Excellus BCBS Broker News Vol. 19 No. 10

Medicare Recognizes Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for Quality

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 its Medicare Advantage plans for member satisfaction and quality performance in clinical care. Recognition from CMS comes in the form of Medicare Star ratings.

CMS awarded the Excellus BCBS Medicare Advantage PPO plan 4 out of 5 stars, the Medicare HMO plan 4 out of 5 stars, and the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

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New Resources for Open Enrollment in Sales Hub

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 Community Rated Underwriting Open Enrollment Updates – brochure
• 2025 Mandate Updates – e-Learning
• 2025 Small Group Product Updates – video
• Enrollment Operations 2025 Broker/Group Open Enrollment Overview – video
• Web Enrollment Training – e-learning

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New: Affordability Pages

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. Excellus BCBS believes it’s important to find solutions that prioritize the wellbeing of their groups while also addressing the financial strain many may be experiencing.  

That's why they have launched new affordability pages on their corporate website. Here you will find valuable information on how they are working to provide access to care while making heath care as affordable as possible. The new area of the website contains information on how Excellus uses premium dollars, cost breakdowns, and innovative programs to improve affordability.

The website will be updated regularly so please check back frequently.

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

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 CDC, almost 15% of adults in the United States have diabetes.

Diabetes affects the immune system and consequently increases the chances of someone with diabetes getting sick, staying sick longer, and getting very sick. People with diabetes have higher blood sugar levels more frequently than someone without diabetes; high blood sugars make it harder for the immune system to fight infections. When someone with diabetes gets sick, it is harder to manage their blood sugar levels, making it harder to fight the illness and recover.

Because people with diabetes have a higher risk of serious illness, it is especially important to stay up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines work by giving the immune system instructions on how to fight off a virus, protecting them from getting severely ill.

The November Resources (ZIP) includes materials that can be shared with your groups.

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Annual Renewal Request Submissions

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 year and submitters will need to select the correct renewal year based on their renewal date. All January - March renewal groups should be choosing the 2025 renewal year. All October - December renewal groups should be choosing the 2024 renewal year.

If you have any further questions about the annual renewal request process, please contact your account consultant.

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Support for Rising Healthcare Costs: Medical Cost Saving Programs

We all 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 system. That’s why Excellus BCBS works to find solutions that prioritize the wellbeing of employees and quality of care while also addressing the financial strain caused by these escalating expenses.

Last month, Excellus shared that they are seeing increases in high-cost specialty medications and how Excellus BCBS developed innovative programs that focus on the quality of care while also helping to manage rising costs. This month, they are talking about cost saving medical programs including outpatient surgeries, supporting members with high-cost conditions, and the importance of preventive care programs.

What is Excellus BCBS doing to help combat these costs? And how can you best talk to your clients and continue to provide the exceptional service you give to mutual customers surrounding these concerns? Excellus BCBS will continue to share with you some resources and programs to help businesses and employees improve the quality of their care, contain costs, and get the most value from their plans.

Learn More about Cost Saving Programs

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Member Mailing Notification

Due to new requirements of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, carriers 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, initial mailing will be sent to members on 11/1/2024 or shortly thereafter to meet this new regulatory requirement.

If you have any questions, please contact your account consultant.

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