West Virginia University To Acquire The Health Plan

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WVU Health System’s acquisition to make it an integrated financing/delivery network

West Virginia University Health System is taking the first steps toward becoming an integrated health care financing and delivery system with Tuesday’s announcement it would merge with a Wheeling, West Virginia-based insurer.

Financial terms of the deal between WVU Health System, also known as WVU Medicine, and managed-care provider The Health Plan, weren’t disclosed. The Health Plan would become a subsidiary of WVU Health System as a nonprofit corporation.

An integrated financing and delivery system puts under one system both the payor and provider of health care similar in structure to UPMC, which owns its own insurance division, as well as Highmark Health, which owns insurer Highmark and the Allegheny Health Network. It’s a model that is increasingly employed elsewhere in the country, including Geisinger in the central part of Pennsylvania.

“By aligning and integrating our two organizations and by leveraging our respective expertise in a more coordinated fashion, we can deliver better outcomes to the people of West Virginia,” said WVU Health System President and CEO Albert L. Wright Jr. in a statement Tuesday. “The Health Plan will also continue to build collaborative, value-based partnerships with other health systems and independent providers in West Virginia.”

WVU Medicine is a powerhouse in West Virginia, based in Morgantown and including hospitals throughout West Virginia. It’s also is in the midst of a growth spurt, including the building of a new children’s tower and other facilities in Morgantown, and it’s expanding in Pennsylvania, including a facility just over the border into Waynesburg as well as a potential affiliation with Uniontown Hospital.

The Health Plan began operations in 1979 and has licenses in West Virginia’s 55 counties as well as a 36-county area in Ohio. As of 2017, it had 400 employees and four offices in Ohio and West Virginia. It offers a wide range of insurance options, including HMOs, PPOs, point-of-service and self-funded health plans. The Health Plan’s market share in group health in West Virginia was 7 percent with coverage of 20,024 lives, according to a West Virginia state report in 2017.

Medicare Center LIVE Training in Cleveland

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Cornerstone Senior Marketing is hosting a live training event in our Cleveland office to review our online enrollment platform, Medicare Center! Hosted by Matt Fry and Jaime Lebron, they will go over how to use the platform in length and discuss updates for AEP 2020.

 

WHEN: Thursday Sept 19

TIME: 10:00  am – 12:00 pm

LOCATION: CSM Cleveland Office

4500 Rockside Road Suite 330

Independence, OH 44131

 

RSVP to Danielle Flesch @ Danielle.Flesch@cornerstoneseniormarketing.com

Integrity News: Acquisition of American Investment Strategies in Ohio

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Integrity Marketing Group’s Momentum Continues with Acquisition of American Investment Strategies

21st August, 2019

DALLAS — August 21, 2019 — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products to the Senior Market, today announced it has acquired American Investment Strategies (“AIS”), an insurance marketing organization headquartered in Ohio. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

AIS serves the Midwest as a leading independent insurance marketing organization, providing a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products, including Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Long-Term Care options for the Senior Market.

“AIS has a proven track record of understanding and developing solutions that address the needs of Seniors in the Midwest. It’s a real honor for them to join Integrity,” said Bryan W. Adams, Co-Founder & CEO of Integrity.

“It’s clear that Bryan and the whole Integrity team share our commitment to agent success,” said Craig Kuhr, owner, American Investment Strategies. “Not only will our agents have immediate access to the best products and value-add services the industry can offer, but Integrity’s support will help develop the lasting relationships and trust that will drive their continued success.”

“Craig, Doug, and Danny built a business putting Agents first. Now that we’re on the same platform we have the potential to unlock some enormous opportunities,” added Tim Shook, Vice President of Integrity’s Cornerstone Senior Marketing.

About Integrity Marketing Group
Integrity Marketing Group, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is the nation’s leading independent distributor of life and health insurance products focused on serving the Senior Market. Integrity develops and distributes life and health insurance products with insurance carrier partners and markets these products through its distribution network, which includes other large insurance agencies throughout the country and over 215,000 independent agents. Integrity’s 500 employees serve almost 4 million clients. In 2019, Integrity will help insurance carriers place over $2 billion in new premium.

Anthem Ohio’s MA Network is Growing

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Anthem’s Medicare Advantage Network Now Includes OhioHealth!

Network strength and security are important factors when  clients shop for a new Medicare plan— and they deserve nothing but the best. That’s why Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is always adding quality providers.

