MMO: Pre-Order Your MA Supplies NOW!

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Pre-orders for 2021 Medicare Advantage materials are now available in the Order Materials section of MyBrokerLink. This pre-order opportunity will close on Friday, September 11, though you will be able to continue ordering after that date. Only orders placed by September 11 will be guaranteed for arrival prior to October 1. Any orders received after September 11 will start shipping on October 1 in the order they were received.

Visit MyBrokerLink now to place your order for any materials you need for the 2021 Annual Enrollment Period, including updated pre-enrollment kits for all three regions. This year’s kits are customized to the HMO and PPO plans in each region, and include individual Summary of Benefits documents, an application specific to that region and a brochure explaining the benefits of our plans.

If you are selling in Region 1 or Region 3 , MMO expecs a majority of your sales to be in the HMO Classic, Secure and Signature plans. They recommend only ordering a few of the other HMO and PPO kits.

If you are selling in Region 2, MMO expects a majority of your sales to be in the HMO Classic plan. They recommend only ordering a few of the PPO kits.

If you are not selling in multiple regions, MMO encourages you to only order 1-2 of the kits that are outside of your service area.

If you plan to sell virtually this Annual Election Period, please attend one of MMO’s webinars. Click a link below to R.S.V.P.

MedMutual Advantage plans include:

  • $0 medical deductibles
  • $0 or low prescription drug deductibles
  • Dental and vision coverage with options for extra coverage
  • A credit to spend on over-the-counter medical supplies like bandages, aspirin and cough medicine delivered to a member’s home
  • SilverSneakers® fitness membership
  • Telemedicine visit options
  • Transportation services and home meals program after inpatient hospital stay

 

Any Questions contact your CSM representative.

Medical Mutual of Ohio July Updates: 2021 Certs and More

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Medicare July 2020 Updates
  • Medical Mutual’s 2021 Medicare Advantage certification is now available. To access the certification, follow these steps:
    • Visit MyBrokerLink and log in.
    • Go to the Sales & Quoting tab and click Medicare Advantage.
    • Select Training and Certification.
You will be required to complete the AHIP certification before the Medical Mutual modules. If you did not get certified for 2020, this certification will apply for both 2020 and 2021.
  • Medicare Advantage Online Enrollment Enhancement: MMO is continually evaluating their processes to ensure brokers can assist clients in the way they are most comfortable during COVID-19. Many agents are moving toward a no-contact approach and using tools such as Zoom to secure enrollment. If you are using Zoom or a similar program, you can secure the enrollment form with the client (applicant). You must give the applicant control to sign and complete the enrollment process. In doing so, it is MMO’s expectation that the client is driving the enrollment form, not the agent. This feature can be used for both Individual and Medicare product lines.

 

  • Effective July 1, 2020, Medical Mutual is waiving copays for in-network PCP visits and in-network lab and diagnostic testing performed on the same day as PCP visits for all Medicare Advantage members through Dec. 31, 2020. Members are receiving an email or letter telling them about the applicable change(s).

 

  • MMO recently created two Turning 65 fliers that agents can send to clients who are aging in to Medicare. View sample #1. View sample #2. If you are interested in customization, please let me know.

 

 

  • As part of MMO’s ongoing Member Health Quality campaign, they will be sending in-home Hemoglobin A1C Test kits to approximately 2,500 Medicare Advantage plan members who have been diagnosed with diabetes and are due for this screening based on prior claims.

 

  • As you know, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidance states that individuals are not permitted to be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. Please guide your clients on how to terminate their Medicare Supplement plan if they are enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medical Mutual of Ohio 2021 MAPD Certification Info

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June 24, 2020
Special Broker Update
 
2021 MAPD Certification Available Beginning June 29, 2020
Category: Training
Applies to: Medicare Advantage
It’s time to complete your Medical Mutual Medicare Advantage certification. You must complete the AHIP certification before you can access the Medical Mutual certification modules. AHIP will automatically share your certificate of completion with Medical Mutual. The Medical Mutual certification link can be found in your MyBrokerLink account under Sales & Quoting, Medicare Advantage, Training and Certification. Completion of all modules is required before you can sell Medical Mutual Medicare Advantage products for 2021. Brokers are given a $50 discount by accessing AHIP training through our Medical Mutual link.

 

Training Modules and Additional Resources
Modules can be downloaded from Web Courseworks upon module completion. These will be in PDF format. This year we combined the HMO and PPO product modules into one for a more streamlined product training experience. We want to remind you that the educational video plays at the end of the Dos & Don’ts: Formal Educational Events module. You must remain on the first slide of the video for at least one minute. We recommend watching the entire video, but you will have the option to stop the video and complete the module. This video is also posted on MyBrokerLink for future reference and use under Knowledge Center, Reference Materials, Medicare Advantage.

 

Product Highlights

  • Expanded $0 HMO approach with a new option to complement our current Classic $0
  • Secure plan now being offered in 44 counties
  • OTC and enhanced dental on more plans
  • Reduction in copays on most plans
If you have not yet certified for 2020, completion of the 2021 certification will allow you to sell for the remainder of 2020 and all of 2021.

