Six years is a long time. It equals three terms in Congress, it’s enough time for 4 elephants to grow through pregnancy and delivery and it’s sadly even more time than one serves for a Class D Felony. It was also more than enough time to drastically change the face of the Health Insurance industry, change again, and plan more change in the future.
Throughout these past 6 years, what has been truly evident is our agent-partners’ commitment to remaining informed and for that, I’m grateful. Your clients also appreciate the fact that you are committed to educating yourselves with the changes ahead and staying focused on the best way to assist them. This is key as the changes ahead are uncharted.
As the law goes through changes with new ways for Employers to fund insurance products and as Pennsylvania moves toward a State Based Exchange in January 2021, the commitment to knowledge is greater than ever. I encourage you to continue to stay informed.
I remain available for any questions. I also remain thankful for your support and loyalty to not only your clients but to this industry and to URL Insurance Group.
Deb
HIGHMARK UPDATE: Client Communication Materials around Access to UPMC after July 1, 2019
On June 24, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced that Highmark and UPMC signed a new 10-year contract. Learn more.
UPMC Health Plan Legislative & Regulatory Updates for June 2019
The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury have released a final rule that will make it easier for employers to use health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) to fund premiums and out-of-pocket costs for their employees in the individual health insurance market. Learn more.
Highmark Update: Highmark and UPMC 10-year Contract; Highmark Inc. and VSP Global Announce Definitive Agreement to Purchase Visionworks of America, Inc.
Today's Highmark Update features the following topics: Highmark and UPMC 10-year Contract Producer Webinar Recap, Highmark Inc. and VSP Global Announce Definitive Agreement for VSP to Purchase Visionworks of America, Inc. Learn more.
5 Key Healthcare Issues Pending In Congress: 'New Rules' That Could Change How You Get Healthcare
In this Gallup poll from late 2018—and in almost every other national research poll on the concerns of American voters—healthcare ranks as the No. 1 issue. Learn more.
Appeals Court Seems Skeptical About Constitutionality of Obamacare Mandate
A three-judge panel heard 90 minutes of oral arguments in a closely watched case that threatens the health coverage of millions. Learn more.
Obamacare faces major court test with health benefits on the line
A federal appeals court on Tuesday will consider the fate of the Affordable Care Act, setting the stage for a major decision later this summer that could impact health care benefits for millions of Americans and supercharge debate over the law in the heat of the 2020 campaign. Learn more.
Judge nixes Trump effort to require drug prices in TV ads
A federal judge has nixed a regulation that was a centerpiece of President Donald Trump's efforts to bring down drug prices, a key priority heading into the 2020 campaign. Learn more.
Appeals court panel wrestles with challenge to Obama health law
Weighing the decision of a federal district judge to declare the entire Obamacare health system invalid, a three judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday searched for a legal path forward on the case, with a pair of more conservative judges expressing deep reservations about the requirement to buy health insurance, and whether the end of a tax penalty for failing to comply should kill the rest of the law. Learn more.
For the first time, Highmark looks to lower its Obamacare marketplace rates
For the first time, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is asking the state to decrease its Obamacare marketplace rates. Learn more.
Affordable Care Act threatened as Trump administration, GOP states fight US House, Democratic states in court
Pop quiz: The Affordable Care Act became law in 2010, was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2012 and 2015, and has survived dozens of repeal efforts in Congress. So is it finally safe? Learn more.
Trump’s plan for health-care pricing could expand this lucrative workplace benefit
President Donald Trump’s executive order to make hospital pricing more transparent could also have another unexpected benefit for consumers, experts say. Learn more.
Highmark to sell Visionworks subsidary
Highmark is selling its controlling stake in eye-care retailer Visionworks to vision services VSP Global. Learn more.
For 300,000 Highmark members, no UPMC access is part of their plan
More than 300,000 Highmark health insurance members in Western Pennsylvania will not have access to all UPMC doctors and hospitals starting July 1, despite a landmark agreement announced Monday that opened UPMC’s doors to many consumers with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield cards. Learn more.
July is Orion Referral Awareness Month
Every agent and agency can benefit from offering their clients more. Simply use Orion Concierge Referral Services and our on-staff, in-house experts will make the sale as your partner, and you will receive compensation. See exclusive events and bonus opportunities.
URL's 2020 President's Club
Check your rank! Starting April 1st you can check your first quarter rankings to see if you’re on track to join us at Hotel Bennett in charming and historic Charleston, SC. Check your rank.
7/17 Orion Referral Awareness Month: Agent Panel
Join us for a webinar on July 17th at 10am to hear from some of our top Orion-referring agents about how they leverage Orion Concierge Referral Services to expand their services and increase client loyalty. We'll discuss real life situations for each agent, provide case studies, and host live Q&A. You won't want to miss this, register now! Learn more.
7/24 Orion Referral Awareness Month: Live Q&A with URL Orion Sales Agents
Join us on July 24th at 10am for a YouTube live coffee chat with URL's Orion sales agents! We'll be answering your questions live about our Orion Concierge Referral Services. Learn more.
7/17 CPAHU Sales Summit at The Hollywood Casino
Presentation by Andy Neary "What's Your Story?", Financial Wellness CE Presented by MetLife, Presentation by Gina Dano "Dynamic Meeting Preparation". Learn more.
Health Plan Options Video Archives
