Source: https://www.priorityhealth.com/agent/agent-agreement/agent-agreement-form
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 15:08:08+00:00

Document:
Please complete this agent agreement to become appointed with Priority Health. Remember: Priority Health contracts with each individual agent.
When we've processed your appointment, we'll send you a confirmation email within 7-10 days that includes your broker number, a username and a temporary password to access the Agent Center here on priorityhealth.com.
Contact agent servicing at 800.471.2504, option 3, with questions.
Print this agreement and business associate agreement before you click submit to keep a copy for your records.
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Known as the "effective date" throughout the agreement. Format should be mm/dd/yyyy.
Enter your Social Security number. No dashes.
Enter your NPN without the leading zeroes.
NOTE: An NPN is a number assigned to all individual producers and some agencies.
For Medicare and Medigap plans only.
Enter SSN or EIN. No dashes.
Absolute assignment - all owed commission will be paid to agency Choose one.
I acknowledge that if I terminate my relationship with an agency, all future commissions will be paid to the agency or as the agency directs.
For Agents selling Priority Health's Commercial Plans to Groups and/or Employer Group Waiver Plans, if Commissions are paid to an agency and Agent is no longer affiliated with that agency, all future Commissions will be paid to the agency or as the agency directs. If Agent and the agency disagree as to whom Commissions shall be paid, the Companies will pay the agency until or unless the Companies receive other instructions in the form of communication from the agency or in the form of a court order.
This Agreement is made as of the "effective date" between PRIORITY HEALTH, a Michigan nonprofit corporation and health maintenance organization ("Priority Health"), PRIORITY HEALTH MANAGED BENEFITS, INC., a Michigan corporation and licensed third party administrator ("PHMB"), and PRIORITY HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY, a Michigan insurance company ("PHIC" and, together with Priority Health and PHMB, each, a "Company" and, collectively, the "Companies") and Licensed Agent listed above.
Priority Health has a certificate of authority to operate a health maintenance organization, offering fully funded group health benefit plans (the "Fully-Funded Plans") and group and individual Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans (collectively, the "Medicare Plans").
PHMB is a licensed third party administrator, providing administrative services for self-funded plans ("Self-Funded Plans").
PHIC has a certificate of authority to operate an insurance company, offering group and individual health benefit plans (the "Insurance Plans" and, together with Fully-Funded Plans, the Medicare Plans and Self-Funded Plans, the "Plans").
Licensed Agent ("Agent") is licensed in the State of Michigan to market or sell health benefit plans.
Agent has been or will be designated as the Agent of Record by certain employers or groups ("Groups" or, individually, a "Group") or by individuals ("Individuals" or, individually, an "Individual") purchasing the Plans.
The Companies and Agent desire to enter into this Agreement according to which Agent shall market the Plans and the Companies shall compensate Agent for Agent's services.
Agent is a "Business Associate" of the Companies, as such term is defined by federal regulations promulgated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (as amended, "HIPAA").
1.1.4. Make no misrepresentations concerning the Companies, the Plans, or any related matter.
1.2. Agent agrees to maintain an Agent Center account at www.priorityhealth.com (the "Agent Center"). At the Companies' Agent Center website, Agent will have access to renewal information, commission statements, news about the Companies and updates to policies and procedures. Policies, procedures and guidelines for establishing new groups, renewing existing groups or presenting products of the Companies to groups and individuals can be accessed. Agent understands that use of the Agent Center is a privilege under this Agreement and information contained within it is confidential. If Agent desires to allow his or her employees' access to the Agent Center, Agent must provide the names of employees for whom access is desired to the Companies. Agent is responsible for promptly notifying the Companies if anyone with access to the Agent Center is no longer employed by Agent so that individual's access can be revoked.
1.3. Agent agrees to follow the Companies' Code of Excellence, which will promote mutually beneficial relationships among the Companies, Groups, Individuals and the Agent.
1.4. Agent agrees that no Group or Individual may be enrolled with any of the Companies without the Companies' approval.
1.5. Any sums of money, whether tendered by check, cash or otherwise, delivered to Agent by any person for a Company, must be payable to the appropriate Company and shall be delivered immediately to such Company.
1.6. Agent agrees to maintain Agent's State of Michigan Health Insurance License (Agent's "License") during the term of this Agreement. From time to time, upon the request of the Companies, Agent will provide the Companies with a copy of Agent's License.
1.7. Agent agrees to notify the Companies immediately if the Agent's license is suspended or modified or if its insurance is cancelled or modified. Agent agrees to promptly notify the Companies of any disciplinary proceedings related to Agent's License, including notice of any investigatory proceedings instituted by the State of Michigan's licensing authority. Agent understands and agrees that the Companies may, at any time, confirm the status of Agent's License with the State of Michigan.
1.8. Agent agrees to maintain complete and separate records for the Companies for a period of at least seven (7) years of all transactions pertaining to applications submitted to and accepted by the Companies, and any other documents as may be required by DIFS, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), or other governmental agency. All records with respect to Medicare business shall be kept for a period of at least ten (10) years. Any and all records described above or as may otherwise relate to Agent's activities under this Agreement shall be accessible and available to representatives of the Companies who may audit them from time to time while this Agreement is in effect or within ten years after its termination.
1.9. The Companies shall have the right, during normal business hours and with reasonable notice, to inspect, audit, and make copies of books and records of the Agent for the purpose of verifying Agent's compliance with the terms and obligations of this Agreement.
