News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under the Consolidated Appropriation ActBroker News • Vol. 19 No. 11 • Special Issue The gag clause prohibition under the Consolidate Appropriations Act (CAA) prohibits health plans from entering into contracts that restrict specific data and information that a plan can make available to another party. Plans must annually submit an attestation that they... |
November 12, 2024 |
Medicare Recognizes Excellus BlueCross BlueShield For QualityBroker News • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its 2025 quality ratings, and again this year recognized Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for its Medicare Advantage plans. This is the 12th consecutive year the health plan has ranked above average or higher for... |
October 28, 2024 |
New Resources For Open Enrollment In Sales HubBroker News • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 New resources have been added to the Sales Hub to support brokers during the upcoming open enrollment season. Available resources include: 2024-2025 Community Rated Broker OE Presentation - video 2025 Small Group Product Updates – brochure 2025... |
October 28, 2024 |
New: Affordability PagesBroker News • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 Increasing costs and growing demands for medical care are leading to premium rate increases and higher out-of-pocket expenses for members and employers nationwide. It’s important for us to find solutions that prioritize the wellbeing of our groups while also addressing... |
October 28, 2024 |
November is Diabetes Awareness MonthBroker News • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into blood sugar to use for energy. There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for 90-95% of cases. According to the... |
October 28, 2024 |
Annual Renewal Request SubmissionsBroker News • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 For brokers that are submitting their annual renewal requests through the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) Webtool, please ensure you are selecting the correct renewal year for your group’s submissions. The Webtool will auto populate with the 2025 renewal... |
October 28, 2024 |
Support for Rising Healthcare Costs: Medical Cost Saving ProgramsBroker News • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 We know the upward trend of health care costs is expected to continue, impacting employers and individuals alike. High prescription drug prices, increases in outpatient procedures, and more members needing high-cost hospital care are challenging the entire health care... |
October 28, 2024 |
Member Mailing NotificationBroker News • Vol. 19 No. 10 • October 2024 Due to new requirements of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, we are required to send an annual Notice of Nondiscrimination and Notice of Availability of Language Assistance Services to all members no later than 11/2/2024. This mailing is currently underway,... |
October 28, 2024 |
Individual Metal Plans And Rates For 2025 Now Available!Broker News | October 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 10 - Special Issue Individual plans, rates, placemats, tip sheets and product brochures for 2025* are now available on Blue on Demand. Now available: Individual & Family Qualified Health Plans Blue Select Stand-Alone Dental Plans *Subject to DFS approval 2025 Plan Highlights:... |
October 1, 2024 |
Provider Contract UpdatesBroker News | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 - Special Issue As you may have noticed, there has been an increase in discussions surrounding contract negotiations, both locally and nationally. Providers and hospitals are more frequently going public about these discussions, which may create uncertainty. It’s essential that we... |
September 26, 2024 |
Upcoming Member Webinar For Small Group Plans*Broker News | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 Many Small Group members are not aware of the programs, resources, and tools available to them through their benefit plan. We want to help close that gap. That’s why we are hosting a live “Making the Most of Your Health Plan,” webinar. Thursday, September 26 12:00 P.M. -... |
September 18, 2024 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBroker News | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States among people who were born female, after skin cancers. About one in eight women will have breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. While white women are more likely to develop breast cancer, Black... |
September 18, 2024 |
REMINDER: Medicare Part D Creditable CoverageBroker News | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 As part of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), employers and union groups offering prescription drug coverage must disclose to Medicare eligible individuals with prescription drug coverage under their plan, whether the coverage is creditable. Employers must provide... |
September 18, 2024 |
REMINDER: Virtual Training For 2025 Open EnrollmentBroker News | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 2025 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 2025 open enrollment and beyond. Materials include: Large Group: Product updates, large... |
September 18, 2024 |
Rx News - New Integrated Medical & Pharmacy Diabetes Programs BrochureBroker News | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 We have a new brochure available to learn more about our integrated medical and pharmacy solutions for diabetes management. This piece offers information on each program, as well as group savings opportunities. This piece is now available to download on... |
September 18, 2024 |
Rx News - Support For Rising Health Care Costs: Pharmacy ProgramsBroker News | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 We know the upward trend of health care costs is expected to continue, impacting employers and individuals alike. High prescription drug prices, increases in outpatient procedures, and more members needing high-cost hospital care are challenging health plans, employers,... |
September 18, 2024 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2025 Are Now Available!Broker News | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 - Special Issue Explore Blue on Demand for the latest Small Group rates, plan updates, and all your open enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance brochures and product guides. Summary Benefits and Coverage (SBCs) are coming soon and will be available by October 1. Learn more and order... |
September 12, 2024 |
Reminder: Large Group Open Enrollment MaterialsBroker News | September 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 9 - Special Issue If you need printed copies of the 2025 Large Group Open Enrollment materials, you can order them at ExcellusForBusiness.com/blueppo-broker-orders. At-a-Glance Brochure Product Guide Submit the quantity for each piece along with your shipping information and we’ll... |
September 12, 2024 |
NYS Prior Approval Of Rate Changes For Large Group HMO And Medicare SupplementBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 On July 2, 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 Large Group HMO. An application was submitted requesting 2025 premium rate changes for... |
August 23, 2024 |
Medicare Part D Creditable CoverageBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 Medicare beneficiaries can receive subsidized prescription drug coverage through the Medicare Part D program. Beneficiaries who have other sources of drug coverage—through a current or former employer or union, for example—may choose not to enroll in Medicare Part D, if... |
August 23, 2024 |
Virtual Training For 2025 Open EnrollmentBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 2025 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 2025 open enrollment and beyond. Materials include: Large Group: Product updates, large... |
August 23, 2024 |
Enterprise File Transfer Service UpdatesBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards of digital security, we are updating our encryption protocols in line with industry standards and best practices. These changes to our enterprise file transfer service MAY affect you or SOME of your... |
August 23, 2024 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 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... |
August 23, 2024 |
The Gateway To Member BenefitsBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 Many people are getting ready for fall, a new school year, and open enrollment, making it the perfect time to check out their online account and make sure they’re using their plan to the fullest. An online account is the gateway to customized member information based on... |
August 23, 2024 |
September Wellbeing Tip: Substance Use DisordersBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 17% of people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (being addicted to, overusing or misusing drugs or alcohol) in the past year. That’s one in six people! A substance use disorder is a disease (not a... |
August 23, 2024 |
Rx News - Specialty Drug Webinar Recording Now AvailableBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 As we learned in our recent pharmacy webinar, the specialty landscape continues to evolve as advancements in care provide additional treatment options for members. While these innovative treatment options can be great for members, they can also present financial... |
August 23, 2024 |
2024 Pharmacy Updates From Mona ChitreBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 - Special Issue A Message from Mona Chitre As we look to the rest of the 2024 plan year, I wanted to take a moment to share all that has been happening in the pharmacy space and reiterate our mission to provide greater access to high-quality health care. As supporters of your business... |
August 14, 2024 |
Important Update: Family Care Medical Group In CNYBroker News | August 2024 | Vol. 19 No. 8 - Special Issue As a valued and loyal partner in our mission to provide access to high quality, affordable health care, we want to make you aware of provider contracting discussions that have been made public in Central New York. While this doesn’t impact all our brokers and groups, it... |
August 8, 2024 |
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 |
