ORANGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Word & Brown General Agency announced today the availability of quoting for a new health plan option for brokers serving SF Bay Area small businesses. For coverage effective January 1, 2021, Word & Brown has added a new Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) option from Cigna + Oscar.
Small businesses in Northern California have more choices to help them when recruiting against bigger companies to attract and retain top talent in the competitive Bay Area marketplace. The new EPO plans are available to small groups based in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
“We know that while many small businesses in California want narrower networks, Bay Area employers often need options that are more robust,” says Marc McGinnis, Word & Brown’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Strategic Client Management. “These added plans offer two networks – Local Access Plus or Open Access Plus, which includes Sutter Health and Palo Alto Medical Foundation providers.”
“The advantages don’t end there, though,” says Michael Lujan, Director of Sales, West Region, Cigna + Oscar Partnership. “Brokers can write Cigna + Oscar alongside any other carrier – and there’s a minimum of just three employees enrolled. Employers can also mix and match any network and ACA metal tier. Cigna + Oscar is a great new option for Northern California, and it includes 24/7-$0 copay virtual care.”
There’s also increased flexibility for groups with employees outside of the Bay Area. Cigna + Oscar, only requires just 50% of the enrolled group must live in the region.
Brokers interested in learning more about how to help employers save 10% to 40% without downgrading their metal tiers or moving to a skinnier network should contact their Word & Brown representative. Alternatively, licensed and appointed brokers can visit the Word & Brown website to log in and start a new quote. Rates and plans are currently pending regulatory approval.
About Word & Brown
Headquartered in Orange, California, with offices throughout California (including San Jose), Word & Brown General Agency has a 35-year history of helping brokers address the diverse insurance and employee benefits needs of small and large businesses. Word & Brown delivers innovative sales tools, industry-leading quoting, personalized sales support, a commitment to helping brokers increase sales, and a pledge to “Service of Unequalled Excellence.” For more information, visit www.wordandbrown.com.