1.10. All expenses incurred by Agent in performance of his or her duties under this Agreement shall be borne exclusively by Agent and not by the Companies. Agent hereby indemnifies and holds the Companies harmless from and against any and all claims, suits, or actions by third parties for the payment of expenses or commissions.
1.11. Agent shall indemnify and hold the Companies harmless from and against any and all claims, lawsuits, demands, liabilities, taxes (including taxes on compensation), charges, judgments, settlements, costs, penalties and expenses of whatever kind or nature the Companies may sustain or incur at any time and arising in any manner out of an act, error or omission by Agent with respect to this Agreement.
1.12. The Companies shall indemnify and hold the Agent harmless from and against any and all claims, lawsuits, demands, liabilities, taxes (including taxes on compensation), charges, judgments, settlements, costs, penalties and expenses of whatever kind or nature the Agent may sustain or incur at any time and arising in any manner out of an act, error or omission by the Companies with respect to this Agreement.
1.13. Agent will comply with Companies Agent of Record Policy located at the Agent Center, for all Companies Plans, as applicable.
1.14. Agent warrants that he/she has not been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest, to any criminal act involving dishonesty, fraud, theft, misappropriation of money, or breach of trust or fiduciary duty. Agent agrees to immediately inform the Companies of any of the actions described in the preceding sentence.
2.1. In consideration of Agent's services in marketing the Fully Funded Plans, the Medicare Plans and the Insurance Plans, Priority Health or PHIC, as the case may be, will pay Agent a commission on a monthly basis or as otherwise set forth on the Agent Center (the "Commissions"). The Commissions shall generally be payable no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the calendar month for which premiums are earned. The total Commissions payable to Agent shall be based on actual premium payments received by the Companies. The Companies will not pay Commissions on any premiums recovered through a collections process or as a result of legal action, including, but not limited to, the filing of a Proof of Claim in a bankruptcy proceeding.
2.2. Commissions shall be payable only so long as this Agreement is in effect and Agent is designated by the Group or Individual as the current Agent of Record to receive the Commissions. Groups may elect to pay Agent directly, in which case, such Groups will provide the Companies a written "letter of instruction", and the Companies will not pay the Commissions to Agent on behalf of such Groups. The Companies will have no liability for Commissions not paid to Agent if the Companies hold such a letter of instruction from a Group.
2.3. Commissions for marketing the Self-Funded Plans shall be payable on a case-by-case basis, as agreed by Agent, Group and the appropriate Company, in writing.
2.4. Commissions shall be payable to the party designated in Section 19.7 of this Agreement. Agent shall complete and return the attached W-9 form to the Companies with this Agreement. The Companies will issue a Form 1099 at the end of the tax year to the party designated on the Schedule, in accordance with IRS regulations. If the Companies do not receive a W-9 form from Agent, Commissions may be subject to backup withholding.
2.5. The Companies will publish the amount of standard Commissions payable for the various Plans on the Agent Center. The amounts of Commissions for the Agent's specific groups are reported on the agent commission statement, which is available on the Agent's Agent Center account.
2.6. The amount of the Commissions may be amended by the Companies at their sole discretion at any time upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to Agent.
2.7. If one or more of the Companies pay Agent more than the amount due to Agent as Commission, the appropriate Companies will offset such overpayment against Agent's next Commission payment. If such Companies are unable to offset such overpayment, the appropriate Companies will send a notice of overpayment along with an invoice to Agent who will pay the balance owed to the appropriate Companies within thirty (30) days of receiving a notice of overpayment. Agent shall promptly notify the Companies if Agent becomes aware of an overpayment. Overpayments may arise several ways, including, but not limited to, retroactive disenrollment of members, termination of a Group or Individual for failure to pay premium, or the Companies" payment of an incorrect amount of Commission.
2.8. Agent shall notify the Companies if Agent believes he or she is owed additional Commissions by one or more of the Companies. Agent's notice to the Companies must be in writing and received within one-hundred twenty (120) days from the date of the commission statement in question. Agent will forfeit any additional Commissions owed by one or more of the Companies if Agent fails to timely notify Companies of a potential underpayment. Commission adjustments will be made retroactively up to 12 months.
3.1. Term. The initial term of this Agreement shall be for one year from the effective date. This Agreement shall automatically renew at the end of the initial term and continue in effect for successive one year terms thereafter unless and until terminated in accordance with Section 3.2.
3.2.1. Termination by Mutual Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated at any time upon written agreement of the parties.
3.2.2. Termination For Cause. This Agreement may be terminated for cause on the date specified in a written notice given by either party upon not fewer than thirty (30) days' prior written notice. For purposes of this Agreement, a termination shall be "for cause" if it is based upon any material breach by a party of any of the terms of this Agreement.
3.2.3. Termination Without Cause. This Agreement may be terminated by either party without cause upon sixty (60) days prior written notice.
3.2.4. Termination For Failure to Meet Production Standards for a Schedule. The Companies may terminate the Schedule(s) for the Agent's failure to meet production standards as set forth in the Agent Center upon sixty (60) days prior written notice.
(c) Agent has committed theft, misappropriated money, or breached any fiduciary duty.
(d) Agent has been previously terminated in accordance with Section 3.2.4 (Termination For Failure to Meet Production Standards) above, Companies reserves the right to immediately terminate this Agreement unless Agent has received prior written approval from the Companies for an exception to this provision.
3.2.6. Agent Certification. If Agent does not comply with the Companies' marketplace requirements or agent certification program, if any, the Companies may terminate this Agreement at their discretion, in accordance with Section 3.2.2.
3.2.7. Immediate payment of sums. Upon termination for any reason, Agent shall immediately pay in cash any sums due to the Companies at the time of termination.
