NJ TDI Regulatory Update

Temporary Disability Insurance

Stephanie Haber

2019-02-19T19:00:00.0000000 2021-12-27T13:35:32.1500000

On February 19, 2019, New Jersey Bill A3975 was signed into law by Governor Murphy.  This bill revises the laws concerning Family Leave (FLI) and Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) including, pregnancy temporary disability leave, family temporary disability leave, and domestic or sexual violence safety leave.  Additionally, the required election process regarding the privatization of TDI has been modified.

Download a copy of the bill here. Here are the top highlights¹:

• Removal of the employee voting and signature collection requirement for non-union groups to move to a private TDI plan
• Electronic filing of application forms will be accepted
• FLI and other TDI benefit amount increases to 85% of the claimant’s average weekly wage, with a new cap at 70% of the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW)
• FLI benefit maximum duration increases from 6 weeks to 12 weeks²
• FLI intermittent leave maximum duration increases from 42 days to 56 days²
• FLI expands on the definition of “family members” for whom covered individuals may receive paid benefits to provide care
   

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¹This information is based on the currently available information as of February 19, 2019 and may change as things evolve or NJ State issues more guidance.
²During any 12-month period.

The information in this material is for agent/broker use only and is not intended for the general public.  Information in this article is not intended as an offer of coverage. It is for illustrative purposes only, providing a general overview of featured benefit highlights provided under the respective policies. It is not a contract.  The Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) Law (Temporary Disability Benefits law (P.L.1948, c.110 (C:43-21-25 et seq.) governs this private plan and its interpretation and administration. All coverage extends up to TDB Law limits reflected in this policy. Please refer to the policy and TDB law for coverage details, a complete listing of covered services, provisions, conditions, exclusions, and terms under which the policy may be continued or cancelled. In the event of conflicting information with the policy and applicable TDB Law, the policy and TDB Law will take precedence over what is shown in this material. Claim payment is not guaranteed; benefit amount depends on wages. Policies have a statutory 7-day waiting period.  Available in NJ only.

Official Release: ShelterPoint Life Partners with National Vision Administrators

Updated plans will offer better service to members

Yiu Tso

2015-06-26T11:38:00.0000000 2022-07-15T11:05:00.0830000

Great Neck, NY, June 26, 2015-- ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company is partnering with National Vision Administrators, L.L.C. (NVA), one of the largest national vision networks and benefit administrators, to provide enhanced network benefits and claims processing capabilities for its policyholders.

The partnership allows ShelterPoint to leverage NVA’s negotiating power to reduce the cost of its vision benefits for its members by utilizing NVA’s national network of over 40,000 eye care professionals, including retailers and independent doctors.

ShelterPoint will have the flexibility to create custom plans based on the individual needs of its clients. In addition, ShelterPoint’s members will have access to NVA’s stellar vision benefits administration practices and a live 24/7/365 call center.

“We’re excited about partnering with a long-established leader in vision benefits,” said Richard White, CEO of ShelterPoint, “and NVA is the perfect fit for our wider mission of keeping group benefits simple and to-the-point for all of our small business clients.”

The NVA vision plans will be available beginning July 1, 2015.

About ShelterPoint

The ShelterPoint family of companies consists of ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company (formerly First Rehab Life) and ShelterPoint Insurance Company.

ShelterPoint Life (formerly The First Rehabilitation Life Insurance Company of America, short First Rehab Life) was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Great Neck, NY.  Since its inception, ShelterPoint Life has grown into New York’s largest* statutory disability carrier. Through the years, ShelterPoint Life has added additional employee benefits to its product portfolio and currently insures more than 150,000 employers and over 1.3 million members. In 2014, First Rehab Life changed its name to ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company.

A Florida-domiciled carrier was acquired in 2014, which was renamed ShelterPoint Insurance Company. This newly acquired entity is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ShelterPoint Life and is licensed in 48 states and territories.

About NVA

NVA has a long history of providing innovative and cost-effective vision benefit programs for its plan sponsors and their subscribers since 1979.  Providing millions of people throughout the United States with vision care programs, NVA serves employers in both the private and public sectors, unions as well as MCOs, third party administrators and health care purchasing coalitions.

