Quality newsletters are sent to participants and providers to share updates on health plan quality improvement initiatives and outcomes. These newsletters highlight success stories, provide data on quality metrics, and offer tips for enhancing care delivery. For support and additional information, explore our solutions for Health Plans Member Communications
Glossary
Letter Programs: Unable to Contact
When participants are unreachable through standard communication channels, unable-to-contact letters serve as a formal attempt to establish contact. These letters often request updated contact information and emphasize the importance of maintaining communication with the health plan. For support and additional information, explore our solutions for Health Plans Member Communications
Letter Programs: Utilization Management
Utilization management letters are essential for informing participants and providers about the approval or denial of requested medical services. These letters must provide detailed explanations, including the medical necessity criteria used and any available alternatives. For support and additional information, explore our solutions for Health Plans Member Communications
Management Information Circular
What is a management information circular (MIC)?
The management information circular (MIC) is the term primarily used in Canada for what is considered the proxy statement in the United States. This document is also widely known as an information circular or MIC in Canada. It is considered a key asset for companies when providing shareholders with important voting information and can also be used by companies to promote and support shareholder engagement. For support and additional information, explore our Regulatory Disclosure Solutions and download the Toppan Merrill 2024 MIC Solution and Style Guide.
Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older, younger persons with qualifying disabilities, persons with End-stage renal disease (ESRD), and certain persons affiliated with the Railroad Retirement Board. Sometimes this is referred to as Original Medicare. Medicare is made up of different “parts” to cover different types of hospital services (Part A), and medical fees (Part B). Medicare is not a free coverage, although most individuals are not required to pay a premium for Part A. For support and information, explore our solutions for Health Plans Regulated Communications.
Medicare Advantage
What is Medicare Advantage?
Also called Medicare Part C, a Medicare Advantage plan is a Medicare-approved plan type which is offered by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans combine hospitalization and medical coverage into a single plan, and many include drug coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan then replaces Original Medicare, as they must include (at a minimum) the benefits offered under both Part A and Part B, but usually include additional benefits such as vision, hearing and dental services which are not covered under Original Medicare. Private insurers sometimes charge an additional monthly plan premium in addition to any monthly costs under Original Medicare. For support and information, explore our solutions for Health Plans Regulated Communications.
Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines
Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines (MCMG)
The Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines (MCMG), which are developed and created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), interpret and provide guidance on the marketing and communications rules for Medicare Advantage plans. These rules also apply to Medicare Prescription Drug plans, except where otherwise specified, Section 1876 cost plans and employer/union-sponsored group plans. For support and information, explore our solutions for Health Plans Regulated Communications.
Merger
What is a merger?
A merger is a combination of two entities as a new legal entity under one name. Typically, mergers occur with businesses of comparable size.
The merger formed a new company. Shares of the new company were issued to the shareholders of both original companies. The benefits of a merger transaction include increased market share, efficiencies in operation and expansion in geography and/or markets.
A recent example was the 2016 merger between H. J. Heinz Co. and Kraft Foods Group. This merger created the Kraft Heinz Company, which has access to additional capital and distribution efficiencies. For support and additional information, explore our Capital Markets Transactions solutions.
Officially Appointed Mechanism (OAM)
What is an Officially Appointed Mechanism (OAM)?
An Officially Appointed Mechanism (OAM) is the term used throughout Europe to describe national databases for regulated financial information. OAMs are found in each member state of the European Union and serve as the mechanism for companies to submit their financial reports to their regulatory authority.
In reporting regions subject to ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority), there is a mandate for reporting format of annual reports known as ESEF (European Single Electronic Format). For support and additional information, explore our ESEF reporting solutions.
Pay Ratio Disclosure
What is Pay Ratio Disclosure?
Pay Ratio Disclosure is a rule adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that requires a public company to disclose the chief executive officer’s compensation in comparison to the median pay of its employees. This rule helps companies keep flexibility in calculating this pay ratio and is used as a tool to inform shareholders when voting on “Say on Pay”. As of 2017, companies are required to provide Pay Ratio Disclosure information through their registration statements, proxy and information statement, and annual report that calls for executive compensation information. It is required that these companies provide disclosure of their pay ratio information for their first fiscal year. For support and additional information, explore our Annual Meeting and Proxy Solutions.