Loading...Loading...Get credentialed for Individual sales in 2024
We’re offering producers who sell to Individual members the opportunity to get credentialed for 2024 sales. Credentialing helps you provide a higher level of expertise and support to customers and earn higher commissions.
Medicare Advantage dental benefit enhancements for 2024
Check out our dental plan benefit enhancements for 2024. Plus, learn how to order 2024 AEP marketing materials and plan documents, and submit AOR change requests.
New enhanced dental experience launched for ASO groups; fully insured groups being added in 2024
ASO groups were introduced to our new enhanced dental experience on Sept. 1; now we’re preparing to launch it to fully insured groups beginning Jan. 1, 2024. Seeing what’s new will put a smile on your face.
Small group plan, product and benefit updates for 2024
Check out our small (1-50; 2-50 in Idaho) group plan, product and benefit updates for 2024. For the coming year, we’re focused on delivering a complete experience with innovative health plan options to fit the needs of each employer.
Vaccine flyers in English and Spanish now available: Share with your groups
Flu season—the time of year when respiratory viruses spread easily—is approaching. We’ve updated our employee vaccine flyers to provide the CDC’s latest vaccination guidance. Please share them in both English and Spanish with your groups.
Q4 resources for small group producers
With Q4 approaching, now’s the time to start open enrollment (OE) planning for your small groups. In addition to Producer Forums, we’ve got tools to help ensure a smooth OE this year.
Medicare Advantage and Part D certification trainings due by Sept. 15
To comply with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and earn commissions, producers are required to certify annually. To sell our Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans for 2024, you must certify by Sept. 15, 2023.
Pre-authorization available for ASO groups for specific cardiac services beginning Jan. 1, 2024
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, we’re offering ASO groups the option of adding pre-authorization (PA) for coverage of specific cardiac procedures. PA helps ensure providers follow the standard of care and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.
Nurse triage service for groups of 51+ and ASOs being enhanced for 2024
We’re making changes to improve our nurse triage service for fully insured groups of 51+ and ASO groups. The updates match improvements already made for fully insured small groups this year.
Ancillary products shifting from LifeMap to USAble Life
Dental and vision products to be offered exclusively under our brand; Supplemental, Life and Disability products to be offered under the USAble Life brand.
Producer Center adds new functionality; Classic experience being discontinued Aug. 3
We’ve added a new Producer Center feature to allow you to easily locate and quickly follow up on eGMA missing information requests. Plus, the Producer Center Classic experience is being discontinued on Aug. 3.
Preparing for AEP: Producer Forums and MA Part D certification training
With AEP right around the corner, attending a Producer Forum is a great way to keep up to date with our products. Plus, be sure to complete annual Medicare Advantage Part D certification training.
New Oregon DFR methodology may impact some groups’ size determination for 2024
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has revised its methodology for determining employer group size. See how the changes could impact some groups’ size determination beginning in 2024.
Ancillary sales broker bonus program enhanced for 2023
We’re excited to announce an enhancement to our competitive 2023 ancillary broker bonus program. Appointed producers will receive credit for new USAble Life Life and Disability sales; Dental cases; and LifeMap sales.
Producer Center Classic experience to be retired
Since launching our enhanced Producer Center experience, we’ve received positive feedback and added new features. Now we’re preparing to retire the Classic experience. If you haven’t used the enhanced Producer Center experience, now’s the time.
Q4 planning guide for small group producers
With Q4 approaching, it’s not too early to start open enrollment (OE) planning for your small groups. In addition to supporting groups’ annual certification, there are other activities you can do now to help ensure a smooth OE this year.
2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training
To remain compliant with CMS regulations, you must certify annually to sell our Medicare Advantage and Part D Rx plans. Plus: See how to view applicants’ status in Producer Center.
Regence Individual & Family plans updated for 2024
For 2024, our goal is to expand our availability and help make health care simpler for more Individual members. Get the latest updates and check out how our comprehensive plans provide a better overall experience for your customers.
DispatchHealth offers Bridge Care to help members recover after discharge
After a patient is discharged from a hospital, an in-home Bridge Care visit from DispatchHealth can help ensure they’re recovering and get them to their PCP so they don’t have to be readmitted.
We’re sending new member ID cards to Utah fully insured group and Individual members
Utah state mandate requires “State Regulated” to be printed on fully insured member ID cards. We’re sending new cards upon the next renewal date.
How to keep up with Producer Center enhancements
We've recently added new functionality to the new Producer Center experience to make it easier for you to access the tools you need more quickly and manage your business more efficiently.
