News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Finding a Doctor and Comparing Costs Just Got EasierEmpower employees with an easier way to connect with care and understand costs. Our new-and-improved online search tool makes it easy for your employees to estimate medical costs and find local and national providers. They can view estimated out-of-pocket costs across... |
February 24, 2020 |
New Year, New MandatesThe beginning of a new year also means state mandated changes to some of our plans. The Healthy NY wage level for small employers is now in line with federal poverty guidelines. Read more about the increase and eligibility criteria. NYS now requires insurers to cover... |
January 29, 2020 |
Update on 1095-B Form for Tax SeasonBeginning this year, health insurers—including Excellus BCBS—will no longer be 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... |
January 29, 2020 |
Flu Season Going StrongFlu season runs through May—so there's still time for employees to get the flu vaccine. As of November 30, 2019, New York state logged 3,158 confirmed cases of the flu, compared to 1,462 confirmed cases at this time last year. There is still time to get your flu shot.... |
January 29, 2020 |
Member Webinars - "Making the Most of Your Health Plan"Do you have members that need a refresh on the wellness tools and resources available to them within their health plan coverage? Our Workplace Wellness & Telemedicine team will host live monthly webinars for members in 2020. "Making the Most of Your Health... |
December 18, 2019 |
Important Reminders for HealthyRewardsThe end of the calendar year also means the end of the plan year for many members. Please have them keep in mind these important deadlines about HealthyRewards if this is the end of their plan year. For members renewing their HealthyRewards plan (subscriber ID not... |
December 18, 2019 |
Underwriting Guideline Changes Filed With The Department Of Financial ServicesChanges to our underwriting guidelines were recently filed for reference with the Department of Financial Services. There are changes in several areas including group and subscriber eligibility. Please contact your broker or account consultant with any... |
November 22, 2019 |
New Feature for HealthyRewards Members - Rally Marketplace™Starting January 1, members with HealthyRewards will have an additional option for using the coins they earn from completing tasks through the Rally platform. Previously, members only had the option of donating their coins to a charity of their choice. With the launch of... |
October 29, 2019 |
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 2020 renewals. This includes: Small Group... |
October 29, 2019 |
Employer-Based Waiting Periods for Medical and DentalPlease remember, when an online request is submitted to add a new hire for medical and dental, you need to be aware of your company's employer-based waiting period. If your company's waiting period for medical is different than the waiting period for dental, the request... |
October 29, 2019 |
2020 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage plans are now available on Blue on DemandYou can now view 2020 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Blue on Demand. Blue on Demand allows you to compare plans and access 2020 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your broker or Group Medicare Sales Consultant with any questions.... |
October 29, 2019 |
Compliance With New York State Insurance Law and Small Group EligibilityAs part of our ongoing commitment to maintain compliance with New York State Insurance Law 4317(a)(1), we will continue to verify that our small groups are receiving community rates. As has been our practice, this process will include our request for confirmation of... |
September 26, 2019 |
Get Your Employees Ready For Open EnrollmentWe have received great feedback about our member portal and the personalized information members can access when they register for an online account. This is a great way to educate your employees about their health insurance and to prepare them for this year’s open... |
September 26, 2019 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2020 Now Available!Small Group plans and rates for 2020 and stand alone small group dental plans are now available on Blue on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guides are also available. Now available: SimplyBlue Plus Small Group... |
September 26, 2019 |
Have Your Employees Changed Their Password Yet?On August 3, we made enhancements to our website including our member portal. At that time, members were asked to reset their password when they visited the site to login. If they HAVE NOT accessed their online account since August 3, they will be prompted to... |
September 26, 2019 |
Small Group Plans, Rates and Product Updates for 2020Small Group plans and rates for 2020 will be available on Blue on Demand in early September, tentatively the week of the 9th. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guides will also be available. Good news—no discontinuances for 2020! ... |
August 26, 2019 |
Care That’s Always In Your CornerWe believe that health insurance isn’t something to be used once in a while. That’s why we want to give you everything you need to help employees take control of their health each and every day. Introducing Wellframe®, a free and convenient way for your employees and... |
August 26, 2019 |
Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) LettersComing soon, 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 2020 benefit changes. Your members will receive their 2020 ANOC, along with... |
August 26, 2019 |
Site Changes Coming The Weekend Of August 3This includes a password change, so have yours ready! Updates to our Employer web portals, which include a new look and menu options, will be going live on Saturday, August 3. The new look includes a simplified layout giving you easy access to the tools you... |
July 30, 2019 |
