Anthem Medicare 2020: Important Info & Updates

Anthem is hosting a few more 2020 Product Training sessions below!

10/8/2019 10 am 2020 Product Training Click Here to Join
10/9/2019 9 am 2020 Product Training Click Here to Join

To RSVP for an event or if you have questions, please contact your Regional Sales Manager below or reach out to our Agent Services Team. Just call 1-800-633-4368 or email medicareagentsupport@anthem.com.  Learn more about the variety of broker events and networking opportunities near you by visiting www.anthembrokerconnection.com.*

Anthem 2020 Important Updates 

DSNP-HMO MAPD Updates and Reminders:

  • New Brokers will have the ability to validate DSNP eligibility from within mProducer.
  • New Added 4 New Essential Extras Benefits (See Below / Attachment)
  • New Minimal Plan Changes but huge addition of Ingenio RX (See Below)
  • Hearing Benefit
    • You sell this on the following: $3000 first dollar coverage on HMO and DSNP plans, newer technology including iPhone and Bluetooth compatible devices, 30 day free trial, 1 year warranty, and 12 months of free batteries!
    • The 2020 carrier will be Hearing Care Solutions and their website to search for providers is http://www.hearingcaresolutions.com/locations/
    • Member calls 800 number to locate provider and schedule appointment
    • They must use an in-network provider

Personal Emergency Response System

  • HMO and DSNP have this benefit.
  • No cost for set up or monthly fees!
  • GPS enabled device available
  • 3 different units to choose from and anyone can request, no medical necessity required

 

  • Meals after Inpatient Hospital Stay
  • 2 meals a day for 10 days after EVERY inpatient hospital stay
  • Discharge must be from hospital to home
  • Benefit is triggered by case manager who contacts Anthem

 

  • OTC

New OTC catalogs will be sent with OTC card. Existing members will also receive a new OTC card and catalog.

 Silver Sneakers is on all Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans!!

 

mProducer Updates- https://mproducer.anthem.com

  1. Can obtain a paper application and submit later on mProducer, eliminating fax and email.  This process will save you time and energy during AEP.
  2. New Short applications will be available via mProducer for Anthem’s existing clients.  The system will automatically recognize the members MBI and will result in less fields to be completed by the agent.  Optional Supplemental Benefits can be added on this form.  Like to like plan changes only, MAPD to MAPD, Medicare Supplement not included.
  3. New MBI “checker” is now embedded in mProducer.  If your entry does not match the correct format you will get a notification and will not be able to proceed.  This will drastically reduce pended applications due to incorrect information.  HICN will no longer be acceptable on applications for 2020 effective dates.
  4. New DSNP eligibility will also include the last time the member used LIS as their SEP to change products.  No more guessing if the member has a SEP available for the current quarter, just login to mProducer and check.
  5. New MACRA-Applicants who are not eligible for the Plan F in 2020 will not be able to be submitted via mProducer.  The system will implement CMS rules and prevent you from applying for members who are not eligible.
  6. New Application Status Tracker – Will provide start to finish updates on all applications submitted.  Submitted status all the way through Welcome Kit and ID card being sent can be tracked.  Missing information from applications can be uploaded directly from the tracker if application was submitted electronically.  MAPD products only, Med Supp coming 2/1/2020.

Why submit Electronic Enrollments with mProducer?

  1. Efficiency (increasing your capacity)
  2. Reduced Processing Time
  3. Fewer Errors
  4. Doctor Finder Embedded
  5. DSNP Eligibility Verification

 

10 Essential Extras (All HMO/DSNP products)  

  1. Selection Form will be included on the application, member does not have to select at point of sale but is highly recommended.
  2. Current members will automatically retain the same benefit from 2019, if they would like to change have them contact customer support number on the back of their card.
  3. If the benefit overlaps with a plan benefit the member will exhaust the plans benefit first, i.e. transportation.
  4. Member can change benefits one time annually as long as they have not utilized the benefit.
  5. Retaining the six current EE offerings; adding four more to make it give the member the choice of 10 options
    1. Healthy Food Deliveries- 16 meals for 4 months, total of 64 meals for the year. BMI >25, BMI < 18.5 or A1C > 9 to qualify.  GA Foods is the vendor.
    2. Transportation- 60 one-way trips per year.  Will transport to all plan covered benefits, Silver Sneakers locations, pharmacy, or any other benefit included in the plan.
    3. Personal Home Helper- up to 124 hours per year.  Non skilled services only not medical professionals.  Cooking, cleaning and personal care duties are most common.
    4. Assistive Devices-$500 allowance from catalog, administered through Walmart.  Can be ordered on CustomPoint.  https://custompoint.rrd.com/xs2/prelogin?CMPID=1064&qwerty=19091802
    5. Day Center Visits- 1 day per week, up to 8 hours per day.  Member must lack at least 2 ADLs.  Reimbursement of up to $80 per day.
    6. Alternative Medicine- Therapeutic massage or acupuncture, up to 24 visits per year.  Members must utilize ASH network, provider search link below:  https://www.ashlink.com/ASH/public/applications/providersearch/default.aspx

If you have a provider interested in being added to the network please have them contact ASH at (800)-972-4226.