3.2.8. Return of Companies' Property. Agent shall return within five (5) business days of the termination of this Agreement all property belonging to Companies as described in Section 10.1 (Proprietary Information) below.
4.1. Agent covenants and agrees that any contracts between the Companies and any Groups or Individuals are the exclusive property of the Companies and Agent has no property or other interest whatsoever in such contracts.
5.1. Agent shall obtain, and maintain in effect during the term of this Agreement, errors and omissions liability insurance (with a carrier acceptable to the Companies) covering Agent while performing services under this Agreement. Upon the Companies' request, Agent will furnish a certificate of insurance evidencing such coverage. The errors and omissions insurance will have minimum amounts of $500,000 per occurrence/ $750,000 in the aggregate.
6.1. This Agreement, the agent application and all schedules, attachments and amendments to this Agreement, and policies, procedures posted on the Agent Center shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. Each party acknowledges that no representation, inducement, promise or agreement has been made, orally or otherwise, by another party, unless such representation, inducement, promise or agreement is embodied in this Agreement, expressly or by incorporation.
7.1. Either party may amend this Agreement upon written notice to the other if amendment is necessary in order to comply with applicable law. The Companies may amend this Agreement upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice to Agent, unless Agent objects in writing within (fifteen) 15 days of the date the Companies notified the Agent of the proposed amendment. If the Companies receive such a timely objection, the Companies and Agent will make a good faith effort to resolve the objection. If the objection cannot be resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties, the amendment will go into effect and Agent may terminate the Agreement upon 30 day's written notice to the Companies.
8.1. Failure by the Companies to insist upon compliance with any provision of this Agreement at any time or under any set of circumstances shall not operate to waive or modify the provision or in any manner render it unenforceable as to any other time. No waiver of any terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid or of any force or effect unless contained in a written memorandum specifically expressing such waiver and signed by a person duly authorized by the Companies to consent to such waiver.
9. Governing Law and Compliance with Laws.
9.1. This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.
9.2. Companies and Agent shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations applicable to their businesses, their licenses and transactions into which they enter, including but not limited to all applicable Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and/or Medicare Supplement laws, CMS policies and marketing guidelines, as well as the Federal Communications Commission's final rule amending the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
10.1. Agent acknowledges that the Companies have developed certain symbols, trademarks, service marks, data, processes, plans, procedures and information which are proprietary information and trade secrets of the Companies (the "Proprietary Information"). At all times, both during Agent's performance of services pursuant to this Agreement and after the termination of this Agreement, Agent agrees not to use or permit the use of the Proprietary Information, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the Companies. Agent shall cease or cause the cessation of any and all usage of the Proprietary Information and shall return any Proprietary Information, including all sales materials for the Plans, to the Companies immediately upon the termination of this Agreement.
11.1. The Companies and Agent acknowledge and agree that health information of the Companies' members, enrollees and insured ("Protected Health Information") is entitled to protection from disclosure beyond the requirements for Proprietary Information. The parties, therefore, agree to protect the confidentiality of Protected Health Information as required by the Health Information and Patient Portability Act of 1996, as amended ("HIPAA"), and including the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act ("HITECH"). Agent may release Protected Health Information only as permitted by HIPAA and HITECH as stated in Section 18.3 below. Furthermore, Agent agrees that to the extent Agent may receive from Companies, or create or receive on behalf of Companies, certain information that is defined as "non-public personal information" under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and its implementing regulations, Agent will only use or disclose such non-public personal information as would be permitted Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act or other applicable federal or state privacy laws.
12.1. Captions used in this Agreement are for the convenience of the parties only and are not intended to be used in the interpretation of this Agreement.
13.1. Any section, paragraph, sentence, phrase or other provision of this Agreement that is in conflict with any applicable statute or other law or regulation will be considered to be modified or altered to conform to that statute, law or regulation, but if such modification or alteration is not possible, it will be omitted. The invalidity of any portion of this Agreement will not affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
14.1. The obligations of each party to this Agreement shall ensure solely to the benefit of the other party, and no person or entity shall be a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement.
15.1. Any notice or other communication to be given pursuant to Section 3.2 of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been received by the party to whom it is addressed (a) three (3) business days after it is deposited in the United States mail (first-class, airmail, or express mail) in each case delivered to the address set forth below for the recipient. Delivery shall be made to such other address as the receiving party has given notice pursuant to this Section.
Any notices required under this Agreement shall be sent to the email or physical address given by Agent on the signature page below unless a written change of address notification is received from Agent.
15.3. Any information required to be provided "in writing" under this Agreement, other than notices under Section 3.2, may be provided to the other party by United States mail, email or personally at the addresses noted in Section 15.2 above, without evidence of receipt. The Companies shall be considered in compliance with this section by posting information on the Agent Center, so long as the effective date for such new information is no fewer than (thirty) 30 days after the date of posting.
16.1. The Companies may assign this Agreement to an affiliated or successor entity. This Agreement is personal to Agent and, therefore, Agent may not assign this Agreement.
17.1. None of the provisions of this Agreement are intended to create, nor shall be deemed or construed to create, any relationship between the Companies and Agent other than that of independent entities contracting with each other solely for the purpose of effecting the provisions of this Agreement. Except as this Agreement provides otherwise, none of the parties, nor any of their respective employees or agents, shall be construed to be the agent, partner, co-venturer, employee, or representative of the other.
