News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
The 2026 Broker Guide Is Now Available!Broker News | November 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 11 Designed to support your client service efforts and help grow your brokerage business, the guide can be accessed on the Broker Tools page. If you have any questions on the 2026 Broker Guide, contact your Account Manager or email BrokerContractsExcellus@excellus.com.... |
November 11, 2025 |
Why Health Insurance Costs Are Increasing — And What’s Driving The ChangeBroker News | November 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 11 Rising 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 11, 2025 |
Rx News - Stelara And Biosimilar Formulary Updates For 2026Broker News | November 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 11 Biosimilars represent an opportunity to improve access and affordability for our community. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) has advocated for the use of biosimilars since 2018 when we were the first standalone health plan to prefer a biosimilar in a major drug... |
November 11, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: November - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsBroker News | November 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 11 Help 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. November Topic: "Diving into Diabetes" November 25: 12:00-12:45 p.m.... |
November 11, 2025 |
2026 Wellbeing ResourcesBroker News | November 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 11 Many members are not aware of all 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 11, 2025 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Healthy Eating During The HolidaysBroker News | November 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 11 Navigating 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 11, 2025 |
ACTION REQUIRED: Multi-Factor Authentication Launching This Month For Broker And Employer Web AccountsBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 To improve account security, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be enabled toward the end of October. What you can do to prepare for this change: Log into your broker web account and go to Account Settings in the upper right corner. Verify that your email address... |
October 15, 2025 |
Small Group Underwriting UpdatesBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 Standalone dental single contract groups As a reminder, any groups that have a standalone dental product with only one contract enrolled do not qualify for coverage and will be non-renewed starting with 1/1/2026 renewals. This only applies to groups that only have dental... |
October 15, 2025 |
Leadership Announcement: Dr. Martin Stallone To Join Excellus BCBS Executive TeamBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 We’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 15, 2025 |
2025 Gag Clause Attestation Process & Separate Letter NotificationBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 As 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 15, 2025 |
2026 Annual Rate Notices Being MailedBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 The 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 15, 2025 |
Donate Life Registry Question Added To Health Plan ApplicationsBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 A 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 15, 2025 |
3 Practical Ways You Can Help Your Small Business Clients Manage Rising Healthcare CostsBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 At Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, we understand the pressures your small businesses clients 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... |
October 15, 2025 |
Medicare Star Ratings 2026Broker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 The 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 15, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: October - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 We 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 groups. ... |
October 15, 2025 |
November Wellbeing Tip: DiabetesBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 Type 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 15, 2025 |
Rx News - Watch the Recording: August Pharmacy Webinar Featuring OncoHealthBroker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 Thank 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 15, 2025 |
Individual Metal Plans And Rates For 2026 Now Available!Broker News | October 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 10 - Special Issue Individual plans, rates, at-a-glance brochures and tip sheets for 2026 are now available on Blue on Demand. Now available: Individual & Family Qualified Health Plans Blue Select Stand-Alone Dental Plans 2026 Plan Highlights: Our 2026 plan updates are aimed at... |
October 1, 2025 |
ANSI File Implementation DeadlineBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 - Special Issue As we prepare for the upcoming Open Enrollment season, we want to ensure a smooth experience for you and your clients. To help us manage volume and maintain service quality, we ask that all ANSI file implementation requests be submitted no later than September 30, 2025. ... |
September 26, 2025 |
Legislative Updates – September 2025Broker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 - Special Issue With Federal officials back from their summer recess, we’re closely monitoring upcoming budget and policy negotiations and awaiting further guidance on recently enacted legislation. Attached are some key highlights we believe you’ll find relevant and informative. As... |
