Carrier News

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

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.

Ease – Employee Navigator Broker Training

Posted August 21, 2023 by Lori Berson

Employee Navigator (EN) is excited to announce early availability of their platform for Ease brokers interested in using EN for the open enrollment season this fall, before the full migration in 2024. While most brokers will continue to add new customers to Ease and will plan to migrate existing customers to the EN platform next summer, Employee Navigator wants to accommodate brokers who would like to begin using the EN platform now.

Key Points for Early Adopters

There will be no additional licensing fee to access the EN platform. Brokers can access the EN platform under their current Ease licensing package and pricing.
Multiple users are welcome to attend the training as well as sublicensees of all brokers.
Each broker will be required to sign a new EN license agreement for no license fee and will accept Employee Navigator’s standard terms and conditions.
Brokers paying for an Ease subscription and an Employee Navigator subscription will continue the current payment schedules for both systems for the time being. A license conversion program will be announced in the fall.
Early adoption is recommended for new groups until key Ease features are added.

Training

The training sessions will help you get a firsthand look at some basic highlights of the licensing program. All users will be required to attend an online or in-person training and complete the independent, self-paced lessons prior to these trainings. Additional training sessions will be added as needed. Remote training is anticipated to take approximately 10 hours.

Online Training Dates and Times

Session 2, Thursday, September 7 – Friday, September 8: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm PT Register.

In-Person Training Dates and Times
Onsite 2 days (9 classroom hours + optional 4-hour lab). In-person training is limited to 100 attendees. There is a $25 processing fee for each participant. Register.

August 28-29 in Frederick, Maryland, between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD.
– Day 1: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ET and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET .
– Day 2: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ET and *12:30 pm – 4:30 pm ET.

*Optional time available for individual coaching while building a group.

Features

Employee Navigator has not begun adding Ease features to the EN platform, so some familiar features will not be available to early adopters until 2024. Therefore, it’s recommended that EN be primarily used for new groups. Key features to be added to EN include:

Carrier forms.
Teams invitations.
Change broker tools.

Additional features to be added by next summer include:

Carrier and HR forms.
Rate libraries (both GA and integrated).
Payroll classes and incomes.
Expanded integrated EOI.
Agency Management Systems API.
Elements of Ease’s better user interface.
General Agency and Enroller Support.
Company migration tool to move companies from Ease to EN.

Employee Navigator’s robust infrastructure supports over 75,000+ companies and 10+ million members. They are focused on providing training to smoothly onboard brokers. Attending training and completing self-paced lessons is required prior to access.

The Employee Navigator Knowledge Base is available to post questions and view responses.

Contact us at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com for assistance transitioning from Ease to Employee Navigator.

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

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.

Kaiser Permanente – Small Group Broker Bonus Program

Posted August 21, 2023 by Lori Berson

Earn a Kaiser Permanente $100 bonus, per enrolled member when you enroll at least 10 members from a qualified, new small group through CaliforniaChoice, Covered California or Kaiser Small Business. October 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024 effective dates.

Example

Earn a $2,100 bonus when you sell a new group with 30 full-time employees and enroll 21 new members with Kaiser Permanente.

21 enrolled members x $100 = $2,100.

Combine Bonuses to Maximize Your Income

This bonus is on top of your regular commission and standard broker reward programs such as the Total Replacement and Group Production rewards. Download the flyer for details.

Start earning more on new small group sales! Contact us today for a quote.

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

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.

BRI – 2023 Fall Incentive Program

Posted August 21, 2023 by Lori Berson

Offer your clients huge savings on pre-tax or COBRA services for effective dates through January 1, 2024. To qualify, a service agreement must be signed and submitted by September 29, 2023.

All pre-tax and COBRA implementation fees are waived.
No file feed integration fees for both pre-tax and COBRA plans.
One month of administration fees will be waived.
No renewal fees and a 3-year rate guarantee.

To learn more, download the 2023 BRI Fall Incentive Program flyer.

Contact us at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com for assistance when you’re ready to enroll a group in a BRI Specialty Account.

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

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.

Covered California for Small Business – Blue Shield of CA Plan Changes and Bonus

Posted August 7, 2023 by Lori Berson

Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) is pleased to introduce several new Blue Shield of CA plans that are now available for quoting. Carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of your valued employers, these plans are available for both new business enrollments and existing business renewals effective July 1, 2023.