Please watch out for upcoming product meetings in your region. Contact your Individual Account Manager with any questions.
 

MMO Broker Update

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2021 MAPD Certification Available Beginning June 29, 2020

It’s time to complete your Medical Mutual Medicare Advantage certification. You must complete the AHIP certification before you can access the Medical Mutual certification modules. AHIP will automatically share your certificate of completion with Medical Mutual. The Medical Mutual certification link can be found in your MyBrokerLink account under Sales & Quoting, Medicare Advantage, Training and Certification. Completion of all modules is required before you can sell Medical Mutual Medicare Advantage products for 2021. Brokers are given a $50 discount by accessing AHIP training through our Medical Mutual link.

Training Modules and Additional Resources
Modules can be downloaded from Web Courseworks upon module completion. These will be in PDF format. This year we combined the HMO and PPO product modules into one for a more streamlined product training experience. We want to remind you that the educational video plays at the end of the Dos & Don’ts: Formal Educational Events module. You must remain on the first slide of the video for at least one minute. We recommend watching the entire video, but you will have the option to stop the video and complete the module. This video is also posted on MyBrokerLink for future reference and use under Knowledge Center, Reference Materials, Medicare Advantage.

 

Medical Mutual May Updates

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• As a reminder, Medicare Advantage clients have access to the 24-hour nurse line which can assist with any questions about COVID-19 symptoms or other health-related issues. The nurse line is available toll free for members at 1-888-912-0636.

• Medical Mutual is taking further steps to be accommodating during the COVID-19 pandemic and is implementing a temporary solution for brokers writing Medicare Advantage plans. Effective Mar. 20, 2020, agents will be permitted to send and receive scope of appointment (SOA) consent via email. This will allow you to assist your clients in a compliant way without meeting them face to face or requiring an SOA form to be printed and mailed. Please contact your account manager for email submission template and further information.

• MedMutual Advantage members who are experiencing difficulty paying premiums or out-of-pocket healthcare costs due to COVID-19 may be referred to Centauri’s PremiumAssist program. Centauri will screen members to determine if they are eligible for financial assistance with their Medicare Advantage premiums and other medical expenses through the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), as well as any additional assistance with prescription drug costs through the Extra Help program. Centauri’s PremiumAssist program can be reached at 1-877-236-4471 (TTY 711 for hearing impaired) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST

• Effective Mar. 9, 2020, Mom’s Meals is implementing contactless delivery measures for all meals provided to MedMutual Advantage members who are being discharged from the hospital. These measures were implemented to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Details on the Mom’s Meals COVID-19 response can be found on MomsMeals.com.

• How are you communicating with your clients during this time? If you need something to talk about, remind the Medicare members of the SilverSneakers program through Medical Mutual. During this time, Medicare members can take advantage of online tools to help them stay fit, including SilverSneakers On Demand, SilverSneakers Go, as well as live Facebook events. Members can login to access these resources through SilverSneakers.com.

Medical Mutual Updates: FDA Removals & Alerts

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FDA Requests Removal of Ranitidine (Zantac) from Marketplace Due to Potential Elevated Cancer Risk
Applies to: Individual; Small Group (1-50), 51-99, 100+, MEWA; All Medicare Business
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested the withdrawal of all forms of Ranitidine (Zantac) from the U.S. market due to a determination that the NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) in some ranitidine drug products increases to an unacceptable level over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures. NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) based on results from laboratory tests.

Member Communication
Members who have recently filled a prescription for this medication will receive a letter notifying them of the FDA’s decision and recommending they talk to their doctor about alternative medications or other ways to help alleviate symptoms without medication.
 
 
FDA Issues Alert Regarding Possible EpiPen Auto-injector Malfunction and User Administration Error
Applies to: Individual; Small Group (1-50), 51-99, 100+, MEWA; All Medicare Business
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a product alert regarding potential errors with Mylan EpiPen 0.3mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15mg auto-injectors, and the authorized generic versions. These errors could either delay or prevent emergency treatment when needed.

Member Communication
A letter will be sent to members to make them aware of this issue and to provide instructions for obtaining a replacement device. There will be no cost for members or groups for replacement EpiPens.

MMO Broker Update – Telehealth/Telemedicine Coverage

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Important Clarifications on Telehealth (Telemedicine) Coverage
 
Date: March 24, 2020
Category: News
Applies to: All

In efforts to help slow the spread of the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19, health professionals and their patients may turn more frequently to the use of telehealth (telemedicine) visits. Please review the summaries below: to better understand the coverage for these services.

Telehealth (telemedicine) visits (covered by all plans)

  • Telehealth (telemedicine) visits are primarily scheduled visits between patients and healthcare providers with an established relationship, and may be handled by computer, tablet or smartphone.
  • Telehealth (telemedicine) visits are for patients needing routine care for chronic or general health conditions. They are covered just like any other medically necessary office visit.
  • They are billed with office visit codes; modifiers are not required.
  • Behavioral health visits are included.