18.1.1. "Designated Record Set" shall mean a group of records maintained by or for Priority Health that is (i) the medical records and billing records about individuals maintained by or for Priority Health, (ii) the enrollment, payment, claims adjudication, and case or medical management record systems maintained by or for a health plan; or (iii) used, in whole or in part, by or for Priority Health to make decisions about individuals. As used herein, the term "Record" means any item, collection, or grouping of information that includes Protected Health Information and is maintained, collected, used, or disseminated by or for Priority Health.
18.1.2. "Electronic Protected Health Information" means Protected Health Information transmitted by or maintained in electronic media.
18.1.3. "HIPAA" shall mean the Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Public Law 104-191, and any amendments thereto.
18.1.4. "HIPAA Transaction" shall mean Transactions as defined in 45 C.F.R. § 160.103 of the Transaction Standards.
18.1.5. "HITECH Act" means Subtitle D of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, as incorporated in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (42 U.S.C. §§ 17921 - 53).
18.1.6. "Individual" shall have the same meaning as the term "individual" in 45 C.F.R. § 160.103 and shall include a person who qualifies as a personal representative in accordance with 45 C.F.R. § 164.502(g).
18.1.7. "Privacy Rule" shall mean the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information at 45 C.F.R. Part 160 and Part 164, as they exist now or as they may be amended.
18.1.8. "Protected Health Information" shall have the same meaning as the term "protected health information" in 45 C.F.R. § 160.103, limited to the information created or received by Business Associate from or on behalf of Priority Health.
18.1.9. "Required by Law" shall have the same meaning as the term "required by law" in 45 C.F.R. § 164.103.
18.1.10. "Secretary" shall mean the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services or his designee. 18.1.11 "security Standards" shall mean the Security Standards at 45 C.F.R. Parts 160, 162, and 164, as they exist now or as they may be amended.
18.1.12. "Transaction Standards" shall mean the Standards for Electronic Transactions, 45 C.F.R. 160 and 162, as they exist now or as they may be amended.
18.1.13. "Underlying Agreement" shall mean any agreement (or other arrangement) under which Business Associate performs on Priority Health's behalf a function or activity involving the use, disclosure, maintenance, or creation of Protected Health Information.
18.1.14. Terms used, but not otherwise defined, in the Agreement shall have the same meaning as those terms in 45 C.F.R. §§ 160.103 and 164.501.
18.2. Obligations and Activities of Business Associate.
18.2.1. Business Associate shall not, and Business Associate shall require that its directors, officers, employees, and Subcontractors shall not, (i) use or further disclose Protected Health Information other than as permitted or required by the Agreement or as Required by Law; (ii) sell Protected Health Information; or (iii) use or disclose Genetic Information except as permitted by 45 C.F.R. § 164.502(a)(5)(i).
18.2.2. Business Associate shall develop, implement, maintain and use appropriate safeguards to prevent the use or disclosure of Protected Health Information other than as provided for by the Agreement.
18.2.3. Business Associate shall develop, implement, maintain and use appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards in compliance with the HITECH Act, the Security Standards, and any other applicable implementing regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to preserve the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of and to prevent non-permitted use or disclosure of Electronic Protected Health Information. Business Associate will develop and implement written policies and procedures for these safeguards and will keep them current.
18.2.4. Business Associate agrees to mitigate, to the extent practicable, any harmful effect that is known to Business Associate of a use or disclosure of Protected Health Information by Business Associate in violation of the requirements of the Agreement.
18.2.5. Notification of Privacy or Security Breach.
18.2.5.1. Breach Notification. Business Associate shall report, following discovery and without unreasonable delay, any "breach" of "unsecured Protected Health Information," as these terms are defined in 45 C.F.R. § 164.402. In any event, Business Associate shall make such report within ten (10) days. Business Associate shall cooperate with Priority Health in investigating the breach and in meeting the Priority Health's obligations under the breach notification provisions of HIPAA (45 C.F.R. Part 164 Subpart D).
18.2.5.2. Privacy Breaches. With respect to any incident not subject to reporting under § 2.5.1 of this Agreement, Business Associate shall promptly report to Priority Health any use or disclosure of Protected Health Information of which it becomes aware that is not permitted or required by this Agreement.
18.2.5.3. Security Breaches. With respect to any incident not subject to reporting under § 2.5.1 or § 2.5.2 of this Agreement, Business Associate shall report to Priority Health any successful (a) unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction of Priority Health's Electronic Protected Health Information or (b) unauthorized interference with system operations in Business Associate's information system, of which Business Associate becomes aware. Business Associate shall, upon Priority Health's request, report to Priority Health any attempted, but unsuccessful (a) unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction of Priority Health's Electronic Protected Health Information or (b) unauthorized interference with system operations in Business Associate's information systems, of which Business Associate becomes aware.
18.2.6. Business Associate agrees to ensure that any Subcontractor to whom it provides Protected Health Information agrees in writing to the same restrictions and conditions that apply through the Agreement to Business Associate with respect to Protected Health Information and Electronic Protected Health Information.
18.2.7. Business Associate agrees to make its internal practices, books, and records relating to the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information available to Priority Health, or at the request of Priority Health to the Secretary, in a time and manner designated by Priority Health or the Secretary, for purposes of the Secretary determining Priority Health's compliance with the Privacy Rule.
18.2.8. Business Associate agrees to document disclosures of Protected Health Information, and information related to such disclosures, as would be required for Priority Health to respond to a request by an Individual for an accounting of disclosures of Protected Health Information in accordance with 45 C.F.R. § 164.528. Business Associate agrees to implement an appropriate record keeping process that will track, at a minimum, the following information: (i) the date of the disclosure; (ii) the name of the entity or person who received the Protected Health Information, and if known, the address of such entity or person; (iii) a brief description of the Protected Health Information disclosed; and (iv) a brief statement of the purpose of such disclosure which includes an explanation of the basis for such disclosure.
