Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become appointed/licensed to sell Optima Health products?

Optima Health Plan (OHP) and Optima Health Insurance Company (OHIC) require that all Agents/Brokers and Agencies be appointed before the release of any marketing materials, proposal quotes, or information regarding new and existing business. Appointments with OHP and OHIC are not guaranteed. Interested brokers can start the appointment process by completing the Optima Health Broker Appointment Process. All requests are subject to review and approval of designated OHP and OHIC management. Contact Us for more information.

What products do you offer?

Optima Health offers a full suite of commercial products including consumer-driven, employee-owned and employer-sponsored plans, individual & family plans both on and off the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare plans, employee assistance plans, and plans serving Medicaid enrollees. To learn more, please visit the Plan Selections page of our website.

Who can I contact about Optima Health plans and products?

Please visit our Contact Us page for information on enrollment, sales, office locations, and more.

Optima Health Plan (OHP) and Optima Health Insurance Company (OHIC) require that all agents/brokers and agencies be appointed before the release of any marketing materials, proposal quotes, or information regarding new and existing business. Appointments with OHP and OHIC are not guaranteed. Interested brokers can start the appointment process by completing the Optima Health Broker Appointment Process. All requests are subject to review and approval of designated OHP and OHIC management. 

What is your commission schedule?

Optima Health will pay commission to any broker who is appointed with Optima Health, in good standing with the Bureau of Insurance and is designated as the agent or broker of record by an employer group. For more information refer to the Optima Health Broker Guide or contact your general agent.

Do you offer bonus programs?

Yes.

How do you accommodate members located outside of Hampton Roads?

Employees who reside and work outside of the service area, or spend more than 90 consecutive days for business purposes outside of the service area, (foreign travel excluded) can be included in the quote and will be offered a variety of options based on group size. See your Broker Guide or contact your general agent for more information.

How can I get marketing materials?

Many of our broker marketing resources are available online. Appointed small group, mid-market, and BusinessEDGE^® brokers can use eBroker or contact their general agent to secure marketing materials. Due to the unique nature of large group sales, large group brokers may obtain marketing materials from their Optima Health account representative.

What is the Broker Rewards Program?

The Broker Rewards Program is a points-based program that brokers receive when they meet certain goals, such as selling new commercial group and individual product contracts. The incentives may change depending on the time of the year and other factors.

Are there other opportunities to earn points?

Yes. Throughout the year, Optima Health may award points to brokers for participating in educational and training seminars, attending special events, annual renewals, and more. Optima Health will notify brokers when there is an opportunity to earn points.

How can I participate in the Program?

All Optima Health appointed brokers are eligible to participate. To enroll, please sign in to eBroker, agree to the Terms and Conditions, and provide SF-W9 information.

What can I do with the points?

Brokers can use the points toward name-brand merchandise, local events, charitable donations, travel, gift cards and more. To view the types of rewards available, sign in to Broker Rewards.

Do my points expire if I don’t use them?

Your points never expire and there is no limit to the number of points you can earn, for as long as the Program remains active.

Can I trade in my points for cash?

No. Points have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for cash.

Can I purchase merchandise with cash or a combination of points and cash?

Brokers active in the Program may supplement their points with a credit card for up to 10% of the Program reward point value.

Can another broker and I combine our points to purchase a reward, like concert tickets or a trip?

No. Points are not transferrable to any other broker or account for any reason, including retirement, death, agent-of-record change, as an inheritance, or in connection with a divorce.

If I switch agencies or become an independent broker, do I lose my points?

No. Points are awarded to the individual broker, not the agency. As long as you continue to be an appointed Optima Health broker, your points remain yours.

Are points taxable?

The points are taxable upon redemption. Optima Health is required to report compensation where required by federal and state law.

When I earn points, do I have to fill out a form or submit any paperwork to get the points added to my account?

No. When you meet the requirement and earn points, they are automatically loaded to your account, usually six–eight weeks after they are earned.

Does this replace the periodic cash bonuses Optima Health offers?

No. The Broker Rewards Program is in addition to our already competitive commission plan.

If I purchase an item with my points and then change my mind, can I return it and get my points back?

You may return an item by calling 1-877-AWARDHQ (1-877-292-7347) and a Customer Service Specialist will gladly help you.

Where can I get more information on the Program?

Sign in to eBroker, call Broker Services at 757-552-7217 (toll-free: 1-866-927-4785), or email brokerrelations@sentara.com for more information about the Program.

What is a release of information and why is it required?

Federal and state privacy laws require us to obtain a Release of Information/Authorization of Designated Agent form whenever anyone other than the member needs to obtain and/or change the member’s health information. This form must be signed, witnessed and returned for it to be in effect.

What is eBroker?

eBroker is the interactive, secure portal that enables Optima Health small group brokers to manage their book of business, access proposals, and stay informed about the latest issues affecting Optima Health and the health insurance industry.

What forms can I get on the website?

View Forms and Applications