WellCare: EFT/ACH Vendor Payment Postponed

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WellCare communication from 10/26/20:

WellCare’s transition to a new broker payment vendor is delayed. Originally the transition was to take place on October 30, 2020; now, it will take place on November 13, 2020.

  • The first payout using the new vendor will take place on November 13, 2020.
  • You will continue to receive payment through our existing process and vendor until the transition is completed.

There will be no interruption in broker payments, as we transition to the new broker payment vendor.

 

If you have any questions, please contact your CSM service representative. 

Devoted Health’s Exciting Details on Ohio Plans

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Devoted Health Message from 10/26/2020:

We are here to support you every step of the way, here is some key info about 2021 Devoted Health Medicare HMO plans in Ohio, update on Star Rating scores and quick access to our resources.

2021 Ohio Plans

We are excited to offer our plans to 13 NEW counties in Metro Cleveland, Sandusky and Akron/Canton Ohio this year including Saver HMO plan which includes a $50 Part B buydown!

Benefit Highlight of the Week

We are proud to offer very competitive plans this year to our members and we think they’ll be particularly excited about (in addition to our top-notch Guides dedicated to “holding the hands” of Moms and Dads through this process):

  1. 0 copay for Tiers 1 and 2 prescription drugs and through the gap on Core and Prime 
  2. $120 / Quarter on OTC benefits on Core and Prime 
  3. Wellness Bucks for use towards health & wellness items and services, like personal fitness or activity fitness trackers (e.g. Apple Watch, Fitbit) $150 on Core and Prime, and $300 per year on Saver!
  4. $0 SilverSneakers membership on all plans

Unsure of which plan is best for a prospect?  Below are general guidance on our 4 types of plans and additional benefits that set us apart and here are Extra Help charts: 

Key Provider Partner Highlight

  1. Unity Health Network: leading physician-led organization recognized for moving toward value over volume
  2. Northern Ohio Medical Specialists (NOMS): multi-specialty practice dedicated to delivering excellent care to patients while growing into one of the largest independent physician organizations in the region 

 

Did you know?

 Early results prove Devoted Health’s ability to deliver excellent care. For 2021, Devoted Health’s Florida Contract earned a 5 Star Part D Summary Rating. We are too new to be measured for the overall Star Rating from Medicare for 2021.  Our high-touch clinical programs ensure that members get the medications and care they need. 

* Visit https://www.medicare.gov for more information on Star Ratings. Star Ratings are based on 5 Stars. Star Ratings are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next.

 

Quick Resources 

Cornerstone’s AEP Submitting Applications Guide- DOWNLOAD NOW!

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There’s so much to do this time of year, and making sure your application is accepted the first time around is very important.  Please review the guidance and tips below.  Also, please download the Application Submission Reference Sheet for quick access to the carrier specific fax numbers, and where applicable, email accounts, to submit non-electronic enrollments.

 

DOWNLOAD AEP SUBMITTING APPLICATION GUIDE

Anthem DSNP Broker Bonus!

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Connect Your New D-SNP Members to the Support They Need While Earning EXTRA CASH!

Great News! Beginning with 11/1/2020 effectives, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will reimburse brokers $50 for their time and effort to complete and electronically submit Health Risk Assessments for new members enrolling in a D-SNP plan.

Completing a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is an important part of helping Anthem connect your new D-SNP members with the support and care they need. It only takes a few minutes to complete!

It’s fast and easy to submit your new D-SNP member’s application and Health Risk Assessment through mProducer!

Here’s How It Works:*

  • Each HRA must be completed and electronically submitted at the point of sale along with the application.
  • Reimbursement payments of $50 per HRA will be processed once the new D-SNP application is approved and the new member is active.
  • HRA completions for current members moving to or switching between D-SNP plans are not eligible for payment.
  • Reimbursement payments will be included in commission statements.

*Reimbursement for HRA completion will be paid to the writing agent identified on the enrollment application within 60 days of the policy’s effective date. Reimbursement payments will only be paid for new D-SNP policies in participating plans sold with 11/1/2020 and beyond effective dates

Anthem Reminder: Commission Change to PDP Enhanced Plans for 1/1/21 effective dates

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Reminder: Commission Change to PDP Enhanced Plans

Personal Producing Agent (PPA) commission schedules for 2021 Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) were distributed in August 2020.  Recent business decision will result in changes to the previously distributed schedules.

Beginning with policy effective dates of January 1, 2021 and beyond, there will be no base commission paid on new sales or plan changes for PDP Enhanced plans in all applicable states.  All other PDP plans will continue to pay commission as previously communicated.  Additionally, Anthem will continue to pay commissions on Enhanced Plans sold prior to January 1, 2021 policy effective dates.

