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

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Covered California for Small Business – Blue Shield of CA Plan Changes and Bonus

Posted August 7, 2023 by Lori Berson

Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) is pleased to introduce several new Blue Shield of CA plans that are now available for quoting. Carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of your valued employers, these plans are available for both new business enrollments and existing business renewals effective July 1, 2023.

Expanded CCSB HMO Plan Designs on The Access + HMO Network

With this update, Platinum, Gold, and Silver metal level products are available on the Access+ HMO network.
Unlike Trio HMO plans, which include Rx Spectrum, all Access+ HMO network plans will include the richer Rx Ultra pharmacy network, providing enhanced prescription benefits for members.

Introducing Bronze Trio HMO 7000/70 on The Exchange

Blue Shield Bronze Trio HMO 7000/70 + Child Dental offers professional services not subject to a deductible, allowing members to access essential services before meeting the high deductible.
Members can take advantage of Concierge Member Services and an integrated pharmacy deductible.

Launching Two of Blue Shield’s Most Popular Off-Ex HDHP Plans

Blue Shield Silver Full PPO Savings 2300/25% + Child Dental
– 10th most popular plan across the entire book.
Blue Shield Bronze Full PPO Savings 7000 + Child Dental
– 8th most popular plan among new sales in the North.
Both plans feature the Full PPO network. And in both plans, the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM) are the same resulting in no additional costs to the member after the deductible is met.

With these upgrades, your small business clients across California can offer their employees even more healthcare options, providing them with greater flexibility and choice. To learn more, download the flyer.

All Blue Shield plans through CCSB provide members access to Wellvolution (including Headspace and Ginger), Teladoc Mental Health, Nurse Help 24/7, LifeReferrals 24/7, and the Blue Card program for when members are outside of California.

‘A Partnership That Pays’ Broker Bonus Program

With the CCSB bonus program, agents who place new small group business with CCSB from July 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024, can earn up to a $12,000 bonus per group, in addition to competitive commissions. To qualify for the first bonus tier of $1,000, agencies must submit a minimum of three groups with four enrolled employees. Best of all, the bonus is per group with no maximum number of groups! Download the flyer for details.

In addition to California’s most comprehensive access to doctors and hospitals, CCSB health plans offer choice and control, with:

Full-network PPO from Blue Shield.
HMO offerings from Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Sharp Health Plan.
New Blue Shield plans.
4-tier selection.
Single bill.

Partner with Claremont for:

Help understanding employers’ needs to deliver the right benefits solutions.
Assistance with small group sales, enrollments, and renewals.
Actionable solutions and practical tips, such as:
– Advantages for Agents and Employers
– Agent Resources
– Health Care Tax Credit Solution
– Top 20 Lowest Cost Medical Plans
Expertise and support behind the scenes — all at no cost to you.

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.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive health coverage and earn attractive bonuses. Contact us today for a Covered California for Small Business quote!

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

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Covered California for Small Business – New Blue Shield HDHP PPO Plans

Posted May 30, 2023 by Lori Berson

Effective July 1, 2023, Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) is adding two of Blue Shield’s most popular high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to its portfolio:

Blue Shield Silver Full PPO Savings 2300/25%
Blue Shield Bronze Full PPO Savings 7000

Both plans feature the Full PPO network. The deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are the same in both plans. And, there are no additional costs to the member after the deductible is met.

The recently announced large increases in HSA contribution limits for 2024 are likely to generate even more interest in HDHPs and HSAs. Now is a good time to discuss these new plan options with your clients and prospects.

In addition to California’s most comprehensive access to doctors and hospitals, CCSB health plans offer choice and control, with:

Full-network PPO from Blue Shield.
HMO offerings from Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Sharp Health Plan.
New Blue Shield plans.
4-tier selection.
Single bill.

Partner with Claremont for:

Help understanding employers’ needs to deliver the right benefits solutions.
Assistance with small group sales, enrollments, and renewals.
Actionable solutions and practical tips, such as:
– Advantages for Agents and Employers
– Agent Resources
– Health Care Tax Credit Solution
– Top 20 Lowest Cost Medical Plans
Expertise and support behind the scenes — all at no cost to you.

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.

Contact us today for a Covered California for Small Business quote!

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

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Covered California for Small Business – Full Network Access+ Blue Shield HMO Plans

Posted May 15, 2023 by Lori Berson

Effective July 1, Blue Shield’s full Access+ HMO provider network is available in Platinum, Gold, and Silver metal tier plans in Covered California for Small Business (CCSB). Previously, these plans had been available only through the Trio HMO network.