18.2.9. Business Associate agrees to provide to Priority Health or an Individual, in a time and manner designated by Priority Health, information collected in accordance with Section 18.1.8 of the Agreement, to permit Priority Health to respond to a request by an Individual for an accounting of disclosures of Protected Health Information during the six (6) years prior to the date on which the accounting was requested, in accordance with 45 C.F.R. § 164.528.
18.2.10. In the event Business Associate receives a subpoena, court or administrative order or other discovery request or mandate for release of Protected Health Information, Priority Health shall have the right to control Business Associate's response to such request. Business Associate shall notify Priority Health of the request as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within two (2) business days of receipt of such request.
18.2.11. Business Associate shall promptly provide to Priority Health information in a Designated Record Set as necessary for Priority Health to comply with an Individual's request for access pursuant to 45 C.F.R. § 164.524.
18.2.12. Upon direction from Priority Health, Business Associate shall amend records in a Designated Record Set as necessary for Priority Health to comply with an Individual's amendment request pursuant to 45 C.F.R. § 164.526.
18.2.13. Business Associate shall comply with any limitation in Priority Health's notice of privacy practices of which Priority Health makes Business Associate aware pursuant to Section 18.4.1 of this Agreement. Business Associate shall comply with any restriction request or confidential communications request to which Priority Health agrees, provided that Priority Health makes Business Associate aware of the request pursuant to Section 18.4.3 of this Agreement.
18.2.14. To the extent that Priority Health delegates to Business Associate any obligation imposed on Priority Health by the Privacy Rule, Business Associate shall comply with the requirements of the Privacy Rule that apply to Priority Health in the performance of such delegated obligation.
18.2.15. Business Associate shall encrypt Electronic Protected Health Information prior to saving it on portable media. In other circumstances, Business Associate shall encrypt Electronic Protected Health Information whenever reasonably practicable.
18.2.16. Business Associate shall provide Priority Health a list of personnel who are authorized to receive Protected Health Information pursuant to this Agreement.
18.3. Permitted Uses and Disclosures by Business Associate.
18.3.1. General Use. Except as otherwise limited in the Agreement, Business Associate may use or disclose Protected Health Information to perform functions, activities, or services for, or on behalf of, Priority Health, provided that such use or disclosure would not violate (i) the Privacy Rule or the HITECH Act if done by Priority Health or (ii) the minimum necessary policies and procedures of Priority Health.
18.3.2. Specific Use and Disclosure Provisions.
18.3.2.1. Except as otherwise limited in the Agreement, Business Associate may use Protected Health Information for the proper management and administration of Business Associate or to carry out the legal responsibilities of Business Associate.
18.3.2.2. Except as otherwise limited in the Agreement, Business Associate may disclose Protected Health Information for the proper management and administration of Business Associate, provided that disclosures are required by law, or Business Associate obtains reasonable assurances from the person to whom the information is disclosed that (i) it will remain confidential and used or further disclosed only as required by law or for the purpose for which it was disclosed to the person, and (ii) the person will notify Business Associate of any instances of which it is aware in which the confidentiality of the information has been breached.
18.3.2.3. Except as otherwise limited in the Agreement, Business Associate may use Protected Health Information to provide Data Aggregation services to Priority Health as permitted by 45 C.F.R. § 164.504(e)(2)(i)(B).
18.3.2.4. Business Associate may use Protected Health Information to report violations of law to appropriate Federal and State authorities, consistent with 45 C.F.R. § 164.502(j)(1).
18.4 Obligations of Priority Health.
18.4.1 Priority Health shall notify Business Associate of any limitation(s) in the notice of privacy practices of Priority Health in accordance with 45 C.F.R. § 164.520, to the extent that such limitation may affect Business Associate's use or disclosure of Protected Health Information.
18.4.2 Priority Health shall notify Business Associate of any changes in, or revocation of, permission by Individual to use or disclose Protected Health Information, to the extent that such changes may affect Business Associate's use or disclosure of Protected Health Information.
18.4.3 Priority Health shall notify Business Associate of any restriction to the use or disclosure of Protected Health Information that Priority Health has agreed to in accordance with 45 C.F.R. § 164.522, to the extent that such restriction may affect Business Associate's use or disclosure of Protected Health Information.
18.4.4 Priority Health shall not request Business Associate to use or disclose Protected Health Information in any manner that would not be permissible under the Privacy Rule if done by Priority Health, except as specifically allowed by section 18.3.2 of the Agreement.
18.5.1 Term. The Term of the Agreement shall be effective as of the date it is executed, and shall terminate upon termination of the Underlying Agreement.
18.5.2.2 Immediately terminate the Agreement and the Underlying Agreement if Business Associate has breached a material term of the Agreement and cure is not possible.
18.5.3.4. Bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings under bankruptcy or insolvency code or similar law, whether voluntary or involuntary, are properly commenced by or against Business Associate; 18.5.3.5 Business Associate is dissolved or liquidated.
18.5.4.1 Except as provided in Section 18.5.4.2 of this section, upon termination of the Agreement for any reason, Business Associate shall return to Priority Health or destroy all Protected Health Information. This provision shall apply to Protected Health Information that is in the possession of Business Associate's Subcontractors, as well as to Protected Health Information in Business Associate's possession. Business Associate shall retain no copies of the Protected Health Information.
