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Health Net Is Exiting the California Group Market
Health Net will no longer offer small or large group coverage in CA. In-force groups terminate February 28, 2027. Your Claremont team is ready to help find alternatives. Call 800.696.4543 or email quotes@claremontcompanies.com.
As brokers continue migrating groups from Ease to Employee Navigator, Employee Navigator has announced two upcoming training series. Whether you’re new to the platform or want a deeper look at how integrations work, these sessions are a good investment — and Claremont’s team is on hand to help before, during, and after.
This webinar covers how carrier, payroll, and TPA integrations work on Employee Navigator, and how brokers can use them to run more efficiently and grow their business.
These sessions focus specifically on how to use the migration tool to move groups from Ease to Employee Navigator — a practical walkthrough for brokers actively managing that transition.
Can’t attend one of these dates? Additional training sessions are ongoing — reach out to us and we’ll point you to the next available option.
Claremont Is Here to Help
Beyond these trainings, your Claremont team is well-versed in Employee Navigator and ready to support you directly — whether that’s answering setup questions, walking through the migration tool with you, or troubleshooting an issue with a specific group. You don’t have to navigate this transition alone.
Questions or ready to get started? Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.
If you’ve seen headlines about a new health insurance tax in California, here’s what’s actually happening and why it matters for the small group business you write.
What Is the MCO Tax?
The Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax is a tax the state levies on health plans, with the revenue used to draw down matching federal funds that support the Medi-Cal program — including provider rate increases in primary care, maternity care, and behavioral health. It’s existed in various forms since 2023 under Assembly Bill 119 and Assembly Bill 160, and the current version is set to expire December 31, 2026.
Why Is It Changing?
Under the current structure, California taxes Medi-Cal managed care plans at a higher rate than commercial plans. New federal rules — part of the 2025 federal budget reconciliation law — prohibit that kind of disparity going forward. States can no longer tax Medicaid plans more heavily than commercial ones. California has until January 1, 2027 to bring its tax structure into compliance.
What’s in the New Tax (SB 125)?
To comply, the state passed a redesigned MCO tax as part of the 2026-27 state budget (SB 125, signed into law in late June 2026). Key details:
What This Could Mean for Small Group Premiums
Because the new tax applies to commercial plans at the same rate as Medi-Cal plans — rather than a lower rate, as under the current structure — there’s meaningful potential for this cost to be passed through to small group premiums if carriers choose to do so. Public estimates have put the potential impact in the range of a few hundred dollars per year for a family of four, though actual impact will vary by carrier and hasn’t been confirmed by any of our carrier partners.
What’s Still Uncertain
This tax is not yet final. It requires federal approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) before California can begin collecting it, and that approval is not guaranteed. If approved, the earliest effective date would be January 1, 2027.
We’ll continue to monitor this and update you as carriers release specific rate guidance for 2027 plans.
Learn More:
Health Net has clarified the participation requirement language used in recertification notices for groups with only one enrolled employee — so if your group received one of these recently, here’s what it actually means.
The requirement, clarified: For groups where only the owner is currently enrolled, Health Net requires that the group have at least one eligible W-2 employee — someone who is not an owner or spouse of an owner. That employee does not need to enroll in coverage to satisfy the requirement; they simply need to be eligible and on payroll. A group where the owner is the only enrolled participant can remain qualified for small group coverage as long as this condition is met.
Why we’re sharing this: Some recent recertification notices used language that could be read as requiring the eligible employee to enroll, rather than simply exist. Health Net has confirmed the correct standard and is updating notice language going forward to reduce confusion.
What this means for your groups: If a client receives a recertification notice, there’s no need to enroll an additional employee to maintain eligibility — just confirm they have at least one eligible W-2 employee who isn’t an owner or spouse of an owner on payroll.
Health Net covers a wide range of group situations — from lean startups to established employers with complex carrier arrangements. If you have a group that’s been tough to place, it’s worth the conversation.
Questions? Reach out to your Claremont team for a full Health Net overview and quoting support.
Learn more about Health Net’s versatile health plans, ancillary coverage, wellness programs, and value-added services.
Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.
Principal Financial Group® has announced an agreement to acquire Beam Benefits. The transaction is expected to close during the second half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Beam and Principal will continue to operate as separate companies until the acquisition is finalized.
At This Time
What’s Not Yet Determined
Beam has indicated that additional information regarding future operational changes will be shared after the transaction closes.
As Beam’s general agency partner, we’re monitoring this announcement closely and will share verified updates with our broker partners as more information becomes available.
Key takeaway: There is no action required for brokers or employer groups at this time.
For additional information, refer to Beam’s FAQ and official announcement.
Questions about your Beam business? Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.
Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.