You and your clients will both be pleased to know that, as of 9/1/2019, OhioHealth is now part of the Anthem Medicare Advantage network in Ohio.

 

Expanded network = more provider choices for your clients.

When clients have the flexibility to choose doctors and facilities that suit their particular health needs and personal preferences, that’s a big win for them and you. Through this new partnership, they’ll get access to the quality, affordable care they’re looking for.

Spread the word. Reap the rewards.

Anthem’s expanded network demonstrates their ongoing commitment to improving people’s health—and ensuring your success by giving them what they want in a health plan.

 

If you have any questions, reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing rep.

MeridianCare/Wellcare Agent Events | September

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MeridianCare/WellCare are hosting agent product lunch meetings all throughout the state of Ohio in September.

Please RSVP below to one of the locations near you!

Greater Cincinnati

September 9 Launch Meeting 10AM Indiana Wesleyan University: 9286 Schulze Dr, West Chester, OH

September 17 Launch Meeting 10AM Indiana Wesleyan University: 9286 Schulze Dr, West Chester, OH

 

Greater Cleveland

September 10 Launch Meeting 10AM Indiana Wesleyan University: 4100 Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 

September 19 Launch Meeting 10AM Indiana Wesleyan University: 4100 Rockside Rd, Independence, OH

 

Toledo

September 18 Launch Meeting 10AM Holiday Inn Express & Suites: 12710 Roachton Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551

 

If you have any questions, please contact your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative.

Tech Tip: Look Before You Book, or You’ll Cry After You Buy

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If you’re planning a trip soon, there are some things you should consider. For starters, is that dirt cheap flight to Tokyo too good to be true? Probably so, especially when the booking site also offers a boatload of other deals at shocking, unbeatable prices – who does that? A scam artist looking to take your money, that’s who. For this reason, you need to learn how to sniff out these “too good to be true” offers. To help you out, here are some tips:

  • Go official: Book a trip directly with an airline or hotel, or through a reputable agent/tour operator.
  • Do your research: Do a thorough online search to ensure the company is legitimate. Are there very few pictures of the business’ property, or unfavorable reviews? If they’re suspect, other people may have posted their negative experience to warn others.
  • Stay safe online: If sent a deal via social media or email, be very cautious and think before you click! The link may direct you to a malicious site. Make sure to pay special attention to the website name and domain. You may notice small changes in the name or domain – such as going from .com to .ru, which can direct you to a completely different company.
  • Pay safe: Don’t pay in cash, via bank transfer (MoneyWise, Western Union), or virtual currencies like Bitcoin. These payment methods are hard to trace and are non-refundable! Instead, pay with a credit card. Also, check that the website uses a padlock icon (https) on the address bar, indicating it’s secure.
  • Check the small print: Check that the website offers terms and conditions, a refund policy, and a privacy policy.
  • Use your instincts: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Report it: Keep all of the evidence and report it to your local authorities right away.

Use these tips to help avoid becoming the next victim of a scam. Remember, always look before you book. Otherwise, you’ll cry after you buy.

Let’s stay safe out there!

Anthem 2020 Product Training & AEP Updates

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It’s that time of year and the push to get ready for AEP is kicking into high gear. Anthem has a lot of great things going on in the Ohio market and  want to make sure you don’t overlook anything. Please read all updates below and register for one of their product training roadshows.

2020 Anthem BCBS Product Training – ATTENTION ALL AGENTS! This is the one class that Anthem asks you to attend each year.

You will need to RSVP for an event at https://www.anthembrokerconnection.com/home

August 27th, Columbus

August 28th, Toledo

August 29th, Cincinnati

September 4th, Cleveland

September 5th, Youngstown

September 6th, Akron/Canton

September 10th, Dayton

September 18th, Columbus

September 19th, Cincinnati

September 24th, Dayton

September 26th, Cleveland

 

2020 Certification Details

Getting Started

  • Visit http://www.medicaremegastar.com/  for details on this year’s Medicare Megastar Contest with the link to “Get Certified”
  • If you were certified last year, please use the “Sign In” section.
    • Your user ID is your email address OR your National Producer Number (NPN)
    • If you forgot your user ID or password, there are links below to regain access
    • It will ask you for an access code. Please use External-SelfReg and it must be typed EXACTLY as is it appears here.
    • It will take approximately 8-10 hours to complete re-certification.
  • If you are new to getting certified this year, please use the box on the right that says “First Time Visitor”
  • It will ask you for an access code. Please use External-SelfReg and it must be typed EXACTLY as is it appears here.
  • It will take approximately 14-16 hours to complete the entire training.

