News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Healthy New York Business Applications And Recertifications For Small GroupUpdated versions of the Healthy New York (HNY) New Business application and the HNY Recertification form are now available online at Blue On Demand. They are also available on our website under the Broker and Employer portals where small group new business and renewal... |
April 17, 2024 |
Get To Know Our Unique Approach To Value-Based CareWe all recognize that health care costs are continuously on the rise. It is estimated that $935 billion is wasted annually in the U.S. health care system. To address these issues, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has created a new way of thinking. One that opens the doors... |
April 17, 2024 |
Heritage Christian Services, Inc. Saves $105,207 In Prescription Drug Costs With Pharmacy ConciergeWith the rising costs of prescription drugs, several of our groups have decided to enroll in Pharmacy Concierge, a program built to reduce pharmacy costs while focusing on safety and high-quality health care. A new case study was just published showing that one of our... |
April 17, 2024 |
Online Chat Now Available On Davis Vision WebsiteDavis Vision now has an online chat tool available to assist members in locating their benefits and eligibility information. The chat tool becomes available after a member creates an account and logs into the Davis Vision website. Members can ask questions or gather... |
April 17, 2024 |
May Is Mental Health Awareness MonthMental and physical health are equally important components of overall health and wellbeing. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Poor mental health increases physical health risks, while poor... |
April 17, 2024 |
It’s Time To Report Your 2023 Prescription DataThe 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) requires group and individual health plans to report annual data about prescription drugs and health care spending to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The last day to submit this data to CMS for the 2023... |
March 15, 2024 |
Target Optical And Pearle Vision Being Added To Vision NetworkTogether with our partner, Davis Vision, we are excited to announce the expansion of our network in 2024 with the addition of Target Optical and Pearle Vision. With this addition, members will be able to access more than 150,000 in-network points of eye care. This... |
March 15, 2024 |
Why Your Primary Care Provider MattersTaking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do to help you feel your best every day. Your Primary Care Provider is your partner in managing your health. Seeing them for regular preventive care ensures you are up to date on recommended screenings... |
March 15, 2024 |
Learn How ACQAs Help Increase Quality Care For MembersAn Accountable Cost & Quality Agreement (ACQA) is our localized approach to value-based payment agreements. ACQAs promote a better, more holistic patient experience for members while working to reduce unnecessary medical costs for all. Watch Our 3-Minute Video To... |
February 22, 2024 |
Reminder Regarding WellNow Urgent Care Provider StatusRecently, some Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members may have received communication from WellNow Urgent Care that could cause confusion regarding coverage and benefits. To clarify and remind our members, WellNow made the decision to leave our provider network on Jan. 1,... |
February 22, 2024 |
Encourage Your Team To Get Started With ThriveWell℠A toolkit for our new digital, wellbeing program ThriveWell, administered by Virgin Pulse, can now be found on ExcellusforBusiness.com. With a ready-to-send email, member guide, quick start flyer, overview flyer, and reward flyers you can now encourage your team to put a... |
February 22, 2024 |
Help Your Team Manage Their Overall Wellbeing With HeadspaceStress takes a big toll on a person’s mental, physical, and emotional health. That’s why we’re offering* Headspace, administered by Virgin Pulse, to help employees better manage stress and overall wellbeing. This science-based app offers your team access to hundreds of... |
February 22, 2024 |
Navigating The GLP-1 TrendDiabetes is one of the top trend drivers of pharmacy costs due to the growing diabetic population and newer, more expensive therapies recommended earlier in the treatment plan. Since 2006, medications like Ozempic® and Trulicity® have been used to treat Type 2 Diabetes.... |
February 22, 2024 |
Have You Listened To Our Community Check-In Podcast?Each week, with our Community Check-In podcasts, we have conversations with local experts about all things health, sharing the latest info and tips to support you in managing your health and wellness. Our latest episode: The Loneliness Epidemic: Unveiling The Health... |
February 22, 2024 |
The Importance Of SleepSleeping is a basic human need, like eating, drinking, and breathing. Did you know adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, and children and teens need even more? Surveys show the average adult sleeps fewer than seven hours a night. According to the... |
February 22, 2024 |
Tax Form 1095-BHealth insurers—including Excellus BCBS—are no longer mailing tax form 1095-B to members. Because taxpayers are not required to include the form when filing their taxes, the IRS no longer requires us to mail the form. Members can still download the form or request it by... |
January 26, 2024 |
Gag Clause Confirmation Of Attestations CompletedOn December 31, 2023, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield completed the gag clause attestations on behalf of our fully insured and minimum premium groups who have our Rx. A gag clause Certificate of Attestation is available to groups, upon request. Reach out to your account... |
