Anthem Ohio June Updates

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Sent from Anthem Ohio Reps on 6/3/20:

 

While we are slowly moving forward with more face to face meetings, we encourage you to take advantage of our electronic tools. These tools allow you to efficiently review and write our plans without the face to face interaction. As we approach AEP, this will allow you to meet with more of your current clients and free time for you to meet with new clients. Keep in mind, your RSM would love to set a time to discuss marketing plans and co-op for AEP. We appreciate your partnership.

 

 SEP extended through June 30, 2020 due to COVID-19

This SEP is for Medicare beneficiaries who were prevented from submitting a Medicare Advantage (MA/MAPD) or Prescription Drug (PDP) plan enrollment request during another valid election period due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency (declared on March 13, 2020). This includes both enrollment and disenrollment elections. This SEP

applies to beneficiaries who reside in all U.S. states and includes all Anthem brands and affiliates. In addition, the SEP is available to those individuals who rely on help from friends or family members when making healthcare decisions and those individuals were impacted by the State of Emergency. The SEP is available from the start of the incident period and continues for five full calendar months thereafter, beginning January 20, 2020, and ending June 30, 2020. Enrollments are effective the first of the month after the plan receives the enrollment request. Only those beneficiaries who did not make an election during another eligible enrollment period are eligible for this SEP. An individual can use this SEP one time for each election period they missed.

 

2021 AHIP Certification:

We have recently received inquiries on whether Anthem will require the AHIP certification course this year or whether we will accept the new NAHU course.  After focused consideration, Anthem will require the AHIP certification course this year as it is built into our Certification platform.  We will consider the NAHU course for next year and will review it by the end of this year so that we have time to assess the content.  Should we decide to accept the NAHU program for next year, then we will be able to make any modifications to our Anthem certification subject matter and build our platform to include it.

 

Agent Microsite:

Did you know you can create a personalized microsite in the Producer Toolbox. This will allow you to enroll and gather leads with no physical interaction required. You receive commissions  on all online application submissions.

  • Build an Anthem Medicare Microsite via your Broker Portal
  • Enroll and gather leads with no physical interaction required
  • Receive commissions on all online application submissions

 

Webinars:

Looking for a convenience way to learn more about Anthem’s products, resources, electronic enrollment processes? Join us for our weekly webinar series. We have a variety of topics we will be discussing throughout June, including Selling Telephonically, Medicare Social Media and Your Business, How to Create your own Anthem Microsite, and many more. You can view the list of upcoming webinars and register via the Anthem Broker Connection website at https://www.anthembrokerconnection.com/home.  (You will need to use Google Chrome web browser)

 

Did you know?

SilverSneakers has conducted a survey from their newsletter readership to provide feedback on current topics ranging from exercise to nutrition to technology during the shelter at home lockdowns.  For example, a post-pandemic survey was sent to a national sample of members active in the months leading up to stay-at-home orders, asking members to reflect on intention and speed to return to SilverSneakers locations once permitted.  Below are a few noteworthy insights from the recent surveys:

  • Social Connection: When mandated social distancing began, 27% of those surveyed were comfortable with video conferencing. Since then, 84% used video calls to connect with others.
  • Exercise: Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, 31% participated in live video exercise classes, now more than 84% of those have done an exercise class virtually.
  • Healthy Food: The crisis has changed how seniors are getting their food, as 3x as many members are using grocery delivery apps (Instacart, Amazon or local delivery) – increasing from 28% to 87% in the last month.
  • Return to SilverSneakers Locations: Of the 92% who plan to return to SilverSneakers locations once given the all-clear, 84% intend to do so within one month.

Anthem State Appointment Renewal Fee Issue

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Anthem recently sent out the request for brokers to log in to NoMoreForms to pay their OH, VA, and NV state appointment fees.  Unfortunately, NoMoreForms is experiencing an issue with their payments.  It is easy to miss as it looks like the payment is going through but you get the email below.  Problem being UNKNOWN TOKEN.  A representative with NoMoreForms they are aware of the issue and are working on a resolution.