18.5.4.2. In the event that return or destruction of Protected Health Information is infeasible, Business Associate shall extend the protections of the Agreement to such Protected Health Information and limit further uses and disclosures of such Protected Health Information to those purposes that make the return or destruction infeasible, for so long as Business Associate maintains such Protected Health Information.
18.6.1 Amendment. No provision of the Agreement may be modified except by a written document signed by a duly authorized representative of the parties. The parties agree to amend the Agreement, as appropriate, to conform to any new or revised legislation, rules and regulations to which Priority Health is subject now or in the future including, without limitation, the Privacy Rule, Security Standards or Transactions Standards (collectively "Laws").
18.6.1.1 Automatic Amendment to Agreement. By providing Business Associate notice of an amendment to this Agreement at least thirty (30) days prior to the amendment's effective date, Priority Health may amend the Agreement to reflect changes to Priority Health's policies for complying with or changes to applicable law. Business Associate may reject the terms of the amendment by providing written notice of rejection to Priority Health's Legal Department within thirty (30) days of receiving the amendment. If Business Associate fails to provide such notice, Business Associate will be deemed to have agreed to the amendment and the amendment will be binding on Business Associate without signature or other action by Business Associate. If Business Associate rejects the terms of the amendment, Priority Health may terminate this Agreement and the Underlying Agreement.
18.6.2 Assignment. No party may assign or transfer any or all of its rights and/or obligations under the Agreement or any part of it, nor any benefit or interest in or under it, to any third party without the prior written consent of the other party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
18.6.3 Survival. The respective rights and obligations of Business Associate under Section 18.5.4 of the Agreement shall survive the termination of the Agreement.
18.6.4 Interpretation. Any ambiguity in the Agreement shall be resolved to permit Priority Health to comply with the Privacy Rule, Security Standards, Transaction Standards, and HITECH Act.
18.6.5 Indemnification. Business Associate shall indemnify Priority Health for any and all claims, inquiries, costs or damages, including but not limited to any monetary penalties, that Priority Health incurs arising from a violation by Business Associate of its obligations hereunder. In turn, Priority Health shall indemnify Business Associate for any and all claims, inquiries, costs or damages, including but not limited to any monetary penalties, that Business Associate incurs arising from a violation by Priority Health of its obligations hereunder.
18.6.6 Exclusion from Limitation of Liability. To the extent that Business Associate has limited its liability under the terms of a separate agreement, whether with a maximum recovery for direct damages or a disclaimer against any consequential, indirect or punitive damages, or other such limitations, all limitations shall exclude all damages to Priority Health arising from Business Associate's breach of its obligations relating to the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information.
18.6.7 Third Party Rights. The terms of the Agreement are not intended, nor should they be construed, to grant any rights to any parties other than Business Associate and Priority Health.
18.6.8 Entire Agreement. The Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the parties' compliance with federal and/or state health information confidentiality laws and regulations, as well as the parties" obligations under the business associate provisions of 45 C.F.R. parts 160 and 164. The Agreement supersedes all prior or contemporaneous written or oral memoranda, arrangements, contracts or understandings between the parties hereto relating to the same. The Agreement does not supersede any prior or contemporaneous written or oral memoranda, arrangements, contracts or understandings between the parties hereto relating to the confidentiality of other Priority Health proprietary and/or confidential information that is not covered by the above laws relating to health information protection.
18.6.9 Electronic Transactions. If Business Associate conducts in whole or part a HIPAA Transaction for or on behalf of Priority Health, Business Associate shall comply, and shall require any Subcontractor involved with the conduct of such HIPAA Transaction to comply, with each applicable requirement of 45 C.F.R. Part 162.
18.6.10 Minimum Necessary. Business Associate shall request from Priority Health or a third party only the minimum amount of information necessary to perform services under the Agreement. Business Associate shall develop, implement, maintain and use policies and procedures to limit uses and disclosures of Protected Health Information to the minimum necessary to perform services under the Agreement.
18.6.11 Injunctive Relief. Business Associate acknowledges and stipulates that its unauthorized use or disclosure of Protected Health Information while performing services pursuant to the Agreement or the Underlying Agreement would cause irreparable harm to Priority Health, and in such event, Priority Health shall be entitled, if it so elects, to institute and prosecute proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction, either in law or in equity, to obtain damages and injunctive relief, together with the right to recover from Business Associate costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, for any such breach of the terms and conditions of the Agreement.
18.6.12 Notice. Section 15 above shall govern all notices required under this Section 18.
18.6.13 Owner of Protected Health Information. Under no circumstances shall Business Associate be deemed in any respect to be the owner of any Protected Health Information under the terms of the Agreement.
19.1 The Companies will calculate the Commission based on actual premium payments received as set forth in Section 2 of the Agreement.
19.2 Commissions will not be paid for any time in which the Agent's Health and Life license is suspended or terminated.
19.3 Commissions will not be adjusted based on contract gains/losses, other than at renewal.
19.5 Notice of Change ("NOC"). If Agent receives a NOC from their bank they have thirty (30) days from the time they receive the notice to update their information with the Company, otherwise commissions will be suspended until updated information is received.
19.6 Commissions will not be paid for any month in which the companies do not receive premium.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
PRIORITY HEALTH MANAGED BENEFITS, INC.
I have read Section 18, HIPAA Business Associate Agreement, and understand this agreement contains sections added that pertain to the recent HIPAA Omnibus Final Rules. I understand that this business associate agreement reflects duties that I have as an agent and business associate of Priority Health. I also understand that pursuant to this rule I must maintain a copy of this agreement for any future auditing purposes.
