May 02, 2019
UnitedHealthcare’s Q3 update has been released. You’ll see minor rate increases across all plans and new rich benefit plans in HMOs and PPOs. Be sure to use the new Product Benefit Selection form for all groups effective July 1, 2019 and later!
Rate Update
HMO plans will increase by 1.5%, across the state for all networks. The exception is the Harmony network in regions 15-18, which will decrease by 1%.
PPO/EPO plans will increase by 3.4%, across all networks, as a statewide average.
- Northern CA (Reg 1-11) will increase by 3.6%
- Southern CA (Reg 12-19) will increase by 3%
Harmony Network Expansion
The Harmony network will expand into San Diego for July 1, 2019. Rates will be released by UnitedHealthcare once the product is approved by the state.
New Plans
UnitedHealthcare has added several new plans this quarter. You’ll find most of these under the header “Primary Advantage.” While these plans have a different identifier, they use the same networks as all other plans. The extra name simply identifies them as richer plan designs. All new plans can easily be identified with the letters BM at the start of their plan codes.
New Rich PPO Options
The new PPO options below will only be available in Choice Simplified IV and V:
Two New Primary Advantage Plans
- Available on Select Plus and Core networks (not available on Navigate)
- Plans have no inpatient per-occurrence deductible.
- One Platinum with a $0 PCP copay
- One Gold with a $0 deductible (It’s the only gold tier plan without the per-occurrence deductible)
One New Gold PPO Plan
- Available on Select Plus and Core networks (not available on Navigate)
- The plan was created based on market requests
- $0 PCP copay and low $2,500 out-of-pocket maximum
New Rich HMO Options
Two new Primary Advantage Plans
- Available on Signature, Advantage, and Harmony networks (not available on Focus or Alliance)
- Signature and Harmony plans available in Choice Simplified IV and V
- Advantage plans available in Choice Simplified V only
- One Platinum plan with a $0 PCP copay and a $0 deductible
- One Gold plan with a $0 PCP copay
New Harmony HDHP with Motion
The Alliance Bronze HDHP 6500/0% is now available with the Harmony network. The new Harmony version will include the Motion program, which is currently only available to Select Plus and Core members. The plans will be available in Choice Simplified IV and V only.
It’s important to note that this is the only HMO plan with access to the Motion program at this time!
Dental Rate Cap Extension
UnitedHealthcare is extending their second-year dental rate cap offer through August 2019. Groups that add new dental coverage through August 1, 2019 are eligible for a 5% second-year rate cap. Here are the guidelines:
- Effective dates are June 1, 2018 to August 1, 2019
- Group size 2–100 eligible lives
- The offer is not available to groups situs in RI, WI, WA, FL (2-50) or ACEC groups
Groups can save even more when they bundle their plans. Minimum participation requirements may apply for bundling programs.
Contact your LISI Regional Sales Manager for more information on how to fit these great new options into your sales strategy.