This change is necessary as we continue to make every effort to deliver strong service to our PDP members and prospects.  Click here to view the revised PPA commission schedule.

Questions?

Please reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing Rep – we’re here to assist with any questions you may have regarding this Anthem Broker notice

Western Untied Assurance Company Discontinuing in Ohio

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Western United Life Assurance Company (WULA) is discontinuing the states below due to the launch of ManhattanLife Assurance Company (MAC).

  1. IL
  2. MS
  3. OH

View document for Ohio agents. 

All active agents should have received a Discontinuance notification if in a state that is being withdrawn VIA email.  It indicated the dates that business can be submitted until it is pulled.

 

For Recruiting purposes, the online system is being updated to no longer shows these states as an option EFFECTIVE 10-20-20.

 

As of today, 10-19-20:

 

  • If a link was sent to an agent prior to this email and the agent submits today or after, the contract will only be processed if they submitted with a state that is available.
  • If a request for an add on state is received we will only process if that state is available.
  • If a new contract or add on state is received/requested that cannot be processed due to a withdrawn state(s), we will close out and notify with normal procedures.
  • If a contract change has been submitted or is received today or after, we will only process the states that are available.  To help avoid delays, please check with the agent that is requesting the change that they hold a valid license for the state(s) that are available and indicate the states they want processed..

 

If an EXISTING agent has business to write in one of these withdrawn states and it is not currently added to their contract, they should be able to complete an E-App on the Manhattan/WULA Website until the state is pulled. Please do not request the state to be added, the carrier will advise AIMC in this situation.

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Kapp, Cornerstone’s Proprietary Products Sales Director.

Anthem AEP 2021 Success Tips

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AEP is finally here! Anthem provided tips below to ensure you have a SUCCESSFUL and STRESS-FREE season!

Submission of  Applications

When submitting your enrollment applications, Anthem offers many options. Electronic submission of applications is the preferred method.  However, you can check on the status of both electronic and paper submissions using Producer Toolbox and going to Menu > Applications.

 

Electronic Submission

  • Using mProducer, you can take applications on-line, capture electronic Scope of Appointment forms, and never touch a piece of paper!  Access mProducer directly at https://mproducer.anthem.com or from the Producer Toolbox by clicking on Tools & Resources and then selecting the mProducer link.  mProducer also allows you to transfer your applications to your client, and validates your application entries to reduce the chance your application will be pended for additional information.  It will also show you the reasons why an application is pended, and allows you to respond electronically.

 

Paper Applications

  • You may still submit applications via mail or fax.  However, these means of submission are typically associated with higher pend rates and slower turnaround time, and do not provide you with the option to respond to requests for information online like you can when using mProducer.

 

Application Reminders:

  • Remember “CACL:” Clean, Accurate, Complete & Legible applications will ensure timelier processing.
  • Avoid submitting duplicate applications for the same person.
  • P.O. Box may be used as a mailing address but NOT as a permanent address.
  • Submit all pages.
  • Ensure all the application signatures are obtained.
  • Attach “voided” check with every bank draft request.
  • Savings accounts must be ACH certified to be eligible for bank draft.

 

Scope of Appointment Form (SOA)

It’s important to obtain an SOA in advance and to observe the intent of the SOA requirement, which is to protect potential clients from sales of unwanted products.

We would prefer you use the Anthem SOA form whenever possible; however, in situations when you may not have our form on hand, you may use another carrier’s SOA form, as long as the other carrier’s SOA form is CMS approved. To validate that an SOA form is indeed CMS approved, look for a Material ID in the lower left corner of the document with a CMS approval date.

You have two ways to record the SOA:

  • Capture an Electronic Scope of Appointment (eSOA) using mProducer.
    • Recent enhancements allow you to have the beneficiary sign the eSOA and send back to you.
  • Use a paper SOA.

 

Find a Provider

 

  • You may also access the 2021 Provider Directory by going into CustomPoint.  To locate information on applicable specialty service providers (transportation, vision, dental, acupuncture, PERS, Telemonitoring, Weight Watchers, Silver Sneakers, etc.), download the applicable Provider and Pharmacy Directory. These vendors are listed under the “OTHER PROVIDERS” section of the directory.

 

 

Sales Event Changes and Process

                When it comes to meeting with your potential clients, you have options:

  • Face-to-face interaction is one selling tool available to help you meet your individual sales goals. Whether you choose to participate is a personal decision. If you need help with evaluating your options, you should talk with your manager.
  • Should you choose not to participate in face-to-face selling, you will still have access to all of the other sales tools to help you meet our annual sales goal.
  • Medicare Sales leadership team will continue to evaluate the necessity for face-to-face interaction, when it should be implemented, when it should be utilized, and how to meet market demand.

