Welcome to another edition of Agility – Word on the Street, our weekly newsletter designed specifically for you, our Key Partners. As we progress through the selling season, we’ll continue to share vital insights and trends each week. In this edition, we’re focusing on ACA changes, market trends, quick news updates, and strategies for leveraging disruptions in the marketplace.
1. Network Changes
UnitedHealthcare has announced that they will no longer be in-network with HCA facilities for ACA plans across the country. This change does not impact MA, group, or Medicaid lines, as a separate deal was reached for those. This trend reflects the industry’s shift towards more managed and value-based care models.
2. Plan Exits
Market disruption continues! Here are the latest ACA plan exits for 2025:
- Ascension Health Plans (via U.S. Health and Life Insurance Company) will no longer offer ACA plans.
- Ambetter is exiting New Mexico.
- Medica is leaving the Arizona market.
3. Plan Entries
New opportunities abound as these carriers expand into new markets:
- Wellcare (an Elevance brand) is entering Texas, Florida, and Maryland.
- UnitedHealthcare is expanding to Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska, and Indiana.
- Ambetter is entering Iowa.
- Oscar, Aetna, Molina, and others are expanding their existing footprints.
4. Oscar’s Hot Markets
Word on the street is that Oscar is targeting these markets:
- Ohio: Columbus and Cincinnati
- Tennessee: Nashville and Memphis
- North Carolina: Charlotte
- Iowa: Des Moines
- Florida: Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Central Florida
- Texas: San Antonio and El Paso
5. Ambetter’s Hot Markets
For Ambetter, we’re hearing the focus is on Texas, particularly Houston. They’re also expected to make moves in Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, and I always believe with Ambetter, you need to look out for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) region. Like Alabama football, you can never count them out.
Commissions Coming In: We’re receiving commission details from ACA carriers like UHC, Christus, and Molina. Check out the updates at www.enrollinsurance.com/aca-commissions.
Health Sherpa’s New Offering:Health Sherpa is launching Medicare Advantage! If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for ACA and MA, sign up for alerts at medicare.healthsherpa.com. Expected to launch the first week of October.
New Carrier Alert:Contact your Sales Director or Producer Support to get contracted with Zing Health MA, Select Health ACA, and Quartz ACA (IL, WI, MN).
Provider Nomination Time:Patient Care Health (an Agility Holdings Group company) helps connect physicians with insurance companies and facilitates credentialing and contract negotiations. Submit provider details to [email protected].
Ancillary Carriers to Focus On:Ensure your team is connected with Aflac, UHOne, Physicians Mutual, Washington National, Ameritas, and National General for supplemental coverage needs.
ICHRA Updates:Check out this heatmap from Take Command Health to explore where individual plans are less expensive than group plans and where ICHRA makes sense: Take Command Health Heatmap.
For our partners, market disruptions like health plan entrances, exits, or network changes create opportunities for growth. Here’s how you can leverage these events to your advantage:
1. Identify Emerging Market Gaps Early
When a major plan exits (e.g., Ascension or Medica) or expands (e.g., Ambetter or UnitedHealthcare), it leaves opportunities in its wake. Quickly pivot to promote the products we have contracts with, especially in competitive regions.
Key Tactic: Stay informed by monitoring state filings, reading this newsletter, and following industry sources like KFF or Beckers.
2. Promote National Strength
Local agencies and GAs may not have the same carrier relationships or product portfolios as a national FMO like Agility. Leverage our national-level contracts to offer broader coverage and higher compensation than local competitors.
Key Tactic: Highlight these advantages to agents and emphasize the ability to sell more and earn more.
3. Recruit Agents by Leveraging Competitive Advantages
Carrier exits present a prime opportunity to recruit agents who are looking for new products to sell. Promote Agility’s vast range of contracts and support to help agents enter new markets seamlessly.
Key Tactic: Host webinars and one-on-one recruitment sessions targeting displaced agents.
4. Market to Consumers with Targeted Campaigns
Disruptions create consumer uncertainty. Help agents craft marketing campaigns aimed at consumers impacted by these changes.
Key Tactic: Provide ready-to-use marketing templates and strategies focusing on the benefits of switching to new alternatives.
The Big Takeaway
Market disruptions create opportunities for new business and agent recruitment. We encourage you to use these disruptions strategically to grow. If you want to discuss specific strategies, please reach out to your Sales Director or feel free to contact me directly. Let’s grow together!
That’s it for this week! This information helps grow your business and provides value to your partnerships. We’ll see you next week with even more updates.