NVA’s ever-growing vision provider network consists of tens of thousands of highly qualified, licensed eye care professionals. The network includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians, independent practitioners as well as optical retailers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Official Release: ShelterPoint Life launches Nurse HelpLine

24/7 answers to health concerns for small groups.

Yiu Tso

2014-11-25T12:00:00.0000000 2022-07-15T11:01:58.5230000

Great Neck, NY, November 17, 2014: ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company (ShelterPoint Life) has partnered with AliCare to launch a Nurse HelpLine service effective November 2014.

This Nurse HelpLine provides unlimited access to experienced Registered Nurses in a dedicated US-based call center, most of whom have an average of over 20 years of experience and emergency room training. The nurses are prepared to answer questions about a variety of health care concerns and provide immediate health information on topics such as heart attacks, diabetes, headaches, depression, dermatology, anxiety, mental health, pregnancy, pain, rashes, and colds.

This service is available around the clock and on holidays to assure that people can get medical information whenever the moment of need arises. Hold time to speak to a nurse is generally less than a minute to assure callers' concerns are addressed quickly. It helps the caller determine, for example: "Is that pain in my jaw serious? Nurses assess each caller's health status and answer health-related questions to help them decide whether self-care or seeing a health care provider is the better option. All calls are confidential and are documented in the caller's personal medical file with the HIPAA-compliant Nurse HelpLine service.

Since the Nurse HelpLine is not insurance, there is no deductible or copay; all dependents and family members in the same household are covered. Those who prefer to listen to general health information can access the Audio Health Information Library with over 1,000 topics, many of which are also available in Spanish.

Studies show that approximately 1 out of 3 families avoid an unnecessary Emergency Room visit per year, and that callers avoid about 2 unnecessary physician office visits per year if they have access to a nurse help line.* This results in a win-win for both employer and employee: for families who use this service, it means potentially saving on unnecessary copays or deductibles; and for employers it may translate into less time away from work.

These advantages are even more impactful in a small business setting.  Small businesses may find it more difficult to obtain a nurse help line as part of their health insurance plan, which makes ShelterPoint's Nurse HelpLine an attractive and affordable service.

ShelterPoint's Nurse HelpLine is available for small groups and sole proprietors on a stand-alone basis.

*HealthCare Leadership Council: The Future is here-Transforming American Healthcare Through Private Sector Innovation, p13.

About ShelterPoint:
The ShelterPoint family of companies consists of ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company and ShelterPoint Insurance Company.. ShelterPoint Life (formerly The First Rehabilitation Life Insurance Company of America, short First Rehab Life) was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Great Neck, NY.  Since its inception, ShelterPoint Life has grown into New York's largest* statutory disability carrier. Through the years, ShelterPoint Life has added additional employee benefits to its product portfolio and currently insures more than 150,000 employers and over 1.3 million members. In 2014, First Rehab Life changed its name to ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company. A Florida-domiciled carrier was acquired in 2014, which was renamed ShelterPoint Insurance Company. This newly acquired entity is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ShelterPoint Life and is licensed in 48 states and territories.

About AliCare:
AliCare Medical Management offers clinically based care management programs designed to promote optimal clinical outcomes, cost savings and patient satisfaction. AliCare is an affiliate company of Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, a New York based life insurance company established in 1943, which is rated "A" by A.M. Best Company.

Dental Claim and Administration Changes

Effective 01/01/14

Anupam Garg

2013-12-10T00:00:00.0000000 2022-12-23T10:41:43.5270000

First Rehab Life's group Dental policy will transition to a new administrator on January 1, 2014.  They have partnered with Revolv to process their claims. 

Here is what's changing:

• Benefit Services Telephone Number: 855-562-8004
• Dental ID Cards*
• Appearance of the EOB (Explanation of Benefits)
• Web enhancements and real-time claim status
• Claim form and claim submission address** (see below)
• Dentists may now submit claims electronically!

The claims mailing address has changed.

**Please submit your claim for reimbursement to our dedicated Dental Claim Administration office:

First Rehab Life

ATTN: Claims

PO Box 12826

Roanoke, VA 24028

Claim forms are available for download here.

