Broker Home Contact Site Map Search
Asuris Northwest Health serves Yakima, Walla Walla and other communities in Eastern Washington with affordable medical and dental insurance plans.
For Asuris Northwest Health Brokers & Agents
Secured Site  Agent Center »
Communications
Products & Plans »
Forms »
Find a Doctor »
Commissions & Rewards »
Reference Library »
HIPAA Compliance »
Order Supplies »
Contact »
Asuris Broker and Agent Communications

11/30/2010   Reminder: Groups making no benefit changes will renew as is tonight!

Earlier this month, we let you know that, beginning with January 2011 effective dates, we're implementing a renew-as-is process for groups of 1 to 99 that are renewing on our newer, health-focused plans without benefit changes. Below are more details about this process that will help you support a smooth renewal experience for your clients.

As of 5 p.m. today, Nov. 30:

  • All groups of 1 to 99 making no benefit changes will automatically be renewed on the same benefits they had last year with the exception of benefits impacted by the new law.
  • All groups of 1 to 99 for which you haven't submitted a Group Master Application (GMA) will automatically be renewed with the same benefits and administrative/eligibility elections they had last year with the exception of benefits impacted by the new law.
  • Groups making only non-benefit changes will also have their benefits renewed as is tonight. They can submit non-benefit changes on our new one-page Renewal and Maintenance Change Request Form. These types of changes shouldn't impact billing, but they should be submitted as soon as possible.
Current renewal and billing processes are still in place:

  • Groups for which you have submitted a GMA to make benefit changes will follow our standard renewal process.
  • Our billing schedule hasn't changed. We'll release bills on the sixth of the month prior to the renewal date. The bill will be based on the census that's enrolled as of the first of the month prior to the renewal date. Payment is considered acceptance of the new rates for as-is plans (as well as commission and contribution levels for groups of 51 to 99).
The timeline below shows the end-to-end process for January renewals. We'll publish a similar timeline for February.

Action January Renewal
Group Size Certification sent to group Nov. 8
Group's renewal released Nov. 11
Group is automatically renewed as is Dec. 1
Group's bill is released Dec. 6
Last day to cancel policy Dec. 31
Last day to make changes Jan. 31


See our FAQ below for more information:

  1. Which groups will fall into the renew-as-is process?

    All of our non-audited groups of 1 to 99 will be renewed as is if we don't receive a GMA prior to first of the month. Some groups may be excluded from the renew-as-is process if they're still being negotiated on the first of the month prior to the renewal date.

  2. What do I need to do?

    • If your group is renewing benefits as is, you don't need to do anything.
    • If your group is renewing with benefits changes, it's business as usual. Submit a GMA to us. We'll review the application, request missing information, if needed, then process.
    • If your group is renewing with non-benefits changes, your life just got easier! You no longer have to complete a full GMA to make a change. Submit the one-page Renewal and Maintenance Change Request Form as soon as possible, and you're done.
  3. What happens if my group's policy is renewed as-is, but I want to make changes to the plan? Will I be allowed to do that?

    The policy will automatically be renewed on the first of the month prior to the renewal date. If you want to make changes, notify us as soon as possible. Some changes will require a new GMA.

  4. Do I have to submit a GMA for all types of changes?

  5. If my group makes benefit changes but was already billed for the renewal month, will you re-bill the group with the changes? What should the group do?

    • Groups should notify us of changes to their existing policy as soon as possible to avoid paying incorrect premium for the as-is plan.
    • Groups will not be automatically re-billed if they make changes. They should pay as billed in order to avoid receiving a delinquency notice. They'll receive an adjustment for the difference in premium on the next month's bill.
  6. Can I get a copy of my groups' previous GMAs?

    You can request 2010 GMAs from your Regence sales representative.

  7. Will my groups get new member cards automatically?

    Groups that are renewed as is will not get new member cards because member cards don't have an expiration date. Groups receive new member cards when there's a change to the information on the member cards (such as changes to the copay amount, deductible or number of covered office visits, or when they add or drop coverage, such as dental).
In Summary

Many groups renew as is today, but until now, they've been required to complete a GMA. This new process will ease the administrative burden during renewal for both you and your clients. Automating the process will reduce our backlog in renewal and new-group processing. Additionally, it will eliminate the delay in releasing bills, allowing groups the opportunity to pay their premium prior to their renewal date.

We're excited to implement this new streamlined process, and we thank you for your part in making the change. We hope that the time this automated process frees up for you gives you more time to support your clients with other services that are meaningful to them.

If you have any questions or need additional clarification on this new process, please talk to your Asuris Sales contact.

Note: To print a PDF document, you need Adobe® Reader®. Download it now for free.
 

« Back to Communications