Looking for another competitive option for Bay Area groups? Balance by CCHP can be an excellent complement to Blue Shield or Kaiser, giving employers a lower-cost HMO choice for employees who live in San Francisco, San Mateo, or Alameda counties. It’s an easy way to expand plan choice while helping clients manage healthcare costs.
Many employers offer a primary carrier and add Balance as a lower-cost HMO option, giving employees who live within the service area access to a robust local network at a competitive price.
Why quote Balance by CCHP?
Broker Takeaway
If you’re quoting groups with employees in San Francisco, San Mateo, or Alameda counties, consider adding Balance by CCHP alongside Blue Shield or Kaiser. It gives employers a competitive lower-cost HMO option while expanding employee choice—a simple way to strengthen your proposal without changing your overall quoting strategy.
Request a quote or learn more about when Balance by CCHP may be the right fit for your clients.
Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.
Good news for brokers with clients in the Central Valley—Blue Shield of California and Community Medical Centers (CMC) have reached a new agreement, restoring in-network access for members across Blue Shield HMO, PPOm Medicare Advantage and ASO plans.
The renewed agreement includes:
The agreement also expands access to care throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
Broker Takeaway
Blue Shield is once again a strong option for groups that depend on Community Medical Centers and Community Health Partners. If you’ve been holding off on quoting Blue Shield because of the contract negotiations, this agreement removes a major concern for many Central Valley employers.
Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.
We’re celebrating Lea Torres and her five-year anniversary with Claremont Insurance Services!
Over the past five years, Lea has become an invaluable member of our Broker Service team. Whether she’s assisting with new business, supporting renewals, or resolving service issues, she’s known for her positive attitude and commitment to finding solutions for brokers and their clients.
“Lea is someone our brokers and teammates can always count on. She approaches every request with a positive attitude, works diligently to find solutions, and genuinely cares about helping others. Her kindness, efficiency, and commitment to outstanding service make her an invaluable member of our team. We’re grateful for everything she brings to Claremont and look forward to celebrating many more milestones together.”
— Laura Hogsed, Director, Broker Solutions & Service Operations
At Claremont, experienced team members like Lea help deliver the responsive, knowledgeable service our brokers count on every day.
Congratulations, Lea, on this well-deserved milestone, and thank you for five wonderful years.
You can reach Lea at lea@claremontcompanies.com or 925.296.8825.
When it comes to employee benefits, vision coverage is often one of the most appreciated and affordable offerings. Humana Vision PLUS takes vision benefits a step further by providing enhanced savings and expanded benefits when members visit designated PLUS providers.
Humana Vision PLUS is designed to help employees maximize their vision benefits while keeping out-of-pocket costs low.
Humana Vision PLUS utilizes the EyeMed Insight Network, giving members access to more than 175,000 provider access points nationwide, including independent providers, retail locations, and online options.
Popular retailers include:
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-value vision solution that employees will actually use, Humana Vision PLUS is worth a closer look. Vision PLUS Brochure
Place dental alongside the Vision PLUS, and qualify for Humana’s broker bonus program. Learn more.
*Savings example provided by Humana. Actual savings will vary based on benefits and frame selection.
Humana’s Employee Assistance Program, powered by TELUS Health, just got more valuable:
Available 24/7 by phone, app, or online at one.telushealth.com (Username: MyEAP / Password: wellness).
Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.
With the Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) bonus program, agents who place new small group business from July 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027, can earn up to a $9,000 bonus per group, in addition to standard commissions. To qualify for the first bonus tier of $500, agencies must submit a minimum of three groups with five enrolled employees.
See the CCSB flyer for more details.
Qualification: Write 3 or more groups during the bonus period to qualify.
Enhanced Bonus: Write 6 or more groups and earn a 50% increase on all bonuses.
Eligibility: Business acquired through a partnering General Agency is included.
In addition to California’s most comprehensive access to doctors and hospitals, CCSB health plans offer choice and control, with:
As a trusted CCSB partner since its 2014 launch, we are a top-producing general agency in our sales territory. From agent certification and quoting to assessing new group eligibility and resolving post-enrollment issues, our CCSB experts will provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.
Here’s what brokers need to know about Blue Shield of California heading into Q3 — from a strong rate story to a revamped virtual care benefit and a points-based bonus program worth stacking.
Starting January 2026, Virtual Blue replaces Teladoc and Nurse Help 24/7 for renewing Small Group off-exchange PPO plans. Virtual Blue is a valuable upgrade for PPO members and includes:
Download the Virtual Blue program flyer.
Blue Shield’s Producer Rewards program makes it easy to earn — no complicated tiers, no calculations. 1 point = $1, paid quarterly.
| Enrollment | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| New medical member (initial sale) | 25 pts |
| New dental member | 10 pts |
| New vision member | 5 pts |
| New life insurance member | 5 pts |
| All three: dental + vision + life | 2x (40 pts total) |
Key details:
Broker Talking Points
Questions?
Contact The Answer Team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.