NEWSROOM

Here is an overview of updates and news you can use from our California carrier, health plan, and administrator partners. For details, click on the related link (if any), or contact your Word & Brown (W&B) representative.
 

Bonus News

• Aetna
  • Small Group Producer Program: Aetna continues to offer brokers the opportunity to earn extra credits for new Aetna Small Group insured or Aetna Funding Advantage plans throughout 2026. Download the flyer for details on a credit of up to $100 per enrolled employee plus an added reward whenever Dental or Vision is added to new Medical cases.
• Humana
  • Dental Bundling Bonus: Humana’s bundling bonus on Dental is back and available to eligible groups of 10-299 with an effective date of June 1 through October 1, 2026. Ask us for details or download the flyer. 
• Sharp Health Plan
  • Ongoing Broker Bonus: Your opportunity to earn a bonus from Sharp Health Plan is ongoing for new Small Group sales with an effective date through September 1, 2026. Earn $75-$250 for each new subscriber enrolled, based on total subscribers enrolled. There’s also a $250 “welcome back” bonus for groups returning after having left Sharp Health Plan before 1/1/2020. Download the flyer for details. 

Medical​ Coverage

• Aetna
  • Aetna Funding Advantage (AFA) Transition Credit: For groups with an effective date through 9/1/2026, Aetna is offering a $400 per employee transition credit. Download the AFA flyer for details.
• Anthem Blue Cross
  • Anthem Balance Funding (ABF) Update: Anthem is one of the only carriers offering both Affordable Care Act plans and Balance/Level Funding plans – and allowing its own HMO to be written alongside. Ask your W&B rep about applicable eligibility and participation guidelines.
• CaliforniaChoice​
  • Accelerate Your New and In-Force Enrollments: Have you heard? The CaliforniaChoice Census Enrollment is now available for both new and in-force groups. It allows groups to submit via a template in lieu of paper apps. Use this link for New Business. Or use this link for business in-force. Contact your representative if you have questions.

Ancillary​ Coverage

• Anthem Blue Cross
  • Dental PPO Promotion: For six select Dental PPO plans, Anthem is implementing a special promotion for California only. Groups effective 7/1/2026 can take advantage of 15% discounted rates. Contact your W&B rep for more information. 
• Humana
  • New Life Insurance Options: Humana has new Generation of Life plans, which feature expanded AD&D coverage, a $500 birth to 14-day newborn benefit, and child AD&D coverage on Voluntary Life plans for groups with 300+ lives. Call or email your rep for details.

Word & Brown Updates

• Q3 Quoting: Our carrier partners are now quoting Medical and Ancillary for Q3. Some have rate updates; some have rate passes. Login and start your quote today or reach out to your W&B team for assistance. 
• Broker of Record Requirements Update: Word & Brown has updated its Broker of Record documents for both Small Groups and Large Groups. Download your copies from the Insurance Forms Library.