Keep mental health awareness going all year long- REG
Although Mental Health Awareness Month—May—is almost over, our content can help your groups maintain awareness all year long. We've put everything in one place for you to share with your groups and members.
Life and Disability sales and renewal transition from LifeMap to USAble Life
All new and renewing Life and Disability sales with effective dates beginning July 1, 2023, are now USAble Life products. Learn more about how this change affects small group quoting and renewals.
Members get primary care conveniently and quickly with Doctor On Demand
Accessing primary care is crucial to improving health outcomes and lowering health care costs, yet utilization is low and declining. Virtual Primary Care from Doctor On Demand helps change that.
Tips for selling Medicare year-round
Annual Election Period (AEP) is a busy time for enrolling new members, but you can also enroll members at other times each year. Explore how opportunities for new Medicare sales are created year-round when prospective members move.
We're expanding site-of-service reviews to help provide members better access to high-value care
Health care is expensive, and we're committed to providing access to high-quality care at the lowest price. Effective July 1, we're adding site-of-service pre-authorization reviews so members receive the standard of care cost-effectively.
Help safeguard your self-funded groups in Idaho with stop-loss coverage tailored to their needs
Unexpected claims and rising health care expenses can devastate the bottom line for businesses. Not all stop-loss insurers are the same. Help your ID groups understand the differentiators that Regence BlueShield of Idaho offers.
Help safeguard your self-funded groups in Oregon, Utah and Washington with stop-loss coverage tailored to their needs
Rising health care expenses and unexpected claims can devastate the bottom line. You know stop-loss, but not all stop-loss insurers are the same. Learn the difference Commencement Bay Risk Management (CBRM) can offer your groups in OR, UT, and WA.
Beneficiary Assistance Program extended to all Group and Voluntary Term Life products
USAble Life Group and Voluntary Term Life products now include a Beneficiary Assistance Program (BAP). Like the LifeMap BAP, the program provides grief counseling and legal and financial resources to beneficiaries at no added cost.
Joint site-of-care (SOC) redirection added to Physical Medicine program
To improve members’ health and make care more affordable, we’re embedding joint site-of-care (SOC) redirection in all fully insured group, Individual and Medicare Advantage plans, effective May 1, 2023. It will be available to ASOs as a buy-up.
Help employees access behavioral health care quickly
One in five U.S. adults has a mental illness, but many don’t know where to seek treatment. We can help by making sure they understand the available care options covered under their health plan.
Medicaid redetermination creates opportunities to capture Individual market sales
Consumers who are no longer eligible for Medicaid will be allowed to participate in a Special Enrollment Period. Make sure you’re prepared to guide your Individual Market prospects to the appropriate ACA plan.
Step-by-Step guides are now available for your use
We’ve designed a simple brochure that covers the basics of Medicare and is a great handout for a new-to-Medicare beneficiary. Plus, earn money collecting our Health Risk Assessment surveys, and tips for selling Medicare year-round.
Enhanced Producer Center experience available to all appointed producers
Our new Producer Center experience, launched in January, makes it easier than ever to manage your book of business. The new experience is open to all appointed producers. If you haven’t used Producer Center yet, now’s a great time to start.
How our Medicare COVID-19 coverage will change as the public health emergency ends
Many benefits expanded during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will return to being covered at normal Medicare plan benefits. Updates to commercial plans will be provided in next month’s Producer News.
Tips for selling Medicare year-round: Working past age 65
Although the Annual Election Period (AEP) is the busiest time of year for Medicare sales, opportunities abound to sell Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans year-round, especially to people working beyond age 65.
Third Thursdays webinar series evolves for 2023
Our Third Thursday education webinars help keep you up to date on our products, important industry trends, our business process improvements and more. Topics cover all lines of business in all markets. Join us for each Third Thursday.
Regence partners with USAble Life to improve members well-being
We partnered with USAble Life to improve the medical, dental and financial well-being of our customers and members. The latest update on our partnership includes important process changes to sales and renewals of life and disability products.
Q1 Checklist: 3 ways to help your groups right now
Now’s a great time to help your groups get the most out of their health plan benefits. Check these three things off your list to help put your groups—and their enrolled employees—on the path to a better health care experience this year.
Producer Center Enhancements happening in 2023
After we released the new Producer Center experience in January, we got right back to work developing more enhancements, which we’ll roll out in 2023.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) renewals
We’ve received approval on our Medicare Supplement (Medigap) rates. Along with our competitive rates there are many great reasons to sell our Medigap plans all year long.
