Health Net Clarifies Recertification Wording
for Single-Enrolled Groups

Some recent Health Net recertification notices used wording that could be misread. Here's the correct standard, in case it comes up on one of your groups.

For groups where only the owner is enrolled, Health Net requires at least one eligible W-2 employee (not an owner or spouse) on payroll — but that employee doesn't need to enroll, just be eligible. Health Net has confirmed this and is updating notice wording to make it clearer going forward.

Bottom line: if you get one of these notices, no need to push a client to add coverage, just confirm they have an eligible W-2 employee on payroll.

Questions on a specific group's recertification? Contact us today at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Q4-2026 Small Group Updates Webinar, July 23rd

Hear the latest from Health Net’s leadership team, including Q4-2026 small group rate and benefit updates, underwriting promotions, and healthcare cost drivers & market trends.

Date and Time: Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 1:00 pm PT

Learn more about Health Net’s competitive and stable pricing, value-added programs, flexible guidelines, and other key updates for the quarter.

Register today to get practical insights to stay ahead of market changes, refine your strategy, and better support your clients.

Q4 is Here. Is Your Book Ready?

Carrier rates for Q4 (October–December effective dates) are now live in PRISM, which means renewal and new business season is officially underway. To help you prepare, Claremont's Market Intelligence Reports and Broker Briefings are ready when you are:

• Download the Top 20 Lowest Cost Plans Report
• Download the Top 3 Carrier Price Comparison
• Schedule a Q4 Broker Briefing - contact your sales manager or click here.

As you move into your busiest quarter, our team is ready to help with renewal strategy, tough case solutions, and Employee Navigator setup and enrollment support.

Employee Navigator Training Sessions, Plus Support From Your Claremont Team

If you're transitioning groups from Ease to Employee Navigator, Employee Navigator is hosting two training series for brokers.

Integration Overview Training
Learn how carrier, payroll, and TPA integrations work on Employee Navigator, and how they help you run more efficiently and grow your business.

• Friday, July 24, 10:00–11:00 am PT — Register Here
• Friday, August 7, 10:00–11:00 am PT — Register Here
• Friday, September 11, 10:00–11:00 am PT — Register Here

Virtual Migration Tool Training
A hands-on look at using the migration tool to move groups from Ease to Employee Navigator.

• Friday, August 21, 11:00 am–12:30 pm PT — Register Here
• Friday, August 28, 11:30 am–1:00 pm PT — Register Here

Employee Navigator will be conducting trainings throughout 2026 in advance of sunsetting Ease. In addition, your Claremont team is well-versed in Employee Navigator and ready to guide you and your groups through the transition — from setup questions to migration support.

MCO Tax Update: A New Tax Could Affect Small Group Rates Starting 2027

California's current Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax, which helps fund Medi-Cal, expires at the end of 2026. New federal rules now require the tax to apply evenly to Medi-Cal and commercial health plans, rather than falling more heavily on Medi-Cal. In response, the state passed a new MCO tax (SB 125) for 2027–2029, set at $8.85 per member per month, that would apply to commercial plans, including small group, for the first time at this level.

What this means for your clients:

• If passed through by carriers, this could add upward pressure on small group premiums starting in 2027.
• The tax still requires federal approval before it can take effect. Nothing is finalized yet.
• We'll share carrier-specific guidance as soon as rate impacts become clear.

Read the full breakdown here.

As always, we'll keep you informed about healthcare issues and news affecting you and your clients. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you succeed.

Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.