Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and St. Joseph’s Health have entered into an agreement to extend our in-network contract for both the hospital and physician practices through February 28, 2025, while we continue to meet regularly to work towards a mutually agreed upon provider contract. We’re optimistic we will reach an agreement. This extension agreement includes all hospital and provider services, which means members can continue to see their doctors and use the hospital at in-network rates through February 28.
Member Resources
During contract discussions with doctors and hospitals, we focus on reaching an agreement that is fair for all parties involved. This is a normal part of doing business and can occur each year, or every few years.
We ask that your trust remains with us at Excellus BCBS and the strong network we have built across the Upstate New York regions, which includes 98 percent of local providers.
In keeping the focus on you, we want to share resources that ensure you feel supported now while discussions are ongoing and into the future. We encourage you to visit these website pages, utilize the services we have listed, and to contact us should you have other questions.
- Provider Updates: Our Provider Contract Updates page will provide ongoing updates and insights into the contracting negotiations, ensuring you and our members are well-informed.
- Care Options: The Care Options page includes information on:
- In-network vs. out-of-network care
- The importance of primary care doctors
- Urgent Care options in your community
- Information on accessing telehealth services
- Telemedicine offerings: Telehealth and Telemedicine gives members the option of having a virtual doctor visit by telephone, email or video chat for various conditions. Plan coverage and cost may vary.
- Telehealth with your doctor: Many doctors may offer telehealth services via telephone, video, or e-mail. We recommend members call their provider for more details.
- Telemedicine with MDLIVE®: We have partnered with MDLIVE to give our members 24/7 access to US board certified doctors for non-emergency medical services. MDLIVE also provides care with psychiatrists and other mental health providers for behavioral health conditions.
- Resource Centers: With locations in New Hartford, Greece, and Johnson City, our Resource Centers offer free in-person support to all our members. Customer care representatives are available to answer questions about coverage, benefits or billing. Seminars and education events are also offered here. For a list of locations and hours, visit us in person.
As always, if you have any questions about our network, plans, or benefits, please reach out to your account consultant.
We greatly value your partnership and the trust you continue to place in us.
We remain committed to serving our communities and partnering with our local providers and health systems, just as we have for almost 90 years.