*Each member will receive new Dental ID cards directly from Revolv.  It is very important that you inform each member to destroy their current cards.  They should present their new ID card to any dentist that they visit after January 1, 2014.  In the event that they do not receive their new Dental ID cards, please contact Revolv Benefit Services at: 1-855-562-8004.  ID cards can also be printed online from www.readysetdental.com after January 1, 2014.

An official Dental notifcation with full details will be mailed to all dental policyholders.

Official Release: First Rehab Life Launches Employee Benefits without Enrollments

New Suite of "BaseLine" Products makes Group Insurance easy for Insurance Brokers and small Employers alike

Anupam Garg

2012-06-14T00:00:00.0000000 2022-12-23T12:07:50.9800000

Great Neck, NY, June 14, 2012 – First Rehab Life’s (The First Rehabilitation Life Insurance Company of America) launch of BaseLine insurance flips the traditional concept of group insurance upside down.

BaseLine equals simplicity: BaseLine versions of First Rehab Life’s group insurance products have only one rate per employee (i.e., no rate tiers or underwritten rates), one pre-set plan design, and one bill. BaseLine also allows for fast-tracked submission: there are no rosters and no enrollment forms with guaranteed-issue. These simplified group benefits are only available for fully employer-funded (non-contributory) groups with 100% participation, and coverage extends to employees only. For administrative reasons, BaseLine versions of group benefits are initially available for new and existing First Rehab Life DBL policyholders only.

First Rehab Life plans to make BaseLine products available to employers without First Rehab Life DBL coverage in the future. The current line-up of BaseLine products includes Term Life and Hospital Cash insurance.

Recent trends have shown that an increasing number of property/casualty agencies are focusing more of their attention to group benefits than ever before. First Rehab Life’s DBL roots and close-knit relationship with the independent agent community allow the company to take the pulse of such developments and proactively develop concepts that complement this major segment of the New York insurance arena.

Small neighborhood businesses make up a significant client base of these agencies and are often left out when it comes to group employee benefits: they are usually too small to get customized attention and be underwritten by most carriers. In many cases, these businesses don’t have experience in selecting benefit levels and are simply looking for straightforward benefits that allow for an easy, one-stop decision process.

All these things taken into consideration, Constantine Lappas, COO, who oversees product development, states: “We developed a new, innovative concept for group insurance that allows the carrier to accept any size group on a guaranteed-issue basis without enrollment forms at a simple flat rate per employee.” To distinguish this new, simplified suite of insurance products from their line of traditional group insurance, First Rehab Life uses the branding term “BaseLine”.

On the other end of the product spectrum, First Rehab Life also writes the traditional version of group benefits, branded as “FlexLine”, which offer a flexible choice of multiple benefit levels and rates based on traditional underwriting with rosters and enrollment forms. With FlexLine, more experienced benefit clients can also choose from different participation/funding options, add coverage for spouse/dependents, and may select additional benefit options.

First Rehab Life is headquartered in Great Neck, NY, and licensed in 16 states. The company was founded in 1972 and holds the Excellent rating of A- by A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. As a leader in the NY statutory disability market, First Rehab Life writes ancillary employee benefits (Vision, Dental, Hospital Cash, Term Life, Short/Long-Term Disability) exclusively through a network of more than 5,000 independent insurance producers (brokers and agents). First Rehab Life currently insures more than 120,000 employers. Visit www.firstrehab.com for details.
This press release contains forward-looking statements and information – that is, statements related to future, not past, events. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of the management of First Rehab Life and are, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond their control, affect their operations, performance, business strategy and results and could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks may include, but are not limited to uncertainties in connection with: disposing of business activities, certain strategic reorientation measures; the performance of  equity interests and strategic alliances; the challenge of integrating major acquisitions, implementing joint ventures and other significant portfolio measures; the introduction of competing products or technologies by other companies or market entries by new competitors; changing competitive dynamics; the risk that new products or services will not be accepted by customers targeted by First Rehab Life; changes in business strategy;  relationships with governmental bodies and customers; developments in the health care market, legislation, and regulation; changes to the independent insurance broker/agent industry; approvals of the New York State Insurance Department; and various other factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the relevant forward-looking statement as expected, anticipated, intended, planned, believed, sought, estimated or projected.  First Rehab Life neither intends to, nor assumes any obligation to, update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated.

