News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
When Everything Works Together, Everybody Benefits.Broker News | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 Health care works best when it works together. A coordinated, caring, personalized, and holistic health insurance experience that connects the dots for everyone. That’s why we’ve taken a hard look at the Excellus BCBS commercial group positioning, and aligned it more... |
July 19, 2024 |
Warby Parker Added To Vision NetworkBroker News | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 Together with our partner, Davis Vision, we are excited to announce the expansion of our vision network to include Warby Parker as of July 1, 2024. This enhancement has no premium rate impact. Members will enjoy full access to Warby Parker’s elevated shopping experience... |
July 19, 2024 |
August Wellness Topic: The Importance Of VaccinesBroker News | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 Most of us probably don’t remember when people regularly died from smallpox or polio. There have been no cases of smallpox anywhere in the world since 1980. Polio has been eliminated in the United States because of vaccination, though it is still a threat in some other... |
July 19, 2024 |
Rx News - Join Us For Our July Specialty Drug WebinarBroker News | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 Topic: Beyond the Buzz: Specialty Drug Trends & Solutions July 25th, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. ET What are the top trend drivers for specialty pharmacy? What does the future look like for these trends? How can businesses save money on these high-cost drugs? These are... |
July 19, 2024 |
Rx News - Site Of Care For Infusion Drug TherapyBroker News | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 We are continuously looking for ways to promote member convenience while lowering overall costs. The Site of Care (SOC) program provides outreach to patients receiving select infusion or injectable drugs at high-cost facilities and transitions these patients to home... |
July 19, 2024 |
2025 Large Group Product UpdatesBroker News | July 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 7 - Special Issue With a new year comes exciting new changes to bring groups and members even better coverage. Take a look at what’s in store for 2025. Here’s What’s New for 2025*: Reminder! ThriveWell℠ Introduced in 2024, ThriveWell is a digital home base dedicated to engaging teams... |
June 27, 2024 |
We Want To Hear From Your Employer Groups!Broker News | June 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 6 Throughout the year, employer groups receive a satisfaction survey from us. The second quarter survey is being sent to some employer groups this month. The feedback and experience of our employer groups is valuable, we want to learn from them. If your group has not yet... |
June 18, 2024 |
Qualified Health Plan (QHP) Update On Monthly Open Enrollment PeriodBroker News | June 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 6 As of June 1, 2024, individuals will need a qualifying event/special election period (SEP), or must wait until November, to enroll or make changes to their health insurance. As a reminder, during the COVID public health emergency, New York State had continuous open... |
June 18, 2024 |
July Wellness Topic: The Benefits Of Physical ActivityBroker News | June 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 6 Exercise gives you energy. That may seem counterintuitive, but exercise boosts energy levels. Even occasional exercise improves your mental wellbeing, thinking and sleep and reduces anxiety and blood pressure. Regular exercise has even more benefits than an occasional... |
June 18, 2024 |
Rx News - NEW! Integrated Pharmacy Program Flyers Now AvailableBroker News | June 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 6 We now have Integrated Pharmacy Program Flyers accessible for use. These flyers include every value-added and optional pharmacy program we have available to groups who have their medical and pharmacy integrated with us. These flyers have been created for each funding... |
June 18, 2024 |
Rx News - New! Pharmacy Concierge Program Video SeriesBroker News | June 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 6 Now available are newly created series of videos to leverage highlighting our Pharmacy Concierge Program. Mona Chitre, Chief Pharmacy Officer, and President Pharmacy Solutions Chapter 1: Why we created Pharmacy Concierge Chapter 2: What sets us apart with Pharmacy... |
June 18, 2024 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesBroker News | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 - Special Issue On May 15, 2024, an application was submitted requesting 2025 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 2025... |
May 31, 2024 |
The Lifetime Healthcare Companies Announce Plans To Affiliate With CDPHPBroker News | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 - Special Issue Today (May 22), we announced that The Lifetime Healthcare Companies (LTHC), the parent company of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, plans to form an affiliation with CDPHP, one of New York’s leading not-for-profit health insurance companies. This affiliation is aimed at... |
May 22, 2024 |
We Want To Hear From You!Broker News | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 The annual broker satisfaction survey is now live until May 31. Your feedback and experience are valuable, and we want to learn more from you. If you have not already, you will receive an email with a link to the survey. Please respond by May 31. If you have any... |
May 14, 2024 |
Past Due: What If My Group Missed The RxDC Deadline?Broker News | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 We have received questions from groups and brokers about what to do if a group did not complete the RxDC online form by the due date of April 12. If a group missed the deadline, they should report the information directly to CMS in HIOS (or have another reporting entity... |
May 14, 2024 |
Plan Designation Indemnification Is Now A Fillable FormBroker News | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 We’re excited to share the availability of a fillable Plan Designation Indemnification form. This has been a request from brokers and self-insured groups that use the form alike, and we look forward to this new form saving time for everyone. The fillable versions of... |
May 14, 2024 |