Expanded CCSB HMO Plan Designs on The Access + HMO Network

With this update, Platinum, Gold, and Silver metal level products are available on the Access+ HMO network.
Unlike Trio HMO plans, which include Rx Spectrum, all Access+ HMO network plans will include the richer Rx Ultra pharmacy network, providing enhanced prescription benefits for members.

Introducing Bronze Trio HMO 7000/70 on The Exchange

Blue Shield Bronze Trio HMO 7000/70 + Child Dental offers professional services not subject to a deductible, allowing members to access essential services before meeting the high deductible.
Members can take advantage of Concierge Member Services and an integrated pharmacy deductible.

Launching Two of Blue Shield’s Most Popular Off-Ex HDHP Plans

Blue Shield Silver Full PPO Savings 2300/25% + Child Dental
– 10th most popular plan across the entire book.
Blue Shield Bronze Full PPO Savings 7000 + Child Dental
– 8th most popular plan among new sales in the North.
Both plans feature the Full PPO network. And in both plans, the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM) are the same resulting in no additional costs to the member after the deductible is met.

With these upgrades, your small business clients across California can offer their employees even more healthcare options, providing them with greater flexibility and choice. To learn more, download the flyer.

All Blue Shield plans through CCSB provide members access to Wellvolution (including Headspace and Ginger), Teladoc Mental Health, Nurse Help 24/7, LifeReferrals 24/7, and the Blue Card program for when members are outside of California.

‘A Partnership That Pays’ Broker Bonus Program

With the CCSB bonus program, agents who place new small group business with CCSB from July 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024, can earn up to a $12,000 bonus per group, in addition to competitive commissions. To qualify for the first bonus tier of $1,000, agencies must submit a minimum of three groups with four enrolled employees. Best of all, the bonus is per group with no maximum number of groups! Download the flyer for details.

In addition to California’s most comprehensive access to doctors and hospitals, CCSB health plans offer choice and control, with:

Full-network PPO from Blue Shield.
HMO offerings from Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Sharp Health Plan.
New Blue Shield plans.
4-tier selection.
Single bill.

Partner with Claremont for:

Help understanding employers’ needs to deliver the right benefits solutions.
Assistance with small group sales, enrollments, and renewals.
Actionable solutions and practical tips, such as:
– Advantages for Agents and Employers
– Agent Resources
– Health Care Tax Credit Solution
– Top 20 Lowest Cost Medical Plans
Expertise and support behind the scenes — all at no cost to you.

As a trusted CCSB partner since its 2014 launch, we are a top-producing general agency in our sales territory. From agent certification and quoting to assessing new group eligibility and resolving post-enrollment issues, our CCSB experts will provide guidance and support every step of the way.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive health coverage and earn attractive bonuses. Contact us today for a Covered California for Small Business quote!

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

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.

The Holman Group Selects Claremont as General Agency Partner

Posted August 7, 2023 by Lori Berson

We are excited to add The Holman Group to our vendor portfolio, offering comprehensive and cost-effective behavioral health and substance use services that enhance employee well-being and performance. Their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for small groups facilitates early intervention and effective problem-solving, guiding individuals to address personal and work-related challenges.

Through free and confidential EAP counseling sessions with licensed providers, employees and their household members have access to invaluable support, available in over 160 languages and dialects through the convenient nationwide 800 number.

The Holman Group EAP can be offered as a standalone benefit or seamlessly integrated with other mental health and substance abuse programs, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing employee needs.

Benefits

24/7/365 Crisis Line and Intervention Support from Licensed Therapists.
Legal and Financial Consultations: Access to a network attorney and/or financial counselor for a 30-minute consultation, along with discounts on document preparation and ongoing legal services.
Community Referrals: Assistance in finding 12-step programs, support groups, and child care services.
Webinars and Wellness Articles: Valuable resources on a variety of topics to improve day-to-day life.
Management Referrals: Support for referring employees to the EAP, along with Holman case management.
Will, End-of-Life Planning, and Retirement Kits.
Prescription Drug Discount Card: Save up to 50% on medication costs.
Gym Discounts: Exclusive access to best-in-class pricing for wellness and fitness.
Tickets at Work Discounts. Consumer savings on travel, entertainment, streaming services, furniture/electronics, amusement parks and more.
Unlimited EAP Promotional Materials: A range of digital and printed communication tools to encourage program utilization.
Custom Implementation: Tailored program introduction for each group’s specific needs.
Benefits Fair/Open Enrollment with Holman Participation.