September 26, 2025 |
Formulary UpdatesBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 - Special Issue With the rising costs of health care, we are committed more than ever to identifying opportunities for group savings. We also know it is our responsibility to balance quality and cost of care while offering access to the treatments our members need to get and stay... |
September 26, 2025 |
ACTION REQUIRED: How To Prepare For Multi-factor AuthenticationBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 As previously communicated, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will soon be required to access your Excellus BlueCross BlueShield broker web account. This added layer of security helps protect your data and ensures safe access. MFA is scheduled to launch for brokers and... |
September 16, 2025 |
Virtual Training For 2026 Open EnrollmentBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 2026 open enrollment (OE) training is virtual again this year and available at ExcellusForBusiness.com/SalesHub. Everything has been designed to meet all your training needs for 2026 open enrollment and beyond. Materials include: Large Group: Product updates, large... |
September 16, 2025 |
Introducing Teledermatology – Powered By MDLIVEBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 We are proud to partner with MDLIVE to offer convenient telemedicine services for Acute Medical and Behavioral Health needs. Starting January 1, 2026, we’re expanding this partnership to include Teledermatology services—bringing even more care options to our members,... |
September 16, 2025 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 Under 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... |
September 16, 2025 |
REMINDER: Upcoming Member Webinar For Small Groups – Making The Most Of Your Health Plan!Broker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 Many Small Group members may not realize all the valuable programs, resources, and tools included with their Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) membership. We want to help close that gap. That’s why we are hosting a live “Making the Most of Your Health Plan” webinar for... |
September 16, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: September - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 We 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 groups. ... |
September 16, 2025 |
A Message From Medical Governance And Healthcare EngagementBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 As we progress through 2025 and into 2026, we’re pleased to share our collective efforts to engage members, enhance outcomes, and expand services for all stakeholders. As we navigate a fast-changing healthcare landscape, our commitment remains rooted in the people we... |
September 16, 2025 |
The Power Of Communication: Maximizing Employee Engagement In A Workplace Wellness ProgramBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 You have 2.7 seconds to catch someone’s attention with your message. So, if your clients want their employees engaged in their workplace wellbeing program, it is critical to have an effective communication strategy. Clear, consistent, and engaging messaging helps build... |
September 16, 2025 |
October Wellbeing Tip: Menopause & Midlife WellnessBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 Most women experience menopause between ages 45 and 55. Whether you’re approaching menopause, currently experiencing it, or have already gone through it, this stage of life often aligns with other significant life transitions. You may be expecting or raising a new child,... |
September 16, 2025 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2026 Are Now AvailableBroker News | September 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 9 - Special Issue At Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, we recognize the pressures small businesses face in today’s evolving health care landscape. Rising costs, coverage changes, and provider shortages can make it difficult for small businesses to feel confident in their choices. We... |
September 15, 2025 |
Action Required: Multi-factor Authentication Coming To Broker And Employer Web Portals This FallBroker News | August 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 8 To enhance security and protect your data, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will soon be required when accessing our web portals. MFA adds an extra layer of protection against cyber threats, helping to safeguard both your personal information and our systems. Key Dates:... |
August 15, 2025 |
Legislative Updates - One Big Beautiful Bill ActBroker News | August 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 8 On July 4th, 2025, following months of Congressional negotiations, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law. Included in the wide range of domestic policy priorities are sweeping changes to the overall healthcare landscape. The attached PDF... |
August 15, 2025 |
Claims Based Business Pharmacy Broker Commission ChangesBroker News | August 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 8 In 2026, we will be eliminating the current tiered commission structure for pharmacy broker commissions. We will be changing to a flat Per Script Per Member (PSPM) payment regardless of group effective date (unless a custom arrangement is agreed upon during the sale). ... |
August 15, 2025 |