On-demand virtual visits (covered by most plans)

  • On-demand virtual visits are a subset of telehealth (telemedicine). These types of visits typically include 24/7 virtual access to licensed healthcare professionals with whom the patients do not have an established relationship.
  • They are similar to visits to an urgent care facility and are typically needed due to an acute health issue.
  • Visits are typically covered like primary care provider visits unless otherwise specified.
  • Behavioral health visits are not covered as on-demand virtual visits.
  • Examples of plan-specific covered on-demand virtual visit providers include the Cleveland Clinic’s Express Care online services and Teladoc.

If you have any questions about telehealth (telemedicine) benefits, please contact your Cornerstone Senior Marketing Representative

 

MMO’s NEW MA Electronic SOA Now Available!

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Medicare Advantage Electronic Scope of Appointment Now Available
Date: March 20, 2020
Category: Enrollment
Applies to: Medicare AdvantageAs we all work to adapt to the ongoing coronavirus disease known as COVID-19 changes, we are implementing new, temporary business procedures to ensure that you have what you need to continue to do business. Effective immediately, you are now able to send and receive a Scope of Appointment (SOA) via email. This will help you assist your customers, while remaining compliant, without having to meet face to face or requiring a printed SOA form.

Steps for sending an electronic SOA

  1. Send your client an email with the required information. See example email here. Please note: The sections highlighted in yellow should be customized for each client before you send the email.
  2. Have your client reply to your email with “I agree” in the body copy.
  3. Once you have your client’s permission, you can send the enrollment application.
  4. Use this online enrollment guide for quick tips on how to send applications to members.
  5. Make sure you save the email correspondence, as we will be conducting random audits to ensure this process is compliant. You do not need to submit copies of the emailed SOAs unless requested.

As a reminder, you can also submit Medicare Supplement applications through the same online enrollment tool. Medicare Supplement applications do not require a SOA.

Still have questions?
Attend one of our upcoming webinars for more information on the online application process. You can also contact your individual Account Manager with any questions.

Upcoming Webinars

Tuesday March 24, 2020 at 10am
Meeting ID: 922 514 984
Join Meeting

Thursday March 26, 2020 at 10am
Meeting ID: 926 678 879
Join Meeting

Thursday March 26, 2020 at 2pm
Meeting ID: 926 005 988
Join Meeting

Contact your Account Manager

Mike Broderick
Account Manager
419-595-6366
Mike.Broderick@medmutual.com

Steve Cooley
Account Manager
614-378-4571
Steve.Cooley@medmutual.com

Jennifer Detrick-Myers
Account Manager
513-684-8199
Jennifer.Detrick-Myers@medmutual.com

Amanda McFarland
Account Manager
440.572.6367
Amanda.McFarland@MedMutual.com

Medical Mutual of Ohio’s COVID-19 Updates

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COVID-19 Coronavirus Testing Covered with No Member Cost Sharing
Applies to: All Lines of Business

To help combat the spread of COVID-19, Medical Mutual is covering all diagnostic testing for the virus, as long as it is ordered by a medical provider. We are also waiving all member cost sharing, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles for these tests.

If any self-funded group has questions or concerns with this approach or want to opt out, they should contact their Medical Mutual representative. Labor groups are required to opt-in for covering COVID-19 testing with no member cost sharing.

IRS Guidance on HSAs and COVID-19 Testing and Treatment
The IRS issued guidance on March 11, 2020, allowing pre-deductible coverage of testing for and treatment of COVID-19, as determined by the health plan. This applies to high-deductible health plans (HDHP) with health savings accounts (HSA). This means that Medical Mutual’s HDHPs with HSAs can cover COVID-19 testing and treatment without member cost sharing.

Business Continuity Assurance
Medical Mutual has a business continuity plan in place that covers a variety of incidents, including illness outbreak. Should the situation with COVID-19 warrant, we are prepared to initiate that plan for all our offices. We are confident Medical Mutual can continue to serve our members regardless of where our people are physically located.

Credible COVID-19 Resources
We are working with and will follow all guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the US Food and Drug Administration, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and other state and local public health departments in supporting our members’ needs. We encourage our customers to seek information from the following sources:

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

ODH: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus/2019-nCoV

Important information for Medical Mutual members about COVID-19 and our response is available at MedMutual.com/Coronavirus.

Medical Mutual of Ohio February Updates

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Medical Mutual of Ohio has provided some February updates and info for our brokers. Please see below:

  • SilverSneakers recently updated their College Save program; the new program is called SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards. Members will be required to create new accounts for this program, however, all previously earned points will carry over. For more details about the program update, click here.
  • Effective Feb. 1, 2020, the EyeMed network will no longer include Sears Optical, JCPenney and Stanton Optical. All Medicare Advantage members and Medicare Supplement members enrolled in the MedMutual Supplement Plus product are impacted. To review a list of alternative EyeMed provider locations, click here.
  • We mailed out all Medicare Advantage Member Kits to new and existing members on Jan. 20, 2020. All Member Kit brochures include personalized benefit information based on the member’s plan type. To view the kit, click here.
  • Medicare Advantage members and Medicare Supplement members with Supplement Plus coverage received an email notification about the new SuperDental network. This email was sent in error. The dental network for Medicare members is not changing in 2020 and remains the DenteMax network. We sent an apology email to the impacted members.

 

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