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.

Humana Bundling Bonus Extended to January 2024 Effective Dates

Posted October 2, 2023 by Lori Berson

Dental Bundling Bonus

Humana has extended its Dental Bundling Bonus to include initial effective dates of coverage through January 31, 2024. To earn a bonus, sell a new Humana dental plan alongside at least one additional specialty line of coverage with the same employer group.

Groups with 5-49 eligible enrolled employees (must be at least 5 enrolled):
– $200 bonus for dental + $100 for vision + $100 for life + $300 for disability coverage.
Groups with 50+ eligible enrolled employees:
– $300 bonus for dental + $200 for vision + $100 for life + $500 for disability coverage.

Specialty Lines of Coverage

Group Term Life (Including AD&D)
Group Term Supplemental Life (Including AD&D)
Group Vision (Including Voluntary Vision)
Group Dental (Including Voluntary Dental)

To learn more, download the Dental Bundling Bonus flyer.

Specialty Growth Bonus

Intended for specialty lines of coverage of all sizes, the Humana Specialty Growth Bonus is paid once annually, within 60 days after the January 31, 2024 program end date.

2023 Enhancements

Earn new business points for each specialty line renewed with clients that currently have medical coverage. Those renewed lines will still count in your premium persistency calculation in your Specialty Growth Bonus payment.
New business points increased from .5 to 1 point per line of coverage for <10 enrolled employees.
Bonus percentage increased from 4% to 5% for plans with <25 insured lives for producers that achieve “Peak” persistency and are at the “Elite” compensation level.

Bonus Program Highlights

Tiered structure allows you to earn more as you climb to the next level.
Opportunities for selling new and retaining existing business – and for case sizes big and small.
Rewarded for multi-line sales year-over-year so you don’t have to start fresh each year.
Earn up to 7% book of business revenue.

Eligible Products

Group Term Life (Including AD&D)
Group Term Voluntary/Supplemental Life (Including AD&D)
Group Vision (Including Voluntary Vision)
Group Dental (Including Voluntary Dental)

To learn more, download the Specialty Growth Bonus flyer.

Contact us today for a Humana quote and take advantage of the bonus programs.

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.

Beam Benefits – New Disability Product

Posted October 2, 2023 by Lori Berson

With Beam’s new disability plans, powered by The Hartford, you can easily offer employers flexible, best-in-class comprehensive disability coverage. Available for groups of 2-100 eligible employees, these guaranteed issue plans offer members income protection if they’re unable to work for an extended period of time due to an illness or injury. Benefits begin after 90 or 180 days and last through the duration of the disability or until the Social Security Normal Retirement Age (SSNRA).

Key Features

100% employer-paid or 100% employee-paid plan options.
Ability to customize plan designs including benefit percentages, maximums, elimination period, and more.
No medical underwriting is required if enrolling upon initial eligibility.
Value-added services include the Ability Assist® Employee Assistance Program (EAP), HealthChampion®, identity theft support, and travel assistance.

To learn more, download these flyers:

With quoting available for October 1, 2023 effective dates, now is the time to create customized disability benefits packages tailored to meet your client’s needs and budget.

Contact us today for a Beam Benefits 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.

Ease – Employee Navigator Early Adopter Program

Posted October 2, 2023 by Lori Berson

Employee Navigator has announced new training sessions for the Early Adopter Program. This voluntary program allows brokers to gain familiarity with Employee Navigator (EN) and will not affect your Ease subscription. Multiple brokers from your agency are encouraged to participate.

To get started with Employee Navigator:

Complete the online form prior to October 12th to add EN to your Ease subscription.
Only one person from your organization should submit the licensing request form, since EN will create a single license for your organization. Processing can take up to 5 business days.
Register for a training session. Attend either the online training or in-person training – you need only attend one.
Online training registration.
– Sessions are Thursday, October 12th and Friday, October 13th from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm PT.
In-person training registration. (Limited to 100 people and has a $100 fee per attendee.)
– Sessions are Thursday, October 19th, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Friday, October 20th, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (with an optional educational lab to get one-on-one instruction from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm).
– Location: 5280 Corporate Drive C-Wing Conference Center, Frederick, Maryland 21703
Complete the DocuSign amendment to gain Employee Navigator access.
Finish the one-hour self-guided course to optimize your training time.

For details, visit the Employee Navigator Knowledge Base.

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.

Claremont Welcomes Pauline Gonzalez

Posted September 18, 2023 by Lori Berson

We are pleased to welcome Pauline Gonzales to our Service Team as our newest Broker Service Representative. In this role, Pauline will provide invaluable support and guidance to our clients in a variety of areas such as eligibility, enrollment, support, quoting, carrier knowledge, Ease, and more.

With over six years of experience in the small business health insurance sector, Pauline brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She most recently served as an Employee Benefits Account Manager at AssuredPartners, where she honed her skills in cultivating long-term broker and client relationships. Pauline is fluent in Spanish and brings exceptional communication skills in supporting brokers throughout the application process.