Employer-Sponsored EAP Options

Identity Theft Program: A 60-minute free consultation with a highly trained fraud resolution specialist is provided. (Employee-funded option available.)
Holman LifeSolutions®: Enhanced referrals to support daily living needs, including pet care, vacation planning, summer camps, and moving services.
Holman ElderSolutions®: Enhanced referrals for adult care, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and elder abuse education.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Topical Training: Specialized training and support for critical incidents and wellness seminars.

To learn more, download The Holman Group flyer and checklist.

Incorporating The Holman Group EAP into your clients’ benefits package will significantly help enhance productivity, reduce healthcare costs, minimize absenteeism and turnover, and boost overall work satisfaction.

Contact us today to unlock exclusive benefits to assist your clients in addressing the issues that affect employees’ day-to-day lives.

Get Started

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

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.

Principal – Hospital Indemnity Coverage

Posted August 7, 2023 by Lori Berson

Facing unexpected health challenges can be daunting, and when serious illnesses or injuries strike, hospitalization and treatment become necessary. While health insurance is valuable in covering medical expenses, it may not fully address all the costs associated with treatment.

Principal’s hospital indemnity insurance helps employees prepare for unforeseen events by providing financial support. This coverage enables employees to focus on their recovery and worry less about the financial burden of hospitalization and treatment. When a covered employee or their family member is admitted to the hospital, they receive a lump-sum cash benefit. The best part is that they can use this benefit any way they choose, regardless of other insurance they may have or the actual expenses incurred.

With both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and non-HSA compatible plans, Principal’s flexible designs offer a variety of benefits and options to design coverage that best suits your clients’ requirements.

Hospital Indemnity Coverage for California-Eligible Groups Effective September 1, 2023

Plans can be chosen to cover sickness and injury, sickness only, or injury only.
Injury can be on or off the job.
Available as voluntary/employee-paid and employer-paid (contributory and non-contributory).
For voluntary coverage, 5+ eligible lives are required with the ability to write down to two enrolled.
One fully-insured group product (can be accident or critical illness) is required to sell standalone coverage.

Help your employer groups give their employees peace of mind and safeguard their financial future with hospital indemnity coverage from Principal. For details, download the Principal Hospital Indemnity Insurance flyer.

Contact us today for a Principal quote.

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

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.

Blue Shield of California Resources During a Crisis

Posted August 7, 2023 by Lori Berson

With the serious fires affecting Canada and the potentially heavy fire season in California, Blue Shield of CA wants to remind you of the resources and support available to impacted members during times of crisis. Their priority is to ensure that you and your clients have the necessary assistance and care during these challenging situations.

In the event of state emergencies and evacuations, Blue Shield of CA will be communicating vital information with employers and members residing in the affected areas.

To help ensure members in affected areas continue to have uninterrupted access to care, Blue Shield is offering:

Prescription Refills. Members in mandatory evacuation zones can have their prescriptions refilled immediately, even if they are not yet due for a refill. This ensures continued access to essential medications.
Continuity of Care. The Blue Shield Medical Care Solutions team will reach out to members enrolled in care and disease management programs who are in mandatory evacuation zones, ensuring that their healthcare needs are taken care of during the crisis.
Virtual Care Options. Blue Shield of CA offers various virtual care options, such as Teladoc and NurseHelp 24/7^SM, which may vary depending on the plan. For detailed plan options, please visit blueshieldca.com.
Mental Health Support. To address the mental health aspect of such situations, Blue Shield’s mental health service administrator provides free access to resources, materials, and counseling services through a dedicated hotline at (800) 327-7451.
Vision Plan Assistance. Members who have lost or broken their eyewear may be eligible for a replacement pair. For assistance, members can call Vision Customer Service at (877) 601-9083.
Displaced Members. If a member has been displaced, they may see an appropriate out-of-network provider at in-network benefit levels. Additionally, they can replace any medical equipment and supplies if needed.
ID Card Access. If a member identification card is lost, members can easily view and print a new card from the Blue Shield website by logging into their online account at blueshieldca.com/login. Alternatively, the Blue Shield of California mobile app provides access to ID cards on a mobile device.

