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Upon group renewal, Small Business Access+ HMO, Local Access+ HMO, and Full PPO Off-Exchange plans will have the Rx Spectrum tiered pharmacy network. Rx Spectrum allows members to receive preferred member cost-share for prescriptions at Level A retail pharmacies, reducing out-of-pocket costs. Level A , or preferred, network pharmacies offer preferred cost-sharing at CVS, Costco, Safeway, and Vons pharmacies nationwide. Level B , or non-preferred, network pharmacies include all other pharmacies within Blue Shield’s pharmacy network. A higher cost-share applies for prescriptions filled at a Level B pharmacy. For More Information or Help Quoting Blue Shield, Please Contact Your Dickerson Sales Representative .

Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) has announced they are welcoming back Western Health Advantage to their small business exchange for the 2027 plan year. The return of Western Health Advantage will bring greater employer and employee choice and affordability to the Greater Sacramento and North Bay regions. Western Health Advantage plans will be available for quoting beginning in October for January 1 effective dates. By expanding carrier options in these markets, Covered California for Small Business continues to strengthen access to competitive, quality coverage for small businesses and their employees. This announcement comes as CCSB continues to experience steady, incremental growth. CCSB currently serves 9,700 enrolled employer groups and roughly 80,000 total members. With the addition of Western Health Advantage, CCSB now has partnerships with four health carriers: Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, Sharp Health Plan, and Western Health Advantage. For More Information or Help Quoting CCSB, Please Contact Your Dickerson Sales Representative.

Health Net's simplified underwriting program along with their relaxed paperwork requirements makes selling easier this 4th quarter. Enhanced Choice Groups with 4+ enrolling employees •Mix and match any plans from the HMO and PPO networks! •NO DE9C, payroll, prior carrier bill, or ownership documents are required •NO waivers for 10+ enrolling employees •NO participation attestation Minimum enrollment and participation: 4-9 enrolling employees •25% participation is required 10+ enrolling employees •NO participation requirement •NO waivers (when not paired with Life or Employer paid Dental/Vision) For More Information or Help Quoting Health Net, Please Contact Your Dickerson Sales Representative.

Principal announced its acquisition of Beam Benefits in mid-July. The transaction is expected to close later this year, and there will be no immediate impact to existing customers. Until the acquisition is finalized, Principal and Beam will continue operating as separate companies. Additional details and updates are expected following the close of the transaction. Beam offers dental, vision, and ancillary benefits to small businesses, supported by a cloud-native technology stack with AI at its core. The business has scaled rapidly in the small business segment, generating approximately $175 million in premiums in 2025. Beam’s meaningful customer base in the small business marketplace directly aligns with Principal's commitment to helping small and midsized businesses protect their businesses and their employees. Its robust digital model brings scalable capabilities that complement their platform, support continued growth, and enhance the experience for you, your brokers, and their customers. What does this mean for my business? • There will be no immediate impact to current or new customers. • Key messages you can use with customers are: o There are no changes at this time. Business as usual. o Principal remain committed to serving the benefit and protection needs of our mutual customers. o Beam and Principal remain separate companies through the transaction close. What to expect next: • More information will be available after the transaction close, which is anticipated in the latter half of 2026 For More Information Please Contact Your Dickerson Sales Representative.

Covered California announced its health plans and rates for the 2027 coverage year, with a preliminary weighted average rate increase of 9.9% and one new carrier for 2027. Quick Information on the 2027 Health Plans and Rates: • California’s rate increase of 9.9% is significantly lower than the preliminary national median rate increase of 14%. • Most Covered California enrollees will be protected from higher monthly premiums. Thanks to existing federal tax credits and California’s expanded subsidy program, 60% of enrollees will see no increase in their monthly premium, 26% will remain eligible for $0 premiums without changing plans, and many others may pay less each month. • In 2027, 12 health insurance carriers will offer plans across the state, ensuring that all Californians have access to two or more choices. Additionally, 92% will be able to choose from three or more carriers, and nearly 75% will have four or more to choose from. • One new insurance company, CalOptima Health , is entering the marketplace in 2027 in Region 18 to serve Orange County, while Molina Healthcare will no longer offer marketplace plans in Regions 15 and 18. * Dickerson is a general agency for CalOptima - Click Here to Get Appointed * Molina’s approximately 1,600 enrollees in these regions will be allowed to choose a new plan or move to the carrier with the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier. Current Covered California enrollees can choose to renew or switch their plans beginning October 1. Consumers can review plan options at any time on CoveredCA.com. The Open Enrollment period, during which anyone can sign up for a plan, runs for three months, from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027 . For More Information or Help Getting Appointed, Please Contact Your Dickerson Sales Representative.

Covered California is reminding brokers about upcoming federal policy changes that will affect financial assistance eligibility for certain Lawfully Present Immigrants (LPIs) beginning in 2027. Under H.R. 1, many immigrants with lawful status who currently receive Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions may lose access to that financial assistance, potentially resulting in substantial increases in monthly premiums. Covered California is developing resources and outreach efforts to help impacted consumers understand their options and prepare for the transition. Brokers should begin identifying affected clients and planning proactive renewal and retention strategies. For More Information or Help Getting Appointed with Covered California, Please Contact Your Dickerson Sales Representative.