If you have any questions reach out to your CSM rep

Anthem Med Supp Rates July 1, 2020 – Approved

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Medicare Supplement rates for July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 have been approved.  Click below to view  the Outline of Coverage and rates. Sales kits have been updated on CustomPoint and are available to order. For effective dates prior to July 1, you can continue to use the current kits.

OUTLINE OF COVERAGE & RATES

Also, Anthem has refreshed some of the underwriting guidelines in thier medicare supplement field underwriting guide. This tool is designed to assist during the application process and help determine what medical conditions would result in automatic denial of an application and when other plan options should be considered that may be better suited for the prospect — all before submitting a Med Supp application.

It is important to note that this is not a complete listing of all the medical conditions or prescribed medications that would result in an application denial. These guidelines are broker tools ONLY and are not to be shared with members or prospects. Brokers should remember that the company is the underwriter, and Anthem is not asking the broker to make underwriting decisions. If there are questions about whether or not a Med Supp application would be approved or denied due to medical underwriting, brokers/agents should submit applications as normal and allow the underwriters to manage the underwriting review process.

Finally, keep in mind Anthem’s Med Supp bonus is a great opportunity to increase your earnings. CLICK HERE TO VIEW!

Anthem – Introducing mProducer Electronic SOA Transfer

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Introducing: mProducer Electronic SOA Transfer! 

In these changing times, we have found ourselves in a situation where traditional use of mProducer w/ digital signature is not our first option. In response to that, largely due to the feedback YOU provided, a new capability has been deployed in mProducer to electronically transfer the SOA to the beneficiary to sign. 

What’s New?

  • Agents have the ability to electronically send a Scope of Appointment to the beneficiary
  • Beneficiary needs an email address and a 4 digit PIN to provide to the agent – can be any random numeric digits

When can we begin using eSOA Transfer?

This functionality was released in mProducer is available NOW!  Speak with your Cornerstone Rep for more information.

 

VIEW THE BELOW REFERENCE DOCUMENTS:

Customer ESOA:  https://cornerstoneseniormarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Customer-ESOA-StepbyStep.pdf

Producer Guide:  https://cornerstoneseniormarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mProducer-eSOA-QRG_Final-1.pdf

 

Anthem’s Limited Agent Support Center Staff

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A Message from Anthem as of 3/19/20:

During these times of change, Anthem asks that you be patient with. As of yesterday (3/19/20) California has issued a statewide shelter. Our Medicare Agent Support center is based in California. This will reduce the number of agent services representatives we have available. Wait time will be longer than normal.

To help with the wait time we ask that you use the DSNP Validation tool. Also, email issues when you can. Please add member name, id, and dob with any details you can provide.

In the wake of these unprecedented times we appreciate your patience and partnership.

 

If you have any questions please reach out to your CSM rep

Anthem advancing Med Supp comimssions starting April 2020 and more!

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Medicare Supplement commissions will be paid for 9 months in advance beginning in April.  Learn more here.

Medicare Supplement Plan offerings for Under 65 applicants.  In most cases, an under-65 applicant must apply to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan within six months of their Part B effective date, unless they have a Guaranteed Issue right.  Learn more.

Primary Care Physician Auto-Assignment – Member Impact:  Improve member satisfaction by making sure you client’s Primary Care Physician (PCP) selection is correct to avoid PCP auto-assignment.  Learn more.

Anthem, Inc. Acquires Beacon Health Options:  Joining forces enhances whole-person health care in new ways!  Learn more.

 

Anthem Ohio: Growing Your Business While Dealing with Coronavirus

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We are all navigating uncharted territories as we face new developments from the Coronavirus every day. The health and safety of Anthem’s members and you, our partner brokers, is of the utmost importance. Given the demographics of our business, these individuals are at the greatest risk. We know that potential clients may not want to meet in person until we come out the other side of this virus. This presents new challenges for how to continue to write business. To this end, Anthem is committed to share ideas with you that will assist in the ability for you to continue to provide the valued services you offer and allow our senior and dual population to obtain the coverage they need.

 

You will find a presentation on how to transfer an application to your client HERE. Anthem recently made changes to this process. The  document highlights how your client can log in to the application without having to create an account, thereby removing the cumbersome challenges with that process. Once you have transferred the application, your client will receive an email that contains a PIN number.

