WellCare: Declared Special Enrollment Period for Kentucky

/in , /by

Special Enrollment Period: Kentucky Emergency Declaration – Inclement Weather, Flooding

Please be advised that a state of emergency was declared, impacting the individuals in all Kentucky counties. This declaration allows for a one-time Special Enrollment Period (SEP), in the event beneficiaries were unable to make an election during another qualifying election period. Please reference the following guidelines for the incident period. This SEP applies to all the impacted counties in Kentucky.

Important Compliance Information

Who is eligible:

This SEP opportunity is ONLY available to beneficiaries who:

• Reside, or resided at the start of the SEP eligibility period described in this guidance, in an area for which a federal, state or local government entity has declared a disaster or other emergency or they do not reside in an affected area but rely on help making healthcare decisions from one or more individuals who reside in an affected area; and
• Were eligible for another election period at the time of the SEP eligibility period, and;
• Did not make an election during that other valid election period due to the disaster or other emergency.

Details:
Impacted Counties: All Counties

Incident Period: The incident period occurred on December 31, 2021. The declaration was announced on January 1, 2022.

Timeframe: Effective immediately, individuals meeting the requirements listed above can enroll, dis-enroll, or switch MAPD plans until March 31, 2022.

*Note: Eligible enrollments will be effective the first of the month after the application has been processed.

Reminders:
Agents can accept/submit an application by the beneficiary’s request through the following steps:
1. Obtain a compliant Consent to Contact (C2C).
2. Capture a compliant Scope of Appointment (SOA).
3. Host a compliant 1:1 appointment.
4. If the beneficiary is prepared to enroll, complete an application noting this SEP, either by selecting the “Emergency or Major Disaster” option or writing “Severe Weather” in the “Other” option. WARNING! Only select one election type.

Centene will communicate any changes to this SEP, if necessary, when they become available.

 

Tech Tip: Keep Devices and Software Up to Date

/in , /by

You know that little pop-up prompting you to restart your computer for a software update? The one that only seems to come up when you’re in the middle of something important? As annoying as it may seem, this notification is actually a valuable asset to your cybersecurity. So, before you click the “Later” option, let’s take a closer look!

What is a software update?
A software update is a new and improved version of a program, application, or operating system that you are already using. The update may include new features, bug fixes, or important security patches.
Why are updates important for cybersecurity?

Do you ever wonder how secure the programs installed on your device are? Cybercriminals do. They look for cracks in the security of programs and use these vulnerabilities to gain access to your device. With this access, they could enable a keylogger to track what you type, steal confidential information, or even install ransomware to lock you out of your files and demand payment for access. Developers help prevent this by fixing vulnerabilities as soon as possible. These fixes are included in software updates. Meaning, the longer you wait to install the update, the longer your system is at risk.

How do I check for software updates?
Any device that runs software, be it a computer, tablet, or even a smart tv, can release updates. Most software will prompt you when an update is available, but it’s good practice to check periodically. Here is a general guide to checking for updates on common platforms:

Mac System Updates (for macOS Catalina)
1. Open the Apple menu and select About this Mac.
2. Click Software Updates….
3. If any are available, you will have the option to install it.

Windows System Updates (for Windows 10)
1. Open the start menu and select Settings.
2. Select Update & Security Settings then select Windows Update.
3. Click Check for Updates. If any are available, you will have the option to install it.

iOS Updates
1. Open the Settings app and tap General.
2. Tap Software Update.
3. If any are available, you will have the option to install it.

Android Updates (for most devices running Android 10 or higher)
1. Open the Settings app and go to the System section.
2. Tap About Phone. (If this is not an option, skip to step 3.)
3. Tap System Updates.
4. Tap Check for Update. If any are available, you will have the option to install it.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Please consult the user manual or online support for your specific device.

AultCare: New Payment Option for Prime Time Members

/in , /by

Sourced from AultCare Broker Bulletin on 12/29/21:

We are excited to announce a new, convenient payment feature for Primetime Health Plan and PrimeTime Choices’ members. As of Dec. 15, 2021, we implemented automated payment phone lines members can call to check their balance and make payments.

 

As you share this information with members, please advise them they will need to have their member ID number, date of birth, and zip code readily available. Acceptable forms of payment are Mastercard, Visa, and Discover. The phone numbers are listed below.

 

PrimeTime Health Plan 330-286-6067
PrimeTime Choices 330-286-6068

Aetna OH Network Update: Negotiations with Trinity – Mount Carmel Health System

/in , /by

Sourced from Aetna Broker Communication on 12/22/21:

Network Update                

December 22, 2021

       

Update on negotiations with Trinity – Mount Carmel Health System – OH

Highlights

As promised, we are keeping you informed on the progress made during Aetna’s negotiations with Trinity – Mount Carmel Health System – OH. This update, and the ones that follow, will supplement the original network communication you received on 10/26/2021. We will keep you informed of updates until negotiations are complete and/or concluded.

