Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) has eased documentation for Health Net groups and extended deadlines for everyone.

For groups transitioning off Health Net, CCSB now accepts a prior Health Net bill (showing at least one enrolling subscriber) in place of a DE-9 or payroll report; employees not on that bill can be verified with a pay stub or offer letter.

For all new CCSB groups, not just those leaving Health Net, submission deadlines are extended to the 15th of the month for October 2026 – March 2027 effective dates. CCSB expects high volume through March, so submit early each month to avoid delays.

Other CCSB basics:

• Participation: Only 70% of eligible employees need creditable coverage, from any source: IFP, spousal, Medicare/Medicaid, etc.
• Owner-only and husband-and-wife groups remain ineligible.
• Portal enrollment.
• No administration fees.
• Broker bonus active for new business effective 7/1/26–1/1/27.

Get the details and contact us today for a CCSB quote.

Blue Shield held a broker roadshow this week outlining new support for groups moving off Health Net, including a richer bonus structure and looser underwriting. Here's what changed:

• Underwriting flexibility (10/1/26–3/1/27 effective dates): Minimum enrolling subscribers drops from 5 to 3. For groups coming directly from Health Net, the 25% participation minimum is waived, and a Health Net billing statement is accepted in place of a DE 9C.
• Bigger broker bonus, cumulative and uncapped: The bonus applies to a broker's total members placed with Blue Shield from Health Net groups, not per group. Members 1–50 earn $100/member, members 51–100 earn $150/member, and every member after that (101+) earns $200/member. No cap, and it stacks with other bonuses. Note "Health Net" as the prior carrier on every submission.
• One-time renewal date sync: Groups splitting carriers can align to a new 2027 renewal date, a one-time exception. More details to come.
• Q1-2027 rates: Available via e-vendors in early October.

If you have a Health Net group in this window, it's worth a second look at Blue Shield. Reach out to your RSM or The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 for help positioning your groups.

CaliforniaChoice is also making it easier to move Health Net groups, and they’re the only option for groups that want to keep Health Net coverage through 2027.

For Health Net groups moving by 1/1/27:

• Submit the current Health Net invoice in place of a DE 9C for easier underwriting and less paperwork.
• Members who want to stay on Health Net HMO can do so through the end of 2027.
• Members can choose HMO plans from Kaiser, Sharp, Sutter Health Plus, UnitedHealthcare, Western Health Advantage, or an Anthem PPO.
• Earn a $100 bonus per member moving from Health Net into CaliforniaChoice.

CaliforniaChoice is a set-it-and-forget-it platform. When Health Net exits the portfolio at the end of 2027, employees simply choose a new carrier at open enrollment — no new group application required. Contact us today for a quote.

CMS has finalized new rules for how employer group health plans determine Medicare Part D "creditable coverage" status, effective for plan years beginning January 1, 2027. The Simplified Determination Method is being retired; plans will need to meet a higher prescription drug coverage threshold (73%, up from 72%) under the Revised Simplified Determination Method, or use a full actuarial determination.

Plans that qualified as creditable in 2026 may not automatically qualify in 2027. Groups with leaner prescription drug benefits should have their plan design reviewed before renewal; losing creditable status can expose Medicare-eligible members to late-enrollment penalties.

Contact The Answer Team at info@claremontcompanies.com or 800.696.4543 to learn more.