Working To Deliver A Real Time Enrollment ExperienceBroker News | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 Enhancements are coming soon to our online “Enroll & Update” tool that will allow us to process many of your transactions in real time. You’ll begin seeing these changes within the next month. For example: When making “Enroll a New Member” transactions, a... |
May 14, 2024 |
June Is Employee Wellness MonthBroker News | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 Most adults spend more time at work than anywhere else. And work has a significant impact on all aspects of our wellbeing. According to Gallup, people who are thriving in all aspects of wellbeing are healthier and more engaged at work. Yet 6 in 10 adults in the US have a... |
May 14, 2024 |
Rx News - GLP-1 Webinar Recording Now AvailableBroker News | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 As we learned in our recent webinar: Studies show that weight loss drugs paired with healthy lifestyle modifications provide the maximum benefit. With the right Utilization Management strategies in place, we can help mitigate off-label drug use and control costs. As... |
May 14, 2024 |
Rx News - A New Way For Self-Funded Groups To SaveBroker News | May 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 5 Self-funded commercial group members now have access to GoodRx® prescription pricing. GoodRx provides automatic savings on many generic prescription drugs when available. Our Price Assure flyer has additional information. Please contact your account representative with... |
May 14, 2024 |
Healthy New York Business Applications And Recertifications For Small GroupBroker News | April 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 4 Updated versions of the Healthy New York (HNY) New Business application and the HNY Recertification form are now available online at Blue On Demand. They are also available on our website under the Broker and Employer portals where small group new business and renewal... |
April 12, 2024 |
About ACQAs: Broker TrainingBroker News | April 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 4 We continue to update and add to our Sales Hub eLearning offerings. Our latest training material focuses on Accountable Cost and Quality Agreement (ACQA). An ACQA is a localized approach to value-based payment agreements. This session will explain more about what an ACQA... |
April 12, 2024 |
Online Chat Now Available On Davis Vision WebsiteBroker News | April 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 4 Davis Vision now has an online chat tool available to assist members in locating their benefits and eligibility information. The chat tool becomes available after a member creates an account and logs into the Davis Vision website. Members can ask questions or gather... |
April 12, 2024 |
May Is Mental Health Awareness MonthBroker News | April 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 4 Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health and wellbeing. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Poor mental health increases physical health risks, while poor... |
April 12, 2024 |
Rx News - Save On Medical Benefit Specialty Drugs With Smart RxAssistBroker News | April 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 4 In continuing efforts to combat the rising cost of specialty medications, Excellus BCBS is providing an innovative financial assistance program, Smart RxAssist. Smart RxAssist is a specialty drug assistance program offering financial relief to employers and employees on... |
April 12, 2024 |
Rx News - Saving $105,207 In Prescription Drug Costs With Pharmacy ConciergeBroker News | April 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 4 A new case study has been published on ExcellusforBusiness.com showcasing the ROI Heritage Christian Services, Inc. has seen from enrolling in Pharmacy Concierge. In 2023, Heritage Christian Services saw an ROI that is almost four times more than their guarantee. Learn... |
April 12, 2024 |
Rx News - Join Us For Our First Pharmacy WebinarBroker News | April 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 4 Beyond the Buzz: Understanding the GLP-1 Trend April 24, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. ET GLP-1 Agonists are currently one of the most talked about trends in the pharmacy market. What are these drugs? What are their long-term impacts? What are we doing to lower costs for... |
April 12, 2024 |
REMINDER: It’s Time To Report Your 2023 Prescription DataBroker News | March 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 3 The 2021 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 2023... |
March 11, 2024 |
Target Optical And Pearle Vision Being Added To Vision NetworkBroker News | March 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 3 Together with our partner, Davis Vision, we are excited to announce the expansion of our network in 2024 with the addition of Target Optical and Pearle Vision. With this addition, members will be able to access more than 150,000 in-network points of eye care. This... |
March 11, 2024 |
Important Reminder About Our Brand Use Request ProcessBroker News | March 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 3 Brokers and agents must request use of our Excellus BlueCross BlueShield brand. This includes anything from our logo on your website, to mailings, collateral or advertising you create. To make it easier to request use, we’ve created an overview, guidelines, and a request... |
March 11, 2024 |
Why Your Primary Care Provider MattersBroker News | March 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 3 Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do to help you feel your best every day. Your Primary Care Provider is your partner in managing your health. Seeing them for regular preventive care ensures you are up to date on recommended screenings... |
March 11, 2024 |
It’s Time To Report Your 2023 Prescription DataBroker News | February 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 2 - Special Issue The 2021 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 2023... |
February 29, 2024 |
Learn How ACQAs Help Increase Quality Care For MembersBroker News | February 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 2 An Accountable Cost & Quality Agreement (ACQA) is our localized approach to value-based payment agreements. ACQAs promote a better, more holistic patient experience for members while working to reduce unnecessary medical costs for all. Watch Our 3-Minute Video To... |
February 16, 2024 |
