NEWSROOM

Access and Transition

What should I start telling my clients to help them better prepare for the transition?
Ease will be transitioning to Employee Navigator, and you can look forward to working within a new system. Employee Navigator is working on system enhancements and technology to help with the transfer. They have shared a goal full transition date of January 2025. (Source: 2023 Employee Navigator Tech Workshop, 7/18/2023)

For upcoming 12/1/2023 and 1/1/2024 renewals, you can plan to renew in Ease. We do not anticipate any changes to the system until next year.
 
I don’t have an Employee Navigator account. How do I get access?
Employee Navigator is hosting “Early Adopter” trainings. Brokers who attend will have access to Employee Navigator “Early Adopter” licensing. (Source: Email – “Early Adopters of Employee Navigator” sent on 8/11/2023)
 
How will information transfer from Ease to Employee Navigator? Will plans and data need to be rebuilt?
Employee Navigator is working on tools to help transfer client information from Ease to Employee Navigator. The most recent release date shared is for April 2024. (Source: Employee Navigator Early Adopter Training, 10/12/2023)

When will groups need to be on Employee Navigator? Will there be an extension?
Employee Navigator has shared a goal full-transition date of January 2025. They are working on enhancements in Employee Navigator to help with the transition and needs of Ease groups. (Source: 2023 Employee Navigator Tech Workshop, 7/18/2023)
 
How long will we have access to historical data in Ease?
The company has shared that historical data should be available in Ease to access, but adding new groups will be turned off as of the transition date. (Source: Source: Employee Navigator Early Adopter Training, 10/12/2023)

As we approach transition, W&B will share any best practices in reporting that we suggest downloading for recordkeeping.

What support will Employe Navigator have to assist with transitions?
Premier User (PU) – Each agency will have a premier user. This premier user will have access to call and email Employee Navigator for support. (Source: Early Adopter Training 8/21 and 8/22)
 
Support Center – Employee Navigator has a support center to answer most frequently asked questions.

What additional resources does Employee Navigator have for Broker/HR/Employer training?

• Employee Navigator Starter Kit:https://support.employeenavigator.com/hc/en-us/articles/214809566-Starter-Kit
• Employee Navigator HR Training: The Basics: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4244654072469557851

System

Will Employee Navigator have forms?
Employee Navigator is working on enrollment forms as a service. If integration is available in Employee Navigator, a form will not be available. (Source: 2023 Employee Navigator Tech Workshop, 7/18/2023)
 
Does Employee Navigator provide log-in guides with a temporary password?
Employee Navigator does not have a log-in guide; however, the firm does have a self-registration page that lets employees verify information (Name, Company Identifier, Last 4 digits of SSN, and Date of Birth) to locate an enrollment account. Note: An SSN is a required employee identifier on the census.
 
Does Employee Navigator have the same amount of flexibility or options for pay periods and employer contributions as Ease?
Based on our initial review, Employee Navigator appears to have the most common options for pay periods and employer contribution. Employee Navigator has shared they are looking to expand medical contribution options. (Source: Employee Navigator Early Adopter Training, 10/12/2023)
 
Does Employee Navigator have mobile access?
Employee Navigator enrollment can be accessed using a mobile device.
 
Is Employee Navigator able to be translated into other languages?
Employee Navigator does not have a translation tool, but you can use the translation tool available in your Internet browser.

Connections

What will happen to current connections in Ease?
We are still pending information from Employee Navigator on transitions for connections. In speaking with our carriers, our understanding is these connections will sunset and new connections will need to be set.
 
What connections does Employee Navigator have and how will we set them up?
Check out the Employee Navigator marketplace for a full listing of all available connections. In speaking with our carriers, our understanding is these connections will sunset and will need to be reset and reviewed by broker/group for discrepancies. Per our carriers, traditionally the biggest delay is in the broker/group’s discrepancy review. W&B will continue to discuss with carriers, vendors, and Employee Navigator so you know what to expect for connection set up.

W&B Support

What level of access will W&B have to EN groups?
Currently, Employee Navigator does not have a GA Partner Portal (Ease) for GAs to access broker retail accounts. We are waiting on information from Employee Navigator on GA access.
 
Will W&B be adding additional staff to support?
W&B is currently in discovery to build support for Employee Navigator. As we plan and budget for 2024, we plan to budget for technology and staffing needs to support transitions.
 
How will the W&B intake process change?
We anticipate having a similar intake form as we have for Ease. This form will be updated to reflect fields and information needed for Employee Navigator.
 
What will the turnaround time be for an Employee Navigator build? How does this differ from Ease?
W&B is currently in discovery to build support for Employee Navigator and evaluate timing to complete builds. We are also researching technology efficiencies to help with the build and reduce manual efforts to help reduce turnaround times and risk for errors. We do anticipate longer turnaround times within the first year of support, as we all learn the new system and work together.
 
How will W&B prioritize builds and the volume?
As we develop a support strategy, we will be working with our agency partners to set realistic expectations on support and turnaround times. We will be prioritizing work based on our broker tier model.
 
Will W&B have technology to help with builds?
W&B is currently meeting with Employee Navigator IT to build technology to help manage builds to reduce manual entry required; that includes building a GA small group benefit library and API.
 
Will we have the same GA Library we have in Ease to help with builds?
Currently Employee Navigator does have the option to build a library that requires manual entry for benefits. This differs from the process we have today with Ease, which allows us to leverage the data entry for WBQuote in Ease. We are working with Employee Navigator to see how we can leverage the W&B rates and benefits in Employee Navigator to create a GA rate and benefit library.
 
How will W&B support demos and training for brokers and clients?
Employee Navigator has a robust support center for brokers and groups. As we build out our process and learn the system, we will continue to evaluate the resources we can create and provide for our partners, including trainings and demos.

Alternative Systems

Does W&B support any other online enrollment alternatives?
W&B continues to explore and evaluate market needs. We know the Small Group California market has unique needs. We are committed to evolving and growing with our broker partners. If there is another vendor you work with or are considering, please share with our sales team so we can add to our discovery efforts.

Communication/Updates

Will W&B hold agency specific meetings for the transition?
Please reach out to your sales team to discuss. We are committed to open communication as we work with you on a transition strategy.
 
How often will we receive updates?
We will keep you updated on any added information from Employee Navigator and our discovery efforts. For the most current information, please reach out to the W&B Sales Team.

Disclaimer: We have developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you. Keep in mind as you review the information shared, that all responses are based on our understanding at this time. Information is subject to change, based on new announcements by Ease and Employee Navigator.