January 26, 2024 |
NEW For 2024: Virtual Physical Therapy Through Vori HealthEvery business wants to help their employees live their best. That’s why we are providing another option for physical therapy, so employees can have more accessibility when it comes to the care they need. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is now partnering with Vori Health... |
January 26, 2024 |
Watch: Making The Most Of Your Health PlanThe Making the Most of Your Health Plan videos for 2024 are ready! These member-level videos provide a navigation of our member online account and mobile app, while highlighting important benefits, tools, and resources available to members. There are three videos based... |
January 26, 2024 |
Blue On Demand Website Enhancements For Small GroupsTo help create a better user experience for our Small Groups, we’ve updated Blue on Demand with the following enhancements: Medical Updates You can now compare the previous Q4 year rating period selected (Ex: 2022 to 2023) Added a new banner to link to dental and... |
January 26, 2024 |
February Is American Heart MonthAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventive (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, people aged 45 and over, and most races and Hispanic-origin groups, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths in the US. The term “heart disease”... |
January 26, 2024 |
Season’s Greetings. Holiday Cheer. From Our Team To Yours.As the year comes to a close, we extend our warmest appreciation and gratitude for trusting us with the health care of your employees. May the year ahead be filled with peace and prosperity for you and your employees. Have a safe and happy holiday season! |
December 14, 2023 |
Our Next Step Toward Health EquityWe want everyone to have the chance to be as healthy as possible. Health equity is about removing any barriers that get in the way of health. We notified you earlier this fall that we would begin contacting your employees and asking them to share more about themselves so... |
December 14, 2023 |
Excellus BCBS Earns 85 Percent In Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-24 Corporate Equality IndexExcellus BlueCross BlueShield has received a score of 85 percent out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+... |
December 14, 2023 |
January Wellbeing Tip: The Importance Of Preventive Care“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is as true now as it was when Benjamin Franklin said it in 1735. While healthy behaviors such as exercise, sleep and good nutrition can significantly impact wellbeing, getting routine preventive care is an important... |
December 14, 2023 |
The Real Deal On Weight Loss DrugsIn this episode of The Community Check-In podcast, Nicole Dawley, Senior Director of Pharmacy Strategy and Policy at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, explores the complex world of weight management drugs. Nicole provides valuable insights into the background of the obesity... |
December 14, 2023 |
Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under The Consolidated Appropriation ActThe gag clause prohibition under the Consolidate Appropriations Act (CAA) prohibits health plans from entering into contracts that restrict specific data and information that a plan can make available to another party. Plans must annually submit an attestation that they... |
November 28, 2023 |
Sunsetting Wellbeing Programs & How Members Can Claim Their RewardsWith the much-anticipated transition to our new digital, wellbeing engagement program, ThriveWellSM, we will be sunsetting several of our wellbeing programs. The following programs* will be discontinued the last day of a groups’ benefit year (*program participation varies... |
November 28, 2023 |
Tell Us What You Think!In the coming weeks, you will receive an email inviting you to take an Excellus BCBS satisfaction survey. This survey is an opportunity to provide feedback on your interactions and experiences with the health plan. Your feedback is confidential, and your participation is... |
November 28, 2023 |
Fully Insured Large Groups To Move To Preferred Value FormularyPlease be advised that all Commercial Fully Insured Large Groups will move from the current 3 Tier Open Formulary to our Preferred Value Formulary (PVF) based on their plan year. This change excludes Minimum Premium groups, who will continue to have the option to choose... |
November 28, 2023 |
Updated Annual Group Information Form And Web Tool AvailableAn updated version of the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) is available for Large and Small Groups. The only change in this version is that a question has been added to the AGIF and online AGIF Web Tool which requires employers who offer a dental plan through the... |
November 28, 2023 |
Check Out Our Community Check-In Podcast! The Common But Preventable Disease: Pre-diabetes, With Dr. FitzpatrickHave you checked out our Community Check-In podcasts? Each week, we have conversations with local experts about all things health, sharing the latest info and tips to support you and your employees in managing your health and wellness. Our latest episode: The Common But... |
November 28, 2023 |
Updated Brochures Now AvailableWe’ve updated the brochures below with our new Everybody Benefits logo. Questions? Contact your account manager. Out-of-Pocket Protection Program Brochure (PDF) Rx Home Delivery Brochure (PDF) |
November 28, 2023 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Where To Go For CareUnderstanding where to go for medical care before you need it can help you and your employees minimize frustration, time, and cost. Your primary care provider should be your first choice for routine medical care or minor illnesses or injuries that are not an emergency. A... |
