 13-14, 2021
• Time: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Place: Online
• Cost: $39 Members ($49 After May 2), $49 Non-Members ($59 After May 2)

For more information visit laahu.org or contact them at 800.676.1628 or info@laahu.org. Register now.

Register Now!

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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Blue Shield Q3-2021 Updates

Below are the updates, changes, and reminders to prepare for Q3-2021.

Q3-2021 Rates

• Rates are now available through PRISM, our free and easy online quoting system.
• The Q3-2021 rate action statewide average is 1.2%.

Q3-2021 Renewals

• July through September group renewals are available to download as of April 8, 2021.
• Group-level changes can be made using the Small Group Online Renewal (SGOR) beginning Friday, April 23 (date subject to change).
• Group renewal packets will include an options census that displays the current and renewing rates, along with several plan options with the 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.
• Visit the Blue Shield Renewal Center to learn more.

Q3-2021 Small Business Forms

• The forms are now available and have been posted on the Broker Connection.
• Both Q2 and Q3 form versions will be accepted, however, the most current version is always preferred.

Reminders

• Blue Shield Plan Comparison Tool and the Network Comparison Tool can be used to compare side-by-side benefits for medical, dental, and vision. Results can be downloaded into a PDF and emailed. Access both tools here.
• Download the Blue Shield Q3 2021 Small Group Sales Guide to view all medical plans offered side-by-side, eligibility requirements, submission checklist, Trio/Access+ plan comparisons, and Tandem/Full PPO plan comparisons.
• Relaxed Participation Requirements for small businesses have been extended to December 31, 2021. Get the details.

COVID-19 Resources

• COVID-19 Resources for brokers and employers.
• COVID-19 Resources Broker Connection
• COVID-19 FAQs
• COVID-19 Member Resource Page
• California Coronavirus Response Website
• California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) FAQs
• DMHC COVID-19 Response and Guidelines
• CDC COVID-19 Testing Overview

Blue Shield Resources

• Blue Shield Q3-2021 Small Group Sales Guide
• Blue Shield News Center
• Product Cycle Updates
• Employer Connection Plus (EC+)
• Broker Communications
• Broker Connection
• Plan Comparison Tool
• Small Business Plan Documents
• Mandates
• Renewal Center
• New Group Enrollment Check List
• Forms and Applications

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

Covered California for Small Business Q3-2021 Update & Reminders

To ensure your success in 2021, the Q3-2021 update and reminders from Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) are listed below.

Update

• MyCCSB portal enhancements for easier online updates and faster processing will be launched soon. More details to come.

Reminders

• Exclusive Tax Credit
  With tax deadlines approaching, eligible small businesses can qualify for tax credits of up to 50% on 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.

• 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.
• Member ID cards for new employer enrollments are mailed by the health insurance provider within 7-10 business days after the employer has made the first premium payment. For steps on how to access or order a member ID card, download the How to Access/Order Member ID Cards flyer.
• Employers can add an Authorized Representative to help manage their account during the group setup or by submitting an Employer Change Form.
  • The CCSB Service Center is not able to discuss an account with callers who are not authorized representatives, this includes questions about billing or an invoice. Get the details.
• When employers pay invoices online using the MyCCSB portal, they’ll receive a one-time confirmation that the payment has been completed.
  • Currently, the MyCCSB portal does not have an autopay or pay over the phone option.

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.

Sign Up for Text Messaging