NEWSROOM

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the transition from Ease to Employee Navigator (EN).
 
As reminder, we will continue to support your business in Ease until the transition is complete.
 
To get the most current information on updates and training, please check out the EN website.
 

What level of access will Word & Brown (W&B) have to EN groups?

We can access your EN groups if W&B is given a seat, and we have access to the specific group.
We are working closely with EN on our GA Partner Portal access that will allow us to support your groups in EN, similar to the GA Partner Portal access in Ease.

How is W&B staff preparing to support EN?

W&B Client Experience is trained and has our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place for both build and our build QA support.

How will the W&B intake process change?

W&B has created an EN intake form that is like the form you are using with Ease today. The form is updated to reflect fields and information needed for EN.

What will the turnaround time (TAT) be for an EN build?

We are currently working at an extended TAT and review each request with you and a goal due date. As EN continues to release new enhancements (such as its transition tool and GA library), we will work to decrease TAT.

How will W&B prioritize builds and volume?

We will be reviewing each build to set goal due date and turnaround times. We will be prioritizing work based on new business and our broker tier model.

Will W&B have technology to help with builds?

W&B is working on building a small group library, similar to Ease, that will help to support these builds.

Will brokers have access to a GA Library, like we have in Ease, to help with builds?

Currently, EN offers the Ideon rate library, which provides rates and benefits for Small Group Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medical plans. We are currently developing an GA library, similar to Ease. Our goal is for the library to be comparable to Ease and include SBC links and other enrollment resources.

How will W&B support demos and training for brokers and clients?

We have compiled a listing of the resources available to assist you and your groups with learning Employee Navigator.

Broker Training
HR/Employer Training

Are forms available in EN?

Yes, enrollment forms are available for Medical, Dental and Vision. Enrollment forms for other lines of coverage and Term forms are on the future roadmap.

Can I use the EN enrollment census for case submission to W&B?

For carriers that accept a census for enrollment, W&B can use the EN enrollment census export for underwriting and case submission.

Cases submitted with EN census (with or without forms) will have expedited access to underwriting. This is accomplished using technology we have built to import the EN census data into the W&B system, which is used for carrier preferred installation.

If only census enrollment is provided during underwriting, please note that most carriers can request the signed form and it will be up to the group to provide, if requested

What connections are available in EN?

A full list of marketplace connections is available on the  EN website. EN has broker self-service tools to assist with the set-up of 843 EDI file feeds.

How can I prepare my groups for transition?

Here are a few of the best things you can start to do today to prepare yourself and your groups for the EN transition:

• Get set up with Employee Navigator access. Current Ease licensees have access to a no-cost Employee Navigator account. 
• Continue to get comfortable with Employee Navigator and attend offered trainings.
• Clean up your current data using the Migration Readiness Tool in Ease.
• Remove inactive groups from Ease.
• Start to discuss and prepare your groups for transition.

What is the timeline for EN transitions?

There is not an announced date for full transition. We are encouraging new groups (not currently on Ease) to be placed on Employee Navigator.

What is the timeline for sunsetting Ease?

There is not yet a date for when Ease will sunset.

How do I set up an EN account?

Current Ease licensees have access to a no-cost Employee Navigator account. 

How does a broker access EN support?

EN has a 2-tier support model:

• Tier 1: All users can access training and online support.
• Tier 2: Premier Users have access to call or submit support tickets. If a non-Premier User reaches out, EN will advise that a Premier User must submit the request. An agency is provided 1-2 Premier Users (dependent on license tier); additional Premier Users may be purchased.

Can W&B help with EN builds today?

The W&B team can assist with new EN builds within your Employee Navigator account. Similar to our Ease support, we will have a broker/agency disclosure that need to be signed (and be on file) for us to work within your EN account. Please reach out to your sales team to discuss any new opportunities.
 
Full details on our support and considerations to review prior to putting a group on EN can be found here.

I currently have an Ease subscription, how does my contract change?

You should continue your Ease subscription until more information is provided by Employee Navigator on next steps in the transition. Current Ease licensees have access to a no-cost Employee Navigator account. If you have any questions on your current Ease subscription, reach out to Ease at  help.ease.com or 301‑583‑5180.
 

How will current connections be transitioned?

Connections will need to be re-established in EN once the group is transitioned.
If we receive a Broker of Record (BOR) change, is there an option to transfer the account to our EN account?

Yes, this can be requested. Only a current licensee user at the existing (losing) agency can initiate the transfer. The gaining/new agency cannot initiate it. Before starting, the current agency must obtain the Licensee Identifier from the receiving agency (found on the receiving Licensee’s Account Info tab). Once submitted, licensee users with the “Manage Agency Change Request” permission at both the current and receiving licensee are notified. The receiving licensee can accept or reject the request.
 

Alternative Systems

Does W&B support 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 the information with our sales team, so we can consider adding it 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 via email and our newsroom.

 
Disclaimer: 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.