Update #

Date of Update

Update Description

2

12/22/2021

Negotiations were to be concluded and continue with a positive tone for Trinity nationally as well as in the local markets.

Trinity has made a slight modification to one state fee schedule and due to the holidays, we have been given an extension until 2/15/2022 to finalize the contracts with Trinity.

1

11/09/2021

Trinity Health has provided Aetna with a contract extension to 1/31/22 – for the Commercial and Medicare products.

The parties agree to continue to work through the local market negotiations and memorialize the terms and conditions of a new National LOA over the next several weeks.   This National LOA will memorialize the new national template contract language, the respective rate increases for the respective markets and a commitment to utilize a Trinity-specific national contract template for all of their Trinity Ministries by January 1, 2023 or sooner.

Aetna and Trinity Health have signed a contract extension, assuring continued in-network access for its members in NY, OH, MI, and IL.  We’re pleased that our members will be able to continue receiving in-network care from their hospitals and doctors with the intent to limit further disruption during open enrollment.

Trinity Health extended the termination date of the following NY, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan hospitals to 1/31/22:

  • Samaritan (Troy)
  • Samaritan / Albany Memorial (Albany)
  • St. Josephs (Syracuse)
  • Mt. Carmel East Hospital (Columbus)
  • Mt. Carmel New Albany Surgical Hospital (New Albany)
  • Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital (Westerville)
  • Mt. Carmel Health System Grove City (Grove City)
  • Diley Ridge Medical Center (Canal Winchester)
  • Loyola University Medical Center (Chicago)
  • MacNeal Hospital (Chicago)
  • Gottlieb Hospital (Chicago)
  • Mercy St. Mary (Grand Rapid)
  • MHP Mercy Campus (Muskegon)
  • MHP Hackley
  • Lakeshore (Shelby)
  • St. Joseph Mercy (Chelsea)
  • St. Joseph Mercy (Ann Arbor)
  • St. Joseph Mercy (Oakland)
  • St. Mary Mercy (Livonia)
  • St. Joseph Mercy (Livingston)

We appreciate your support in this matter, as we continue to try to address the rising cost of health care services for Central Ohio area employers and residents.  We will continue to keep you informed of any changes in our local network.

 

If you have questions regarding Aetna’s Ohio network, please contact your CSM representative.

Devoted Health HRA Update – 12/20/21

/in , /by

Sourced from Devoted Health Broker Communication on 12/20/21:

 

If you have any questions regarding Devoted HRA’s please contact your Cornerstone Senior Marketing rep.

 

 

Cigna News: New AMPLIFY Agent Dashboard To Track HRA Submissions

/in , /by

Sourced from Cigna Broker Communication from 12/20/21:

As we continue to upgrade your experience when facilitating health risk assessments (HRAs) with your customers, today we’re making it easier to keep track of your submission history with our new dashboard.

When you log in to your Amplify account, you will see a dashboard. Select the phone book icon in the left navigation panel to add a new enrollee or view your HRA submission history. You can search and filter the list or export it into an Excel spreadsheet.

A one-page guide* is available on Producers’ University under Sale>Sales Aids. Scroll to the bottom and click on Value Based Enrollment-Amplify Agent Dashboard.

Still haven’t completed training to facilitate HRAs with your customers? Simply log in to Producers University and click My Learning to complete the training and to begin earning $75 for each HRA.

 

Questions? Reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative 

MedicareCENTER Update: Anthem MA & MAPD HRA’s On MedicareLINK (SunFire)

/in , /by

Anthem MA and MAPD Health Risk Assessments (HRA) are now available in MedicareLINK (SunFire)!

SunFire and Anthem have furthered their strategic partnership by expanding HRA’s within the SunFire platform. Agents are now able to complete HRA’s for eligible MA and MAPD enrollments directly in the SunFire platform. HRA’s can be accessed directly at the end of the enrollment or through enrollment reporting.

HRA’s are available to be completed up until 3/30/2022 for any 1/1/2022 effective enrollments. All of these past enrollments can be accessed through the second entry point as described below.

 

FINDING THE HRA

 

If you have any questions or concerns on this new update within MedicareLINK, please contact your CSM representative.

 

Mutual of Omaha: Important New EFT Direct Deposit Requirements Effective 2/1/2022

/in , /by

Sourced from Mutual of Omaha’s broker email communication from 12/15/21: 

Get Ready!

Effective February 1, 2022, Mutual of Omaha will require an electronic deposit for all commission payments. Enrolling in EFT will get you paid in a more timely, secure, and convenient manner with no checks needing to be deposited. Once compensation totals more than $25, we will send an electronic payment directly to the bank that is in your profile on Sales Professional Access.