Blue Shield Full Network Access+ Plans:

Platinum 90 HMO 0/20 + Child Dental
Gold 80 HMO 250/35 + Child Dental
Silver 70 HMO 2500/55 + Child Dental

Plus, all Access+ plans include the richer Rx Ultra pharmacy network.

With this network upgrade, your small business clients across California can offer their employees even more healthcare provider options, providing them with greater flexibility and choice.

In addition to the full Access+ network, effective July 1, 2023, CCSB is introducing three new popular Blue Shield plans to its portfolio:

New Bronze Trio HMO 7000/70 plan. Professional services are not subject to a deductible. Includes integrated pharmacy deductible and access to Concierge Member Services.
Two of Blue Shield’s most popular HDHP plans are new to CCSB: Silver Full PPO Savings 2300/25% and Bronze Full PPO Savings 7000 plans. Both plans feature the Full PPO network. In both plans, the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are the same. No additional cost to the member after the deductible is met.

All Blue Shield plans through CCSB provide members access to Wellvolution (including Headspace and Ginger), Teladoc Mental Health, Nurse Help 24/7, LifeReferrals 24/7, and the Blue Card program for when members are outside of California.

New ‘A Partnership That Pays’ Broker Bonus Program

With the new CCSB bonus program, agents who place new small group business with CCSB from July 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024, can earn up to a $12,000 bonus per group, in addition to competitive commissions. To qualify for the first bonus tier of $1,000, agencies must submit a minimum of three groups with four enrolled employees. Best of all, the bonus is per group with no maximum number of groups! Download the flyer for details.

In addition to California’s most comprehensive access to doctors and hospitals, CCSB health plans offer choice and control, with:

Full-network PPO from Blue Shield.
HMO offerings from Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Sharp Health Plan.
New Blue Shield plans.
4-tier selection.
Single bill.

Partner with Claremont for:

Help understanding employers’ needs to deliver the right benefits solutions.
Assistance with small group sales, enrollments, and renewals.
Actionable solutions and practical tips, such as:
– Advantages for Agents and Employers
– Agent Resources
– Health Care Tax Credit Solution
– Top 20 Lowest Cost Medical Plans
Expertise and support behind the scenes — all at no cost to you.

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.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive health coverage and earn attractive bonuses. Contact us today for a Covered California for Small Business quote!

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

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Covered California for Small Business – All-New Blue Shield Plans

Posted May 1, 2023 by Lori Berson

With the newly added Blue Shield plans, Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) provides even more options for enrollees.

Effective July 1 these plans are new:

Access+ HMO Network: Blue Shield’s full HMO network, is now available in Platinum, Gold, and Silver metal tier plans. These plans had been available only with the Trio HMO network. Access+ plans include the richer Rx Ultra pharmacy network.
Bronze Trio HMO 7000/70. Professional services are not subject to a deductible. Includes integrated pharmacy deductible and access to Concierge Member Services.
HSA Plans: two of Blue Shield’s most popular HDHP plans: Silver Full PPO Savings 2300/25% and Bronze Full PPO Savings 7000 plans. Both plans feature the Full PPO network. In both plans, the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are the same. No additional cost to the member after the deductible is met.

All Blue Shield plans through CCSB provide members access to Wellvolution (including Headspace and Ginger), Teladoc Mental Health, Nurse Help 24/7, LifeReferrals 24/7, and the Blue Card program for when members are outside of California.

New Broker Bonus Program

With the new CCSB ‘A Partnership That Pays’ bonus, agents who place new small group business with CCSB from July 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024, can earn up to a $12,000 bonus per group, in addition to competitive commissions. To qualify for the first bonus tier of $1,000, agencies must submit a minimum of three groups with four enrolled employees. Best of all, the bonus is per group with no maximum number of groups! Download the flyer for details.

In addition to California’s most comprehensive access to doctors and hospitals, CCSB health plans offer choice and control, with:

Full-network PPO from Blue Shield.
HMO offerings from Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Sharp Health Plan.
New Blue Shield plans.
4-tier selection.
Single bill.

Partner with Claremont for:

Help understanding employers’ needs to deliver the right benefits solutions.
Assistance with small group sales, enrollments, and renewals.
Actionable solutions and practical tips, such as:
– Advantages for Agents and Employers
– Agent Resources
– Health Care Tax Credit Solution
– Top 20 Lowest Cost Medical Plans
Expertise and support behind the scenes — all at no cost to you.