Reminder Regarding WellNow Urgent Care Provider StatusBroker News | February 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 2 Recently, some Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members may have received communication from WellNow Urgent Care that could cause confusion regarding coverage and benefits. To clarify and remind our members, WellNow made the decision to leave our provider network on Jan. 1,... |
February 16, 2024 |
NEW! ThriveWell℠ Toolkit Now AvailableBroker News | February 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 2 A toolkit for our new digital, wellbeing program ThriveWell, administered by Virgin Pulse, can now be found on ExcellusforBusiness.com. With a ready-to-send email, member guide, quick start flyer, overview flyer, and reward flyers employers can encourage their team to... |
February 16, 2024 |
NEW! Headspace Toolkit Now AvailableBroker News | February 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 2 A toolkit for our new mindfulness and meditation partner*, Headspace, administered by Virgin Pulse, can now be found on ExcellusforBusiness.com. This toolkit includes a ready-to-send email, Headspace overview flyer, and material to help guide members through creating an... |
February 16, 2024 |
Rx News - Navigating The GLP-1 TrendBroker News | February 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 2 Diabetes is one of the top trend drivers of pharmacy costs due to the growing diabetic population and newer, more expensive therapies recommended earlier in the treatment plan. Since 2006, medications like Ozempic® and Trulicity® have been used to treat Type 2 Diabetes.... |
February 16, 2024 |
Have You Listened To Our Community Check-In Podcast?Broker News | February 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 2 Each week, with our Community Check-In podcasts, we have conversations with local experts about all things health, sharing the latest info and tips to support you in managing your health and wellness. Our latest episode: The Loneliness Epidemic: Unveiling The Health... |
February 16, 2024 |
The Importance Of SleepBroker News | February 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 2 Sleeping is a basic human need, like eating, drinking, and breathing. Did you know adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, and children and teens need even more? Surveys show the average adult sleeps fewer than seven hours a night. According to the... |
February 16, 2024 |
Tax Form 1095-BBroker News | January 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 1 Health 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 23, 2024 |
Gag Clause Confirmation Of Attestations CompletedBroker News | January 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 1 On December 31, 2023, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield completed the gag clause attestations 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. Reach out to your account... |
January 23, 2024 |
NEW For 2024: Virtual Physical Therapy Through Vori HealthBroker News | January 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 1 Every business wants to help their employees live their best. That’s why we are providing another option for physical therapy, so employees can have more accessibility when it comes to the care they need. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is now partnering with Vori Health... |
January 23, 2024 |
Watch: Making The Most Of Your Health PlanBroker News | January 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 1 The Making the Most of Your Health Plan videos for 2024 are ready! These member-level videos provide a navigation of our member online account and mobile app, while highlighting important benefits, tools, and resources available to members. There are three videos based... |
January 23, 2024 |
Blue On Demand Website Enhancements For Small GroupsBroker News | January 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 1 To help create a better user experience for our Small Groups, we’ve updated Blue on Demand with the following enhancements: Medical Updates You can now compare the previous Q4 year rating period selected (Ex: 2022 to 2023) Added a new banner to link to dental... |
January 23, 2024 |
February Is American Heart MonthBroker News | January 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventive (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, people aged 45 and over, and most races and Hispanic-origin groups, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths in the US. The term “heart disease”... |
January 23, 2024 |
Update: WellNow Urgent Care 1/3/24Broker News | January 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 1 - Special Issue WellNow Urgent Care has made a decision to leave the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) provider network effective Monday, January 1, 2024. While we’re disappointed by their decision, we’re prepared to assist members with questions about their health benefits and... |
January 3, 2024 |
Update: WellNow Urgent CareBroker News | December 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 12 - Special Issue With WellNow Urgent Care announcing its intent to leave Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s provider network on December 31, 2023, we are prepared to assist our members with questions about their health benefits and options for care. Contrary to public statements, we have... |
December 18, 2023 |
Season’s Greetings. Holiday Cheer. From Our Team To Yours.Broker News | December 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 12 As the year comes to a close, we extend our warmest appreciation and gratitude for your partnership and loyalty. May the year ahead be filled with peace and prosperity for you and your loved ones. Have a safe and happy holiday season! |
December 11, 2023 |
2024 Broker Guide Is HereBroker News | December 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 12 The 2024 Broker Guide for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is now available to help you better service our clients and grow your brokerage business. The guide is available in the broker portal on the Excellus BCBS website. If you have any questions about the 2024 Broker... |
December 11, 2023 |
Our Next Step Toward Health EquityBroker News | December 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 12 We want everyone to have the chance to be as healthy as possible. Health equity is about removing any barriers that get in the way of health. We notified you earlier this fall that we would begin contacting our group members and asking them to share more about themselves... |
December 11, 2023 |
