News Archive
All News
| Title | Issued Date |
|---|---|
Excellus BCBS Partnering With Civica To Increase Access To Affordable InsulinBroker News | March 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 3 Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and other Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies joined Civica’s initiative to manufacture and distribute affordable insulins that, once approved, will be available to people living with... |
March 24, 2022 |
Behind Every Great Health Care Outcome Is An Informed DecisionBroker News | March 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 3 Introducing Welvie My Surgery℠ – We know that one of the keys to better health is better health literacy – the ability to understand health information and services and use that knowledge to make informed decisions. It’s especially important with major decisions like... |
March 24, 2022 |
Small Group Underwriting Web UpdateBroker News | March 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 3 The Medicare page/tab has been removed from the AGIF web tool as it was deemed no longer required in 2021. Groups are still not required to submit a Medicare AGIF and they will no longer be processed through SGUW. If a Medicare AGIF is submitted to SGUW, we will only save... |
March 24, 2022 |
Small Group Underwriting Guideline UpdateBroker News | March 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 3 The revised Small Group Underwriting Guidelines are based on the October 2021 updates and have been approved through New York State Department of Financial Services. The changes are effective immediately to ensure we are meeting all regulatory requirements for group... |
March 24, 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
COBRA Terminations For Non-Payment Of Premiums Will Resume July 1, 2022Broker News | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 - Special Issue In March 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL), together with the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (collectively “Agencies”), issued final rules and, in February 2021 and July 2021 subsequent guidance with respect to the extension of certain... |
May 19, 2022 |
Sun, Safety & HydrationBroker News | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 As the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outside, it is important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Drinking plenty of water every day is good for overall health any time of year. Getting enough water every day is even more important when... |
May 20, 2022 |
Updates To Our Enrollment ToolsBroker News | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 We are always looking for ways to improve our online tools and resources to give our brokers, groups, and members a better user experience. In the coming weeks and months, you will see updates to our online enrollment and support tools. One update you will see soon, is... |
May 20, 2022 |
Calm E-Book For Brokers And GroupsBroker News | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 We worked with Calm to create a new informational resource to help Groups and Brokers with some of our most asked questions. It’s a great tool if you’re looking for: Registration Instructions Sample HR Email template Member FAQs Links to additional Calm resources... |
May 20, 2022 |
Not-For-Profits Invited To Submit Maternal Health Care Project Ideas For FundingBroker News | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 Excellus BCBS is asking the community to submit ideas, for its Member and Community Health Improvement (MACHI) funding, that specifically targets maternal health programs and access to comprehensive maternal care within its 31-county upstate New York coverage area. ... |
May 20, 2022 |
Individual & Small Group – NYS Prior Approval Of Rate ChangesBroker News | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 On May 10, 2022, an application was submitted requesting 2023 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 2023... |
May 20, 2022 |
Updates To Our Professional Employer Organization GuidelinesBroker News | May 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 5 Excellus BCBS has made the following updates to our Professional Employer Organization (PEO) guidelines, allowing for more flexibility in the market for PEO business. Beginning with groups effective January 1, 2023, a PEO may choose to insure co-employees in two ways: ... |
May 20, 2022 |
Make A Mid-Year Resolution To Be More ActiveBroker News | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), physical activity is one of the best things people can do for their health, both physical and mental. Not only does physical activity help people immediately feel better, function better, and sleep... |
June 23, 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 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 |
Important: Brand Use Request ProcessBroker News | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 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... |
June 23, 2022 |
2023 Small Group Package UpdateBroker News | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 The following SimplyBlue Plus packages will no longer be offered directly through Excellus BCBS or on the New York State of Health (SHOP) Marketplace beginning January 1, 2023. Blue On Demand will be updated for package comparisons. The packages that will no longer be... |
June 23, 2022 |
August Wellbeing Tip: Vaccines Are Important For Adults, TooBroker News | July 2022 | Vol. 17 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 more at risk for different diseases (shingles, for example) than children. Vaccination is one of the safest and most... |
July 26, 2022 |
COBRA And The New York State Extension Of Benefits For Dental And VisionBroker News | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 Federal COBRA benefits are generally available to employers with 20 or more employees in the prior calendar year. The New York state continuation of coverage (Mini-COBRA) is available for all insured health plans with under 20 employees; however, it does not apply to... |
July 26, 2022 |
Five Things To Know About The Transparency In Coverage RulesBroker News | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 Transparency in Coverage rules have been established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and require health plans and self-funded employer groups to post on their public website machine-readable files containing the following pricing information: ... |
July 26, 2022 |
Excellus BCBS Named To The Best Places To Work For Disability Inclusion®Broker News | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is pleased to be named to the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion after receiving a top score of 100 percent on the 2022 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a national benchmarking survey by Disability:IN and the American Association of... |
July 26, 2022 |
Pharmacy Reporting Under The Consolidated Appropriations ActBroker News | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 To comply with the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), we will complete the required pharmacy benefit and prescription drug cost reporting for insured businesses and self-funded groups at no charge; however, there will be a charge for a self-funded group that... |
July 26, 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 |