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.

To take advantage of the Broker Bonus Program, contact us today for a Covered California for Small Business quote!

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

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Covered California for Small Business – Continued Growth, New Blue Shield Plans, and New Broker Bonus Program

Posted April 17, 2023 by Lori Berson

Continued Growth

With over 9,020 employers and 79,770 employees enrolled as of December 2022, Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) continues to be a popular health insurance choice for small businesses. In fact, membership has grown significantly over the last few years:

New Blue Shield Plans

CCSB is introducing the following new Blue Shield plans for Q3-2023 (effective July 1, 2023):

Access+ HMO Network: Blue Shield’s full HMO network, is now available in Platinum, Gold, and Silver metal tier plans. These plans previously only had access to the Trio HMO network. Plans offered on the Access+ HMO network will include the richer Rx Ultra pharmacy network.
Bronze Trio HMO 7000/70 is new to CCSB. Professional services are not subject to a deductible. Includes integrated pharmacy deductible and access to Concierge Member Services.
HSA Plans: two of Blue Shield’s most popular HDHP plans: Silver Full PPO Savings 2300/25% and Bronze Full PPO Savings 7000 plans.

All Blue Shield plans through CCSB provide access to Wellvolution, Teladoc Mental Health, Nurse Help 24/7, LifeReferrals 24/7, and the Blue Card program for members outside of California.

New Broker Bonus Program

With the new CCSB ‘A Partnership That Pays’ bonus, agents who place new small group business with CCSB from July 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024, can earn up to a $12,000 bonus per group, in addition to competitive commissions. To qualify for the first bonus tier of $1,000, agencies must submit a minimum of three groups with four enrolled employees. Best of all, the bonus is per group with no maximum number of groups! Download the flyer for details.

Broker Webinar Recap and Q&As

View the March 28th broker webinar and download the Q&As to learn about CCSB’s growth, advantages for brokers and employers, and the latest carrier offerings.

In addition to California’s most comprehensive access to doctors and hospitals, CCSB health plans offer choice and control, with:

Full-network PPO from Blue Shield.
HMO offerings from Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Sharp Health Plan.
New Blue Shield plans.
4-tier selection.
Single bill.

Partner with Claremont for:

Help understanding employers’ needs to deliver the right benefits solutions.
Assistance with small group sales, enrollments, and renewals.
Actionable solutions and practical tips, such as:
– Advantages for Agents and Employers
– Agent Resources
– Health Care Tax Credit Solution
– Top 20 Lowest Cost Medical Plans
Expertise and support behind the scenes — all at no cost to you.

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.

To take advantage of the broker bonus program, contact us today for a Covered California for Small Business quote!

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

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Covered California for Small Business Webinar: New Blue Shield Plans

Posted March 13, 2023 by Lori Berson

Join the Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) webinar on Tuesday, March 28th at 9:00 am PDT, to hear from their sales team about the launch of new Blue Shield plans effective July 1, 2023. Learn about the newest plan designs, what they mean for you, your employers, and their employees.

Topics

CCSB – State of The Exchange
Open Enrollment Recap
Blue Shield Update
New Blue Shield Plans
Portal Updates
New Bonus Program
Q&A

Space is limited. Register now.

Register Now

Partner with Claremont for:

Help understanding employers’ needs to deliver the right benefits solutions.
Assistance with small group sales, enrollments, and renewals.
Actionable solutions and practical tips, such as:
– Advantages for Agents and Employers
– Agent Resources
– Health Care Tax Credit Solution
– Top 20 Lowest Cost Medical Plans
Expertise and support behind the scenes — all at no cost to you.

Claremont has been a trusted CCSB partner since its 2014 launch, and 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.

Contact us today for a CCSB Quote!

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

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Are You Capitalizing on The Health Care Tax Credit?

Posted January 30, 2023 by Lori Berson

Cost concerns and rising inflation are top healthcare challenges for small businesses. Offer your clients and prospects savings of up to 50% on health care premiums for up to two years with the Health Care Tax Credit – only available through Covered California for Small Business (CCSB). To maximize your clients’ savings, move them into a Covered California for Small Business plan this year.

Use our simple turnkey Health Care Tax Credit Solution to ensure your clients get the most for their health care dollars. Provide us with some basic group information and we’ll estimate the Tax Credit percentage and dollar amount for which your client will qualify.

