Claremont Welcomes Suzie Wirths

We are excited to welcome Suzie Wirths as the newest addition to the Service Team. As a Broker Service Representative, Suzie will assist clients in a variety of areas such as eligibility, enrollment support, quoting, carrier knowledge, Ease and more.

Suzie has over six years of employee benefits experience and has worked with Third Party Administrators as well as brokerage firms. “Her experience and knowledge are only part of what Suzie brings to the table. She strives to provide the best possible experience to everyone that she interacts with and she is eager to make an impactful contribution to our customers. Our clients are already saying how much they enjoy working with her,” says Laura Hogsed, Service Manager.

Suzie loves the outdoors. In her spare time, you may find her hiking, kayaking, caving and exploring the mountains. Learn more.

Debra Scritchfield Retires

As of January 20th, Debra Scritchfield will be retiring from Claremont.

Debra started with Claremont in December 2013, during a time of change, as ACA requirements were phasing in and Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) was in its infancy. As one of our CCSB experts, Debra has helped countless clients navigate their way through the changing world of health insurance. Over the years, she has assisted clients with everything from processing new applications, making changes throughout the policy year, quoting, answering benefits questions, and much more.

“Debra will definitely be missed by all of us” says Laura Hogsed, Service Manager. “Not just for her knowledge and contributions as a co-worker, but as a friend. While we hate to see her go, we wish her the best in everything that her future has in store for her."

Please join everyone at Claremont in congratulating Debra on her retirement.

Q2-2023 Updates

Blue Shield of California continues to provide value to your small group clients. Here’s a summary of the updates to prepare for Q2.

Q2-2023 Rates

• Rates are now available through PRISM, our free and easy online quoting system.
• The Q2-2023 rate action is a statewide average of 1.9%.

Medical Plan Changes
There are minimal Q2 changes to Blue Shield's medical plan portfolio.

More information can be found in Blue Shield's updated April 1, 2023 Medical Sales Guide and Specialty Sales Guide.

Provider Contract Negotiation Updates

Blue Shield of California has reached contract agreements with:

Choice Medical Group

• Apple Valley
• Barstow in San Bernardino County

Rady Children’s Health Network and Hospital

• Rady Children’s Health Network (RCHN)
• Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego County

Members who received contract termination letters will now receive “good news” letters with information on the successful negotiation. Learn more.

Contact us today for a Blue Shield quote.

2023 Dental Benefits Trends

The impact of COVID-19, rapid technological advancements, inflation, a tightening labor market, and an aging population will affect employee benefits in 2023. Delta Dental anticipates these trends for you and your clients in 2023:

• Firms of all sizes are looking to cut costs.
• Telehealth will continue to expand and transform dental care.
• Companies who offer dental benefits have an extra advantage in attracting talent.
• A strong and strategic benefits package is key to recruiting and retaining valuable employees, and keeping them healthy and productive.

Get the details and contact us today for a Delta Dental quote.