News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Gag Clause Prohibition Attestation Under The Consolidated Appropriation ActBroker News | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 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 27, 2023 |
Sunsetting Wellbeing Programs & How Members Can Claim Their RewardsBroker News | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 With the much-anticipated transition to our new digital, wellbeing engagement program, ThriveWellSM, we will be sunsetting several of our wellbeing programs. The following programs* will be discontinued the last day of a groups’ benefit year: HealthyRewards ... |
November 27, 2023 |
Fully Insured Large Groups To Move To Preferred Value FormularyBroker News | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 Please be advised that all Commercial Fully Insured Large Groups will move from the current 3 Tier Open Formulary to our Preferred Value Formulary (PVF) based on their plan year. This change excludes Minimum Premium groups, who will continue to have the option to choose... |
November 27, 2023 |
Updated Annual Group Information Form And Web Tool AvailableBroker News | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 An updated version of the Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) is available for Large and Small Groups. The only change in this version is that a question has been added to the AGIF and online AGIF Web Tool which requires groups who offer a dental plan through the Health... |
November 27, 2023 |
Check Out Our Community Check-In Podcast! The Common But Preventable Disease - Pre-diabetes, With Dr. FitzpatrickBroker News | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 Have you checked out our Community Check-In podcasts? Each week, 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 Common But Preventable... |
November 27, 2023 |
Updated Brochures Now AvailableBroker News | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 We’ve updated several brochures with our new Everybody Benefits logo. Please share these with your groups. Questions? Contact your account manager. Out-of-Pocket Protection Program Brochure (PDF) Rx Home Delivery Brochure (PDF) |
November 27, 2023 |
December Wellbeing Tip: Where To Go For CareBroker News | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 Understanding where to go for medical care before you need it can help minimize frustration, time, and cost. Your primary care provider should be your first choice for routine medical care or minor illnesses or injuries that are not an emergency. A primary care provider... |
November 27, 2023 |
Rx News - Kicking Off A New Social Media CampaignBroker News | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 We launched a new campaign on our social media channels that will feature some of the positive feedback we receive from our health plan members. Topics will vary monthly so be sure to bookmark our various social media sites and check back often. This month we’re... |
November 27, 2023 |
Rx News - The Right Meds At The Best ValueBroker News | November 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 11 An Excellus BlueCross BlueShield program is focusing on medication safety while saving millions of dollars in prescription drug costs. The program, Pharmacy Concierge, is available to most midsize and large employers through the health plan. “Improving care is the... |
November 27, 2023 |
Medicare Recognizes Excellus BlueCross BlueShield For QualityBroker News | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its 2024 quality ratings, and again this year recognized Excellus BCBS for its Medicare Advantage plans. This is the eleventh consecutive year the health plan has ranked above average or higher for its... |
October 18, 2023 |
Annual Rate Notices MailedBroker News | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 Groups will receive Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October. This includes the following products: Small Group Individual Large Group HMO Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription, Dental prospective pooled and dental/vision standalone... |
October 18, 2023 |
Change To 2024 New Business Medical Bonus ScheduleBroker News | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 We have implemented a change to our Excellus BlueCross BlueShield 2024 Broker Commission Schedule regarding the New Business Medical Bonus. The new chart, which replaces our previous New Business Medical Bonus chart, is available to Brokers of record with us. If you have... |
October 18, 2023 |
2024 Broker Tips For Individual PlansBroker News | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 We’ve compiled a sheet of 2024 Broker Tips to assist you during the upcoming Open Enrollment Period for SafetyNet and Individual Market Plans. The tip sheet includes: Important dates What’s new for 2024 Renewal details Health Plan features and updates Who to... |
October 18, 2023 |
Check Out Our Community Check-In Podcast! Why Health Insurance Matters With Dr. CohenBroker News | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 Have you checked out our Community Check-In podcasts? Each week, 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: Why Health Insurance Matters With... |
October 18, 2023 |
November Is Diabetes Awareness MonthBroker News | October 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 10 Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into blood sugar to use for energy. According to the CDC, one in three people have prediabetes and more than 37 million Americans (11.3% of the population) have diabetes. Because blood sugar in the body... |
October 18, 2023 |
Leading The Industry In Our Pursuit Of BiosimilarsBroker News | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 In our ongoing efforts to ensure access to high quality, affordable health care, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield leads the insurance industry in pursuing biosimilar drugs for our members. According to the FDA*, biosimilars are safe and effective treatment options for many... |
September 19, 2023 |
Coming Soon: Annual Notice Of Change LettersBroker News | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 This 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 2024 benefit changes. Your members will receive their 2024 ANOC, along with... |