The tax credit depends on several factors such as:

Number of employees: The business must have less than 25 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs). Owners and immediate family members of the owner are not counted as employees when calculating the tax credit.
Average wage of employees: The employees must have an average annual wage of less than $56,000 per year. This limit has been adjusted for inflation since 2014.
Employer-paid premiums: The employer must contribute at least 50% of the cost of insurance coverage for each employee.

Results we’ve seen so far:

75% qualified for the tax credit.
Nearly 25% of those purchased coverage after reviewing the tax credit report.
$5,800 was the average credit received.

Example of a tax credits received by a small business:

CCSB Tax Credit Example

Bring the Tax Credit value to your clients.

Partner with Claremont for:

Help understanding employers’ needs to deliver the right benefits solutions.
Assistance with small group sales, enrollments, and renewals.
Actionable solutions and practical tips, such as:
– Advantages for Agents and Employers
– Agent Resources
– Health Care Tax Credit Solution
– Top 20 Lowest Cost Medical Plans
Expertise and support behind the scenes — all at no cost to you.

Claremont has been a trusted CCSB partner since its 2014 launch, and 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.

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Kaiser Permanente Broker Bonus

Kaiser Permanente New Broker Bonus Program

Posted October 17, 2022 by Lori Berson

Earn a Kaiser Permanente $100 bonus, per enrolled subscriber, when you sell new small group business through CaliforniaChoice or Covered California for Small Business (CCSB), December 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023 effective dates.

Examples

Earn a $5,000 bonus when you sell a new group with 61 employees and enroll 50 subscribers with Kaiser Permanente.
50 enrolled subscribers x $100 = $5,000
Earn a $900 bonus when you sell a new group with 10 employees and enroll 9 subscribers with Kaiser Permanente.
9 enrolled subscribers x $100 = $900

This bonus is on top of your regular commission and standard broker reward programs such as the Total Replacement and Group Production rewards. Download the flyer to learn more.

Start earning more on new small group sales! Contact us today for a quote.

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

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Covered California for Small Business Q1-2023 Updates

Posted October 3, 2022 by Lori Berson

To ensure your success in 2023, below are important updates from Covered California for Small Business (CCSB).

Quoting

January 1, 2023 effective dates are available for quoting through PRISM, our free and easy online quoting system.

Plan Updates

Health Net PPO plans will no longer be offered through CCSB beginning January 1, 2023. Existing employer groups and members will keep their CCSB Health Net PPO plan until the end of their plan year in 2023. New groups can continue to enroll through December 2022. At renewal in 2023, employer groups will need to pick a replacement CCSB plan from another carrier.

Bonus Program

‘A Partnership That Pays’ broker bonus program is available for coverage effective through January 1, 2023.

CCSB Advantages

Quality, affordable health insurance plans from well-known trusted carriers regionally and statewide.
Greater choice – employees can select any plan from any carrier in their region.
Financial control – employers can define the amount they will contribute toward employees’ premiums.
Exclusive tax credits of up to 50% on employee health care premiums to help pay for the cost of providing health insurance. This tax credit is only available through CCSB and can be applied to their federal tax return. To qualify, small business clients:
- Must have less than 25 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs);
- Pay an average wage of less than $56,000 per year; and
- Pay at least half of their employees’ health insurance premiums.
- Learn more about the tax credit, and download the Employer Tax Credit flyer and How to Apply for The Tax Credit flyer.
- Check out Claremont’s Tax Credit Solution for brokers with tips on how to sell the tax credit to your clients and downloadable resources.
Employee-only coverage that allows eligible dependents to qualify for subsidies.
No pediatric dental requirement.
Price protection – Covered California will always have the lowest cost plans.
Discounts and free programs to help members reach their fitness and health goals are available from certain CCSB carriers. Download the Added Values flyer for details.
Simplified administration and online tools.
Lead generating marketing and promotions for agents.

Resources

CCSB Advantages for Agents Sales Guide. – Why sell it and how you benefit. Ten advantages and broker benefits, plus comparisons of CCSB, private exchange, and carrier direct features.
CCSB Advantages for Employers Sales Guide. – Nine reasons why a CCSB plan delivers value to employers, plus comparisons of CCSB, private exchange, and carrier direct features. (Distribute to your prospects and clients.)
CCSB FAQs.
CCSB overview, new business submission deadlines and instructions.

To learn how you and your groups will benefit from Covered California for Small Business, contact us for a quote today!

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

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.