News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Reminder: Please Submit Group Data Using The RxDC FormAs a reminder, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) will complete the required pharmacy benefit and prescription drug cost reporting for all fully insured and self-funded groups that have both our medical and pharmacy coverage. However, you and/or your broker must submit... |
March 17, 2026 |
Quarterly Legislative Update - MarchIn this quarter’s Legislative Update, we highlight key political, legislative, and regulatory developments that may impact our industry. New York State Proposed New York State Budget The 2026 New York State legislative session began on Jan. 7, and shortly after... |
March 17, 2026 |
Updated Medical Commercial Community Rated Underwriting GuidelinesThe Medical Commercial Community Rated Underwriting Guidelines have been updated to include the newly implemented Out of Area (OOA) and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) rules. You can find the updated guidelines on the employer website by following this path: ... |
March 17, 2026 |
Side By Side: A Payer And Provider ConversationWe continue our efforts to create strong provider partnerships that help drive better member and patient outcomes. Dr. Lisa Harris recently sat down with Dr. LeKeyah Wilson to discuss their professional journeys and the importance of provider and payer collaboration to... |
March 17, 2026 |
Creating A Workplace Culture That Supports Preventive CarePaul’s doctor recommended he get a colonoscopy but, even if he could get the time off work, his co-workers would give him a hard time. Maria can’t take time off work to get her mammogram, even though she has a family history of breast cancer. Carlo has diabetes... |
March 17, 2026 |
Empower Your Workforce: Register Now For Upcoming Excel Your Well WebinarsEmpower Your Workforce: Register Now For Upcoming Excel Your Well Webinars Help your employees stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members’ health and wellbeing. Webinar flyers and registration links are available... |
March 17, 2026 |
Rx News - What Expanded Indications Mean For Your WorkforceSpecialty mediations continue to evolve, and many are now being prescribed for broader sets of conditions than originally intended. While this creates new opportunities for employees to access effective treatments, it can also complicate cost management. Our latest blog... |
March 17, 2026 |
Rx News - A Better Path For Employees Managing Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can affect productivity, morale, and overall wellbeing for employees navigating complex symptoms and treatments. This month’s blog explores how a connected, coordinated care model can empower individuals with IBD and lead to better health... |
March 17, 2026 |
Rx News - Specialty Medication Support That Helps Employees Stay On TrackSpecialty medications can feel overwhelming for employees, especially when they’re newly diagnosed or starting a complex therapy. Accredo, Evernorth’s specialty pharmacy, provides personalized clinical support, 24/7 access to experts, and convenient delivery options... |
March 17, 2026 |
April Wellbeing Tip: Sleep SmarterSleep is when the body and brain restore energy, strengthen the immune system, and support learning and memory. Regularly getting less sleep than you need increases the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and slows reaction... |
March 17, 2026 |
Key Updates Regarding Annual RxDC Prescription Data SubmissionThe Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) requires group and individual health plans to report annual data about prescription drugs and health care spending to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The last day to submit this data to CMS for the 2025... |
February 25, 2026 |
How We’re Supporting Your Team’s Health While Tackling Rising CostsWhen we support your team’s health, we’re also helping to control rising health care costs. Read more to learn about how we’re helping to prevent health issues that can also lead to higher costs. Supporting Member Health While Tackling Costs - Read More ... |
February 18, 2026 |
Streamline Employee Support By Ensuring Broker AuthorizationAs a reminder, our online tools offer valuable convenience for your employees. To ensure fast, efficient support, it’s important that brokers are authorized to speak with us on the members’ behalf. Completing this authorization saves valuable time and allows our team to... |
February 18, 2026 |
New AGIF Requirement For Community Rated HMO Groups And Additional Underwriting UpdatesStarting in 2026, Community Rated HMO groups will be required to provide an Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) for renewal. Community Rated HMO groups will be included as part of the small group AGIF renewal mailing notifications. Additionally, the AGIF Webtool has... |
February 18, 2026 |
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, 2026 |
Get Proactive With Preventive Care At WorkPreventive care helps employees stay healthier—and can help avoid unnecessary complications and costs down the road. Our preventive care toolkit gives you simple, ready-to-use resources to encourage employees to take advantage of preventive services that are fully covered... |
February 18, 2026 |
Excel Your Well: February - Upcoming WebinarsHelp your employees stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members’ health and wellbeing. Webinar flyers and registration links are available below to share with your team. February Topic: "The Silent Threat: How to... |
