|
HCSC TX Appointment Fee Effective 1/1/2022
As a result of Texas House Bill 4030, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas will begin charging $12 per new appointment effective 1/1/2022.
Because HCSC deducts appointment fees from GoHealth’s commission statement, GoHealth will charge the appointment fee upfront with an agent’s appointment request, as we do for NM and OK appointments on the HCSC Appointment Request Form. Please note that GoHealth will be charging $12.41 as opposed to $12.00 to offset our payment processor’s fee.
You may review a copy of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas announcement here. Please feel free to contact your Account Manager with any questions.
This is neither legal nor accounting advice. If you have questions, please consult a lawyer or accountant. The information included in this post was provided by the entity referenced herein.
Wellcare | Now Available – 2022 Annual Certification Training
2022 Wellcare Annual Certification Training is now available!
2022 Annual Certification Training Details:
- One Combined ACT: Successful completion of ACT certifies you to market and sell all 2021 and 2022 Wellcare Medicare product offerings, for Allwell, Fidelis Care, Health Net, WellCare and Ascension Complete Health Plans.
- Open-Book Exam: The entire training course is available for download in PDF format located in the course Resources. The document can be searched by using the ctrl-f search function.
- Unlimited Attempts: You can take the mastery exam as many times as you would like. Remember, there is a 24 hour lockout between attempts to allow you time to study and revisit any of the training material.
- AHIP Integration: The Centene Learning Center provides real-time AHIP to ACT training availability. Complete AHIP through the Wellcare training site to access discounted pricing ($125 vs $175)
Accessing 2022 ACT:
You must reset your password for the Centene Learning Center before proceeding to AHIP and ACT (if you have not accessed the site after 5/10/2021).
Click here to access the Centene Learning Center
- Returning Users: Enter your Username and Password and click Login.
- First Time Visitors: Click on to the Create a New Account link under the First Time Visitor? section and complete registration.
- Complete 2022 AHIP Medicare Training
- Complete 2022 Wellcare ACT Journey to a Successful Season
- Complete 2022 Wellcare ACT Know Your Product
- Complete 2022 Wellcare ACT Mastery Exam
Training Resources:
- Click here for the Centene Learning Center User Guide
- Click here for Centene Learning Center password reset instructions
- Click here to view the Centene Learning Center Registration Process video
Note: Once certification training requirements are completed, please allow 48 hours for the systems to update.
This is neither legal nor accounting advice. If you have questions, please consult a lawyer or accountant. The information included in this post was provided by the entity referenced herein.
WellCare | Declared Special Enrollment Period for Michigan
Special Enrollment Period: Michigan Emergency Declaration – Severe Flooding
Please be advised that a state of emergency was declared, impacting individuals in certain Michigan 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 the impacted counties in Michigan listed below.
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 County: Wayne
Incident Period: The incident period occurred on June 25, 2021. The declaration was announced on June 25, 2021.
Timeframe: Effective immediately, individuals meeting the requirements listed above can enroll, dis-enroll, or switch MAPD plans until August 31, 2021.
*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:
- Obtain a compliant Consent to Contact (C2C).
- Capture a compliant Scope of Appointment (SOA).
- Host a compliant 1:1 appointment.
- If the beneficiary is prepared to enroll, complete an application noting this SEP
- Online application: page 1
- Paper application: page 6
- Either select option 18 indicating a natural disaster OR option 19 and write “Severe Weather” – WARNING! Only select one election type
CMS and Centene will continue to monitor the circumstances in the affected areas and will communicate any changes, if necessary.
This is neither legal nor accounting advice. If you have questions, please consult a lawyer or accountant. The information included in this post was provided by the entity referenced herein.
Humana | Required Training
Humana has asked that all agents appointed with Humana complete their “Sales Integrity Education Series – Consent to Enroll” course.
The course is 15 minutes long and requires that an agent complete an attestation after completing the course. Instructions for locating the course and completing the attestation are here.
Agents currently appointed with Humana should complete the course by the end of the day Wednesday, June 30th. Agents who become appointed with Humana in the future should complete the attestation prior to selling.
Please contact your manager with any questions, thank you for your cooperation!
This is neither legal nor accounting advice. If you have questions, please consult a lawyer or accountant. The information included in this post was provided by the entity referenced herein.
BCBSNM Producer News | New sessions added: Medicare Supplement sales training
Reminder: How Blue DirectionsSM Modernizes Benefits Administration for Clients; June 24 Webinar
Blue Directions includes features to assist your clients with enrollment and benefits management – and offers a better benefits experience.
Learn what it can do for your clients (with 51+ employees) at next week’s webinar.
New Sessions Added: Medicare Supplement Sales Training Continues
Are you prepared to help clients select and enroll in Medicare Supplement plans? According to AARP, 10,000 adults turn 65 every day.
Be prepared: These 30-minute webinars can help you learn everything you need to sell Medicare Supplement Plans. New sessions run through July 29.
Next sessions:
- June 17: AEP is around the corner; certify with Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- June 22: Get the basics; Medicare 101 (health insurance marketplace and LIS-low income subsidy)
- Review all the topics, schedule and webinar links
ICYMI: Retail Producer Portal Adds Medicare Supplement Member Correspondence
To help you communicate with your Blue Cross Medicare SupplementSM clients, we’re adding a series of member correspondence to the Retail Producer Portal.
The letters will include:
- Member information updates
- Effective date updates
- Cancellations
- Request for additional information
- And more
Timing and access: The letters are being released over the next few months, starting back on June 3. New letter templates will be released weekly. Visit the Retail Producer Portal and click on Correspondence when viewing a member’s policy to access these letters
Your Blood Pressure: More Than a Number
While your blood pressure can rise and fall during the day, blood pressure that stays high for a long time can cause serious health problems.