I have read and agree to the agent agreement terms listed above.
This Schedule A is entered into pursuant, and subject to, the terms and conditions of a certain Agent Agreement (the "Agreement"). This Schedule A includes the requirements for Agent to sell Priority Health commercial plans to employer groups.
The Agent of Record Policy may be found in your online Agent Center at www.priorityhealth.com.
The standard Commission Schedule for sales to Groups may be found in your online Agent Center. You can access it after you receive your username and password.
For Groups with fewer than 100 eligible employees, Priority Health and/or PHIC will pay to Agent the amounts posted on the Agent Center.
For Groups with more than 100 eligible employees, Priority Health or PHIC will collect commissions from Groups on behalf of their Agents, and then forward the amounts earned and collected to the Groups' respective Agents.
Retroactive additions and deletions of contracts will be recognized and adjusted up to ninety (90) days from the date of the initial sale or most recent renewal date. The Companies shall recover Commission overpayments made to Agents as set forth in Section 2.7 of the Agreement.
The Companies will calculate the Commission based on actual premium payments received as set forth in Section 2 of the Agreement.
Commissions will not be paid for any time in which the Agent's Health and Life license is suspended or terminated.
Commissions will not be adjusted based on contract gains/losses, other than at renewal.
This Schedule B is entered into pursuant, and subject to, the terms and conditions of a certain Agent Agreement (the "Agreement"). This Schedule includes the requirements for Agent to sell Priority Health plans to eligible individuals.
Marketing Individual Plans. The Companies authorize Agent to represent, and Agent agrees to represent, the Companies in the marketing of the Individual Plans to Individuals. In representing the Companies in the marketing of the Individual Plans, Agent shall comply with the general terms as set forth in the body of this Agent Agreement.
Commissions on Termination of Agreement with Cause. Upon termination with cause, Companies shall pay Agent commissions which are earned prior to termination of this Agreement but have not been paid. Commissions are considered earned for premiums paid through the end of the month in which this Agreement is terminated.
Resume the issuance or use of any plan or product in any territory or territories at any time.
This Schedule C is entered into pursuant, and subject to, the terms and conditions of a certain Agent Agreement (the "Agreement"). This Schedule C includes the requirements for Agent to sell Priority Health Medicare plans to eligible individuals and Medicare Employer Group Waiver Plans to employer groups.
Priority Health has been designated by the Center for Medicaid and Medicaid Services ("CMS") as a sponsor of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans. Together, the Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan ("PDP") are referred to as "Priority Health Medicare" plans. Priority Health and Agent may sometimes be referred to individually as "party" or jointly as the "parties."
Agent agrees to comply with any and all applicable federal and state laws and regulations that govern Priority Health Medicare plans and to cooperate and comply with any and all policies, procedures, instructions and directives, oral or written, that Priority Health may require to ensure compliance with such laws and regulations. Specifically, compliance with this provision includes, but is not limited to, compliance with the Priority Health Medicare Training Manual, CMS Medicare Marketing Guidelines, and the CMS Medicare Managed Care Manual, including the Part D requirements. Agent agrees to promptly report to Priority Health all marketing allegations, as defined in the Priority Health Medicare Training Manual. Agent understands that any finding of fault relating to a marketing allegation or any violation of this provision will result in immediate termination of this Agreement.
Agent agrees to promptly notify Priority Health of any disciplinary proceedings related to Agent's certification for Medicare Advantage and/or MAPD sales, including notice of any investigatory proceedings instituted by CMS and/or the State of Michigan's licensing authority.
Agent must participate in all Priority Health Medicare-related training, including, but not limited to, webinar or online training, as directed by Priority Health.
Agent understands and agrees that Priority Health may modify, enhance or otherwise alter its sales performance standards at any time at its sole discretion.
Agent represents and warrants that Agent is licensed by the State of Michigan to sell the Priority Health Medicare plans, will maintain appropriate licenses at all times, and will provide Priority Health with written proof of such licensure upon execution of this Agreement, if not previously provided to Priority Health. Pursuant to Michigan state law, Priority Health may not pay any commission or other remuneration to Agent unless Agent's current and valid license is on file with Priority Health. Continued solicitation for Priority Health Medicare plans shall be contingent upon the continuing qualification of Agent by possession of the required licenses, appointments, and certifications.
Agent shall promptly notify Priority Health of any disciplinary proceedings related to such licenses, including notice of any investigatory proceedings instituted by CMS and/or the State of Michigan's licensing authority.
Agent shall not broadcast, publish or distribute any advertisements or other information about Priority Health Medicare plans without Priority Health's prior written approval.
If a member requests a change in the Agent of Record, Priority Health shall, at its sole discretion, pay the remaining Annual Retention Payment to the new agent or discontinue payment of the Annual Retention Payment.
If this Agreement is terminated by either party for any reason, Priority Health will pay no compensation after the termination date except as allowed under this paragraph. Priority Health will pay to Agent the Initial Payment for each new member with an effective date no more than three (3) months after the termination date. No Renewal Payments will be made after the termination date.
Compensation paid to Agent as described in this Agreement is contingent upon Agent maintaining Agent's certification to market and sell Priority Health Medicare plans, including completion of the annual recertification program as provided by Priority Health.
If Priority Health terminates this Agreement based on a finding of fraud committed by Agent, for a finding of fault pursuant to a marketing allegation, for the suspension or revocation of Agent's license or for any other regulatory or legal action related to or affecting Agent's performance pursuant to this Agreement, Priority Health will not pay any outstanding compensation to Agent after the termination date. Agent may not assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of Priority Health. Agent may assign compensation to be paid under this Agreement upon written notice to Priority Health. This Schedule C and the Agent Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties for the Priority Health Medicare plans and supersedes all previous agreements, discussions or negotiations, oral or written, between Priority Health and Agent with respect to Priority Health Medicare plans.