February 18, 2026 |
Promote Better Wellbeing With Our New ThriveWell℠ ToolkitsThriveWell℠, in partnership with Personify Health, is a digital wellbeing program dedicated to engaging your team in their health and wellbeing. ThriveWell gives your employees the tools and support needed to make small, everyday changes to their wellbeing that are... |
February 18, 2026 |
March Wellbeing Tip: Food As MedicineThe food you choose every day has a powerful impact on your health, energy, and overall wellbeing. The concept of “food as medicine” highlights how nourishing eating habits—paired with positive lifestyle choices—can help prevent and manage disease, boost your energy, and... |
February 18, 2026 |
2026 - January - Pharmacy Updates From Mona ChitreA Message from Mona Chitre As we enter 2026, we’re reflecting on the progress we made through collaboration and partnership, and we’re looking forward to the exciting developments 2026 has in store for pharmacy care. 2025 Pharmacy Updates - A Year In Review The past... |
January 26, 2026 |
How Small Businesses Can Get The Most Value From Their Health PlanHealth and wellness benefits are an important employee attraction and retention driver for many businesses. With the ongoing rising costs of health care, small businesses are looking for ways to continue offering comprehensive benefits to their teams. Learn how small... |
January 23, 2026 |
Expanding Access To Behavioral Health Care: What Employers Need To KnowThe rapidly growing need for mental health services and the limited availability of service providers has been well-documented. In addition, those same providers are experiencing burnout at higher levels than ever before and many are leaving or limiting their... |
January 23, 2026 |
Excellus BCBS Earns #1 Spot In NY For Medicare Advantage Customer Satisfaction—Three Years RunningFor the third year in a row, Excellus BCBS has been named #1 in New York for Medicare Advantage Plan Customer Satisfaction and Most Trusted by J.D. Power. This wouldn’t have happened without our members, who recognized us for our product and coverage offerings and ease of... |
January 23, 2026 |
Gag Clause Certificate Of Attestation Now AvailableOn December 30, 2025, Excellus BCBS 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 Broker or Account... |
January 23, 2026 |
Excel Your Well: January - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsHelp your groups stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members' health and wellbeing. Monthly flyers are available below to share with your groups. January Topic: "Rewire Your Routine: The Psychology of Building... |
January 23, 2026 |
Preventive Care: Better Health Today, Lower Costs TomorrowPreventive care is one of the simplest ways to support employee health while helping manage long-term costs. In our latest blog, we share four practical ways employers can encourage preventive care—from clear communication to wellness incentives. The best part?... |
January 23, 2026 |
February Wellbeing Tip: Heart DiseaseHeart disease is a broad term for conditions affecting the heart, most commonly Coronary Artery Disease. One of the most serious outcomes of heart disease is a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. Managing... |
January 23, 2026 |
Season’s Greetings From Our Team To YoursAs the year draws to a close, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for trusting us with the health and wellbeing of your employees. It’s an honor to partner with you. Wishing you and your team a joyful holiday season! Have a safe and happy holiday! ... |
December 17, 2025 |
Enhancing Our Commitment To Improving The Prior Authorization ProcessIn support of our ongoing mission to help members access quality, affordable health care, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has joined the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Prior Authorization Pledge. The Pledge supports the federal government’s efforts to improve the prior... |
December 17, 2025 |
Rx News - The Future Of Prescription Drugs: 5 Trends Shaping BenefitsPrescription drug costs continue to rise, and many organizations are feeling the pressure. As we look toward 2026, several key trends are reshaping how pharmacy benefits are designed. From specialty drug growth to cost management, these shifts will influence how employers... |
December 17, 2025 |
Updated Forms For Commercial Medical And Healthy New York ProductsUnderwriting has recently updated several forms for our Commercial Medical and Healthy New York (HNY) products. The new group instructions, new group checklist, and new group applications have been updated for our commercial medical and HNY products. HNY recertification... |
December 17, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: December - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsHelp your groups stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members' health and wellbeing. Monthly flyers are available below to share with your groups. December Topic: "Healthy Holidays: Eat, Drink & Be Mindful"... |
December 17, 2025 |
Save The Date: Upcoming ThriveWell Webinars For Employees!ThriveWell℠, in partnership with Personify Health, is a digital home base dedicated to engaging our members in their health and wellbeing. Through ThriveWell, eligible members have access to a certified health risk assessment, digital health coaching modules, a variety of... |
December 17, 2025 |
