News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Current Injectable GLP-1 Mail Order Prescriptions From Express Scripts® Pharmacy Transitioning To EnGuide PharmacyExpress Scripts® is launching EnGuide Pharmacy, a new home delivery pharmacy that will exclusively dispense injectable GLP-1 medications. It replaces Express Scripts® Pharmacy as the mail order fulfillment source for injectable GLP-1 medications used for any indication,... |
June 23, 2025 |
Updated Fully Insured And Minimum Premium Documentation For 2025 CAA Gag Clause AttestationFor 2025, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield will continue to attest on behalf of our fully insured and minimum premium groups for the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) gag clause attestation, unless directed otherwise by the group. For self-funded groups, we will continue... |
June 23, 2025 |
Prescription Drug Collection (RxDC) Report SubmittedOn May 28, 2025, we submitted the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) report as required under The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). The submission included information for fully insured policies issued and for self-funded group health plans administered by... |
June 23, 2025 |
Rite Aid Pharmacy ClosuresRite Aid has announced the closure of all 178 store locations in New York state. Our pharmacy team is working to understand the impacts of the closures on our members and our pharmacy network. We have mailed letters to members who currently use Rite Aid as their primary... |
June 23, 2025 |
2026 Large Group Product Updates And RemindersTake a look at what’s in store for 2026 and rediscover the great programs and services already available. Wellbeing And Incentive Programs Excellus BlueCross BlueShield gives you access to a wide variety of reward and incentive programs, including perks that help members... |
June 23, 2025 |
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 are valuable, and we want to learn from you. If you have not yet received... |
June 23, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: July - 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. ... |
June 23, 2025 |
July Wellbeing Tip: Physical ActivityPhysical activity is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and wellbeing. For adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and two days a week of activities that strengthen... |
June 23, 2025 |
Rx News - Unlock Smarter Pharmacy Spending: Top 3 TakeawaysWhether you joined us live or couldn’t make it, our recent webinar Beyond the Buzz: Introducing our Core Pharmacy Suite delivered key insights into smarter, more cost-effective pharmacy spending. Here are 3 highlights from the conversation: $27.77 PMPM in savings –... |
June 23, 2025 |
Rx News - Keeping Pharmacy Services On TrackPharmacy costs can be one of the biggest drivers of overall healthcare spending. That’s why we offer tools and support that help employers stay in control. In a recent pharmacy audit for one of our self-funded clients, we returned a zero-findings audit, which: ... |
June 23, 2025 |
Individual And Small Group Rate Requests Filed With NYSOn May 15, 2025, an application was submitted requesting 2026 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 2026... |
June 3, 2025 |
What’s Driving The Rising Costs Of Health Care, How This Influences Premiums, And What We’re Doing To Help Our MembersWe know any increase in costs these days is difficult to absorb. At Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, we’re working to ensure rising costs don’t get in the way of better health and access to care. Breaking Down What’s Driving Costs Costs are increasing in all areas of our... |
June 3, 2025 |
2025 Exclusive Pharmacy Update From Mona ChitreA Message from Mona Chitre As your partner in managing pharmacy benefits, we routinely share the latest news impacting health care in our communities. By now, you have likely heard about the recent presidential executive order on drug pricing. We are closely monitoring... |
May 22, 2025 |
Upcoming Webinar For Fully Insured, Large Groups – Making The Most Of Your Health Plan!*Date: Thursday, June 26, Noon - 12:45 p.m. ET Many of your employees may not be aware of the many wellbeing programs, tools and resources available to them through their health plan. That’s why we’re hosting a live, “Making the Most of Your Health Plan,” webinar to... |
May 19, 2025 |
Rx News - Last Chance To Register: Pharmacy Cost Savings For Your BusinessWebinar Topic: Beyond the Buzz: Introducing Our Core Pharmacy Suite Date: May 20, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ET It’s your last chance to register for our webinar, Beyond the Buzz: Introducing our core pharmacy suite. In just 30 minutes, discover how your business can save... |
May 19, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: May & June - 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. ... |
May 19, 2025 |
Employer Community Spotlight: Making A Difference Through Our Foster Care TeamInspired by a friend's words over 15 years ago, Megan Bunce, a licensed social worker, is on a mission to uplift children in foster care. Since joining the Foster Care Program in 2023, she and her team have provided hope and stability to over 1,000 kids each year. With... |
May 19, 2025 |
June Employer Wellbeing Tip: Musculoskeletal HealthIf you have ever had back, joint, or muscle pain, you know how much it can affect your quality of life and ability to do your job. Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is very common and virtually everyone experiences it at some point in their lives. Preventing MSK injuries at work... |
May 19, 2025 |
With Our New Comprehensive Care And Disease Management Resources, Everybody BenefitsHealth care works best when it works together. In 2024, we launched our Commercial Value Story highlighting our approach to health care surrounding three pillars: Putting people first Making sure that our service is simple Bringing a network that is unmatched. Period... |
April 11, 2025 |
Rx News - $27.77 PMPM Savings To Reinvest – Every Member, Every MonthWebinar Topic: Beyond the Buzz: Introducing Our Core Pharmacy Suite Date: May 20, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ET At Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, we understand the impact of rising pharmacy costs on your business and are here to help. Join our webinar to explore the latest... |
April 11, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing Webinars For April & MayWe are excited to host the following upcoming wellbeing webinars, geared towards helping our members learn about various health topics that can support and improve their wellbeing. Please share the following webinar flyers and registration links with your employees. ... |
April 11, 2025 |
Community Spotlight: The CNY Ronald McDonald HouseThis community spotlight sheds light on the remarkable services offered by the CNY Ronald McDonald House, an organization that supports families during their child's health care journey. This unique facility offers more than just a place to stay; it provides a sanctuary... |
April 11, 2025 |
May Employer Wellbeing Tip: Stroke AwarenessMay is National Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. During a stroke parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term... |
April 11, 2025 |
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 |