Equip virtual therapy provider added to our network to treat eating disorders among children and young adults
Eating disorders commonly begin during adolescence, but most treatment programs are challenging to access and manage. We’ve added Equip, an eating disorder care provider that delivers effective virtual, family-based therapy, to our network.
Leadership promotions key Oregon Sales and Account Management team additions
We’re pleased to announce promotions of four Sales and Account Management leaders and several additions to strengthen our team and better serve you and our customers.
National account strategy emphasizes flexibility, choice and new capabilities
Explore how the right combination of benefits, programs and financial tools from Regence can help meet the needs of complex businesses with geographically distributed workforces.
Tips for selling Medicare year-round: Medicare age-ins
Although about half of all Medicare enrollment occurs during AEP, there are great opportunities to generate Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) sales year-round.
Papa Pals updates for 2023 and Oregon and Utah Medigap renewals
Papa Pals, friendly helpers who assist Medicare Advantage members, are available to provide in-person help beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Plus, check out our Medicare Supplement (Medigap) renewals for Oregon and Utah.
New Producer Center experience coming early 2023
Your enhanced Producer Center experience is coming in January. We’ve heard your feedback! The updated design offers new capabilities that streamline managing accounts and make selling and renewing easier than ever.
New IRS rule that closes so-called family glitch may impact enrollment
The new rule extends Marketplace subsidies for more low-income consumers. This may mean some employees considering joining their employer’s plan shop on the Marketplace instead. Here’s what you need to know.
DispatchHealth delivering the right care at the right time—in the right setting
In-network provider DispatchHealth can bring on-call care to most members’ homes throughout the Spokane, Seattle/Tacoma, Boise and Portland metro areas, saving unnecessary trips to the ER.
Deadline for Jan. 1, 2023, new small group business extended
The deadline for new small group submissions via our Electronic Group Master Application (eGMA) has been extended to midnight, Sunday, Dec. 18. Please review our new group submission requirements and check out our probationary period calculator.
ACA preventive care updates effective Jan. 1, 2023
We’ve made several updates to our covered preventive care services effective Jan. 1, 2023. Please check out the updates for next year’s preventive care brochures and encourage your groups to share them with employees!
ASO groups: New solutions help employees manage diabetes and hypertension, and help groups contain costs
Chronic cardiometabolic conditions affect one in three Americans and cost $500+ billion annually. Omada’s integrated prevention, diabetes and hypertension solutions for ASO groups bring a new approach to delivering better health outcomes for patients.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) materials available
Annual Enrollment Period materials for 2023 are available through Producer Center and we encourage you to choose electronic versions when possible. Medicare Advantage and Medigap Agent of Record change request are also available.
Regence continues to expand behavioral health resources and network
We’re adding AbleTo—an evidence-based behavioral health provider—to our network. Available to all members ages 18 and older, AbleTo’s unique eight-week therapy program can reduce depression, anxiety and stress.
Help avoid delays in enrollment processing
Open enrollment is right around the corner, starting Nov. 1. Make sure you’re ready to onboard your groups quickly with our list of to-dos to help make enrollment processing smooth.
Certain cardiac services to require pre-authorization starting Jan. 1, 2023
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, we’re adding pre-authorization (PA) to coverage of specific cardiac procedures for members on fully insured plans. PA helps ensure providers follow the standard of care and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.
Coverage for continuous glucose monitors moving to pharmacy benefit in 2023
To help improve the member experience, we are moving coverage of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) from medical to pharmacy plans, effective Jan. 1, 2023. This way, members can receive all their diabetic supplies from one provider.
Change to group delinquency notifications
To avoid USPS delays and make it easier for us to reach customers working remotely, we’re changing the way we notify groups about late payments. Starting Nov. 1, we’ll send second and third past-due notices to groups only via email.
Annual pharmacy formulary updates
Our pharmacy team updates our formulary each year to ensure the safest, highest quality and most cost-effective prescription drugs and supplies are available under our members’ pharmacy plans. Check out the updates for 2023.
Small group plan, product and benefit updates for 2023
Check out our small (1-50; 2-50 in Idaho) group plan updates for 2023. For the upcoming year, we’re focused on delivering a complete Regence experience with innovative health plan options to fit specific employer group needs.
eGMA Updates and reminders for new and renewing small group business
We’ve streamlined the sales and onboarding experience for new and renewing groups with several new enhancements and improvements to the eGMA for 2023. Plus, check out the other eGMA enhancements launched earlier this year.