Any enrollment forms, applications, or other materials relating to Priority Health Medicare plans shall be maintained for a period of ten (10) years in accordance with CMS requirements.
This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made in and shall be construed pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan. Federal law shall apply and shall preempt state law when Medicare laws or regulations apply.
If any provision of this Agreement is in conflict with or is rendered invalid or unenforceable by any local, state or federal law, rule or regulation, or declared null and void by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, if the essential provisions of this Agreement for each party remain valid, binding, and enforceable. This Agreement shall be deemed automatically amended to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations. This Agreement will terminate automatically upon any determination by CMS or any other government authority indicating that the Agreement is improper.
The parties agree that this Agreement and all information relating to membership and individual members and prospective members shall be considered confidential and shall be treated as such. Agent acknowledges and agrees that he or she is a Business Associate of Priority Health and the provisions of the Business Associate Agreement apply to Agent. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
The parties agree that any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or breach thereof, whether involving a claim in tort, contract or otherwise, shall attempt to be resolved through facilitative mediation and, if unsuccessful, will be settled by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act.
This Schedule D is entered into pursuant, and subject to, the terms and conditions of a certain Agent Agreement (the "Agreement"). This Schedule D includes the requirements for Agent to sell Priority Health Medicare Supplement ("Medigap") plans to eligible individuals.
Priority Health has a certificate of authority to operate a health maintenance organization, offering Medigap plans. The State of Michigan's licensing authority has authorized Priority Health to offer Medicare Supplement plans.
Agent is licensed in Michigan to market or sell individual health benefit plans.
Agent is designated as Agent by a member of the general public ("Individual") purchasing a Plan.
1.2 Only utilize Medigap sales material, including advertising materials, provided by the Companies, and approved by the State of Michigan's licensing authority.
1.3 Make no misrepresentations concerning the Companies, the Medigap Plans, or any related matter, and comply with any and all applicable requirements that govern Companies' Medigap plans, cooperate and comply with any and all policies, procedures, instructions and directives, oral or written, that Companies may require to ensure compliance with such requirements.
1.4 Agent agrees to promptly report to Companies all marketing allegations. Agent understands that any finding of fault relating to a marketing allegation or any violation of this provision will result in immediate termination of this Agreement.
1.5 Agent shall use his or her best efforts to ensure that each application for the Medigap Plans is fully and truthfully completed by the applicant.
1.6 Agent agrees to promptly notify the Companies of any disciplinary proceedings related to Agent's License, including notice of any investigatory proceedings instituted by the State of Michigan's licensing authority.
1.7 Agent warrants that he/she has not been convicted of any criminal act involving dishonesty or breach of trust or been convicted of an offense under Section 14033 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Further, Agent agrees to immediately inform the Companies of any conviction of the types described in the preceding sentence.
Complete the W-9 form fields below so we can correctly report your commissions to the IRS. For detailed instructions, download the actual form (25KB PDF).
Your 9-digit TIN must match the name given on the "Name" line to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is your Social Security number (SSN). For a resident alien, sole proprietor or disregarded entity, it is your IRS individual tax payer identification number (ITIN). For other entitities, it is your employer identification number (EIN).
3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person.
This direct deposit/electronic funds transfer agreement (the "Agreement") is made as of the date entered above and the agent or agency listed above ("Agent") with offices at the address listed above and Priority Health, a Michigan non-profit corporation; Priority Health Insurance Company, a Michigan insurance company; and Priority Health Managed Benefits, Inc., a Michigan corporation (collectively "Priority Health"), with offices at 1231 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
This form authorizes Priority Health to deposit payments owed to Agent by direct deposit into the account indicated on the Agent Commission Direct Deposit Payment Information Form. This authorization will remain in effect until termination. Either party may terminate this agreement upon thirty (30) days notice to the other.
Priority Health may reasonably rely upon the account information given by the Agent.
It is the responsibility of the Agent to provide accurate information and changes to that information as necessary.
Agent agrees to hold Priority Health and its agents harmless from any and all claims arising from Priority Health's or its agent's reliance on information that Agent supplied to them.
Either party may suspend operations upon reasonable and timely notice to the party in the event that a party's performance is delayed or prevented by an act of God, natural disaster, computer or communication failure or other cause beyond the affected party's reasonable control.
Suspension of operations under this Agreement shall not relieve either party of its obligation to the other party under the Agent Contract.
Each party shall be liable to the other for the acts or omissions of its respective employees, subcontractors, financial institutions, and/or other agents in connection with this Agreement.
Each party shall bear the respective fees and other charges assessed by its designated financial institutions.
Neither party shall be liable for the acts of omissions of any third party not under its control.
Neither party shall be liable to the other for any special, incidental, exemplary or consequential damages arising from or as a result of any delay, omission or error in the electronic transmission or receipt of any data.
This Agreement shall be interpreted by the laws of the state of Michigan.
All notices required or permitted to be given with respect to this Agreement shall be given by mailing the same postage prepaid, or given by fax, email or courier to the addresses below.
Enter SSN if commission is payable to agent. Enter EIN if commission is payable to agency.
As shown on the bottom of one of your checks.
Do you want someone in your office to have access to your commission statements? Enter the first and last name of the person in your office that manages commission statements.
Note: Print this agreement before you click submit to keep a copy for your records.
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