 

Reporting Sales Events

All sales event data must be entered in the Sales Event Tracker located on the certification site. This includes both face-to-face and virtual events

  • Events must be entered more than five calendar days prior to the start date of your event. The system calculates the 5 days according to the start time of your event.
  • Confirm the date, time, and content of the event with the venue prior to reporting the event for in-person events, and reconfirm as the date of the event approaches, especially if the venue requires marketing/sales event approval.
  • Should you need to cancel or modify an event, report it as soon as possible. Event cancellations or modifications must be reported no less than two business days prior to the scheduled event in accordance with policy.
  • When entering virtual events, enter your company address or address of the location where the virtual event will be hosted. Please do not enter any URL links in the certification site.
  • All in-person events must list a physical street address as shown in Google Maps. If you are holding an event in a park or on a street corner, you must enter the address of the closest business to where you will be located and use the “venue address 2 field” to add additional details that will pinpoint your exact location.

 

Ohio Medicare Broker Team

 

Regional Sales Managers:

Beverly J Danner: 513-203-6349. Beverly.Danner@Anthem.com

Brian Wissel: 513-274-3756, Brian.Wissel@Anthem.com

Dave Embaugh: 614-361-6945, Dave.Embaugh@Anthem.com

Kristen Troesch: 614-285-2914, Kristen.Troesch@Anthem.com

Lisa Perren: 216-217-3303, Lisa.Perren@Anthem.com

Stacey Bon: 513-236-7162, Stacey.Bon@Anthem.com

 

Sales Support:

Gena Cerasuolo: 440-417-4460, Gena.Cerasuolo@Anthem.com

Kimberly Kirn: 513-391-7391, Kimberly.Kirn@Anthem.com

 

Agent & Broker Resources:

Electronic Application Submission: https://mproducer.anthem.com

Learn how to submit with mProducer: https://youtu.be/L6AKW4uO9d8

Medicare Support: (800) 633-4368 or medicareagentsupport@anthem.com

Licensing & Contracting: (877) 304-6470 or anthem.brokers@anthem.com

Commissions – 800-367- 5896 or senior_salescomp@anthem.com

Application Status Only Line – All States – 1-855-277- 6071 or seniorappstatus@wellpoint.com

Broker Training: https://www.anthembrokerconnection.com/home

Manage Your Book: https://brokerportal.anthem.com

The Health Plan Receives 4-Star Rating for 2021

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The Health Plan SecureCare (HMO) Medicare Advantage plan in Ohio and West Virginia has been recognized with a 4-Star overall rating for 2021 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)!

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system to measure how effective they are in the following areas:
• Member Satisfaction
• Provider Satisfaction
• Healthy Outcomes
• Customer Service
The Health Plan’s SecureChoice (PPO) Medicare Advantage Plan was also awarded a half-star increase to a 3.5-Star rating.

2021 Star Ratings Marketing documents:
• H3672
• H8604

 

 

Aetna: Tracking Apps & Converting Paper to E-apps

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Aetna message from 10/19/20:

Tracking your applications quickly

With everything going on during AEP, we know that timely information is important. Here are two ways to quickly stay in the know about your applications:

And if you have any questions, you can use the new live chat feature on the website.

Save time by converting your paper applications to E-Apps

Did you know that you can enter the data from the paper applications you receive into Aetna Quote & Enroll? There’s no need to fax a paper application after you’ve entered it into the tool.

By converting your paper applications to E-Apps, you can:

  • Avoid time-consuming errors
  • Have faster visibility to your application status
  • Get prompt underwriting decisions
Watch training video for Aetna Quote & Enroll 

MMO Med Supp Premium Credits Offered to Members

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Medical Mutual Issuing Premium Credits to Individual Plan and Medicare Supplement Plan Members

10/16/2020

Medical Mutual is issuing a premium credit to all members enrolled in our Individual plans (ACA, grandfathered and grandmothered) and members enrolled in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan prior to June 1, 2020. The credit reduces the members’ December medical and dental premiums by 40%.

 

While Medical Mutual has been at the forefront of offering support to our communities through our Pandemic Relief Initiative, the premium credit is meant to make that support a little more personal for our members where we can, and provide some financial relief during these challenging and uncertain times.

 

Eligible existing members in Individual ACA plans are being notified of the premium credit via letter the week of Oct. 12, 2020. These members can expect to see the premium credit when they receive their December 2020 invoice or deduction amount if the member is on autopay. Letters to eligible members in Individual grandfathered and grandmothered plans, as well Medicare Supplement insurance plans, are expected to be released the week of Oct. 19, 2020.

 

Invoices for December premiums that show the premium credit could reach members as early as Nov. 1, 2020. Information regarding Medical Mutual’s plan to offer relief to fully insured group customers will be coming soon.

 If you have questions please contact your Cornerstone Senior Representative.