    1. New Healthy Nutrition- Up to 8 dietary consultations to educate members on proper nutrition.  Will lead to specific food being delivered to the member that fits their health needs.  Will be shipped directly from Kroger.  Groceries will not be fresh foods that have short shelf life. Examples include; pasta, granola bars and other nonperishable items. Member must need a change in diet to improve health to qualify.  Anthem may communicate with member’s physician if needed.
    2. New Service Dog Support- $500 annual allowance.  Food and supplies for ADA service dogs.  Administered by Walmart via catalog or online.  Will not include vet costs, dog training costs, and the actual cost of the dog.
    3. New Pest Control- Quarterly routine preventive or 1-time eradication of infestation.  Terminex is the vendor.  Must qualify for 1/15 Chronic conditions.  Document attached to better explain.
    4. New Active Lifestyle & Wellness Device- 1 device every other year.  A Fitbit type of device to track and promote healthy lifestyle.  No precertification required.

 

Medicare Community Resource Support Benefit

A telephone based program used to identify needs, leverage resources and coordinate services for members and providers by providing specific medical or health related education and leveraging local community based services.   This benefit can help members with non-health related needs such as paying a utility bill, household expenses, legal aid and much more.  If your member is having trouble with any aspect of their life, they can reach out to our customer service team and get connected with help from their local community through Anthem’s partnerships.

 

New Medicare Community Resource Outreach

An in-person, community-based program that hosts new member orientations, benefit training sessions and other events where we can assist members directly. Members can learn about community resources available and meet new people.   They also will have the opportunity to access individual support needed.  To access this benefit, Members can call Customer Service at the number listed on the back of their ID card and ask for information about MCRO events in their area.   They may also receive notification about events in their area through the contact information they have provided us.

Ingenio RX-Replacing Express Scripts for 2020

  1. Improves affordability for our members.
  2. Provides a more seamless member experience.  Anthem will leverage our provider relationships to ensure confident, informed decision making which will lead to better health of your members.
  3. Simplified, consistent, and coordinated experience for the member.
  4. Will help in keeping MAPD benefits consistent by driving total costs down.
  5. 24/7 access pharmacy via toll free number on the back of their membership card.
  6. Electronic Prior Authorizations.
  7. Active mail-order and specialty scripts will automatically transfer 1/1/2020. Member’s will need to update is their financial information.  Anthem is not legally able to transfer this information. Communications will go out to members.
  8. Stand-alone PDP products offered as low as $18.90 monthly.  Lowering the premiums on existing PDP products offered.

Medicare Supplement

  1. Will continue to provide full  Silver Sneakers program.
  2. Discounts up to $48 per year for EFT or annual payment.
  3. Household discount of 5% available.
  4. 21% commission for years 1-6.
  5. Aggressive bonus program, increasing for first quarter of 2020.

Monthly bonus. Great to utilize in renewing your current clients and resetting that clock or for all of those 1/1 effectives during AEP. Do as many as you can in 1 month and earn major bucks.  (Flier attached to email)

3-4 sales $150 extra per application

5-9 sales $200 extra per application

10+ sales $250 extra per application (no cap)

  1. Great brand recognition, stable and realistically priced.  Don’t be fooled by companies offering premiums that are not sustainable for your members.  Poor pricing will lead to drastic increasing forcing a tough decision down the road for you and your member.
  2. Ingenio RX will offer a package deal for your MS clients.  We all know most clients prefer simple, so one carrier will deliver that in 2020.
  3. No aging increase at renewal for members who are 81+.

Provider Finder Tips

  1. Use the “shop” website for the most updated version. https://shop.anthem.com/medicare/standalonetools/find-doctor?state=IN&brand=ABCBS&role=consumer&locale=en_US
  2. The  Search Radius has been expanded to 25 Miles.  This will cast a bigger net, making sure you don’t miss any contracted doctors. You still have the option to narrow the radius or expand it to 50 miles.
  3. Change “Provider Specialty” = “All Specialties”.  This will ensure you search all contracted doctors.  Sometimes doctors can be listed under different categories than your client is referencing.
  4. Updated to recognize names that sound familiar to your search.  This is a positive change that will help you find doctors when your clients may be pronouncing them incorrectly.
  5. Please send us any provider recommendations.  It is our goal to keep our Doctor Finder as up-to-date as possible but I need your help.  I am asking for your help in this category so we can offer not only a competitive product but also a very robust network.
  6. HMO members are allowed to utilize KY, IN and OH HMO providers. The Ohio hospital flier is attached. All state hospital fliers can be found in CustomPoint.

Miscellaneous

  1. 2020 marketing pieces are available to order in the Sales Toolkit. These pieces are available to you in quantities of 200 each per month at no cost. Personalize each piece by uploading your photo and contact information.
  2. New A Temporary Proof of Membership form is provided in the Sales Kit after the application. The form includes RX bin information and can be left with the soon-to-be new member. The back of the form provides helpful contact numbers. Please note that enrollment is subject to Medicare approval.

