FAQ BROOME COUNTY PURCHASING ALLIANCE MAPD
Can new groups participate in the BCPA – MAPD Program?
Yes.
New Entities can come into the BCPA each year by submitting their data and passing a board resolution by September 1st.
Is the BCPA – MAPD Program available to non-municipal employers?
No.
Are their Eligibility Requirements for the BCPA – MAPD ?
Yes.
- The Governmental entity must have an obligation to provide coverage for retirees, i.e. collective bargaining agreements.
- Entity must contribute a minimum of 50 percent of the premiums for the program.
- Entity must be approved by UHC prior to submission of board resolution.
- All Plans must have a January 1st effective date.
What are the BCPA requirements for entities to participate?
Each Entity must:
- Register through the BCPA Website.
- Submit a copy of a current census, which includes date of birth, gender, and zip code and submit a copy of their current coverage summary or SPD along with monthly premium on a per member per month basis.
- Once approved by United Health Care, submit a copy of your board resolution. Deadline for submissions is September 1st.
Will each entity maintain their current MAPD Program?
Yes.
Each entity maintains their respective MAPD Program, individual group number, and billing. Each entity will be responsible for filing for their CWSSI Matching Funds directly through their respective county.
Does the BCPA require claims experience to participate in the MAPD Program?
No.
What does the BCPA’s MAPD Program look like?
There are four plan designs to choose from. Entities select one program to be offered to their retirees. Premium rates are set for each plan for the entire alliance. Plans 1, 2, 3 & 4 have a 3-year rate guarantee beginning January 1st. All entities share in the savings created by pooled purchasing power.
Does the Broome County Purchasing Alliance comply with County Wide Shared Service Initiatives?
Yes.
The BCPA was designed in coordination with the requirements of the Department of State and to qualify for the CWSSI. (Link to DOS Guidelines). Each county must amend their shared service initiative to include this project by December 31st in the year in which they participate in the program.
Does the BCPA guarantee coverage with United HealthCare?
No.
United HealthCare reserves the right to reject any group application that represents adverse risk to the pool.
Are there any additional fees to participate in the BCPA – MAPD Program?
No.
Does the BCPA require a multi-year commitment or exit penalties for participation in the MAPD Program?
No.
BCPA – UHC Rules of Engagement
Broome County Purchasing Alliance-UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO Rules of Engagement
1. Full replacement only- no other carriers offered for Medicare retirees.
2. Calendar year effective dates only – next effective date for new groups would be January 1st.
3. Potential Group Medicare Advantage PPO groups cannot be current UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage clients.
4. All potential Broome County Alliance Group Medicare Advantage PPO groups must be reviewed and approved by UHC Group Retiree Underwriting.
5. UHC needs current rates, current product and complete plan design for medical/rx for review by UHC Group Retiree Underwriting.
6. All approved groups must choose ONE of the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO plans (three current plans for Broome County Alliance) on a full replacement basis.
7. Each group will continue to have their own contract and their own implementation.
8. All brokers must be approved by SPANY to receive commissions on their accounts.