TECH TIP: Company Size Doesn’t Matter

Think hackers are only trying to target large corporations for their cyber attacks? Think again! If you are an employee of a small to medium size business, you may have an even bigger bulls-eye placed on you by hackers.

Smaller businesses have recently become a bigger target for cyber attacks because the hackers know that they likely have fewer defense resources in place. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, one in five small businesses falls victim to cyber crime each year. And of those, some 60 percent go out of business within six months of an attack.

Remember these tips to stay safe:

  • Never provide your password to anyone. Use complex passwords, and use different ones for each of your online accounts or programs.
  • Check for red flags in emails to tip you off that the sender may not be legitimate. Check domain names carefully.
  • Don’t open any email attachments if you don’t know exactly why you received them or what they contain.
  • When in doubt, throw it out. Hit that delete button.

Remember, you are the last line of defense to prevent a cyber attack. You are the key to keeping the “human firewall” strong for your organization, no matter the size.

Let’s stay safe out there!   Stop, Look, and Think.

NAHU’s Annual Convention 2019

NAHU’s 2019 Annual Convention in San Diego, from June 29-July 2, promises to be the most innovative, productive and fun meeting you’ve ever attended.

For example, on Saturday, June 29, Personal and Professional Development Day kicks off with a Health and Wellness Assembly, a morning devoted to improving your personal health and well-being. A lineup of innovative speakers will clarify what works and how it fits into daily life in a sustainable and integrative way. Be sure to arrive on Friday, June 28, as Saturday kicks off at 8:00 am and you won’t want to miss a thing!

Want to rise above your competitors? Saturday afternoon features an exciting new format that will deliver ideas you can implement in your business now. From retaining today’s new workforce and buying or selling your agency, to data transparency and alternative healthcare management, this cutting-edge program will provide fresh ideas that can be turned into practical solutions for your business.

An expanded Medicare Extreme! returns with proven practices and important trends on changes in Medicare, technology solutions, growing your business with group Medicare sales and more.

The day concludes with a Welcome Reception in The Marketplace, your opportunity to visit with a variety of vendors and network with colleagues.

 

For more information on the convention click here

MeridianCare Compliance Updates

As Meridian continues their integration with WellCare they would like to inform everyone of a new process. Starting May 1st, 2019 any grievance or CTM that is filed against an agent will now be investigated by the WellCare Compliance Investigation Unit (CIU).

Below are a few important things to know about the change:

  • Lizeth Villa will now be conducting the investigation directly (contact information below)
  • During her investigation she will be reaching out to both the member and the agent
  • She will make three phone call attempts to reach the agent at different times to obtain a response
  • If she does not reach the agent after the third attempt then it will be a founded complaint against the agent

Any compliance concerns can still be directed to Agentoversight@mhplan.com

Lizeth Villa  |  313-324-3700 ext. 21461  |  Compliance Investigator

 

If you have any questions please reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing Sales Representative.

TECH TIP: Confidential/Sensitive Information Handling

Confidential, Top Secret, Sensitive, For Internal Use Only
These terms apply to information both hard-copy and electronic that should be handled with care.
A lot of times, these designations apply to intellectual property, trade secrets, and security configurations.

Listed below are several things to keep in mind when dealing with confidential information.

Shred, Shred, Shred
Someone may hand you documents, or you may print out a file or email containing sensitive information.
Make sure that when you are done with it, that you shred-shred-shred these files instead of just placing them in the trash.
Things to keep in mind: Leaving printed files in the printer tray, meeting handouts, printed emails.
– Attackers will go through the trash and dumpsters to obtain these sensitive documents.

Tidy up
Take a look around your desk or office… how many documents do you have out and available for someone to grab, or view?
Be sure to keep a tidy workplace: put files away in locked drawers when not in use.
Would you leave the keys to your house outside the front door at night, or inside, locked away?
– Bad guys have been known to impersonate maintenance staff and cleaning crews to grab files off of desks after hours

Data and Files – Encryption and Secure deletion
Does your company give you a laptop to use? Is the data on that laptop encrypted? What about USB (thumb) drives that contain company files… are those encrypted? What would happen if that laptop or USB drive were to go missing, or even stolen? All those files could easily be read, copied, sold etc. Consider using encryption on sensitive files wherever they may be located. It becomes very difficult for attackers to read them if they are encrypted.