September 19, 2023 |
2024 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Rates And Plans Are Now Available On Blue On DemandBroker News | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 You can now view 2024 Community Rated, Small Group Medicare Advantage Plans on Blue on Demand. Blue on Demand allows you to compare plans and access your group's 2023 benefit summaries and rate sheets. Please contact your Group Medicare account manager with any... |
September 19, 2023 |
Together We Can Move Towards Health EquityBroker News | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 Health care should meet the needs of everyone – no matter who you are, where you live or who you love. This is something we are taking very seriously at Excellus BCBS. Health equity is when everyone has the chance to be as healthy as possible. To improve health equity in... |
September 19, 2023 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBroker News | September 2023 | Vol. 18 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 19, 2023 |
Rx News - Excellus BCBS Launches Innovative Program To Reduce CostsBroker News | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 The Medication Assurance Program is a new initiative of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield aimed at reducing self-funded employer group overall spend. This program is designed to reduce spend on medications by holding manufacturers accountable for drugs that were approved... |
September 19, 2023 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2024 Are Now Available!Broker News | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 - Special Issue Small Group plans and rates for 2024* are now available on Blue on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance Brochures and Product Guides are also available. Learn more and order open enrollment materials now. Now available: SimplyBlue Plus and Blue... |
September 11, 2023 |
Reminder: Large Group Open Enrollment MaterialsBroker News | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 - Special Issue If you need printed copies of the 2024 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 11, 2023 |
Individual Metal Plans And Rates For 2024 Now Available!Broker News | September 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 9 - Special Issue Individual plans, rates and product placemats for 2024* are now available on Blue on Demand. Additional enrollment tools, including product brochures, will be available at a later date. Now available: Individual & Family Qualified Health Plans Blue Select... |
September 11, 2023 |
Large Group HMO & Medicare Supplement – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesBroker News | August 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 8 On July 1, 2023, we submitted an application requesting 2024 premium rate changes in accordance with New York state prior approval law. This rate application applies to Community Rated Large Group HMO and Medicare Supplement products. The following products are included... |
August 24, 2023 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersBroker News | August 2023 | Vol. 18 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 August, we will send Social Security number request letters to individuals who had health... |
August 24, 2023 |
Coming Soon! Enrollment Inquiry & Support UpdatesBroker News | August 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 8 We’re excited to announce that updates to our Enrollment Inquiry & Support tool are coming soon. You’ll access an enhanced submission form that better supports the enrollment process from start to finish with features like: An option allowing the form to be... |
August 24, 2023 |
Check Out Our Community Check-In Podcast! Menthol Cigarettes - Targeting Youth and Exploiting CommunitiesBroker News | August 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 8 Episode: Menthol Cigarettes - Targeting Youth and Exploiting Communities In a new episode of the Community Check-In podcast, Dr. Lisa Harris, senior vice president and corporate medical director for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield sheds light on the controversy surrounding... |
August 24, 2023 |
The Importance Of Taking Medications As DirectedBroker News | August 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 8 Did you know that not taking medications the way they were prescribed leads to 125,000 deaths in the US every year? In addition to death, not taking medications as directed costs nearly $300 billion per year in additional doctors’ visits, trips to the emergency room, and... |
August 24, 2023 |
Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) Mailing IssueBroker News | August 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 8 - Special Issue On July 31, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) mailed an Annual Group Information Form (AGIF) request to small groups. Unfortunately, some small groups with January 2024 renewals received the wrong letter. These groups should have received the initial notice to collect... |
August 8, 2023 |
NEW STREAMLINED FORMAT - Annual Group Information (AGIF) Broker ReportBroker News | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 The Small Group Underwriting AGIF Broker Report will feature some new and exciting changes that will help streamline both our AGIF and Healthy NY (HNY) groups into one report. The new version of the AGIF Broker Report will now also include: standalone Dental and Vision... |
July 28, 2023 |
Accurate Effective Dates Help Ensure Employees Are CoveredBroker News | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 Any employers who use the online Enroll & Update tool on the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield website to enroll a new employee in medical or dental plans must select the correct effective date in the online tool — a date that is in alignment with the new employee’s... |
July 28, 2023 |
Making It Easier To Reinstate & UpdateBroker News | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 With the click of a button, we’re making it easier for groups to track and view requests to reinstate health plan policies for their members. Today on ExcellusBCBS.com, employers can go to the View/Update Policy tool to view or reinstate their members’ cancelled policies... |