Individual plans updated for 2023
For 2023, our goal is to expand our availability and help make health care simpler for more Individual market members. Get the latest updates and check out how our comprehensive plans provide a better overall experience for your customers.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) materials for 2023 are now available
2023 AEP materials are now available on Producer Center. We encourage use of electronic documents over printing materials. Plus, review our agent of record (AOR) change requirements and learn how Papa Pals supports members.
Update on coverage for monkeypox vaccination
Monkeypox vaccinations are covered under regular health plan benefits in all our states except Oregon, where insurers must cover them at 100%. We’re applying coverage retroactive to Aug. 1. ASO groups have been notified that they can opt out.
Leverage Regence EAP for improved workforce health and cost savings
Counseling through the Regence Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help employees address minor mental health concerns before they become bigger issues. Share these resources with your groups.
Coming soon! A new and improved provider search experience
The provider search tool is getting an upgrade. The improved tool has an intuitive design and refreshed, user-friendly experience that will make it easier than ever for members to find the right provider for them.
Active & Fit Direct™ enrollment fee waived through August 31st for standard fitness centers
With Active&Fit Direct, members can exercise at the gym or with videos at home for just $25 a month. With no enrollment fee through August 31, members can save even more.
2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training
To remain compliant with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regulations and earn commissions, producers are required to certify annually. To sell our Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans, you must certify by September 15, 2022.
New: Get the latest insights on health plan trends
See the latest information on trends in health plan design with our new 2022 reports. Compare your groups’ plans with other businesses by state, size and industry—and share your findings with those groups.
Action required: Important changes to AutoPay and one-time payments
Groups who use AutoPay, or those who make one-time payments online and have ACH block for added security on their bank accounts, need to take action to update their accounts. Please share this information with your customers.
2023 product updates for large (51+) groups
For 2023, our large group (51+) product and benefits updates deliver innovative health plan options to fit each group’s needs. New solutions focus on virtual care, increased wellness incentives and helping members get affordable care.
Transparency in Coverage Rule: Machine-readable files implementation effective July 1
Effective July 1, health insurers and group health plans must provide public access to machine-readable files of every group’s in-network negotiated (INN) and out-of-network (ONN) provider costs.
OHSU to leave Regence Blue HPN and Peace Health networks July 15
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) will no longer be included in the Blue HPN and Peace Health networks, and is reducing services in the Legacy Alliance LHP network. Beyond these changes, OHSU will remain in network for most Regence members.
Regence names Dr. Mike Franz as senior medical director of behavioral health
Dr. Mike Franz has joined us as executive medical director of behavioral health. In this role, Dr. Franz will collaborate with providers to enhance the quality of care and access to innovative behavioral health offerings.
Join us for a first look at 2023 Medicare Advantage plans
Register for a webinar for a first look at 2023 Medicare Advantage plans. Plus, invitations for Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training will be coming soon.
Members make smart choices and save money with medication support
It’s important our members get the best prescription options for their health and their wallet. Included in all group plans, medication support is a suite of tools to help members manage prescriptions and make informed choices.
Dial 988: America’s new suicide prevention and mental health crisis lifeline
Beginning in July, people across the U.S. can call, text or chat 988 to connect to counselors who are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. Counselors are trained to provide support and link callers to community-based care.
New medication home delivery option for self-funded groups
Groups with effective dates beginning July 1, 2022 will be able to choose either Express Scripts or the new home-delivery option, Amazon Pharmacy with MedsYourWay, which offers built-in discount card pricing.
Know the tools available for addressing employee burnout
Burnout is a real workplace phenomenon that affects many people and impacts business productivity. Addressing burnout with stress-management solutions can help. Share this important information with your groups.
Medicare update: New enrollment platform now available
We have a new Medicare enrollment platform through Producer Center with new features and stability when using tablets and smartphones. Plus, your invitation to 2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training is coming in July.
June Men’s Health Month focus: Preventive care
Men’s Health Month and Men’s Health Week (June 13-19) present opportunities for men to think about their health and take action to improve it. Taking care with preventive health is an important way for men to improve their odds and outcomes.
ASO groups: New expert consultation and navigation service can produce better outcomes and reduce costs
A difficult diagnosis can lead to stress, confusion and inaction. A new treatment decision service gives access to board-certified specialists who provide guidance on complex health care needs, leading to confidence in diagnosis and treatment.
New toolkits help employees engage more fully with their health plan
We’re developing toolkits, starting with regence.com and app employer engagement so groups can help their employees get the most out of their plan. Plus, MDLIVE, our large group telehealth partner, conducted its quarterly member engagement campaign.