 

Official Release: First Rehab's EAP Breaks The Mold

“Quintessentials” makes EAP Services available and affordable for small Groups

Anupam Garg

2012-05-24T00:00:00.0000000 2022-12-23T12:10:12.0670000

First Rehab Life (The First Rehabilitation Life Insurance Company of America) is now offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) services for employer groups of 2 or more employees.

While EAPs are nothing new in the world of employee benefits, Quintessentials (First Rehab Life’s non-insurance small group EAP) breaks the mold: The level of support, advice, and expertise provided by an EAP used to be an advantage only large companies had – but with Quintessentials, this type of program is now available and affordable even for the small business owner.

With the small business owner in mind, Quintessentials comes with a strong focus on targeted features for employers and managers. Since First Rehab Life’s primary client base consists of small groups, the company is in close touch with pain points as well as needs of small business owners. First Rehab Life understands that running and building a small business is hard work.

Constantine Lappas, COO overseeing Product Development, explains the context: “The upkeep of products and services alone is a full-time job for a small business. Many small businesses don’t have the resources and tools to properly address other issues that affect their bottom line – the people issues that arise, such as addressing employee concerns, HR policies, and help with management, legal, and financial issues. We are aware that owners of small businesses need tools to make their lives easier while improving their employees' productivity.”

This is why First Rehab Life partnered with Harris, Rothenberg International, Inc. (HRI) to design Quintessentials. It gives business owners and managers access to knowledge and experts for their HR and business issues while providing employees support through Employee Assistance and Work/Life Programs.

Quintessentials, First Rehab Life’s small group EAP, includes five core components:
   1.    HR & Business Advisor
   2.    Management Consultant
   3.    Employee Confidant (EAP)
   4.    Research Assistant
   5.    LifeCoach

While resources and information are always available through an online portal, the Quintessentials program puts a strong focus on the human and interpersonal aspect:

   •  The EAP provides 24/7 live access through a dedicated toll-free phone number or via Skype; sessions can even be face-to-face (up to 3 sessions per issue for an unlimited number of issues).

   •  The Work/Life Research Assistant Program comes with 24/7 live access through a dedicated toll-free phone number to experts in their field.

This allows HRI to provide a more personalized experience for members and to dedicate a high level of attention to every case or inquiry they receive. One of the reasons why First Rehab Life chose to partner with HRI is the quality of service they can provide. HRI does not use customer service representatives and members benefit from the expertise and depth of knowledge of their counselors at all times. All their EAP counselors hold doctoral-level or Master’s Degrees.

 “We are honored to partner with First Rehab Life to provide our best-in-class services to the small business owner and their employees,” says Beatrice Harris, HRI’s Managing Director, “The Quintessentials program is unique because it focuses on small business owners and their employees, giving them low-cost access to resources they typically don’t have, including legal/financial guidance, HR and policy support, as well as confidential counseling services to help with any issues related to daily life challenges.” 

Quintessentials is available at a flat fee of $3.00 per employee.
 
Initially, Quintessentials is only available with First Rehab Life’s BenePaks, a suite of packaged insurance products (Dental, Vision, Hospital Cash, Term Life, and AD&D) sold at flat rates. BenePaks is available for groups of two or more participating employees in Pennsylvania and, effective July, in New York.

First Rehab Life is planning to make Quintessentials available in conjunction with its other group insurance products, in more states, and on a stand-alone basis in the near future.

Quintessentials is not insurance!

About:

First Rehab Life is headquartered in Great Neck, NY, and licensed in 16 states. The company was founded in 1972 and holds the strong rating of A- by A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. As a leader in the NY statutory disability market, First Rehab Life writes ancillary employee benefits (Vision, Dental, Hospital Cash, Term Life, Short/Long-Term Disability) exclusively through a network of more than 5,000 independent insurance producers (brokers and agents). First Rehab Life currently insures more than 120,000 employers. Visit www.firstrehab.com for details.

Harris, Rothenberg International (HRI) offers an array of comprehensive, integrated human resource programs and services designed to maximize organizational and employee performance. Founded in 1982, HRI is a pioneer and acknowledged leader in the field of HR strategy, leadership development, and employee productivity. We partner with clients of all sizes and all industries, from Fortune 100 companies to privately held businesses and nonprofit organizations. HRI is recognized as the standard by which EAP and other HR consulting firms are judged. For more information, visit www.hriworld.com or call (800) 441-7509.

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information – that is, statements related to future, not past, events. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of the management of First Rehab Life and are, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond their control, affect their operations, performance, business strategy and results and could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks may include, but are not limited to uncertainties in connection with: disposing of business activities, certain strategic reorientation measures; the performance of its equity interests and strategic alliances; the challenge of integrating major acquisitions, implementing joint ventures and other significant portfolio measures; the introduction of competing products or technologies by other companies or market entries by new competitors; changing competitive dynamics; the risk that new products or services will not be accepted by customers targeted by First Rehab Life; changes in business strategy; its relationships with governmental bodies and customers; developments in the health care market, legislation, and regulation; changes to the independent insurance broker/agent industry; and various other factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the relevant forward-looking statement as expected, anticipated, intended, planned, believed, sought, estimated or projected First Rehab Life neither intends to, nor assumes any obligation to, update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated.

E-Pay is Now Live

Anupam Garg

2012-04-05T00:00:00.0000000 2022-12-23T11:06:56.1530000

Now pay policy premiums for DBL & BaseLine Insurance conveniently online 24/7! (BaseLine Insurance is our new non-roster, guaranteed issue group insurance products).

Simply follow this icon on our homepage:

BenePaks Now With Quintessentials - Your Small Group EAP!

Anupam Garg

2012-04-02T00:00:00.0000000 2023-01-31T13:57:02.3030000

First Rehab Life is making ancillary employee benefits simple with their recent launch of  BenePaks: benefit levels and prices are pre-set for each Pak, making the application process easy for brokers and the decisions easy for employers. Highlights include:

• Multiple products - one application
• Guaranteed acceptance without medical underwriting
• Packages include Dental, Vision, Hospital Cash, Term Life, and AD&D (Products included and benefit levels vary by package design).
• 2-year rate guarantee

Now, BenePaks are available with Quintessentials, your small group EAP!

• This non-insurance EAP - no longer just for large businesses: For as few as 2 employees, any business can have an EAP.
• It's like having 5 consultants in 1 and on call 24/7:
  • HR & Business Advisor
  • Management Consultant
  • Employee Confidant (EAP)
  • Research Assistant
  • LifeCoach

Licensed insurance producers can quote and submit applications online 24/7!
Click here to get started.

BenePaks are currently available in PA only. We'll be launching BenePaks in other states soon, so for the most up-to-date list of availability please visit our website.

Hospital Cash Launched in PA

Anupam Garg

2012-03-06T00:00:00.0000000 2022-12-23T11:10:18.1530000

Our highly anticipated FlexLine Hospital Cash insurance is now available in Pennsylvania.

We'll be launching Hospital Cash in other states soon, so for the most up-to-date list of availability please visit our product portfolio.

• Great solution for voluntary groups of 2+.
• FlexLine Hospital Cash offers flexible benefit levels and optional ambulance, ICU, and outpatient surgery benefits.
• Benefits are paid for an unlimited continuous number of days per hospital stay.
• FlexLine Hospital Cash benefits are paid inependently form any other insurance, even Consumer-driven Health Plans.
• Benefits are paid directly to covered individuals - money can be used however they see fit!
• Spouse/dependent covereage available.
• Sold exclusively through independent agents & brokers.

Licensed insurance producers can quote and submit applications online 24/7!
Click here to get started.

New AD&D Rider for DBL Now Available

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Rider available July 2010

Anupam Garg

2010-07-02T06:00:00.0000000 2022-12-23T10:34:49.4070000

Our new AD&D Rider is available effective July 1, 2010, as an add-on for new DBL business. If you are a licensed insurance professional, you may download our flyer for details in our Download Center.

We are also introducing this Rider to existing policyholders on their premium reporting form, where they may elect to add this benefit.

Please call your Sales Representative with any questions at 800-750-3754.