01/19/2007   Accurate completion of the Group Master Application is vital

The Group Master Application  (GMA) is a legal document that forms part of the group’s agreement with Asuris. Please take a few moments to discuss the GMA with your new and renewing clients to make sure that they have completed it accurately. The information that the group provides on the form identifies which employees are eligible for group coverage and enables Asuris to determine whether the group is meeting its contractual eligibility and participation requirements.

We use member eligibility and enrollment to develop a group’s rates. If a group makes a change to the GMA outside its renewal period, there could be an impact on member eligibility, enrollment, participation level and rates. The employer must understand that the GMA identifies employee eligibility for the lifetime of the contract, which is normally 12 months, and not just for immediate needs at renewal or enrollment. Most requests for changes to the GMA outside the renewal period are denied. We review such requests on a case-by-case basis; those that are granted may require a re-rate.

Accurate completion of the GMA may also help groups avoid an eligibility and participation audit. Audits are frequently triggered when it appears that a group may not be following the eligibility and participation requirements as written in its GMA.

We appreciate your help in making sure that your clients understand the importance of the GMA. If you have questions about completing the form, please talk with your Asuris Sales contact.

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