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[For Fully Insured Employers]
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In our continued commitment to you and your members throughout the COVID‑19 pandemic, Independence is offering premium credits and other financial support.
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As a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Independence has experienced a lower volume of health care services being delivered to your members than was anticipated when current plan prices were set. Moreover, your members have been unable to access some types of routine health services — from preventive screenings to dental cleanings — and many elective procedures have been delayed or cancelled.
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We know many of our clients are having difficulties managing costs during this time when business has been interrupted, and we are hopeful that the premium credits we are issuing next month, coupled with other COVID‑19‑driven decisions we have undertaken to date, will further alleviate the financial burdens you may continue to face.
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Medical premium credit
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In light of the reduced health care services Independence members have utilized in recent months, we are able to pass on the associated cost savings to you in the form of a one‑time premium credit reflected in your September invoice. The medical premium credit is calculated using your member enrollment figures as of July 1, 2020.
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Fully insured large group clients will see a 20 percent reduction in their September invoices, which they should expect to receive in mid‑August.
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[For Dental]
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Dental premium credit
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In addition, due to reduced dental care services available and provided during the pandemic, Independence, in partnership with United Concordia Dental (UCD), will be issuing a one‑time, one‑month, 50 percent dental premium credit for fully insured small group clients with Blue‑branded standalone dental coverage. The credit will be issued in the form of a premium invoice credit in August for the client’s September invoice.
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Like the medical premium credit, the dental premium credit will be calculated using member enrollment figures as of July 1, 2020.
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We are currently working with UCD to finalize plans for a premium credit for UCD‑branded fully insured group clients and will share additional details in the near future.
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Additional support
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These initiatives augment the steps Independence has taken since the COVID‑19 pandemic began in March to support you, your members, providers, and the community at large, which we previously outlined here and on our Business Hub resource page.
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We recognize the mounting pressures many of our clients and consumer members are facing due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic. By providing premium credits and other payment flexibility, Independence is hoping to reduce some of the financial burdens our clients and members are experiencing.
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