Producer Center and eGMA updates help ease renewals
We recently improved two systems that will be helpful at renewal time. In Producer Center, census visibility now allows you to view a detailed, current census for groups. In eGMA, we’ve made it easier to determine groups’ certification status.
Illinois Consumer Coverage Disclosure Act: What you need to know to help your groups
Groups with employees in Illinois are required to provide employees essential health benefits information. You can lend your expertise to help provide groups the information they’ll need to comply with this requirement.
Medicare supplement plans available
Guaranteed issue is a great way to add enrollees throughout the year. In addition to our competitive rates, be sure to check out the many additional reasons to sell our Medigap plans.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Tools for employers and members
Each May is national Mental Health Month—an important time to remind groups and employees of the importance in taking care of mental health. Make sure to share the tools and resources so your clients can pass the information to their employees.
Preventive care: Learn about benefit updates taking effect May 1
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its recommendations for prediabetes, type 2 diabetes screening, and healthy weight during pregnancy. We’ve updated our benefits to meet these new recommendations effective May 1, 2022.
Group “Annual Certifications Released” emails now copy producer support
Producers receive a certification email notification every month that contains a list of their groups’ annual certifications that have been released prior to renewal. You can now add a support person to also receive these monthly notifications.
Individual market: New special enrollment period (SEP) open to lower-income consumers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a special enrollment period (SEP) to allow eligible lower-income consumers to enroll in Marketplace coverage. Check out the qualification criteria and inform Individual prospects.
Sunsetting preauthorization requirements on chiropractic, acupuncture and massage (CAM) care
Members on fully insured plans can now receive chiropractic, acupuncture and massage alternative care without needing to first secure pre-authorization. This improved access is a great reason to recommend Regence to new groups.
Encourage Medicare members to participate in CAHPS survey
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires insurers to survey members. The Consumer Assessment Healthcare Provider Survey (CAHPS) results help improve health care and impact Medicare Star ratings. Please encourage participation!
Update your browser for the best experience using tools on our site
Keeping your internet browser up to date is important—and it makes using tools on regence.com easier. Using outdated browser versions can heighten your exposure to security risks and diminish your experience. See which versions we recommend.
Regence Dental/LifeMap partnership with LSV: What you need to know
Strategic partnership with USAble Life (USAL) has received regulatory approval. You’ll still enjoy the same exceptional sales, underwriting and service you’ve always received—and there will be no change to renewals and proposals in progress.
New MSK solution for self-funded groups offers improved care outcomes, cost savings
Musculoskeletal (MSK) care can be expensive. The Hinge Health digital MSK clinic, now offered to ASO groups, includes full-time doctors, therapists and health coaches who can deliver customized care for each patient.
Q1 Checklist: Three ways to help your groups right now
The first quarter is a great time to help your groups get the most out of their benefits. Check these three things off your list to help put your groups—and their employees—on the path to improved health, cost savings and a better experience.
New Medicare member welcome packets: What’s included
Did you know that Medicare Advantage members on select plans can purchase items using their OTC Network Benefits card? Eligible members can order Medicare-approved products from participating online retailers or call Medline at 1-833-569-2230.
New digital experience includes nurse chat, making it easier for small group and Individual members to get care and advice
We’ve recently added nurse chat functionality for small group (1-50; 2-50 in Idaho) and Individual members. If members in these groups have a health-related question or concern, they can chat with a nurse to get answers or guidance.
Behavioral health resources are expanding to address member needs
We’re expanding our capacity and offering members greater access to the behavioral health care they need. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the resources embedded with your groups’ networks, as well as optional resources available.
Help your groups get a healthy start to the new year
Are your groups getting the most out of their health plan benefits? When their enrolled employees create an account with us online or through the app, they can access our enhanced digital experience and tools to help with all their health needs.
Know your enrollment form ABCs
Making sure your groups’ enrollment forms are complete enables us to process them without delays and helps ensure enrolled members receive their member ID cards on time. Check out these tips for how to avoid incomplete forms in the future.
Last call for Medicare Advantage members with January 1 effective dates to add dental coverage
There’s still time to add the Dental OSB before the Jan. 31 deadline for members with Jan. 1, 2022, effective dates. Make sure your Medicare clients are also taking advantage of the Silver&Fit® program. Plus, tips to navigate the Medicare OEP.
Help your small groups start early on saving on medical premiums
When enrolled employees submit their Health Assessment and complete a biometric screening in the first few months of their plan year, groups save money on their premium for every enrolled employee submission.