News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
REMINDER: It’s Time To Report Your 2024 Prescription DataThis is a reminder for the Employer News eblast that was sent on Wednesday March 5, 2025. You can read that full eblast in the news archive at: Employer News | March 2025 - Special Issue As a reminder, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield will complete the required pharmacy... |
March 12, 2025 |
Annual Group Information Renewal - Webtool UpdateThe webtool used to submit the annual group information form for small groups has been updated. The year dropdown has been updated to include 2026, which is the year in which the tool is auto populating with. Please ensure that you are using the correct survey year for... |
March 12, 2025 |
Small Group Healthy New York Application And Forms Updated For 2025The Healthy New York (HNY) maximum wage has been increased to $53,650 and the HNY New Business form and HNY Recertification form have been updated. Please use the new forms (linked below) moving forward to reflect the new wages. If you have any questions on the Healthy... |
March 12, 2025 |
The Value Of A Wellbeing StrategyYour employees are your organization’s greatest asset. Creating a culture of wellbeing where employees feel holistically supported by their employer helps them to be more engaged and productive, leading to greater retention and recruitment of talent. According to Gallup,... |
March 12, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: 2025 Wellbeing Webinar SeriesWe are excited to host a new wellbeing webinar series in 2025, geared towards helping our members learn about various health topics that can support and improve their wellbeing from our own internal experts. Promotional flyers will be available for each month’s upcoming... |
March 12, 2025 |
April Wellbeing Tip: Breaking The Stress CycleApril is National Stress Month. Stress is a natural response to challenges we face in everyday life. Common stressors include relationships, finances, major life events, work-related issues and more. Everyone experiences stress in different ways and for different reasons;... |
March 12, 2025 |
Rx News - When Powerful Pharmacy Solutions Meet Personalized Care, Everybody Benefits®Many people count on prescriptions every day to stay healthy. For businesses, that means pharmacy benefits are a large part of taking care of their employees. The challenge? They can also be very costly. You deserve a partner who is committed to making sure your... |
March 12, 2025 |
Rx News - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management: How We’re Making A DifferenceInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects millions of people worldwide. IBD can significantly impact individuals’ ability to participate fully in work and social events, often leading to increased absenteeism. ... |
March 12, 2025 |
It’s Time To Report Your 2024 Prescription DataThe 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 2024... |
March 5, 2025 |
2025 Pharmacy Updates From Mona ChitreA Message from Mona Chitre The year is off to an exciting start! As a pharmacy partner, we consistently monitor market trends to ensure our programs and solutions meet the specific needs of your business. We’re eager to share the many pharmacy opportunities and... |
February 27, 2025 |
Managed Care Organization TaxThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved New York's Managed Care Organization tax (MCO), effective 1/1/2025. This tax, authorized by the 2024-2025 State Budget, will apply different tax rates to Medicaid and non-Medicaid plans. The tax rates... |
February 18, 2025 |
Voted #1 In NY For Customer Service – Again!For the second consecutive year, J.D. Power has ranked Excellus BlueCross BlueShield #1 in New York for Medicare Advantage Plan Customer Satisfaction and Most Trusted. This wouldn’t be possible without our local employees who are committed to providing excellent service,... |
February 18, 2025 |
Enrollment Portal Reminder – Accuracy Is ImportantThere has been an increase in keying errors submitted from the web and requests submitted through the enrollment portal. This has resulted in ID cards being mailed to incorrect recipients, members being enrolled in incorrect groups and information being sent to groups... |
February 18, 2025 |
New Web Enrollment And Online Bill Pay Trainings Now AvailableWeb Enrollment and Online Bill Pay trainings are now available on the web under Employers > Resources > Employer Training Materials. These are interactive, self-paced courses that employers can navigate to learn more about Web Enrollment and Online Bill Pay. Web... |
February 18, 2025 |
Tax Form 1095-BHealth insurers—including Excellus BlueCross BlueShield—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... |
February 18, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: 2025 Wellbeing Webinar SeriesWe are excited to host a new wellbeing webinar series in 2025, geared towards helping our members learn about various health topics that can support and improve their wellbeing from our own internal experts. Promotional flyers will be available for each month’s upcoming... |
February 18, 2025 |
The Importance Of A Primary Care Provider (PCP)Individuals with a PCP may receive higher value healthcare. PCPs provide preventive care such as cancer screenings, identify and treat common medical conditions and provide referrals for specialists as needed. Preventive care can help identify health concerns and chronic... |
February 18, 2025 |
New Year, New Start: Get Proactive with Preventive HealthPreventive care can help catch potential issues early before they develop into more serious health conditions. Things like routine checkups, screenings, and immunizations can fall under preventive care. Preventive services are covered in full by Excellus BlueCross... |
February 18, 2025 |
March Wellbeing Tip: Healthy Eating On A BudgetAccording to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), good nutrition is essential for well-being across all stages of life. A nutritious diet consists of primarily whole foods which include unprocessed fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans... |
February 18, 2025 |
Rx News - Introducing Our Automatic Prescription Discount ProgramMembers who currently pay 100% out-of-pocket for certain medications outside of their pharmacy benefit now have access to automatic prescription discounts. The automatic prescription discount program provides discounts on medications outside a member’s pharmacy benefit... |
February 18, 2025 |
Rx News - Reduce Risk And Control Costs With Integrated Pharmacy Benefits Available To Your TeamExperience a more comprehensive approach to pharmacy care when your team has integrated medical and pharmacy with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Our 2025 integrated pharmacy program flyer is now available for you to learn about every value-added and optional pharmacy... |
February 18, 2025 |
Gag Clause Certificate Of Attestation Now AvailableOn December 30, 2024, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield completed the Gag Clause Attestation 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. Please reach out to your... |
January 17, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: 2025 Wellbeing Webinar SeriesWe are excited to launch a new wellbeing webinar series in 2025, geared toward helping our members learn about various health topics that can support and improve their wellbeing from our own internal experts. Promotional flyers will be available for each month’s upcoming... |
January 17, 2025 |
Starting The Year Off RightJanuary is a great time of year for employees to review their online account information or register for an account if they don’t already have one. Members can check their personal information, plan details and gain access to additional resources such as: Online member... |
January 17, 2025 |
February Wellbeing Tip: Heart HealthFebruary is American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The term “heart disease” includes several... |
January 17, 2025 |
Rx News - Pharmacy Savings Toolkit AvailableHealth care costs continue to rise, affecting both businesses and employees alike. High prescription drug prices, increased outpatient procedures and hospital care are driving up premiums and out-of-pocket costs. It's important to find solutions that support employee... |
January 17, 2025 |
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and St. Joseph’s Health Announce A Contract AgreementExcellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) and St. Joseph’s Health have reached a multi-year contract agreement effective Jan. 1, 2025, that will keep St. Joseph’s Health in the Excellus BCBS provider network. St. Joseph’s Health and Excellus BCBS are glad to reach an... |
January 7, 2025 |
Season’s Greetings From Our Team To YoursAs 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 19, 2024 |
An Update On St. Joseph’s HealthExcellus BlueCross BlueShield and St. Joseph’s Health have entered into an agreement to extend our in-network contract for both the hospital and physician practices through February 28, 2025, while we continue to meet regularly to work towards a mutually agreed upon... |
December 19, 2024 |
Automatic Payment Error ImpactSome of your employees may have received an email from us via our vendor, Instamed, saying that their automatic payment agreement has been terminated. If any of your employees received a letter in regard to their automatic payments, please refer them to the banner on our... |
December 19, 2024 |
Reminder: We Want To Hear from You!At some point throughout the year, you should have received a satisfaction survey from us. Your feedback and experience are valuable, and we want to learn from you. If your group has received an email and survey link, please respond by December 31st. If you have any... |
December 19, 2024 |
Upcoming Member Webinar For Small GroupsMaking the Most of Your Health Plan! Thursday, January 9 1:00 P.M. - 1:45 P.M. ET Online event for all small group members Looking to educate your employees on the benefits, tools and resources available to them through Excellus BlueCross BlueShield? Encourage your... |
December 19, 2024 |
2025 Workplace Wellbeing ResourcesThe new year brings new resources to help you support your employees wellbeing. Engage, educate and empower your workforce with these helpful resources: Employee Wellbeing Webinars: Looking to have your employees learn about health topics such as heart health, diabetes,... |
December 19, 2024 |