Sensitive information is the holy grail of an organization. If it were to be stolen or lost, the company is at risk of losing value, may suffer fines, and even public embarrassment. Treat your company’s data like you would your own social security number, credit card information, or healthcare information: with great care.

Let’s stay safe out there! Stop, Look, and Think.

Oak Street Health Joins Aetna Medicare Provider Network in MI

Aetna/CVS Health is excited to announce the addition of all Oak Street Health locations to their Southeast Michigan provider network. Effective April 1, 2019, they’re part of Aetna’s existing relationship with Oak Street Health of Chicago, for all Medicare Advantage products.

Aetna Medicare plans offer hometown health care that’s focused on your clients. Aetna works with Oak Street Health to:

  • Address total health needs
  • Make care convenient and effective
  • Maximize Medicare plan benefits

Oak Street Hospital locations in Southeast Michigan:

Cherry Hill
27155 Cherry Hill Rd
Inkster, MI

Hazel Park
1142 E. 9 Mile Rd.
Hazel Park, MI
Jefferson Village
11260 E. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI

Rosedale Park
18610 Fenkell Ave.
Detroit, MI 

Southgate
13667 Eureka Rd.
Southgate, MI

Need help finding in-network providers?

Don’t forget, Aetna Medicare members have in-network access to over 600,000 PCP/Specialists and 2,900 hospitals across the U.S.

Want a complete list of network providers (including Oak Street Health locations)? Just visit: aetnamedicare.com/findprovider.

 

If you have any questions please reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative.

Centene/Allwell & Wellcare Agreement Update

Centene is pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WellCare. The combination of these businesses will create a premier healthcare enterprise focused on government-sponsored healthcare programs and a leader in Medicaid, Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Like Centene, WellCare believes that affordable and quality healthcare is best delivered locally. WellCare brings to Centene a high-quality Medicare platform, increases their exposure to government-sponsored healthcare solutions through its Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, and further extends their robust Medicaid offerings. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare serves more than 5.5 million members nationwide.

Centene takes the lead to build on their competitive strengths and serve the government partners, providers and members.

Some highlights about the combined company:

  • Centene would serve approximately 22 million members across all 50 states, making them the leader in government-sponsored healthcare.
  • Centene will be better positioned to serve members with increased scale and more comprehensive and differentiated solutions to meet their needs.
  • Centene will benefit from leveraging their growing position in the Health Insurance Marketplace to new markets.
  • They will continue investing in technology and programs for the benefit of all stakeholders.
  • Centene will continue to focus on leading the market with affordable, high-quality, culturally-sensitive healthcare services and enhancing robust efforts to address the social determinants of health.

Planning for Integration

Centene expects to complete this transaction in the first half of 2020, subject to various closing conditions, including regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Both Centene and WellCare have proven track records in executing these kinds of strategic transactions. While this acquisition is in large part about growth and realizing the benefits of our enhanced scale, it will also be about using their combined strengths, especially in markets where both operate.

Next Steps: Business as Usual

Importantly, until the closing of this transaction, Centene and WellCare will continue to operate as independent companies.

 

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative.

Dental Care Plus Group Merger with DentaQuest

DCPG has entered into a merger agreement with DentaQuest, a key player in the standalone dental insurance industry. In case you missed the announcement from Rebecca Hetzer, Executive Director of Sales, Established Business and Marketing, read it here.

A few highlights to share:

  • DCPG, as a DentaQuest company, will continue to operate business as usual – remaining dedicated to providing the high-touch service our clients have come to expect and appreciate.
  • DentaQuest is growing their commercial group insurance business as part of their mission to improve the Oral Health of All. Acquiring companies like DCPG is part of this strategy.
  • There are no immediate plans to change our network, service model or current operations. These are among the attributes that made DCPG such an ideal addition to DentaQuest’s offering.

If you have any questions please reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing Sales representative.

Wellcare Health Plans Inc Agreed To Combine with Centene

Wellcare Update: Wellcare Health Plans, Inc. has agreed to combine with Centene. While the transaction is not expected to close until the first half of 2020, you may have questions about what this means for you. At this time there are still many questions that Wellcare will not be in a position to answer, but it is important for you to know that nothing will change for now and Wellcare is confident the combination will benefit everyone over the long-term.

For further questions, please download the FAQ.

If you have any questions please reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative.