News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Chamber Series Part 6 | How You Can Support Your Team with the Rise of Health Care Costs: Resources and Tools to Help Improve Quality of Care While Combating Costs.Chamber Series | Part 6 of 6 We’re back with Part 6 the final part in of our high-quality care and cost savings series. | View Part 1 to learn more about pharmacy saving programs. | View Part 2 to learn more about medical cost savings programs. | View... |
October 1, 2024 |
Chamber Series Part 5 | How You Can Support Your Team with the Rise of Health Care Costs: The Importance of Preventive Care ProgramsChamber Series | Part 5 of 6 We’re back with Part 5 of our high-quality care and cost savings series. | View Part 1 to learn more about pharmacy saving programs. | View Part 2 to learn more about medical cost savings programs. | View Part 3 to learn... |
October 1, 2024 |
Chamber Series Part 4 | How You Can Support Your Team with the Rise of Health Care Costs: Care Management Support For Members With Complex ConditionsChamber Series | Part 4 of 6 We’re back with Part 4 of our high-quality care and cost savings series. | View Part 1 to learn more about pharmacy saving programs. | View Part 2 to learn more about medical cost savings programs. | View Part 3 to learn... |
October 1, 2024 |
Provider Contract UpdatesAs you may have noticed, there has been an increase in discussions surrounding contract negotiations, both locally and nationally. Providers and hospitals are more frequently going public about these discussions, which may create uncertainty. It’s essential that we... |
September 26, 2024 |
Upcoming Member Webinar For Small Group Plans*Looking to educate your employees on the benefits, tools and resources they have available through their Small Group plan? Thursday, September 26 12:00 P.M. - 12:30 P.M. ET Online event for all small group members Encourage employees to register and attend this upcoming... |
September 23, 2024 |
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 23, 2024 |
REMINDER: Medicare Part D Creditable CoverageAs part of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), employers and union groups offering prescription drug coverage must disclose to Medicare eligible individuals with prescription drug coverage under their plan, whether the coverage is creditable. Employer Group... |
September 23, 2024 |
Rx News - Lowering Costs And Protecting Employees With DiabetesOur model is built to bring all your benefits together, providing an integrated and holistic approach to health care by leveraging medical and pharmacy data. When medical and pharmacy teams are working collaboratively, it’s proven to be the best care, while driving costs... |
September 23, 2024 |
Rx News - Support For Rising Health Care Costs: Pharmacy ProgramsWe know the upward trend of health care costs is expected to continue, impacting employers and individuals alike. High prescription drug prices, increases in outpatient procedures, and more members needing high-cost hospital care are challenging health plans, employers,... |
September 23, 2024 |
Chamber Series Part 3 | How You Can Support Your Team with the Rise of Health Care Costs: What You Need To Know About Premium RatesChamber Series | Part 3 of 6 We’re back with Part 3 in our series. | View Part 1 to learn more about pharmacy saving programs. | View Part 2 to learn more about medical cost savings programs. With Open Enrollment coming up this fall, we wanted... |
September 19, 2024 |
Chamber Series Part 2 | How You Can Support Your Team with the Rise of Health Care Costs: Medical Cost Savings ProgramsChamber Series | Part 2 of 6 We’re back with Part 2 in our cost saving series. | View Part 1 to learn more about pharmacy saving programs. As a recap, we know the upward trend of health care costs is expected to continue, impacting employers and individuals alike.... |
September 19, 2024 |
Chamber Series Part 1 | How You Can Support Your Team With The Rise Of Health Care Costs: Pharmacy ProgramsChamber Series | Part 1 of 6 We know the upward trend of health care costs is expected to continue, impacting employers and individuals alike. High prescription drug prices, increases in outpatient procedures, and more members needing high-cost hospital care are... |
September 19, 2024 |
Small Group Rates And Plans for 2025 Are Now Available!2025 Plan Highlights*: Our 2025 plan updates are aimed at making care more accessible and affordable, helping members see the true value in their plan. And we understand things might look different year over year to achieve this experience for our members. Let’s take a... |
September 12, 2024 |
Large Group HMO & Medicare Supplement – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn July 2, 2024, an application was submitted requesting 2025 premium rate changes in accordance with New York state prior approval law. This rate application applies to Community Rated Large Group HMO. An application was submitted requesting 2025 premium rate changes for... |
August 28, 2024 |
Medicare Part D Creditable CoverageMedicare beneficiaries can receive subsidized prescription drug coverage through the Medicare Part D program. Beneficiaries who have other sources of drug coverage—through a current or former employer or union, for example—may choose not to enroll in Medicare Part D, if... |
August 28, 2024 |
Enterprise File Transfer Service UpdatesAs part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards of digital security, we are updating our encryption protocols in line with industry standards and best practices. These changes to our enterprise file transfer service MAY impact SOME groups. Impacted... |
August 28, 2024 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersUnder the Affordable Care Act, the Internal Revenue Service requires health insurers to request missing subscriber and dependent Social Security numbers from their members. In September, we will send Social Security number request letters to individuals who had health... |
August 28, 2024 |
The Gateway To Member BenefitsMany people are getting ready for fall, a new school year, and open enrollment, making it the perfect time to check out their online account and make sure they’re using their plan to the fullest. An online account is the gateway to customized member information based on... |
August 28, 2024 |
September Wellbeing Tip: Substance Use DisordersAccording to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 17% of people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (being addicted to, overusing or misusing drugs or alcohol) in the past year. That’s one in six people! A substance use disorder is a disease (not a... |
August 28, 2024 |
Rx News - Preparing For The Biosimilar LandscapeAs new biosimilars enter the market, increased competition brings down the price of the biosimilar and reference product. As biosimilars continue to grow in use, it is important to understand what they are and their impact in the market. In our ongoing efforts to ensure... |
August 28, 2024 |
2024 Pharmacy Updates From Mona ChitreA Message from Mona Chitre As we look to the rest of the 2024 plan year, I wanted to take a moment to share all that has been happening in the pharmacy space and reiterate our mission to provide greater access to high-quality health care. As supporters of your business... |
August 15, 2024 |
Take Good Care Of Your People, And They’ll Help You Take Good Care Of Your BusinessIt’s a simple concept – and it’s why you want to provide great health coverage for your employees. Coverage that helps them live healthier lives. Coverage that helps make the entire experience easier for everyone. Coverage that takes affordability into account. That’s... |
July 26, 2024 |
Warby Parker Added To Vision NetworkTogether with our partner, Davis Vision, we are excited to announce the expansion of our vision network to include Warby Parker as of July 1, 2024. This enhancement has no premium rate impact. Members will enjoy full access to Warby Parker’s elevated shopping experience... |
July 26, 2024 |
August Wellness Topic: The Importance Of VaccinesMost of us probably don’t remember when people regularly died from smallpox or polio. There have been no cases of smallpox anywhere in the world since 1980. Polio has been eliminated in the United States because of vaccination, though it is still a threat in some other... |
July 26, 2024 |
Rx News - Site Of Care For Infusion Drug TherapyWe are continuously looking for ways to promote member convenience while lowering overall costs. The Site of Care (SOC) program provides outreach to patients receiving select infusion or injectable drugs at high-cost facilities and transitions these patients to home... |
July 26, 2024 |
2025 Large Group Product UpdatesWith a new year comes exciting new changes to bring groups and members even better coverage. Take a look at what’s in store for 2025. Here’s What’s New for 2025*: Reminder! ThriveWell℠ Introduced in 2024, ThriveWell is a digital home base dedicated to engaging teams... |
June 27, 2024 |
We Want To Hear From You!At some point throughout the year, you should receive a satisfaction survey from us. The second quarter survey is being sent to some of our employer groups this month. Your feedback and experience is valuable, and we want to learn from you. If you have not yet received... |
June 26, 2024 |
July Wellness Topic: The Benefits Of Physical ActivityExercise gives you energy. That may seem counterintuitive, but exercise boosts energy levels. Even occasional exercise improves your mental wellbeing, thinking and sleep and reduces anxiety and blood pressure. Regular exercise has even more benefits than an occasional... |
June 26, 2024 |
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. We now have Integrated Pharmacy Program Flyers so you can see every value-added and optional pharmacy program we have available for your business. Download the... |
June 26, 2024 |
Rx News - New! Pharmacy Concierge Program Video SeriesNow available! A new series of videos highlighting our Pharmacy Concierge Program. Mona Chitre, Chief Pharmacy Officer, and President Pharmacy Solutions Chapter 1: Why we created Pharmacy Concierge Chapter 2: What sets us apart with Pharmacy Concierge Steve Conrad,... |
June 26, 2024 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn May 15, 2024, an application was submitted requesting 2025 premium rate changes in accordance with New York state prior approval law. This rate application applies to Community Rated Individual and Small Group products. The following products are included in this 2025... |
June 4, 2024 |
The Lifetime Healthcare Companies Announce Plans To Affiliate With CDPHPToday (May 22), we announced that The Lifetime Healthcare Companies (LTHC), the parent company of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, plans to form an affiliation with CDPHP, one of New York’s leading not-for-profit health insurance companies. This affiliation is aimed at... |
May 22, 2024 |
Past Due: What To Do If You Missed The RxDC Deadline?We have received questions from groups about what to do if they did not complete the RxDC online form by the due date of April 12. If a group missed the deadline, they should report the information directly to CMS in HIOS (or have another reporting entity report it for... |
May 17, 2024 |
Working To Deliver A Real Time Enrollment ExperienceEnhancements are coming soon to our online “Enroll & Update” tool that will allow us to process many of your transactions in real time. You’ll begin seeing these changes within the next month. For example: When making “Enroll a New Member” transactions, a... |
May 17, 2024 |
June Is Employee Wellness MonthMost adults spend more time at work than anywhere else. And work has a significant impact on all aspects of our wellbeing. According to Gallup, people who are thriving in all aspects of wellbeing are healthier and more engaged at work. Yet 6 in 10 adults in the US have a... |
May 17, 2024 |
A New Way For Self-Funded Groups To SaveSelf-funded commercial group members now have access to GoodRx® prescription pricing. GoodRx provides automatic savings on many generic prescription drugs when available. Our Price Assure flyer has additional information. Please contact your account representative with... |
May 17, 2024 |
Plan Designation Indemnification Is Now A Fillable FormWe’re excited to share the availability of a fillable Plan Designation Indemnification form. This has been a request from brokers and self-insured groups that use the form, and we look forward to this new form saving time for everyone. The fillable versions of these... |
May 15, 2024 |
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 |
