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Title	Issued Date
Telemedicine Consumer Pricing Reminder Direct to consumer pricing for MDLIVE medical consults is $59.00. This charge is for members who do not have telemedicine included in their benefit plan. Get more facts, videos and information on Telemedicine. If you have questions, please contact your...	August 4, 2018
Coming Soon - Annual Notice of Change Letters This 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 2019 benefit changes. Your members will receive their 2019 ANOC before...	August 3, 2018
New Group Numbers and Member Cards for Dental Groups We have some updates coming to our dental claims processing system for groups currently covered under the dental plan. The new system will improve the overall member experience with simpler, easier-to-understand explanation of benefits, anytime access to convenient...	August 2, 2018
Everyday Ways to Boost Wellness in The Workplace Workplace wellness programs don't have to be complicated. With our new wellness toolkit, you can easily share healthy tips, strategies, and even playlists via ready-to-send emails. It's a win-win. Employees learn everyday ways to boost energy and focus. And you help make...	August 1, 2018
2019 Small Group Package Update The following SimplyBlue Plus package will no longer be offered directly through Excellus BCBS or on the New York State of Health (SHOP) Marketplace beginning January 1, 2019: Blue On Demand will be updated in September for package comparisons. The package that will...	July 6, 2018
Congratulations 2018 Wealth of Health Winners Each year, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and the RBJ honor Rochester area employers who promote health and wellness in the workplace.	July 5, 2018
Start Asking The Right Questions About Pharmacy Benefits Do you know how much your pharmacy benefits really cost? If you haven’t talked through the details of your plan, you might be surprised. The cost of pharmacy benefits is on the rise. If you want to get the most value for your dollar, you need to know the right...	July 4, 2018
Free Advanced Opioid Management Program The opioid epidemic is nationwide, and our local region is no different. This addiction costs employers $2.6 billion a year. Our Advanced Opioid Management Program aims to prevent excess opioid medications upon first fill; ensure that high doses across all opioids...	July 3, 2018
View a Summary of Your Benefits On the Go Members can now see a summary of their benefits when they use our mobile app. The most common benefits will be displayed at the top of the benefits screen and other benefits will appear below that in alphabetical order. All benefits on the app are searchable. ...	July 2, 2018
Connect Your Team With Care Whenever, Wherever It’s growing in acceptance and is a convenient, less costly option than urgent care or emergency room visits for minor conditions. Our Telemedicine Toolkit will help your employees connect with care whenever and wherever they need it. Using the posters, emails,...	July 1, 2018
Changes to the Small Health Options Program (SHOP) Process New SHOP groups Effective April 1, 2018, the New York State of Health (NYSOH) began sending groups that have been approved to enroll through the SHOP directly to insurers for enrollment purposes. What does this mean for you? New SHOP groups can now enroll directly with...	June 7, 2018
How Easy Is It to Make a Medicare Advantage Premium Payment? It’s as easy as 1-2-3, E-F-T! Just complete an Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Form or complete the Premium Payment Option section of the Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Application. This is especially good to know if your...	June 6, 2018
Reminder: Get Out of the House with Our Fearless Playlist Did you know Americans spend about 90% of their lives indoors? After a looong winter, it’s time to get outside and go for a walk--or find a quiet place outside to sit and enjoy the fresh air. We’re even providing a playlist you can use to rock your workout or...	June 5, 2018
Healthy New York Program Updates The following article provides information on Healthy New York from the NYS Department of Financial Services: Excellus BCBS requires employees to work a minimum of 20 hours per week to be eligible for coverage. Effective immediately, this requirement will also apply to...	June 4, 2018
Reminder: Q3 Small Group Rates Available in Blue on Demand Compare Plans & Rates Use Blue on Demand to view our SimplyBlue Plus medical plan options, rates and enrollment forms for small businesses of 100 or fewer full time equivalent employees: Click Here to Begin (Login Required) Click Here to Begin	June 3, 2018
Large Group HMO & Medicare Supplement Products – NYS Prior Approval of Rate Changes On or about July 6, an application will be submitted requesting 2019 premium rate changes for Large Group HMO products, in accordance with New York state prior approval law. Additionally, on or about July 31, a similar application will be submitted requesting 2019...	June 2, 2018
