Claremont Welcomes Mike Burke

Mike joins Claremont with over 25 years of managed healthcare experience as a sales consultant, general agency director, and regional sales manager. He has worked in the small and large group market for John Alden, Universal Care, First Dental Health, Covered California for Small Business, and the national PPO network Private Healthcare Systems, Inc. (PHCS). His healthcare experience also includes working in the self-funded space with TPA Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in both economics and history from the State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta, Mike is a Bronx, New York born and bred Yankees fan.

When not working, he spends as much time as possible with his wife Tricia, his 5 children, and 2 labradors – Bruce and Buster. Welcome Mike.

Recap of 2022 Small Business Broker Roadshow

If you missed the recent Blue Shield of CA Q1-2022 Small Business Broker Roadshow, the following is a brief summary of the presentation.

Q1-2022 Rates

• State Average HMO Rate Action – 1.3%
• State Average PPO Rate Action – 1.2%

Medical

• New PPO and HMO plan offerings for 2022:
  2 Bronze PPOs, 1 Silver HMO, and 1 Bronze HMO.
• Relaxed Participation Promotion for small businesses has been extended through 2022.
• Mirror plans can now participate in the Relaxed Participation Promotion.
• Mirror plans can now be sold alongside another carrier.

Broker Bonus Program

• Earn points for qualified sales with the Small Business Incentive Program (June 2021 to January 2022 effective dates). Groups written through Claremont are eligible for this program. Redeem points for rewards and cash.

Dental

• 22 new dental PPO plans will be added based on benefit levels with 5 DPPO categories.
• Implants are covered on all tiers except Bronze.
• Calendar year maximum range is from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Orthodontia is available for an adult + child except for the Bronze tier (child only).
• New dental plans are available in 2022 for new groups.
• Renewing groups in 2022 may continue to renew old portfolio plans or move into the new plans.
• Orthodontic in Progress takeover is now available for DHMO in 2022.

Vision

• For vision plans with contact lens benefits, the contact lens allowance will match the frame allowance. Available for both new and renewing groups in 2022.

Access the roadshow recording, slides, and Q&As to learn more.

Small Group Broker Bonus - Includes CaliforniaChoice and Covered California for Small Business

Earn a Kaiser Permanente $100 bonus, per enrolled subscriber, when you sell new small group business through CaliforniaChoice or Covered California for Small Business, December 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022 effective dates.

Examples

1. Earn a $5,000 bonus when you sell a new group with 61 employees and enroll 50 subscribers with Kaiser Permanente.
2. Earn a $900 bonus when you sell a new group with 10 employees and enroll 9 subscribers with Kaiser Permanente.

This bonus is on top of your regular commission and standard broker reward programs. Get the details.

Report: How Small Businesses Can Adapt to Workforce Transformation

The ongoing impact of the pandemic has put small business owners to the test as they navigate unprecedented business restrictions, a prolonged economic downturn, uncertainty surrounding pandemic relief initiatives, and the changing work-life environment.

Even as we emerge from some of the restrictions, employees are feeling the pressures of uncertain or heavier workloads, long-term work from home or workplace safety issues, and health and financial concerns. As a result, employees are looking to their employers for support.

Small businesses who understand the shifts in employee needs and expectations, and take steps to enhance their well-being, will have a more productive and successful workforce.

Key Findings:

• As small businesses assess employees’ needs and look ahead, 68% predict employee well-being will have a major impact on the workplace of the future.
• 55% of small business employees see their benefits as more important because of the pandemic.
• Nearly half (48%) of small business employees say the benefits offered by their employer were an important reason why they came to work for the organization.
• Employees who are satisfied with their benefit options are more likely to be productive, and more likely to feel motivated, valued, and appreciated.
• 55% of small business employees are interested in having their employer offer a wider array of non-medical benefits. And 64% say it would make them more loyal.

Download the MetLife Report for insights, guidance, and expertise to share with your employer groups. Contact us today to develop tailored benefits solutions that address your clients' needs.