News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
2022 Individual Market PlansIf you have an employee who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare, or COBRA, we’re here to help connect them with NY State sponsored SafetyNet coverage and Qualified Health Plans (metal level plans). If you would like to review your health care options,... |
November 22, 2021 |
2022 Product Update: Calm® App And Blue SimplicityCalm® App Available in 2022 Effective Jan 1, 2022, a 12-month premium subscription to the Calm app is now an embedded benefit in all Fully Insured Large Group plans and available to Self-Funded and Minimum Premium Groups as a buy-up. The Calm app is a digital experience... |
November 22, 2021 |
Recipients Of 2021 Health Equity Awards AnnouncedExcellus BCBS announced the recipients of its 2021 Health Equity Awards. The awards represent more than $388,000 in financial support we are providing to community programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities across our service area. The funding will... |
November 22, 2021 |
Coping With Winter And Holiday BluesAs the days get shorter and the temperatures colder, some people may notice they feel down or have less energy than usual. This could just be the winter blues caused by less activity, or stress or sadness related to the holidays. Daylight, exercise, healthy eating, and... |
November 22, 2021 |
Changes To Member ID CardsBoth New York State and the federal government have mandated changes to health insurance member identification cards. Beginning November 1, 2021, we will begin sending member cards in compliance with the federal mandate that takes effect January 1, 2022. Federally... |
November 2, 2021 |
Excellus BCBS Inside Rx Prescription Discount CardExcellus BlueCross BlueShield continues its mission of helping people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through high-quality and affordable health care access. As part of that ongoing commitment, we’re excited to announce that we have partnered with... |
October 29, 2021 |
Excellus BCBS Achieves 5-Star Rating For Two Of Its Medicare PlansAmong the highest in the nation and upstate New York. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) annual Star Ratings for 2022 has awarded Excellus BCBS five-star ratings for two of its Medicare plans, making it among the highest rated Medicare plans in the... |
October 29, 2021 |
Online Bill Pay UpdatesWe listened to your feedback and continue to make updates to our Online Bill Pay tool! Earlier this month we updated the Billing Summary page to make it simpler and easier to use. New updates include, selecting date of payment withdrawal for one-time payments and... |
October 29, 2021 |
Annual Rate Notices Being MailedGroups will receive their Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. Also, at the end of October, groups will be able to access the Monthly Rate Summary report through Information Connection with their January 2022 renewals. This includes: Small Group Products ... |
October 29, 2021 |
Update To COVID Treatment BenefitsExcellus BCBS will continue to cover IN-NETWORK COVID treatment benefits for fully insured members in full through December 31, 2021. Self-funded groups that previously opted-in will be given the choice to extend that option through December 31, 2021. |
October 29, 2021 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthNovember is Diabetes Month, a national observance designed to raise awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, types of diabetes, and the impact this disease has every day on millions of Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association®, Diabetes is the seventh... |
October 29, 2021 |
Revised Waiting Period PolicyWe understand that employers may be looking for ways to position themselves more competitively in the current hiring environment. Health insurance is often a key component of employee benefit packages. From now until January 1, 2022, employers may change their new hire... |
September 29, 2021 |
2022 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Rates/Plans Now AvailableYou can now view 2022 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Blue on Demand. Blue on Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2022 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your broker or Group Medicare Sales Consultant with... |
September 29, 2021 |
Online Bill Pay UpdatesWe listened to your feedback and continue to make updates to our Online Bill Pay tool! Throughout the fall, you will see changes including an updated billing summary page and enhancements to autopay functionality including being able to enroll and manage autopay at the... |
September 29, 2021 |
Breast Cancer Awareness MonthOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 255,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease in the US every year. Here’s how you... |
September 29, 2021 |
Medicare Annual Notice Of Change MailingThis 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 2022 benefit changes. These members will receive their 2022 ANOC, along with their... |
September 29, 2021 |