Start Asking The Right Questions About Pharmacy Benefits Do you know how much your pharmacy benefits really cost? If you haven’t talked through the details of your plan, you might be surprised. The cost of pharmacy benefits is on the rise. If you want to get the most value for your dollar, you need to know the right...	June 1, 2018
Q3 Small Group Rates Available in Blue on Demand Compare Plans & Rates Use Blue on Demand to view our SimplyBlue Plus medical plan options, rates and enrollment forms for small businesses of 100 or fewer full time equivalent employees: Click Here to Begin (Login Required) Click Here to Begin	May 7, 2018
There's Still Time to Get Tickets for Wealth of Health Breakfast Each year, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and the RBJ honor Rochester area employers who promote health and wellness in the workplace.	May 6, 2018
Get Out of the House with Our Fearless Playlist Did you know Americans spend about 90% of their lives indoors? After a looong winter, it’s time to get outside and go for a walk--or find a quiet place outside to sit and enjoy the fresh air. We’re even providing a playlist you can use to rock your workout or...	May 5, 2018
Special Election Periods for Medicare Eligible Employees Your Medicare eligible employees may be able to join or change Medicare Advantage plans under special circumstances that qualify as Special Election Periods. A Special Election Period provides an opportunity to enroll in, or change plans, if your employee is: ...	May 4, 2018
We're Looking for Owners of Unclaimed Funds More than 10,400 individuals and companies in New York State have not cashed more than $2.1 million in checks issued by Excellus BCBS. This is money that was paid for claims or refunded premiums. It rightfully belongs to our members or providers and we want to make...	May 3, 2018
Individual & Small Group - NYS Prior Approval of Rate Changes On May 14, 2018, an application was submitted requesting 2019 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...	May 2, 2018
Give Your Employees Anytime Access To Their Health Plan We've developed a toolkit you can download that makes it easier to help employees access their online member accounts. They get 24/7 access to forms, member cards, and answers to everyday questions. You get more time to focus on the big picture. Get the Toolkit	May 1, 2018
How Dental Health Can Impact Your Employees And Business Most folks don't look forward to seeing the dentist, but when employees neglect regular dental care, it impacts much more than their smiles. Poor oral health is linked to serious medical issues, and can lead to higher costs and lost productivity. Dental issues...	April 7, 2018
Managing a High Deductible Health Plan with an Online Account If your employees haven't done so already, now is the perfect time to register for an online account on our website. Many questions members have can be answered by accessing their personalized information online. This custom information is especially helpful for...	April 6, 2018
Updated Retiree Group Drug Plan Certificate of Coverage Throughout the month of May, group administrators and members of group sponsored Medicare Advantage Plans that include Part D drug coverage (MAPD) or Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) will receive an updated Retiree Group Drug Plan Certificate of Coverage. The...	April 5, 2018
Important Information to Qualify for Small Group Health Plans In order to comply with the Affordable Care Act, an employer must have at least one common-law employee enrolled to qualify as a group health plan. Businesses that do not have any common-law employees enrolled are no longer eligible for a group health plan and must...	April 4, 2018
Reserve Your Table for The 2018 Wealth of Health Awards Breakfast Each year, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and the RBJ honor Rochester area employers who promote health and wellness in the workplace.	April 3, 2018
Federal Government Re-issuing New Medicare Cards Beginning this month, the Federal government will be mailing all Medicare beneficiaries new cards. This is the first time that Medicare is re-issuing cards. Social security numbers will no longer be used; instead each card will now have a unique...	April 2, 2018
Planning for a High Deductible Health Plan Participating in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) requires some planning and preparation. We have tips to help your employees better understand the plan, a worksheet to calculate costs, and four ways to minimize surprises. If you have any questions, please contact...	April 1, 2018
6 Questions To Ask About Your Pharmacy Benefits With the cost of pharmacy benefits on the rise, you need to start asking tough questions about your coverage. Use this guide to put your pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) to the test and ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. 6 RX PBM Questions (PDF)Open...	March 6, 2018
Reminder: Tips to Expedite the AGIF Process - Q2 Renewals The Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) was sent in February, to those groups renewing from April 1 – June 30, 2018. The form was being sent by email, as well as by US mail. To expedite review of the AGIF and any benefit changes, please ensure the following...	March 5, 2018