November 28, 2023 |
Kicking Off A New Social Media CampaignWe launched a new campaign on our social media channels that will feature some of the positive feedback we receive from our health plan members. Topics will vary monthly so be sure to bookmark our various social media sites and check back often. This month we’re... |
November 28, 2023 |
The Right Meds At The Best ValueAn Excellus BlueCross BlueShield program is focusing on medication safety while saving millions of dollars in prescription drug costs. The program, Pharmacy Concierge, is available to most midsize and large employers through the health plan. “Improving care is the... |
November 28, 2023 |
Medicare Recognizes Excellus BlueCross BlueShield For QualityThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its 2024 quality ratings, and again this year recognized Excellus BCBS for its Medicare Advantage plans. This is the eleventh consecutive year the health plan has ranked above average or higher for its... |
October 26, 2023 |
2024 Individual Market PlansIf you have an employee who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare, or COBRA, we’re here to help connect them with NY State sponsored Safety Net coverage, Qualified Health Plans (metal level plans) and stand-alone dental plans. If you would like to review... |
October 26, 2023 |
Annual Rate Notices Being MailedGroups will receive their Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. This includes the following products: Small Group Individual Large Group HMO Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription, Dental prospective pooled and dental/vision... |
October 26, 2023 |
Check Out Our Community Check-In Podcast! Episode: Why Health Insurance Matters With Dr. CohenHave you checked out our Community Check-In podcasts? Each week, we have conversations with local experts about all things health, sharing the latest info and tips to support you in managing your health and wellness. Our latest episode: Why Health Insurance Matters With... |
October 26, 2023 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthDiabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into blood sugar to use for energy. According to the CDC, one in three people have prediabetes and more than 37 million Americans (11.3% of the population) have diabetes. Because blood sugar in the body... |
October 26, 2023 |
Leading The Industry In Our Pursuit Of BiosimilarsIn our ongoing efforts to ensure access to high quality, affordable health care, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield leads the insurance industry in pursuing biosimilar drugs for our health plan members. According to the FDA*, biosimilars are safe and effective treatment... |
September 27, 2023 |
Coming Soon: Annual Notice Of Change LettersThis month, group benefit administrators with Medicare Blue Choice (HMO-POS) or Medicare Blue PPO (PPO) plans will be mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). The ANOC provides details on 2024 benefit changes. Your members will receive their 2024 ANOC, along with... |
September 27, 2023 |
2024 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Rates And Plans Are Now Available On Blue On DemandYou can now view 2024 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Blue on Demand. Blue on Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2023 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your Group Medicare account manager with any... |
September 27, 2023 |
Small Group Materials Now Available For ThriveWell℠Every business wants to help their employees live their best and so we’re providing the tools and resources to help make it easier. ThriveWell, powered by Virgin Pulse, is a new digital tool we’re equipping members with to help them engage in healthier choices and get... |
September 27, 2023 |
Together We Can Move Towards Health EquityHealth care should meet the needs of everyone – no matter who you are, where you live or who you love. This is something we are taking very seriously at Excellus BCBS. Health equity is when everyone has the chance to be as healthy as possible. To improve health equity in... |
September 27, 2023 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBreast cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States among people who were born female, after skin cancers. About one in eight women will have breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. While white women are more likely to develop breast cancer, Black... |
September 27, 2023 |
Excellus BCBS Launches Innovative Program To Reduce CostsThe Medication Assurance Program is a new initiative of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield aimed at reducing self-funded employer group overall spend. This program is designed to reduce spend on medications by holding manufacturers accountable for drugs that were approved... |
September 27, 2023 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2024 Are Now Available!2024* Plan Highlights: With a new year comes exciting changes to bring groups and members better coverage and greater peace of mind. Take a look at what’s to come for 2024: *Subject to DFS approval NEW ThriveWell℠ Introducing ThriveWell, a digital home base... |
September 11, 2023 |
Large Group HMO & Medicare Supplement – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn July 1, 2023, we submitted an application requesting 2024 premium rate changes in accordance with New York state prior approval law. This rate application applies to Community Rated Large Group HMO and Medicare Supplement products. The following products are included... |
August 30, 2023 |