January Wellbeing Tip: Building A Healthier YouA new year brings new opportunities to focus on your health and wellbeing. While resolutions can be exciting, they often feel daunting—and it’s easy to get discouraged if things don’t go to plan. To build sustainable behavior change, start small. Bite-sized goals make... |
December 17, 2025 |
Why You’re Paying More For Health Insurance — And What Impacts CostsRising costs and the growing demand for health care — especially for hospital services and prescription drugs — are challenging patients, doctors, businesses, health plans, and the entire health care system. These difficulties are causing higher premiums and higher... |
November 14, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: November - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsHelp your employees stay engaged and inspired—our monthly webinars offer fresh, practical insights to support our members health and wellbeing. Monthly flyers are available below to share with your employees. November Topic: "Diving into Diabetes" November 25:... |
November 14, 2025 |
2026 Wellbeing ResourcesMany members are not aware of the programs, resources, and tools available to them through Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. We want to help close that gap. Below are two resources that describe many of the programs and benefits available to members through their health... |
November 14, 2025 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Healthy Eating During The HolidaysNavigating food choices during the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to maintain balance. If you’ve ever felt guilt or anxiety around holiday eating, you’re not alone. Balancing indulgence with intention can be difficult, but there are... |
November 14, 2025 |
ACTION REQUIRED: Multi-Factor Authentication Launching In The Coming Days For Employer Web AccountsTo improve account security, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be enabled in the coming days. What you can do to prepare for this change: Log into your employer web account and go to Account Settings in the upper right corner. Verify that your email address and... |
October 22, 2025 |
Leadership Announcement: Dr. Martin Stallone To Join Excellus BCBS Executive TeamWe’re pleased to announce that Martin Stallone, M.D. has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Healthcare Services Officer for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and its parent company, The Lifetime Healthcare Companies. Dr. Stallone currently serves as CEO of... |
October 22, 2025 |
2025 Gag Clause Attestation Process & Separate Letter NotificationAs part of our ongoing support for the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) gag clause attestation, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) will continue to attest on behalf of our fully insured and minimum premium groups in 2025, unless the group instructs us otherwise. ... |
October 22, 2025 |
2026 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 22, 2025 |
3 Practical Ways Small Businesses Can Help Manage Rising Health Care CostsAt Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, we understand the pressures small businesses face in today’s economic climate. Rising costs and growing demand for health care - especially for hospital services and prescription drugs – are driving up premiums, making it harder for... |
October 22, 2025 |
Donate Life Registry Question Added To Health Plan ApplicationsA new question regarding the New York State Donate Life Registry has been added to select health plan enrollment forms and online tools. This update is in response to a new state mandate and applies to both paper and digital enrollment processes. This requirement applies... |
October 22, 2025 |
2026 Medicare Star RatingsThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its 2026 Medicare Star Ratings. These ratings measure our plan’s performance in areas such as quality of care provided to our members, clinical outcomes and preventive care, member satisfaction and... |
October 22, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: October - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsWe are excited to host the following upcoming wellbeing webinars, geared toward helping our members learn about various topics that can support and improve their health and wellbeing. Please share the following webinar flyers and registration links with your employees. ... |
October 22, 2025 |
November Wellbeing Tip: DiabetesType 2 diabetes is one of the most common – and preventable – chronic conditions. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), type 2 accounts for about 90% to 95% of all... |
October 22, 2025 |
Rx News - Watch the Recording: August Pharmacy Webinar Featuring OncoHealthThank you to everyone who joined us live! If you missed it—or want to revisit the insights—the recording is now available. (VIDEO) This session explores how our strategic partnership with OncoHealth is transforming oncology management and delivering real value to our... |
October 22, 2025 |
2026 Annual Rate Notices Being MailedThe New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has finalized the 2026 rate adjustments for the following products: Small Group Individual Large Group HMO Medicare Supplement Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) will be mailed to groups by the end of October. ... |
October 21, 2025 |
ANSI Submission DeadlineAs we prepare for the upcoming Open Enrollment season, we want to ensure a smooth experience for your organization and employees. To help us manage volume and maintain service quality, we ask that all ANSI file implementation requests be submitted no later than September... |
September 29, 2025 |