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 |
Coming In September: Virtual Training For 2023 Open EnrollmentBroker News | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 Training for 2023 Open Enrollment will be virtual through Sales Hub at ExcellusForBusiness.com/SalesHub. Your Sales Hub is designed to support all your open enrollment training and presentation needs for the 2023 season and beyond. Training will go live for brokers in... |
July 26, 2022 |
NYS Prior Approval Of Rate Changes For Large Group HMO And Medicare SupplementBroker News | July 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 7 On July 1, 2022, an application was submitted requesting 2023 premium rate changes in accordance with New York state prior approval law. This rate application applies to Community Rated Large Group HMO. An application will be submitted requesting 2023 premium rate... |
July 26, 2022 |
2023 Large Group Product UpdatesBroker News | June 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 6 - 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 2023.* Here’s What’s New for 2023: Bright Beginnings – Upon renewal in 2023, the Healthy Baby Connection program, previously available to... |
June 29, 2022 |
September Wellbeing Tip: Substance Use DisordersBroker News | August 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 8 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 14 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder, a disease in which a person overuses or abuses alcohol or drugs. Some people may use drugs to help cope with stress, trauma, or to help... |
August 23, 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 |
Andrew Napierala Named VP Of Medicare And Individual Market SalesBroker News | August 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 8 Andrew Napierala has been hired as Vice President of Medicare and Individual Market Sales for Excellus BCBS. His oversight will include field sales, telesales, retail sites, and broker operations. A Western New York native, Napierala has two decades experience in... |
August 23, 2022 |
Request For Missing Social Security NumbersBroker News | August 2022 | Vol. 17 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, 2022 |
HSA Education Made Easy – Introducing My HSA PlannerBroker News | August 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 8 We know that the benefits of an HSA vary based on unique lifestyle and financial goals of individuals. This makes it difficult and time consuming for you to explain the benefits of an HSA in a way that resonates to help your clients and their employees use or sign up for... |
August 23, 2022 |
Individual Metal Plans And Rates For 2023 Now Available!Broker News | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 - Special Issue Individual plans and rates for 2023 are now available on Blue on Demand. Updated Open Enrollment tools, including Product Placemats and Product Brochures will also be available. Now available: Individual Metal Level Medical Plans Blue Select Stand-Alone Dental Plans ... |
September 8, 2022 |
Reminder: Large Group Open Enrollment MaterialsBroker News | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 - Special Issue If you need printed copies of the 2023 Large Group Open Enrollment materials, you can order them at ExcellusForBusiness.com/blueppo-broker-orders.* *NOTE: For Brokers of Record only. At-a-Glance Brochure Product Guide Submit the quantity for each piece along... |
September 8, 2022 |
Small Group Rates And Plans For 2023 Are Now Available!Broker News | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 - Special Issue Small Group plans and rates for 2023 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 8, 2022 |
Dental Checkups And A Healthy Smile? You’re Covered!Broker News | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Did you know that adults born between 1946 and 1964 (baby boomers) are the first generation where the majority of people will keep their natural teeth for their entire lifetime? This is largely because of the fluoride in water and in toothpaste. Oral health is essential... |
September 20, 2022 |
Reimbursement For Travel And Lodging Expenses – New Coverage For 2023*Broker News | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 As a result of the recent decision by the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued optional reimbursement travel and lodging coverage that may be applied to Small and Large Group... |
September 20, 2022 |
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBroker News | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer found in women in the United States, after skin cancers. About one in eight women will develop breast cancers at some point in their lifetime. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who... |
September 20, 2022 |
New On-Site Optical Clinics For Groups With Simply Vision℠Broker News | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Now available: Employer groups with Simply Vision plans can have convenient, comprehensive pop-up optical clinics at their workplaces, making it easier than ever for employees to use their vision benefits and select eyewear! These on-site optical clinics bring all... |
September 20, 2022 |
REMINDER: Virtual Training For 2023 Open EnrollmentBroker News | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 Open Enrollment 2023 training will be virtual through the Sales Hub this year at ExcellusForBusiness.com/SalesHub. The Sales Hub has been designed to meet all your open enrollment (OE) and training needs for 2023 and beyond. We expect all OE videos to be live in the... |
September 20, 2022 |
Updated 2023 Commercial Broker Commission Program For Dental & VisionBroker News | September 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 9 The Commercial Broker Commission program for Dental & Vision has been updated for 2023. Please note these are pending Department of Financial Services (DFS) approval, so we will notify you as soon as we have received approval from DFS. For a copy of the... |
September 20, 2022 |
November Is National Diabetes MonthBroker News | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 Did you know medical costs for people with diabetes are twice as high as for those who don’t have diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has more... |
October 27, 2022 |
How To Deal With The High Cost Of Prescription MedicationsBroker News | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 When we think about taking care of our health, we often think about working out, eating healthy, and avoiding germs. But, taking medications as prescribed is also a key ingredient in our overall health management. In a recent episode of Community Check-In, Mona Chitre,... |
October 27, 2022 |
2023 Individual Market PlansBroker News | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 Our Safety Net and Individual Market Sales Team is ready to assist brokers during the upcoming 2023 Open Enrollment Period. If you have a client who is not eligible for an Employer Group Plan, Medicare, or Qualified Health Plan offering, we are here to support you.... |
October 27, 2022 |
Annual Rate Notices Are In The MailBroker News | October 2022 | Vol. 17 No. 10 Groups will receive Annual Rate Notices (ARNs) at the end of October 2022. This includes the following products: Small Group Individual Large Group HMO Please note that Medicare Advantage, Simply Prescription, Dental prospective pooled and dental/vision standalone... |
October 27, 2022 |