REMINDER: COBRA Subsidy Period Coming To An EndThe COBRA subsidy period will end on September 30, 2021. Groups will NOT need to take any action to return to standard billing in October and going forward. If a Group wants to terminate a COBRA enrollee, they will need to notify us. As a reminder, the American Rescue... |
September 29, 2021 |
COBRA Subsidy Period Coming To An EndThe COBRA subsidy period will end on September 30, 2021. Groups will NOT need to take any action to return to standard billing in October and going forward. If a Group wants to terminate a COBRA enrollee, they will need to notify us. As a reminder, the American Rescue... |
August 30, 2021 |
Updates To Non-COVID Telehealth BenefitsThe New York State regulation to cover non-COVID telehealth benefits in full for fully insured members, ended on June 24, 2021. Excellus BCBS will continue to cover IN-NETWORK NON-COVID telehealth benefits for fully insured members in full through December 31, 2021. ... |
August 30, 2021 |
Excellus BCBS Addresses Health Disparities In Upstate New York With New Health Equity AwardsRecognizing structural racism as a driving force of health inequities and a barrier to its goal of health equity, Excellus BCBS invites nonprofit organizations to apply for Health Equity Awards of up to $30,000 each to help fund health and wellness programs that address... |
August 30, 2021 |
Help Protect Employees From The FluEvery flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall before flu season begins. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. ... |
August 30, 2021 |
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 30, 2021 |
2022 Large Group Product UpdatesWe know that health and wellbeing have taken on new meaning and significance over the past year. That’s why we’re bringing you more ways to get the most from your benefits, all backed by a local, caring team and more than 85 years of strength and stability. Here’s What’s... |
August 2, 2021 |
Premium Payment ReminderReminder, per contract, there is a 30-day grace period to make their premium payment. If payment is not received within the 30-day grace period, we will initiate the termination process. As a reminder, the first premium payment must be made prior to the effective date of... |
June 30, 2021 |
New Feature Added To Enroll & UpdateBased on feedback provided by our employers, we have added a filtering feature to Enroll & Update. Login to the employer portal → Click on Enroll & Update. Click on View Member Roster Filter by package status: Active, Terminated, Pending, All View a... |
June 30, 2021 |
Free Mobile Health SupportCaring for your employees isn’t something you only do from 9 to 5. In this 24/7 world we’re helping you help employees manage their health every day with the Wellframe® app. It’s an easy way for our dedicated team of health care professionals to give confidential,... |
June 30, 2021 |
Our Opioid Management StrategyOver 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States between May 2019 and May 2020. This is the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths were already... |
June 30, 2021 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesOn May 12, 2021 an application was submitted requesting 2022 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 2022... |
May 27, 2021 |
Our Pandemic Response And Support For Pharmacy MembersOur number one priority is to always provide our members with high-quality, low-cost care. The importance of doing this came to the forefront at the height of the pandemic; especially when the search for therapies to treat COVID-19 were at a peak. Early in the pandemic,... |
May 27, 2021 |
24/7 Access With Our Mobile AppRemember, our mobile app offers members 24/7 access to their health plan. They can view member cards, find participating doctors, view plan benefits and claims, at home or on the go. Creating an account is easy with a quick scan of their member card or by typing their... |
May 27, 2021 |
Excellus BCBS Website Now Supports EdgeOur website now officially supports the Edge browser and will no longer be supporting Internet Explorer, since it is being retired by Microsoft. Please change to either Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Edge or Chrome continue to be supported and are more secure. Browser... |
May 27, 2021 |
Overview Of The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, contains multiple provisions that will affect group health plans and the health care system, overall. The timeline to implement these provisions is an aggressive one with many effective dates of January 1, 2022. Mental Health... |
April 30, 2021 |
May Is Mental Health Awareness MonthEach year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Now—more than a year into a global pandemic—isolation, anxiety, and loneliness have made a difficult time more challenging for many people. Learn more about how to fight the stigma of mental... |
April 30, 2021 |
Changes To Member ID Cards Coming In AprilIn December, the NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued new minimum standards for the content on health insurance identification cards. Changes apply to MEDICAL and MEDICAL/PHARMACY IDENTIFICATION CARDS ONLY (changes will not apply to dental only and pharmacy... |
March 31, 2021 |
