AgencyActionAlert
AGENCY ACTION ALERT FOR JULY 1, 2015
  
This week's Agency Action Alert covers the following topics: 
  • 51-100 groups can extend their time in large group plans with the 2015 Advance Option
  • Requests for new appointments must use the most current appointment packet
  • New system to order supplies uses same username and password as old system
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GROUP UPDATE

51-100 groups can extend their time in large group plans with the 2015 Advance Option

 

Highmark is offering groups with 51-100 total employees the option to end their current contract and begin a new contract Oct. 1, 2015, to extend the amount of time they can keep their existing large group plan. 


Why we are offering this option

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) states that all groups of 1-100 will be defined as small groups starting January 2016. Highmark is offering groups the option to end their current contract and begin a new contract Oct. 1, 2015, so they can keep the plan they know and trust through Sept. 30, 2017. 


For many groups, keeping their current plan as long as possible is the best option for their employees.

 

How it works

Highmark is allowing groups with 51-100 total employees to end their current contract and begin a new contract Oct. 1, 2015, which allows them to grandmother their plan on their Oct. 1, 2016, renewal, and keep that plan until Sept. 30, 2017. At that point, they must switch to a small group ACA plan. 

 

Please note the following important details: 

  1. By re-contracting with Highmark, these groups can keep their current plans, but all benefits (such as deductibles, coinsurance, accumulators, etc.) will reset as of Oct. 1, 2015.
     
  2. Highmark requires that your client confirms, in writing (via a form provided by your Highmark client manager), that its ERISA plan year and newly established policy year coincide. Prior to completing the form, your client will need to consult with his/her legal and tax consultant. See page 3 of the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. 

Special offer for to keep current rates 

By electing to re-contract with Highmark for an Oct. 1, 2015, effective date, the following groups with 51-100 total employees can keep/match their current plan (resetting their benefits as of Oct. 1) and keep their current rates:

  • July-December 2015 renewals 
  • July-September 2015 new business (i.e. keep their recent Highmark sold rates for the Oct. 1 re-contract)
Please note: Additional information will be forthcoming for January-June 2015 existing clients.

Please see these Frequently Asked Questions for more information.


If you have any questions, please contact your Highmark client manager.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
Requests for new appointments must use the most current appointment packet

Highmark will no longer be accepting paperwork using the old appointment packet. The new documentation has been in place since January 2015, and must be used going forward for all appointment requests.

The appointment packet can be downloaded anytime from the Resources section of the producer portal, by simply searching for "appointment."

Download the new appointment packet now

MARKETING UPDATE
New system to order supplies uses same username and password as old system
 
Highmark is using a new system for ordering marketing supplies. Producers can still access the ordering site by logging in to the producer portal, and then selecting the "Order Supplies" link in the Resources section. Users will be directed to use their old username and password, if they were set up as a user of the old system. Users will also see:
  • A form to request access to the ordering system for new users
  • A training guide on using the new ordering system
  • A help line phone number for any questions
If you have any additional questions, please contact your Highmark client manager.