 

  • Please complete your certification by August 30th so you can pre-order your 2019 Enrollment Sales Kits!

IN ORDER TO SELL MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AND/OR PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS for 2020, YOU MUST COMPLETE CERTIFICATION for 2020.

YOU MUST BE THE ONE WHO COMPLETES THIS CERTIFICATION, NOT AN ADMIN OR ANY OTHER PERSON.

 

2020 Sales Kit Ordering – Once you have completed your certification, you will receive an email from Anthem within 48 hours. This email will contain your log in and password for Custompoint – where you can order your sales kits. The site is now open to order 2020 sales kits. If your orders are placed by Aug 30th, they will be delivered to you no later than Oct 1st.

 

Anthem BCBS Agent Business cards:

Anthem Giveaways and Apparel:

  • Check out this website: Anthem Promo Store
  • You will be able to browse before purchasing. However, Anthem suggests clicking on the link “My Account” and setting up a profile before you shop.
  • Please use your initials as the purchase order number

 

Looking to Do Online Enrollments? Anthem has some exciting enhancements coming to MProducer. Their online application process is as simple as taking a picture of the Scope of Appointment and signing a signature with a stylus or mouse! Are you looking for an easier way to submit applications other than faxing? Register for a demonstration webinar below:

Friday, August 23rd at 9:30 AM Eastern

Register at https://www.anthembrokerconnection.com/home

www.mproducer.anthem.com

 

Medicare Supplements

  • Plan F can be sold through 12/1 effective dates
  • Anthem Extras can be sold with supplement plans to provide dental and vision coverage
  • Anthem currently has  a bonus contest for 09/01, 10/1, 11/1, and 12/1 effective dates. You can make big $$$!!

 

Helpful Hint: Department of Insurance & NIPR Contracting Info

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As more carriers start to pull some of your information from the Department of Insurance and NIPR websites for contracting requirements, it is important to make sure this information is up-to-date! 

For instance, if you have not updated your business address & phone number, this incorrect information will be pulled over to the carrier you are appointing with.  Also, if you no longer work with a certain agency, but the State Department of Insurance shows that you do, it will still link you with that agency.

Please take the time to keep your information current and reach out to us if you have any questions- We are here to help!

Wellcare Product Launch Meetings, CE Classes & Kick Offs: Michigan

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SAVE THE DATES!

Fenton

September 4 Launch Meeting 10AM Fenton Community Center 150 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI

September 4 CE Ethics Class 12:30PM Fenton Community Center 150 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI

 

Troy

September 5 Launch Meeting 10AM Troy Community Center 3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI

September 5 CE Ethics Class 12:30PM Troy Community Center 3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI

September 18 Launch Meeting 10AM Troy Community Center 3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI

 

Grand Rapids

September 9 Launch Meeting 10AM Salvation Army Kroc Center 2500 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI

September 19 Launch Meeting 10AM Salvation Army Kroc Center 2500 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI

 

Novi

September 11 Launch Meeting 10AM Novi Civic Center 45175 W 10 Mile Rd, Novi, MI

September 11 CE Ethics Class 12:30PM Novi Civic Center 45175 W 10 Mile Rd, Novi, MI

September 20 Launch Meeting 1PM Novi Civic Center 45175 W 10 Mile Rd, Novi, MI

 

Kick Offs

September 24 West Michigan Kick Off 6PM Noto’s Old World Italian Dining 6600 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI

September 25 Detroit Kick Off 6PM The Westin Southfield Detroit 1500 Town Center, Southfield, MI

 

If you have any questions or to register email meridiancareevents@mhplan.com

Target Leads Webinar: Lead Training with Don Runge

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Target Leads is offering a FREE training webinar to prepare you for a successful AEP season! Session will be presented by Lead Guru, Don Runge.

Don will be offering his training expertise on three important topics: How to Get More Appointments; Overcoming Objections; and Closing the Sale.

Don has over 40 years experience and has consulted with over 30 insurance companies, IMO’s FMO’s and agencies evaluating, modifying and building total recruiting and lead prospecting programs. He is truly the Lead Guru!

 

The webinar will be held Thursday August 8th at 10:00am Central Time.

 

To register for this FREE webinar, courtesy of TargetLeads, CLICK HERE.