Oct 07, 2022
Rate Update
Blue Shield is pleased to announce the Q1 2023 rates are now available. The first-quarter 2023 rate action is a statewide average of 2.1%.
Medical plan updates
This year there are minimal changes and impacts to the small group plans. Both Mirror and Off-exchange plans have cost share changes and Blue Shield has expanded their network for Bronze HMO 7000/70.
| OFF-EXCHANGE PPO PLANS | OFF-EXCHANGE HMO PLANS |
|---|---|
Impacted plans with cost share changes:
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Network expansion for Bronze HMO 7000/70: The Bronze HMO 7000/70 is now available on Access+ and Local Access+. This plan has rich benefits at a low cost. All professional services are available prior to deductibles. It includes integrated pharmacy deductibles, flat copays, and chiropractic services. Impacted plans with cost share changes:
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Virtual Blue Coming Soon
At this year’s Roadshow, Blue Shield announced Virtual Blue, a virtual-first health plan made for your clients and their employees. With Virtual Blue, employees have choice combined with a seamless, holistic care experience. Virtual visits with primary, behavioral, and specialty care providers are available to members for $0 cost. No referrals needed. It’s health care that’s flexible, easy to use, with $0 unlimited talk therapy because mental wellness matters to employees and employers. And Virtual Blue includes many more features to help your clients attract and retain top talent. Stay tuned for more announcements and information on Virtual Blue.
Resources
The below materials are now updated and available for Q1 2023 enrollment:
- Master Group Application
- Employee Enrollment Form
- Relaxed Participation Promo Flyer
- Underwriting Guidelines
- Sales Guide | Medical
- Sales Guide | Specialty
- Plan Cheat Sheet
- Plans at a Glance
- Plan Map 2022 vs 2023
One sale, three bonus programs
Blue Shield puts great value in renewing customers. Their Renewal Rewards for Producers program continues to recognize your loyalty and that of your clients by rewarding points for each new member enrolled in a Tandem PPO or Specialty plan. The Small Group Incentive Program rewards points for each new enrolled Blue Shield member for Small Business Tandem PPO as well as Specialty plan upsells with effective dates January 2023 to June 2023.
Both the Small Group Incentive Program and Renewal Rewards for Producers are hosted by Producer Rewards. Be sure to check your profile for points earned for enrollments made with June 1, 2022 effective dates. To learn more about the program or to opt-in, visit the Producer Rewards page on Broker Connection.
January, February, and March renewals
Groups renewing in January will be available to brokers through Shield Renewals on Monday, October 12* while group-level changes can be made using Small Group Online Renewal (SGOR) beginning October 14.* Groups renewing in February and March will be available on Sunday, November 9* while group-level changes can be made beginning November 15.*
As a reminder, group renewal information is available as a microsite for each group, and these can be accessed through Shield Renewals. No download is required; you can open the site, find the information you need, and send the link or selected components to your clients. You can also access the medical choice chart, which provides you information about your clients current and new plan rates, option to buy up or buy down and if Trio or Tandem are available. The choice chart will include the rate differential if you choose to move your client.
* Dates subject to change