Dental Care Plus AEP Broker Bonus Program

Dental Care Plus is offering a broker bonus program just in time for AEP! Sell individual dental plans between 11/1/19 and 2/1/2020 and get a cash bonus!!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

JUST A REMINDER…. DCP OFFERS BROKERS:

  • 10% commission on new sales and renewals.
  • Email notifications on new sales and renewals.
  • Designated individual product consultants to handle questions.

Questions? Reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative today

CSM Fax Line Down on 9/26/19

Cornerstone Senior Marketing recently discovered our 513-629-9379 fax line was down on Thursday Sept 26, 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

If you faxed any material over to us that day to the number above, please re-submit a copy of the fax to us at

513-629-9379 or email it to medicareapps@cornerstoneseniormarketing.com.

Thank you for your patience! 

Tech Tip: Hovering Over Links

How can you tell if an email is safe? Even if you catch red flags in an email, such as typos or poor grammar, an urgent demeanor, or even a spoofed domain, how can you truly decipher the safety of an email?

An immediate step you can take is to watch out for one of the most critical tell-tale signs of a phishing email—a mismatched or fake URL.

Why is hovering important? What can it do for you?
Hovering not only allows you a moment to think before proceeding, it allows you the opportunity to see where a link is going to redirect you. This is especially important because not all links lead to where they appear, or insinuate they’ll go.

When you hover, check for the following to ensure you’re staying safe and secure:

  • If the email appears to be coming from a company, does the hover link match the website of the sender?
  • Does link have a misspelling of a well-known website (Such as Micorsoft.com)?
  • Does the link redirect to a suspicious external domain appearing to look like the sender’s domain(i.e., micorsoft-support.com rather than microsoft.com)?
  • Does the hover link show a URL that does not match where the context of the email claims it will take you?
  • Do you recognize the link’s address or did you even expect to receive the link?
  • Did you receive a blank email with long hyperlinks and no further information or context?

If you notice anything about the email that alarms you, do not click links, open attachments, or even reply. If everything seems okay, but you’re still not sure–verify! Ask your IT team or leadership if the email is legitimate before proceeding.

Remember, you are the last line of defense to prevent cyber criminals from succeeding and making you or your company susceptible to an attack.

 

Let’s stay safe out there!

Anthem 2020 Enrollment Freeze Update

No Enrollment Freeze for KY or WI for 2020 with Anthem!

Cornerstone Senior Marketing recieved confirmation there will NOT be an enrollment freeze in Kentucky or Wisconsin for plan year 2020.

Quick Reminder: Anthem is expanding into 17 NEW KY Counties for 2020! Carroll, Estill, Floyd, Fulton, Hickman, Larue, Letcher, Martin, Mason, Metcalfe, Morgan, Nicholas, Owsley, Pike, Simpson, Trimble, and Union.

 

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

Humana’s NEW Medicare Supplement Product: ACHIEVE

Introducing Humana Achieve: premium coverage that’s affordably-priced.

Humana’s Achieve is a plan that offers many of the same benefits as Humana’s premier line of products at a great value!

Approved States:

New business will be accepted for Georgia and South Carolina effective immediately with an effective date of October 1 or later. This will be available via the Humana Fast App for business submission and agents holding appointments in these states can begin ordering supplies. Below you will find the Outline of Coverage available for download for both Georgia and South Carolina.

As new states become available (OH & KY), Humana will notify agents in those states and update the Humana Achieve Medicare Supplement coverage maps.

Georgia Application

 

Georgia Outline of Coverage

 

South Carolina Application

 

South Carolina Outline of Coverage

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

NAIC Phishing Scam Alert: Please Read!

Cornerstone Senior Marketing would like to inform you of a phishing email scam that is being addressed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The scam is targeting insurance producers regarding a falsified insurance claim related to their company that has been submitted to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Full statement taken from NAIC’s Website:

We are aware of a phishing scam targeting insurance producers regarding a falsified insurance claim related to their company that has been submitted to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This fraudulent email displays the NAIC and CIPR logo , can originate from a gmail account and asks the recipient to click on a link to download the complaint notification. 

Certain anti-virus products will detect this is a malicious email, but if you receive a similar email and have any concerns contact the NAIC Service Desk at 816.783.8500 or help@naic.org.

 

View sample email from an actual broker

 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact your Cornerstone Senior Marketing Sales representative. 

 

Securely Collect & Save Scope of Appointments this AEP with CSG!

CSG Actuarial has created an Electronic Scope of Appointment Form (eSOA) and Document Locker allowing you to securely capture and store your SOAs in one location.

LEARN MORE HERE

WATCH TUTORIAL

Save and Manage Your Electronic Documents in One Place

Our Document Locker repository creates a seamless experience for you and the consumer during the first step in MA and PDP quoting process. You benefit from not only having an integrated solution, but also having a standards-compliant electronic storage and recovery repository for the Scope of Appointment forms.

In-person or Email
Signature Processes

Upload Existing Paper SOAs
& Other Documents

Document Retention
to Compliance Standard

 

Don’t have access to CSG? Click here to request an account!

West Virginia University To Acquire The Health Plan

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

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