Pauline holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. This background gives her a holistic understanding of how to build successful, collaborative partnerships. In her spare time, Pauline enjoys cooking new recipes and spending time with her three children.

You can reach Pauline at pauline@claremontcompanies.com or 925.296.8819.

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.

2024 Decrease in ACA Health Plan Affordability Threshold

Posted September 18, 2023 by Lori Berson

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health plan affordability threshold for 2024 at 8.39%, a significant decrease from the 2023 figure of 9.12%.

The threshold is used in determining if Applicable Large Employers (ALE’s) health plans are considered affordable under the ACA employer mandate. This requirement does not apply to non-ALE businesses.

This is a significant reduction in the affordability threshold. Your ALE clients should be aware of the change, and may need to make changes to their health plan’s 2024 employee contribution in order to remain compliant.

For details, visit SHRM and Woodruff Sawyer, and the IRS website.

Contact us today for assistance with your ALE groups.

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.

MetLife Accident Insurance – Financial Support For The Unexpected

Posted September 18, 2023 by Lori Berson

No one expects an accident to happen, but they occur every day. When the unexpected strikes, the last thing anyone wants is added financial stress. That’s why having accident insurance is so important. With MetLife accident insurance, your clients’ employees can gain peace of mind knowing they and their families have a safety net if an unexpected injury occurs.

MetLife Accident Insurance Provides:

Coverage for about 150 unforeseen events like accidental death, hospitalization, dismemberment, loss, and paralysis.
Benefits paid directly to the insured, regardless of other medical insurance.
Lump-sum payouts to the employee to use at their discretion.
Guaranteed coverage for employees, spouses, and children up to age 26.
Portability to continue coverage if employees leave their employer.
Unmatched value with simplified solutions.

Offer your clients MetLife’s flexible, affordable accident insurance to provide their valued employees with financial support to help make their recovery less expensive and less stressful. Learn more.

Contact us today for a MetLife 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 2024 Broker Roadshow

Posted September 6, 2023 by Lori Berson

Join Blue Shield’s Small Business leadership team for their annual Broker Roadshow on September 18th at 10:30 am PT. Learn what’s new for Q1-2024, and hear about market trends, new innovations, enhancements to the broker experience, and more. This is an opportunity to gain strategic insights and connect directly with Blue Shield.

Date and Time: Monday, September 18, 2023, 10:30 am PT

Register Now

Can’t make it live? Register now and get access to the recording for 30 days after the event.

Resources

COVID-19 Resources

Contact us today for a Blue Shield 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 Announces Major Pharmacy Benefits Revamp

Posted August 21, 2023 by Lori Berson

Blue Shield of California has announced a major revamp in its approach to pharmacy benefits. By 2025, Blue Shield will significantly reduce its ties with CVS Health’s PBM services. Instead, it will partner with Amazon Pharmacy, Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company, and other firms to bring about potential massive savings and enhanced services for its customers. Here’s a high-level summary of the news, what it means for you, and some links to additional resources.

High-Level Summary

Blue Shield is projecting approximately $500 million in annual savings on drug costs by making this move.
Amazon Pharmacy will introduce fast and free at-home drug delivery and 24/7 pharmacist access.
Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company will provide a simple, transparent, and more affordable pricing model, reducing surprise drug costs at the pharmacy pick-up counter.
CVS will retain its role in managing Blue Shield’s specialty pharmacy services.

What This Means For You

No immediate Impact. This change will come into effect in 2025, so your Blue Shield clients and their employees will not be affected just now.
Stay informed. The announcement is big news in the industry. Many of your clients and their employees will hear about it. Familiarize yourself and stay current on this development so that you can answer any questions from your clients.
Be the go-to advisor for your clients and prospects. The cost and availability of prescription drugs is a consistent pain point for your clients. With this change, Blue Shield is tackling the problem head on. Use this as a discussion point in your sales conversations about pharmacy benefits.

We will continue to keep you updated on this development. Contact us with any questions at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Additional Resources

Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield’s New Partners

Contact us today for a Blue Shield quote.

Small Business Incentive Program

Reminders

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.

Blue Shield of California – Instant Digital ID Cards

Posted August 21, 2023 by Lori Berson

You can now conveniently access and download digital member ID cards directly through Broker Connection.

To Access Digital ID Cards:

Log into Broker Connection.
Click “Get ID Card” at the top of the page.
Select your line of business (Individual & Family, Medicare, or Small Business) to access your Client List.
Search for your client’s name.
Click “Get ID Card.”
Select coverage type: Medical, Dental, Vision.
Choose a delivery method: download, email, or Member Portal (includes instructions to help your clients access their ID card).

The ID cards are provided as downloadable PDFs for immediate use. This self-service feature is one of many convenient online tools now available on Broker Connection.

Contact us today for a Blue Shield quote.

Small Business Incentive Program

Reminders

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.