Please stress the importance of keeping this PIN number available. The number is required to log in to the application. Once they have written down the PIN, they click on the link to the Online Store, enter the PIN and their Date of Birth, and they are then directed to “Complete Your Application” . It is very important that at this point they select “Continue as Guest”. This will bypass the need to create an account and allows them to move immediately into the application.

Please review this document and reach out to any member of the Ohio team with questions. Also, please check www.anthembrokerconnection.com for dates of upcoming webinars where we will be reviewing the entire online application process.

 

Additionally, now is a great time to contact your existing clients and remind them that they have the ability to “visit” a physician from the comfort of their home through our LiveHealth Online benefit. Please see the below information that outlines how you can order co-branded LiveHealth Online brochures at no cost. These are great pieces to share with your existing clients. We encourage you to discuss this benefit with all prospects as well as it positions you as their health care expert who will guide them safely through the buying decision with their health as your number one priority.

 

Now more than ever is an important opportunity to promote LiveHealth® Online doctor visits

Because the health and safety of all we serve is a priority, you can help by encouraging the use of online doctor visits from home with the LiveHealth Online Flier – available NOW on the Sales Toolkit.

 

Visit the Sales Toolkit TODAY and customize the flier with your contact information. Share the flier with prospects, current clients and your community centers of influence. Reminding them of this valuable tool supports our commitment to access to care, especially for those with special needs.

 

LiveHealth Online is a safe and effective way for members to see a board-certified doctor and receive health guidance from home with a smartphone, tablet or computer-enabled web cam.

Anthem Ohio March Updates & Upcoming Training Dates

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Please see the following important information to stay in the know:

Member Retention:

  • Anthem has developed a series of emails that are designed to help you avoid member disenrollment. Maintaining your existing clients is just as important as writing new clients so these email are created with your long term success in mind. Two emails have been sent to date, How to Avoid Pended Applications and Start Your New Members Off Right With These Helpful Tips. 

MAPD:

  • Did you know that you can use mProducer to retrieve Medicare information for one of your leads?  You will receive the following Medicare information:
  • Part A Effective Date
  • Part B Effective Date
  • Current Plan (Contract code that can be Googled for the specific carrier and plan)
  • Drug Gap in Months (Number)
  • Medicare Status (relative to the proposed effective date entered)
  • Has LIS for PED (Does the client have low-income subsidy for the proposed effective date?)
  • LIS Category (1-4)
  • Date LIS SEP Used (The date that LIS was last used as an SEP)

In mProducer, click the Eligibility Check Medicare and Medicaid tile, enter required information on the Medicare Check tab, and click the Check Eligibility button.

Medicare Supplement:

  • Anthem Gave Away Almost $170,000 Extra Last Month! Their Medicare Supplement bonus program is a great opportunity to earn additional income with just 3 applications per month. This bonus is based on the effective date of the application and resets each month.
  • If you sell 3-4 approved Medicare Supplement plan enrollments, you’ll receive $150 bonus per sale!
  • If you sell 5-9 approved Medicare Supplement plan enrollments, you’ll receive $200 bonus per sale!
  • If you sell 10 or more approved Medicare Supplement plan enrollments, you’ll receive an additional $250 bonus per sale!
  • Medicare Supplement Quick Reference Guide is attached with language updated regarding waiting period.

Essential Extras:

  • When selecting Assistive Devices, the $500 benefit will be loaded to the member’s OTC card.
  • The 2020 Essential Extras packets have mail to members and contain the following:
    • Cover Letter – invites the member to look inside the brochure to understand the Essential Extras benefit
    • Essential Extras Brochure/Selection Form – Color Brochure that explains the Essential Extras benefit including a selection form to enroll in their free benefit.
    • 1557 – non-discrimination statement in threshold languages

2020 D-SNP Car Magnets Are Here!

  • The 24” x 12” car magnets (set of 2) can be attached to any flat, smooth, magnetic vehicle surface and are a great way to advertise and grow your Medicare business on-the-go. Contact your Regional Sales Manager for more information.

