Group Broker Update

Combined Topics

Exciting updates coming to Broker Connection!

We're thrilled to announce some upcoming enhancements to Broker Connection! Here's what you can look forward to:

Improved organization: A revamping of our tool organization to make it easier for you to find what you need when you need it.
Enhanced search results: Searching for specific resources or information will be quicker and more accurate than ever.
Increased Responsiveness: Backend changes to our platform to improve responsiveness, ensuring the system seamlessly adopts updates and changes.

These updates are just the beginning of our commitment to providing you with the best possible experience with Broker Connection.

Pushing the boundaries of enrollment tools: bulk member plan changes coming in March

Beginning Friday, March 29, the Employee Enrollment Tool (EET) will feature the following updates as part of our continued efforts to enhance your digital experience.

Change employee plans in bulk: Set plan assignments for multiple members all on one page. Watch the tutorial video here.
- Bulk member plan changes displays when you make group level plan changes allowing you to reassign members with the plan changes.
- Off-cycle changes: Only employees impacted by the plan changes will be available to select for bulk member plan changes.
- Open enrollment changes: All employees will be available to select for bulk member plan changes.
Eligibility Options part-time and full-time coverage: Adjust a group’s coverage rules to add or remove part-time employee benefit coverage. Watch the tutorial video here.
Second writing producer access: Automatic access to view and manage groups for the groups you are designated as the second writing producer. This release automates a manual process used to provide manage access.
Federal COBRA member ID card download: Order or download ID cards for Federal COBRA members from the member account page in EET.
Member cancel never effective improvements: The time delay has been removed when members are canceled never effective and displayed on the roster.
UI and search improvements: Your valued feedback coming fruition as improvements to the navigation, readability, and organization of the EET. We also reduced some of the delay to display member roster search results.

To avoid disruption, we ask that you do not access the EET from 8 p.m. on Thursday March 28, to 3 a.m. on Friday March 29, PST. Thank you for your continued use of our digital tools.

Our EET FAQ document is full of pro tips curated from months of your usage and feedback – everything from trending questions we receive to obscure exception scenarios are included.

An updated EET guide includes features launched earlier this month and updates to existing sections. Download the updated guide or find it on the dedicated resource page.

Article: Blue Shield named one of the world’s most ethical companies in 2024

Blue Shield of California has been named to Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies®, making 2024 our 12th inclusions on the list. Ethisphere is a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. In 2024, 136 honorees were recognized on the World’s Most Ethical Companies list, spanning 20 countries and 44 industries. Read the full article on our News Center here.

Updated prescription drug and healthcare spending survey

Blue Shield is collecting D1 Premium data on behalf of our employer groups as required by Section 204 (2021) Prescription Drug Cost Reporting regulation.

You’ll find a quick summation below, including key reminders and submission tips, with the broker alert available here for full information.

An Employer Connection account is no longer needed to submit D1 information. 
Groups and/or brokers can fill out the Prescription Drug & Healthcare Spending Survey using the group ID and following web key: #24yr23.
Those with access to an Employer Connection account are still encouraged to complete the survey by logging in to Employer Connection.
The deadline has been extended to Friday, April 19, 2024.  
Groups missing the deadline won’t be in Blue Shield’s filing and may be subject to non-compliance if the required data isn’t reported directly to the CMS.

Reminder: What to know about GLP-1 weight loss drugs

Our featured topic in February covered the drug class known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Here we provide a quick, high-level summation, with the full details available here.

Originally developed for those with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs curb hunger, and slow movement of food through the GI tract.
These drugs are not designed for rapid weight loss and are not a stand-alone solution for losing weight. GLP-1 drugs should be supplementary to diet and exercise.
The FDA approved different GLP-1 drugs for specific uses and FDA approved GLP1s drugs that treat obesity requires prior authorization.

The most up to date formulary information can be found on our Drug Formularies page.

Due March 31, 2024, remind your employer groups about the MLR survey

In early January, employer groups with <150 employees received a Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) survey. To support your clients, we ask you to encourage them to submit information by March 31, 2024, via our online survey or by faxing back the print survey form. To access the online survey, please use the Group ID and following web key: #44n50c

Full submission requirements and information can be found here. Questions regarding the survey can be sent to MLRAssist@blueshieldca.com or you can call us at (800) 325-5166.

Small Business

New welcome email campaign for small businesses

A new email campaign aims to engage with newly enrolled small business groups in a “welcome” experience and positive transition to Blue Shield. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and value perception, we aim to foster long-term loyalty.

The campaign began with 3/1/24 effective date groups, continuing each month thereafter. As part of the welcome experience, two emails are sent to groups in their first month of coverage. The initial communication focuses on digital engagement and self-service, with the second focused on value, services, and member programs.

Tools for the trusted advisor

Being a subject matter expert for your clients is fundamental to your work and, when the subject is Blue Shield of California, we want to ensure you are always prepared.

Live Agent Chat is available now! You can solve your client’s challenges, upload supporting documentation, and get help navigating our self-service capabilities with our secure chat platform. The chat feature is available on all pages once you log in and check out this chat demonstration video for additional information. Our team is available 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST Monday to Friday.
Broker bonus programs: visit the Rewards and Commissions page on Broker Connection for full details!
- Small Business Incentive Program: Sell more, earn more. We’re making it easier for you to earn more when you enroll in membership.
- Direct Elite Rewards: Boost your earnings with this program that benefits direct-selling small business brokers.
Employer email campaign: Starting mid-December, new employer groups will receive several focused emails to make the transition to Blue Shield and its group management/administrative tools seamless and convenient. The emails will contain information and links to existing features, capabilities, and benefits available to Blue Shield members.
Doing business with Blue Shield of California: resources for our Small Business brokers.
Visit the Small Business Contact Sales & Support page on Broker Connection to easily find the dedicated Account Executive and Sales Executive in each region.
Small business plan documents (SOB, SBC, EOC) for medical plans, pharmacy plans, dental plans, and life insurance plans all in one place.
The Blue Shield News Center is your go-to source for the latest news and services from Blue Shield of California. Stay up to date by following us on LinkedIn and subscribe here to have News Center alerts delivered directly to your inbox.

Large Group

Transitioning to incurred data reporting for fully-insured groups

Beginning March 25, 2024, Blue Shield will transition from paid to incurred data reporting for fully-insured groups. This change is intended to provide more accuracy in reporting periods to align with the market. FAQs are available here.

There is no change in reporting structure for self-funded, flex-funded, or mix-funded groups. Groups will see this change in their Healthcare Intelligence Package (BHI/Intelligent Health reports) on March 25, 2024.

Tools for the trusted advisor

Being a subject matter expert for your clients is fundamental to your work and, when the subject is Blue Shield of California, we want to ensure you are always prepared.

New hours of operations Our Broker and Employer Services teams have adjusted their hours of operation and are now open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST.
Live Agent Chat is available now! You can solve your client’s challenges, upload supporting documentation, and get help navigating our self-service capabilities with our secure chat platform. The chat feature is available on all pages once you log in and check out this chat demonstration video for additional information. Our team is available 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST Monday to Friday.
Large group plan documents (SOB, SBC, EOC) for medical plans, pharmacy plans, dental plans, and life insurance plans are available in one location.
The Blue Shield News Center is your go-to source for the latest news and services from Blue Shield of California. Stay up to date by following us on LinkedIn and subscribe here to have News Center alerts delivered directly to your inbox.