Rate information, medical plan updates, and renewal dates are now available for Q4 2022. Here you will find updates to Blue Shield’s rate book, medical portfolio information, plus dates and updates for groups renewing in October, November, and December 2022.
Fourth quarter rates now available through your preferred quoting engine
The Blue Shield Q4 2022 rate book is now available on the dedicated Rates page on Broker Connection. Blue Shield’s fourth-quarter 2022 rate action is a statewide average of 2.9%. This page includes rates for closed dental plans, which is not available in renewal packets. Remember! The Employer Enrollment Tool lets you easily find quotes and provides a streamlined, digital experience for all your Q4 enrollments. Group renewal packets include an options census for quick quoting that displays the current and renewing rates, along with several plan options with 2022 rates.
Blue Shield strives to keep their rate averages consistently low, but because of a variety of factors, such as the impact of recent legislation and investing in transformative health care to name a few, you will see a slight increase in rate action in Q4.
Blue Shield of California remains a great option for your clients. With added benefits like LifeReferrals 24/7, Wellvolution‘s wellness apps, and their suite of virtual care options – plus Blue Shield’s broker rewards programs with new Renewal Rewards – Blue Shield provides the best combination of value, quality, and service.
October, November, and December renewals
Groups renewing in October and November will be available to brokers through Shield Renewals on Monday, July 11* while group-level changes can be made using Small Group Online Renewal (SGOR) beginning July 14.* Groups renewing in December will be available on Tuesday, August 23* while group-level changes can be made using beginning August 30.* To review exact renewal and enrollment dates for Q2, plus enrollment materials and updated rates books, visit the
Renewal Center page on Broker Connection.
You can also access this new Broker Renewal Guide as a checklist to support your group renewals.
As a reminder, group renewal information is available as a microsite for each group, and these can be accessed through Shield Renewals. No download is required; you can open the site, find the information you need, and send the link or selected components to your clients.
You can also access the medical choice chart, which provides you information about your clients current and new plan rate, and the option to buy up or buy down and if Trio or Tandem is available. The choice chart will include the rate differential if you choose to move your client.
* Dates subject to change
Medical plan updates, featuring new plans
Heading into Q4, you’ll find minimal changes to Blue Shield’s existing medical portfolio. This is due to decreased out-of-pocket maximums in many plans, no actuarial value calculator changes resulting in minimal cost share changes, and their focus on providing more plan options with a greater value for members.
The have included several new plans in their 2022 medical portfolio since the original Cycle Launch – providing your clients with more options with greater value. These plans are listed immediately below.
Off-exchange HMO plans:
- Bronze 7000/70 Trio HMO
Blue Shield’s Bronze 7000/70 Trio HMO plan for Small Businesses covers professional services at set copayments not subject to deductible. This plan has comparably richer benefits at a lower cost versus rival health plans. Trio HMO Bronze includes integrated pharmacy deductibles, flat copays, chiropractic, and acupuncture coverage. What’s more, Trio comes standard with $0 copayment for virtual medical and behavioral care as well as concierge-level customer support.
This is an excellent plan for clients looking for cost-effective options with great coverage. Beginning with Q3 2022 enrollments, you will earn an additional bonus for each member enrolling in this plan for both renewals and new group sales. More information coming soon!
- Silver HMO 2750/65
This plan provides a great lower cost option with the richness that a Silver plan offers. Benefits includes flat copays for office visits, tier 1, and tier 2 prescription drugs that are not subject to the deductible.
Off-exchange PPO plans:
- Bronze PPO 5500/65 and Bronze 6500/70
Blue Shield’s new bronze plans feature competitive pricing with lower medical deductible and pharmacy deductibles. These plans include first-dollar coverage for primary care, specialist, and mental health office visits, which means immediate access to these benefits.
A list of 2021 Small Business medical plans changed names for 2022 can be found here.
View Blue Shield’s 2022 plans at a glance document.
Call your Rogers Benefit Group sales representative today to learn more about how Blue Shield’s benefits programs can make a difference for you and your clients!