MDLIVE PartnershipExcellus BlueCross BlueShield partners with MDLIVE for its telemedicine services. We are aware that Evernorth has entered into an agreement to acquire MDLIVE and is expected to complete the acquisition in second quarter 2021. At this time, Excellus BCBS... |
March 31, 2021 |
Tools To Help Members Make The Most Of Their Health PlanIt’s easier than ever for your employees to navigate and use their high deductible health plans (HDHP). Did you know? Groups and employees new to HDHP take time to transition, and satisfaction is often lower the first year. An online member account, paired with a health... |
March 31, 2021 |
Helpful Information For Advance Care PlanningApril 16th is National Healthcare Decision Day (NHDD). Per the CDC, whether someone is facing an acute illness, a long-term chronic or a terminal illness, Advanced Care Planning can help alleviate unnecessary suffering, improve quality of life and provide a better... |
March 31, 2021 |
We’re Here To Help You Navigate The Individual MarketThe Open Enrollment Period for uninsured individuals has been extended to May 15, for qualified health plans or stand-alone dental. In addition, we continue to be here to support you and help with the many questions you may have about free or low-cost health insurance... |
February 26, 2021 |
Small Group Dental Changes To Minimum Enrollment Requirements For Orthodontic CoverageAny New Dental groups looking to obtain dental coverage that includes Class IV Ortho coverage will only be required to have 5 enrolled as opposed to the 10 previously required. Additionally, any Existing Dental groups that are looking to align their Medical and Dental... |
February 26, 2021 |
Call Out COVID-19 Vaccine Fraud With NYS HotlineNew York State has established a hotline that anyone can call to report suspected COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud or scams. Remember, it’s a red flag if anyone is promising individuals the vaccine in exchange for payment. To make a report, please direct individuals to... |
February 26, 2021 |
March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness MonthDid you know one in 20 people develops colon cancer in their lifetime? The good news is Colon Cancer can often be prevented through regular screenings and screening is recommended for adults ages 50-75. Learn more by downloading and sharing this poster. Poster - Facts... |
February 26, 2021 |
Your Employees Have Questions; We Have AnswersCOVID-19 has dominated every aspect of our lives for nearly a year. While the approval—and pending approval—of new vaccines offers hope, they also raise many questions. Is a vaccine that was created so quickly actually safe? Can I stop wearing a mask if I receive the... |
February 17, 2021 |
COVID-19 Vaccine CoverageBy mid-2021, it is believed that FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines will be available to the general public. Once available, under state and federal mandate, vaccines will be provided at no cost* to our members during the public health emergency. Key facts about COVID-19... |
January 28, 2021 |
Relief Provided For Flexible Spending Account Plans In Stimulus BillOn December 27, 2020, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2021. This new law provides relief options related to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Employers can choose to adopt any of these provisions or to keep their plan the same. Optional... |
January 28, 2021 |
Tax Form 1095-BHealth insurers—including Excellus BCBS—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 request it by... |
January 28, 2021 |
In A Year Like No Other... A COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSE LIKE NO OTHERAs the COVID-19 crisis escalated through 2020, we worked (and continue to work) relentlessly to protect and serve our members, partners and communities during this critical time of need. We are working to ensure that members have access to the care they need and are... |
January 28, 2021 |
Revised Guidelines For ExerciseRewardsExcellus BCBS members can now earn ExerciseRewards for at-home workouts through the end of 2021. We are waiving our standard guidelines for this program due to continued gym closures, mask mandates, and other requirements, as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Members are... |
January 28, 2021 |
Small Group Dental Rates Now Available For All QuartersNew in 2021, Small Groups can align their medical and dental plan years. Rates for all effective dates in 2021 are now available on Blue on Demand. This includes the following products: Dental Blue Options SimplyBlue Plus Dental Be sure to note, a new section has... |
January 28, 2021 |
Update On Pre-AuthorizationsFor fully insured employer group plan members, pre-authorization is waived beginning on December 23, 2020 through February 21, 2021 for scheduled inpatient surgeries, inpatient mental health services, hospital admissions, inpatient rehabilitation, in-network home health... |
January 28, 2021 |
2021 Large & Small Group Product Updates2020 was a challenging year in ways we’ve never experienced before. Financial solvency remains a real concern and, through it all, businesses are seeking new ways to support and protect the health and wellbeing of one of your biggest assets: your employees. Excellus BCBS... |
January 8, 2021 |