July 28, 2023 |
Looking For Something?Broker News | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 Ever found yourself looking for a certain broker blast article or announcement? You know you read it and filed it away but now can’t locate it! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We archive all our broker blast articles and announcements chronologically on the broker... |
July 28, 2023 |
Preparing Children For Peak Asthma SeasonBroker News | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 If you have a child with asthma, now is the time to revisit their asthma action plan so you are prepared for the annual increase in asthma attacks that occurs each year as kids return to the classroom. A dramatic rise in the number of asthma flare-ups occurs each year... |
July 28, 2023 |
Vaccines Are Important For Adults TooBroker News | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 Vaccinations are not just for children – adults need vaccinations, too. Immunity from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time and adults are at risk for different diseases (shingles, for example) than children. Vaccines are important during pregnancy too. According... |
July 28, 2023 |
Rx News - An Innovative Way To Reduce Spend On Specialty DrugsBroker News | July 2023 | Vol. 18 No. 7 Learn about Specialty Drug Benefit Optimization, an innovative program aimed at reducing spend on specialty drugs. When medical and pharmacy benefits are integrated, this program allows us to target specialty drugs that can be covered at a lower cost under the pharmacy... |
July 28, 2023 |
2024 Large Group Product UpdatesBroker News | July 2023 | Vol. 18 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 2024.* Here’s What’s New for 2024: ThriveWell℠ ** Introducing ThriveWell, a digital homebase dedicated to engaging teams in health and... |
July 5, 2023 |
Introducing Rx NewsBroker News | December 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 12 We’re excited to announce the launch of Rx News, a new section of Broker News that will provide important pharmacy updates for you and your groups. Beginning in January, you will see content each month under the heading “Rx News” that will include information about our... |
December 19, 2022 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2022 Are Now Available!Broker News | September 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 9 - Special Issue Small Group plans and rates for 2022 are now available on Blue on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including At-A-Glance brochures and product guides are also available. Learn more and order open enrollment materials now. Now available: NEW! Blue Simplicity... |
September 13, 2021 |
CAA Compensation Disclosure RequirementBroker News | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), we are required to identify for our ERISA groups all direct or indirect compensation we may potentially receive in connection with covered services of $1,000 or more, for the term of a group’s contract. Programs can... |
April 21, 2022 |
Excellus BCBS Inside Rx Prescription Discount CardBroker News | October 2021 | Vol. 16 No. 10 Excellus 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 25, 2021 |
New Wellness Videos Available To ShareBroker News | February 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 2 A new suite of wellness videos is now available for brokers, employers, and members. The videos cover a variety of topics, including: Avoiding Processed Foods Be Stressed Less Benefits of Meditation Diabetes: Take Control of Your Health Fighting Virtual Work... |
February 17, 2022 |
Excellus BCBS Provides 65 Community Health Awards To Area NonprofitsBroker News | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 Excellus BCBS is awarding a total of 65 community health awards to nonprofit organizations across upstate New York. The community health award funding will support innovative programs and solutions to advance health equity and ultimately improve health outcomes for... |
June 23, 2022 |
New Business Bonus Now Paid MonthlyBroker News | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 A new section is now visible on your commission statement. It includes the group detail for the New Business Bonus. This ONE-TIME BONUS PAYMENT is now being made monthly rather than quarterly. Please contact the Broker Contracts Team with any bonus or commission... |
April 21, 2022 |
Legislative Update Now AvailableBroker News | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 Hinman Straub, our external legal counsel, is providing legislative updates for our brokers. The first update is available and includes: 2021 recap of legislation signed into law 2022 NYS budget COVID policy moving forward Additional sessions are planned throughout... |
April 21, 2022 |
Updates To Small Group Non-EnrollmentBroker News | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 We are updating our practices for groups that have had prolonged periods of no enrollment in their small group health plan. The following changes will take effect June 1, 2022: Small groups will be reviewed at the time of renewal and will be non-renewed if there has... |
April 21, 2022 |
Welvie My Surgery Web PageBroker News | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 Welvie My Surgery℠ is now available to our Fully Insured commercial group plans, Qualified Health Plan, and Essential Plan members. This self-guided online program leads participants through the decision-making process if they’re considering an elective surgery. If... |
April 21, 2022 |
Making The Most Of Your Health PlanBroker News | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 Many members are not aware of the programs, resources, and tools we make available to them. We want to help close that gap. That’s why we created the Making the Most of Your Health Plan video. The video provides a member-level overview of creating an online account, using... |
April 21, 2022 |
May Is Mental Health MonthBroker News | April 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 4 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41 percent of adults report struggling with mental health or substance use, which is up 20 percent from pre-pandemic reports. Our own data also reflects this trend with nearly 1/3 of adults now reporting... |
April 21, 2022 |