January Wellbeing Tip: New Year, Well YouThe new year is a great time to reflect and set intentions for the upcoming year. Many resolutions center on health and wellness, highlighting the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. Despite resolutions having several benefits, sticking to them can be difficult. ... |
December 19, 2024 |
FamilyCare Medical Group Remains In NetworkExcellus BlueCross BlueShield and FamilyCare Medical Group (FCMG) have announced a new contract agreement effective Jan. 1, 2025, that will keep FCMG in the Excellus BCBS provider network. Read More Member Resources During contract discussions with doctors and... |
November 21, 2024 |
Incorrect ID Card Mailing ImpactExcellus BCBS has identified that incorrect ID cards were recently mailed out to some small groups. Since ID cards are mailed in batches, not all small group members would have received an incorrect ID card. We are working promptly to reissue ID cards for those... |
November 19, 2024 |
REMINDER: Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under the Consolidated Appropriation ActAs a reminder, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) has determined that we will be completing the attestation on behalf of our fully insured and minimum premium groups for the time they had Excellus BCBS coverage in 2024. If any additional information is required... |
November 19, 2024 |
Healthy New York - New Group Application and Recertification FormThe new Healthy New York – New Group Application is now available for small groups. The New Group Application should only be used when a small group is applying for a standalone Healthy New York plan, or when applying for Healthy New York along with another... |
November 19, 2024 |
Health Status QuestionnaireWe encourage all plan members to complete a health status questionnaire upon enrollment and annually thereafter. We use this information to identify our members who may need care right away and are eligible for health care services that may be beneficial to them. Our case... |
November 19, 2024 |
We Want to Hear from You!At some point throughout the year, you should receive a satisfaction survey from us. The fourth quarter survey is being sent to the remainder of our employer groups this month. Your feedback and experience are valuable, and we want to learn from you. If your group has... |
November 19, 2024 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Self Care & Seasonal BluesWhile the holiday season can be a time of joy, it may bring added stress, anxiety, and depression for some people. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 9 in 10 (89%) of U.S. adults say that concerns such as financial pressure, family conflict, and... |
November 19, 2024 |
Rx News - Smart RxAssist is Now HelpScript!In July, we announced our partnership with Smart RxAssist to help maximize savings available from drug manufacturer assistance programs. This program provides financial relief to self-funded employer groups and decreases out-of-pocket costs for medical specialty drugs.... |
November 19, 2024 |
Rx News - Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Humira and Biosimilar Formulary Updates for 2025Biosimilars represent one of the biggest opportunities to improve access and affordability for our community. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) has advocated for the use of biosimilars since 2018 when we were the first standalone health plan to prefer a... |
November 19, 2024 |
Contract Reached with WellNow Urgent CareWe are pleased to announce that Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and WellNow Urgent Care have executed a new provider contract agreement. Starting on November 15, WellNow Urgent Care will be in-network. We want members to find the care they need if they are sick or injured.... |
November 14, 2024 |
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 12, 2024 |
2025 Individual Market PlansIf you have an employee who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare or COBRA, we are here to help connect them with Qualified Health Plans (metal level plans), stand-alone dental plans and NY State sponsored Safety Net coverage, including plans for children.... |
October 29, 2024 |
Medicare Recognizes Excellus BlueCross BlueShield For QualityThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its 2025 quality ratings, and again this year recognized Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for its Medicare Advantage plans. This is the 12th consecutive year the health plan has ranked above average or higher for... |
October 29, 2024 |
New: Affordability PagesIncreasing costs and growing demands for medical care are leading to premium rate increases and higher out-of-pocket expenses for members and employers nationwide. It’s important for us to find solutions that prioritize the wellbeing of our groups while also addressing... |
October 29, 2024 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthDiabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into blood sugar to use for energy. There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for 90-95% of cases. According to the... |
October 29, 2024 |
Annual Renewal Request SubmissionsFor Groups that are submitting their annual renewal requests through the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) Webtool, please ensure that you or your broker are selecting the correct Renewal Year for your submissions. The Webtool will auto populate with the 2025... |
October 29, 2024 |