Training:

Please join us for our monthly webinar series. Registration is required at www.anthembrokerconnection.com. This site is not supported by Internet Explorer. Please also visit this site for a listing of CE classes and in-person training events.

Monday, March 9th – mProducer

Monday, March 23rd – Marketing Done Right

April 6th – mProducer

April 20th – Special Election Periods and Timeframes

 

Anthem Ohio Feb. Updates & Reminders

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Agent of Record (AOR) Important Reminder:

  • Agent of Record (AOR) changes will not be accepted via a form letter or typed letter. Members requesting an AOR change must send a signed, hand-written letter to Anthem Inc., either by mail, fax or email attachment.  This process applies to Medicare Supplement, Anthem Extras and Medicare Advantage policies, including Part D.The letter must include:The letter must include:
  1. The letter must include:
    1. The member’s name and policy number,
    2. The name and encrypted tax ID or agent ID of the new Agent of Record, and
    3. Must include a signature date indicated in the letter.
  2. Anthem reserves the right to contact the member in order to validate all Agent of Record changes. The AOR request may be denied due to lack of confirmation.
  3. For like-to-like plan changes, such as a change from a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan to a different MA Plan, Anthem will maintain the original Agent of Record associated with the new policy, even when a new agent submits the new application.
  4. An exception to item #3 will be made if a member specifically requests a new AOR by submitting a signed Agent of Record letter to Anthem requesting the AOR be changed. Once Anthem confirms the request from the member, the AOR change request will be honored. Remember, form letters will not be accepted.
  5. For unlike plan changes, such as a member choosing to move from a Prescription Drug Plan to an MA plan or an MA plan to a Medicare Supplement plan, the Agent of Record as indicated on the new application will be assigned as the Agent of Record for the member.

View Full AOR Article Here

 

Provider Network Updates:

  • Agreements have been reached with no lapse in network status for the following providers:
    • Emergency Medicine Phys of Cincinnati – ER group at Mercy facilities in Cincinnati
    • Emergency Medicine Phys of Cuyahoga County – ER group at Summa Health facilities
    • Memorial Health System Marietta

 

Blue View Vision Network Change Effective February 1:

  • National optical retail stores Sears Optical, JCPenney Optical and Stanton Optical will no longer be in our Blue View VisionSM eye care plan network beginning February 1, 2020. Clients with Blue View Vision still have access to more than 37,000 eye doctors at more than 25,000 locations nationwide. That includes local independent eye doctors, regional optical stores and national brand stores – Glasses.com, ContactsDirect, 1-800 CONTACTS, LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical, Eyemart Express and America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses. We’ll continue to add new providers to our vision plans throughout the year.

Medicare Supplement 6 Month Rate Guarantee:

  • In several states, Medicare Supplement premiums will not change as a result of their birthday or state approved premium changes for a minimum of six months. View flyer here.
    • The premium guarantee is available to all new enrollments with policy effective dates of 01/01/2020.

View the updated Medicare Supplement Quick Reference Guide

 

2020 Medicare 101 presentations are NOW available:

  • Educational events and one-on-one presentations are a great way to interact and build relationships with prospective members. This presentation showcases your role as a Medicare Expert and provides an easy-to-understand explanation of Medicare. The presentation is concise, compliance-approved, customizable and ideal for those events where your audience is new to Medicare.
  • The updated 2020 Medicare 101 Presentations are available in the Sales Toolkit. Just look in the MA/MAPD or Med Supp sections in the Presentation folder.
  • The presentation can be personalized (slide 35) with your contact information.
  • NOTE: Slide 1 of the presentation includes notes that are required by compliance to be mentioned during the presentation. Be sure to delete the slide before your presentation.

 

Anthem YouTube:

  • Anthem has two new short recordings for our “Anthem” YouTube site:
    • The link: (https://youtu.be/ypPgkjAgXo0)  will link to a 10 minute recorded review of basics of Understanding Low Income Subsidy. It helps to explain the difference between Low Income Subsidy (LIS) and Low Income Cost Sharing (LICS).
    • The link: (https://youtu.be/u_BOlokFo7w) reviews some of the advantages found in many of our plans as a result of our commitment to the Social Determinates of Health benefits program. It lasts approximately 14 minutes