Updated Enrollment and Billing Support Form In order to complete requests in a more timely and accurate manner, we've made the following changes to the online enrollment and billing form. "Request a copy of bill(s)" has been added to the drop-down menu as a Reason for Inquiry. This option should be used...	March 4, 2018
Silver&Fit® Medicare Benefit If your Medicare eligible employees enjoy being active--or if they’re looking to develop a healthier lifestyle—our Medicare Advantage Plans offer a program that includes a physical fitness benefit. Our nationwide Silver&Fit program gives Medicare Advantage...	March 3, 2018
2018 Wealth of Health Awards Each year, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and the RBJ honor Rochester area employers who promote health and wellness in the workplace.	March 2, 2018
How Dental Health Can Impact Your Employees And Business Most folks don't look forward to seeing the dentist, but when employees neglect regular dental care, it impacts much more than their smiles. Poor oral health is linked to serious medical issues, and can lead to higher costs and lost productivity. Dental issues...	March 1, 2018
Tips to Expedite the AGIF Process - Q2 Renewals The Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) was sent in February, to those groups renewing from April 1 – June 30, 2018. The form was being sent by email, as well as by US mail. To expedite review of the AGIF and any benefit changes, please ensure the following...	February 7, 2018
HDHP/HSA Plans and Medicare Many employer groups offer health insurance plans that combine a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Some employers now offer these plans exclusively. Employees can benefit from these plans due to the potential premium savings and...	February 6, 2018
Start The Plan Year With An Online Account If your employees haven't done so already, now is the perfect time to register for an online account on our website. Many questions they have can be answered by accessing their personalized information online. Members can review their current plan, benefits and...	February 4, 2018
Telemedicine Webinar: Is It The Right Call For Your Business? Please contact the organizer for more information: mnesher@cnybj.com.	February 3, 2018
Q2 Small Group Rates Available in Blue on Demand Compare Plans & Rates Use Blue on Demand to view our SimplyBlue Plus medical plan options, rates and enrollment forms for small businesses of 100 or fewer full time equivalent employees: Click Here to Begin (Login Required) Click Here to Begin	February 2, 2018
Get the Pharmacy Benefits You Deserve. 6 Questions To Ask About Your Pharmacy Benefits. With the cost of pharmacy benefits on the rise, you need to start asking tough questions about your coverage. Use this guide to put your pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) to the test and ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. 6 RX PBM Questions (PDF)Open...	February 1, 2018
EPIC Benefits for Medicare Members EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) is a New York State pharmaceutical assistance program that helps older adults with Medicare pay for prescription drug costs. EPIC is available for all NY State residents 65 or over that meet the income...	January 7, 2018
New Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Delayed The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is introducing a new preventive service in 2018 called the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP). The original start date of the MDPP service was listed in the Evidence of Coverage for 1/1/2018. CMS has...	January 6, 2018
2018 High Deductible Health Plan Update On January 1, the in network out of pocket maximum cap increased from $6,550 to $6,650. This is consistent with the IRS maximum amount for Health Savings Account (HSA) qualified plans. Letters were sent to our Large Group members who are impacted by this...	January 5, 2018
Reminder: 2018 High Deductible Health Plan Update On January 1, the in network out of pocket maximum cap increased from $6,550 to $6,650. This is consistent with the IRS maximum amount for Health Savings Account (HSA) qualified plans. Letters were sent to our Large Group members who are impacted by this...	January 5, 2018
Reminders and New Information for HealthyRewards Please keep in mind these important points for members renewing their HealthyRewards plan: HealthyRewards credits/dollars DO NOT rollover from plan year to plan year. If members did not redeem their credits on or before the end of their plan date, they...	January 4, 2018
Update: IRS Extends Deadline to Mail 1095-B Forms The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the deadline for the mailing of 1095-B Forms. We are required to mail the forms to individuals, which includes information regarding their health plan coverage for the prior year. Insurers now have until March 2, 2018 to...	January 3, 2018
Start The Plan Year With An Online Account If your employees haven't done so already, now is the perfect time to register for an online account on our website. Many questions they have can be answered by accessing their personalized information online. Members can review their current plan, benefits and...	January 2, 2018

Showing 151– 200 of 201 Results