Why it matters: High blood pressure – or hypertension – raises the risk of kidney disease, stroke, heart attacks and other serious health issues. Although it’s common, too often people don’t know they have high blood pressure. That’s why it’s so important to get your blood pressure checked regularly, know your numbers and work with your doctor to keep it in normal ranges.
Share with clients: Learn more about hypertension risk factors, signs and symptoms, and treatment.
This is neither legal nor accounting advice. If you have questions, please consult a lawyer or accountant. The information included in this post was provided by the entity referenced herein.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | 2022 AEP/OEP Kickoff RSMU Virtual Experience
Please join the BCBSM Retail Sales and Marketing Unit on Thursday, September 23 to discuss the individual under 65 and individual Medicare markets.
Learn more about market insights and the continued improvement of BCBSM brand, open enrollment readiness and preparing for the next enrollment season.
This is neither legal nor accounting advice. If you have questions, please consult a lawyer or accountant. The information included in this post was provided by the entity referenced herein.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois | Register Today for the 2022 MAPD/PDP Certification Webinar
Join for the webinar: 2022 MAPD/PDP Producer Certification Preparation Guide
Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2021 10:30 a.m. CST
By participating in this 2022 Blue Cross Medicare Options Producer Training and Certification webinar, you’ll be prepared to access and complete the annual Blue Cross Medicare AdvantageSM (MAPD) and Blue Cross MedicareRx (PDP)SM certification requirements when training opens in July.
Space is limited to 3,000 callers. Please register and consider attending in a group. You are not required to attend the session.
To register for the online event:
- Click “Register”
- Enter your information and then click “Submit“
Once the host approves your registration, you will receive a confirmation email message with instructions on how to join the event.
For technical issues when registering, email ITG_Collaboration_Services@bcbstx.com or call 312-653-9299.
Please Note: This webinar will not replace the Annual 2022 Blue Cross Medicare Options Producer Training and Certification Program as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
2021 Medicare Curriculum Announcement
The 2021 AHIP Course (Part 1 of the Medicare Curriculum) will not be available after June 17 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
On Monday June 21 at 10 a.m. CST, the 2022 AHIP Course will become available.
As of Wednesday July 7, the 2022 AHIP Course will be combined with the 2021 and 2022 BCBS tasks to provide a dual-year curriculum assignment.
Producers seeking to complete the 2021 plan year tasks will be assigned the dual-year curriculum to satisfy both 2021 and 2022.
This is neither legal nor accounting advice. If you have questions, please consult a lawyer or accountant. The information included in this post was provided by the entity referenced herein.
GoHealth Medicare Marketplace June Enhancement | Humana OSB
Medicare Agents and Managers,
Check out the new Marketplace enhancement that launched recently!
- ENHANCEMENT: Humana Optional Supplementary Benefits (OSB) Enrollments in the Marketplace
Humana OSBs are live in the Marketplace, which means agents no longer have to go to carrier portals to see if a plan has an OSB. One of the easiest ways to check if a Humana plan has an OSB is to check for the OSB indicator on the quote card:
Plan details will also indicate if a plan offers OSBs:
Here’s what it looks like once an OSB has been added to the cart for enrollment:
Why are OSBs important?
Many Humana Medicare Advantage plans include routine dental, vision and fitness coverage. To help customers manage their costs, Humana offers a broad range of optional supplemental benefits (OSBs) for an additional monthly premium. Learn more about Humana OSBs here. Note that a plan can have one or more OSBs attached.
Having supplemental benefits attached to a Humana MA plan can be a really important benefit, so this Marketplace feature gives you the tools to help more people get enrolled in a great plan for them!
Soon, agents will be able to complete UHC OSB enrollments in the Marketplace. Stay tuned for a future communication announcing when this feature is live.
Thank you for your dedication to the GoHealth Marketplace!
This is neither legal nor accounting advice. If you have questions, please consult a lawyer or accountant. The information included in this post was provided by the entity referenced herein.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois | Register Today for the 2022 MAPD/PDP Certification Webinar
Join the webinar: 2022 MAPD/PDP Producer Certification Preparation Guide
Date:
Tuesday, June 15, 2021 10:30 a.m. CST
By participating in this 2022 Blue Cross Medicare Options Producer Training and Certification webinar, you’ll be prepared to access and complete the annual Blue Cross Medicare AdvantageSM (MAPD) and Blue Cross MedicareRx (PDP)SM certification requirements when training opens in July.
Space is limited to 3,000 callers. Please register and consider attending in a group. You are not required to attend the session.
To register for the online event:
- Click “Register”
- Enter your information and then click “Submit“
Once the host approves your registration, you will receive a confirmation email message with instructions on how to join the event.
For technical issues when registering, email ITG_Collaboration_Services@bcbstx.com or call 312-653-9299.
You can also register via the Resource Page by clicking one of the dates under Webinars.
Please Note: This webinar will not replace the Annual 2022 Blue Cross Medicare Options Producer Training and Certification Program as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Please look out for the 2022 AHIP Training on US details in the upcoming webinar.
2021 Medicare Curriculum Announcement
The 2021 AHIP Course (Part 1 of the Medicare Curriculum) will not be available after June 17 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
On Monday June 21 at 10 a.m. CST, the 2022 AHIP Course will become available.
As of Wednesday July 7, the 2022 AHIP Course will be combined with the 2021 and 2022 BCBS tasks to provide a dual-year curriculum assignment.
Producers seeking to complete the 2021 plan year tasks will be assigned the dual-year curriculum to satisfy both 2021 and 2022.
This is neither legal nor accounting advice. If you have questions, please consult a lawyer or accountant. The information included in this post was provided by the entity referenced herein.