Additional Information

If a member needs assistance, please have them call Commercial Customer Service (800) 393-6130 (TTY: 711), or Medicare Customer Service (800) 776-4466 (TTY:711).
For updates on plan services, visit Blue Shield of CA.
For fire status updates and locations, please check CalFire.
To stay informed about the air quality in your area, visit https://www.airnow.gov and encouraging your employers to do the same.

California Emergency Alerts

Californians are reminded to dial 211 or 311 to get help or ask questions. For a critical emergency, call 911.
To stay informed, sign up for emergency alerts including warnings and evacuation notices at CalAlerts.org.

In times like these, it is crucial that we work together and support one another. Blue Shield of California is here to assist you and your clients during these challenging times, and they remain dedicated to providing the care and resources needed.

Contact us today for a Blue Shield quote.

Small Business Incentive Program

Reminder: Incentive Program now includes an Autopay incentive – earn 25 points for setting up a group on autopay during the initial enrollment. Claremont will assist you in putting this in place.
The current bonus program is in effect from February 1, 2023 through January 31, 2024.

Renewal Rewards Program
Blue Shield increased the points earned for every new membership in Tandem PPO and Virtual Blue PPO plans. You can earn:

100 points per new enrolled member in a Tandem PPO plan. February 2023 – January 2024 effective dates.
100 points per new enrolled member in a Virtual Blue plan. March 2023 – January 2024 effective dates.
Specialty plans. February 2023 – January 2024 effective dates.
– 10 points per new enrolled dental member.
– 5 points per new enrolled vision member.
– 5 points per new enrolled life member.

Bundled Saving Program
The 10% specialty discount is a perpetual program that is applied when a dental and/or vision plan is added to a new or existing small business medical group.

Relaxed Participation Promotion
The Relaxed Participation Promotion was extended through December 31, 2023.

More information and plan summaries can be found in Blue Shield’s Q4-2023 Medical Sales Guide and Specialty Sales Guide.

Contact us today for a Blue Shield quote.

Resources

COVID-19 Resources

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

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.

CaliforniaChoice – Sutter Health Plus Expands Employee Access

Posted July 24, 2023 by Lori Berson

Sutter Health Plus is now accessible to employees, regardless of their employer’s location, for new and renewing CaliforniaChoice groups effective October 1, 2024.

Example: Employers located in Los Angeles County, outside the Sutter Health Plus Service Area, can now offer Sutter Health Plus coverage to their employees who are located within the service area. This option is especially appealing to employees seeking access to esteemed healthcare providers like Brown & Toland Physicians, Mills-Peninsula Physician Network, Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation and Sutter Medical Group (Solano/Redwoods).

For more information on CaliforniaChoice and Sutter Health Plus, including Q4 details, rating region information, and quotes, contact us today.

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

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.

Delta Dental 2024 Updates

Posted July 24, 2023 by Lori Berson

2024 Plans

Rates are now available for quoting through PRISM, our free and easy online quoting system.
There are no changes from 2023 in benefits or shelf rates for dental or DeltaVision plans.

Two-Year Contract

Delta Dental is providing new and renewing groups in 2024 with a two-year contract, resulting in a rate pass for those groups in 2025.

New for 2024

Delta Dental now offers members a wide range of perks through LifePerks, which include thousands of discounts to promote health and happiness. These perks encompass gym memberships and fitness equipment, child care services, groceries, pet insurance, and discounts on travel, movies, theme parks, and more.

Examples:

Sam’s Club one-year membership for $19.99.
Up to 20% off Spot Pet Insurance.
$1,000 Off LasikPlus.

Contact us for a list of all the current available perks and download the LifePerks flyer to learn more.

Plus, Member Perks offer virtual dentistry, free wellness resources, oral health product discounts, LASIK and hearing aid discounts, and more. For details, download the Member Perks flyer.

Contact us today for a 2024 Delta Dental quote.

Resources

Elevate Your Smile flyer.
Get to Know The Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier Networks video.
Delta Dental Small Business Program brochure.
Delta Dental’s SBP plan comparison.

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

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.