Failure to enroll in EFT will result in your commissions being delayed and will be paid annually in January following the end of a calendar year.

 

CLICK HERE TO READ COMPLETE EFT INSRUCTIONS FROM MUTUAL OF OMAHA

 

 

Anthem Ohio News: 2022 Member ID Cards & Non-SNP Medicare Advantage HRA Bonus

/in , /by

Sourced from Anthem Broker Communication from 12/14/21:

We would first like to acknowledge that our friends and families in Western KY are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. When things like this happen it makes us all stop and think about what is really important and to be grateful for the things that we have. We are doing outreach to all of our brokers in Western KY to see how we can help. If anyone on this email needs anything, please let us know.

 

Now that AEP is behind us, we want to thank all our broker partners for finishing strong and putting up some great numbers for Kentucky. We appreciate all your hard work and we can’t thank you enough.

Here is what is included in your Ohio News:

  • ID cards and when to expect them.
  • HRA for Non-DSNP members eff 1/1/2022

 

Member ID Cards 2022: What To Expect

For 2022 plan effective dates, based on product availability and selection, our members can receive up to four different member Identification (ID) cards as follows:

  1. Member ID card: to be used for all medical services
  2. OTC card: to be used to purchase over-the-counter products at specific retailers
  3. Healthy Groceries: A monthly grocery allowance that can be used to purchase healthy grocery items.
  4. Flex Account –An annual allowance that a member can use to extend their supplemental coverage for dental, vision, and hearing.

 

When will the member receive their cards? On certain plans, some of the benefits included in Essential Extras/Everyday Extras for 2022 are embedded supplemental benefits. Please review specific plan documentation for more details and lists of specific plans.

 

Member ID Card:

  • New members will receive their ID card and either a Welcome Guide or a Checklist in their Welcome Kit that is mailed to the member approximately 10 days after their enrollment is confirmed.
  • Existing members MAY receive a new ID card.  Existing members with plan benefit changes (copay amount, phone number, etc.) can expect to receive a new card late November or early December.

OTC Card:

  • New and Existing members – Members will receive their ID card in their 2022 OTC Welcome kit along with the catalog. No activation is required.
  • New members enrolling during AEP will receive their OTC card and product catalog by 1/1/2022. If enrolling after AEP, they will receive it approximately 4 weeks after their enrollment  date.
  • Example of Kroger OTC card below (for Kroger branded plans). Reminder, OTC can be used at both Kroger AND Walmart in store.

Grocery Card:

  • If pre-certification IS NOT required (DSNP Plans) – The Grocery Card should arrive prior to the member’s enrollment effective date. No activation is required
  • If pre-certification IS required – Essential Extras/Kroger HMO & PPO – The Grocery Card should arrive within 5 weeks from initial request. Member must call in to request this benefit.

Flex Card:

  • Essential Extras/Everyday Extras – The Flex Card should arrive in about 3 weeks from initial request.

 

Earn EXTRA CASH While Building Relationships with Your New Non-SNP Members

OEP is just around the corner. As promised, beginning January 1, 2022, you can earn an extra $50 for the completion and submission of a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) for members enrolled in a NEW Non-SNP Medicare Advantage (MA) plan for January 1, 2022 effective dates and beyond.

You read that right! During OEP, from January 1 through March 31, when following up with your NEW Non-SNP members who enrolled and are effective January 1, 2022 and beyond, simply help them complete the Non-SNP HRA and you’ll receive an additional $50.

 

Be on the lookout for a separate email communication that includes the following details:

  • Ways to submit the Non-SNP HRA
  • Talking Points for OEP check-in calls leading to the completion of an HRA
  • Payment process and timing of payment

 

 

We appreciate your support and commitment to us during this selling season and thank you for your dedication to our members.

 

 

Integrity News: Integrity Announces Strategic Investment from Silver Lake to Accelerate Growth

/in , /by

DALLAS – DECEMBER 9, 2021 – Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity” or “Company”), an omnichannel insurtech leader in life, health and wealth solutions, today announced a new strategic investment of $1.2 billion led by Silver Lake, the global leader in technology investing, for a minority stake in Integrity. Integrity’s founders, management and employees will continue to be the majority shareholders of the Company. Harvest Partners will remain the largest institutional investor, along with HGGC as a significant investor.

This partnership with the leading global technology investment firm is aimed at accelerating the ongoing development and implementation of Integrity’s innovative, one-of-a-kind omnichannel insurtech platform. In connection with this investment, Silver Lake will gain a seat on Integrity’s Board of Directors and will collaborate with Integrity’s leadership and partners on strategic initiatives to accelerate the Company’s organic growth initiatives.

 

READ FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE