Earlier this year, Oxford Health Plans implemented a new small group recredentialing/recertification process for renewing groups in New York and New Jersey. This involved a resubmission of tax documentation, and completing an annual renewal form for all groups wishing to renewal their small business health insurance policies. It seems however that the headache this created for small businesses, brokers, general agents, and possibly even Oxford itself, has caused Oxford to modify their process for groups wishing to renew their policies.

Effective immediately, the following additional changes are now in effect to simplify the renewal process for Oxford small health groups:

Groups Renewing WITHOUT Plan Changes

-Small groups renewing without plan changes, will renew automatically on their effective date beginning with July 1, 2013 renewals

Groups Renewing WITH Plan Changes

Small group renewing with plan changes, must take the following actions prior to their effective dates. Effective immediately:

-New York clients who would like to renew with plan changes must submit the New York Small Group Annual Certification Form and the appropriate tax documentation prior to the first day of the month in which they renew
-New Jersey clients who would like to renew with plan changes must submit the New Jersey Small Employer Certification Form prior to the first day of the month in which they renew.
-For clients with July 1, 2013 effective dates, the deadline to make plan changes and submit supporting documentation will be extended to July 8, 2013. (This extension also applies to new business applications.)

Groups That Have Already Renewed

-No further action is required
-If a group wishes to terminate their Oxford coverage upon their effective date an official Letter of Termination is required.

Renewing New York and New Jersey small groups with 7/1/13 and 8/1/13 effective dates may have received a non-renewal notice prior to this process change. These groups should be disregard that notice. Updated notices with information regarding the new process change will be mailed to all impacted groups today, Friday, June 28, 2013.

For more information regarding Oxford small group renewal changes, contact an insurance broker.