Rx News - REMINDER: Register For Our August Pharmacy Webinar Featuring Our Oncology Management PartnerBroker News | August 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 8 Topic: Beyond the Buzz: The power of partnership with OncoHealth Date: August 26, 2025 Time: 2:00 – 2:40 p.m. ET This is your opportunity to explore how a strategic partnership is transforming oncology management and delivering real value to our groups and members. ... |
August 15, 2025 |
New Community Rated Subgroup ApplicationBroker News | August 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 8 Small group underwriting has a new community rated subgroup application available for groups looking to combine related businesses under one plan. This should allow for greater ease in capturing the required information for each related business. The new form is available... |
August 15, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: August - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsBroker News | August 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 8 We 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 groups. ... |
August 15, 2025 |
Attention Small Groups, Upcoming Member Webinar – Making The Most Of Your Health Plan!Broker News | August 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 8 Many Small Group members are not aware of the various programs, resources and tools available through their Excellus BlueCross BlueShield membership. We want to help close that gap. That’s why we are hosting a live “Making the Most of Your Health Plan” webinar for our... |
August 15, 2025 |
September Wellbeing Tip: Mental Health And Substance Use DisordersBroker News | August 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 8 A substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition (not a character flaw) that affects both the brain and behavior. It can impact people of all ages and walks of life. Individuals with a SUD may struggle with work and relationships, lose interest in activities they... |
August 15, 2025 |
2025 - August - Pharmacy Updates From Mona ChitreBroker News | August 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 8 - Special Issue A Message from Mona Chitre As we move through 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work we’re doing together to support access to care and improve health outcomes. We take the trust you place in us seriously. From simplifying our processes to navigating the... |
August 5, 2025 |
Large Group HMO And Medicare Supplement Rate Requests Filed With NYSBroker News | July 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 7 On July 1, 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 Large Group HMO. Additionally, an application was submitted requesting 2026 premium... |
July 16, 2025 |
Multi-factor Authentication Coming Soon For Broker And Employer Web PortalsBroker News | July 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 7 Starting in early October, we will be enabling multi-factor authentication for our broker portal. Multi-factor authentication is a way for us to ensure that the person attempting to log into to the web portal is truly them. Implementing multi-factor authentication will... |
July 16, 2025 |
Rx News - Register For Our August Pharmacy Webinar Featuring Our Oncology Management PartnerBroker News | July 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 7 Topic: Beyond the Buzz: The power of partnership with OncoHealth Date: August 26, 2025 Time: 2:00 – 2:40 p.m. ET We recognize that providing groups and members with the highest-quality pharmacy care is a team effort. Sometimes that means bringing in a specialized vendor... |
July 16, 2025 |
How We Support Access And CommunityBroker News | July 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 7 On June 26, we began a campaign that reflects the work we do every day. Our work includes strengthening our connections within the communities we serve, providing access to care for members where and when they need it, and supporting members who may feel care is out of... |
July 16, 2025 |
Excel Your Well: July - Join Us For Our Upcoming Wellbeing WebinarsBroker News | July 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 7 We 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 groups. July... |
July 16, 2025 |
Using Incentives To Engage Employees In A Wellbeing ProgramBroker News | July 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 7 Incentives are a powerful tool for your clients’ wellbeing programs as they can motivate or encourage a desired behavior. Incentives can be anything from inexpensive raffle prizes to extra days off to reduced health care premiums or HSA contributions. When used... |
July 16, 2025 |
August Wellbeing Tip: ImmunizationsBroker News | July 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 7 Vaccines have saved millions of lives and continue to save lives every day! Vaccines are remarkable scientific achievements that greatly reduce the rates of death and disease across the world. Vaccines are vital to protecting yourself, your family, and your community... |
July 16, 2025 |
2026 Large Group Product Updates And RemindersBroker News | July 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 7 - Special Issue Take 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... |
July 1, 2025 |
Current Injectable GLP-1 Mail Order Prescriptions From Express Scripts® Pharmacy Transitioning To EnGuide PharmacyBroker News | June 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 6 - Special Issue Express 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 13, 2025 |
Updated Fully Insured And Minimum Premium Documentation For 2025 CAA Gag Clause AttestationBroker News | June 2025 | Vol. 20 No. 6 For 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 11, 2025 |
