Excellus BCBS Medicare Broker News - Vol. 3 No. 7

Medicare Broker News • Vol. 3 No. 7 • 2021

The New Medicare Sales Hub Is Here!

Excellus BCBS is excited to announce the launch of a new, valuable resource for Excellus' broker partners – the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Medicare Sales Hub. This will be your virtual destination for on-demand member marketing collateral, forms, helpful training videos and educational materials, covering topics like general Medicare education, Excellus' upcoming year plan overviews, new features and offerings, turning 65, and more. The new Medicare Sales Hub will allow you to view and download the materials you need to help you feel prepared for AEP and beyond.

Download this User Guide (PDF) for tips on how to use the new site.

User Guide (PDF)

How to Get Started:

The Medicare Sales Hub website is accessible by individual user accounts that each user can set up on their own. To get started, all you need to do is fill out the short form to request an account, and within two business days, you will receive an email notification that your request has been approved. Many users will be automatically verified and may start using the Medicare Sales Hub right away.

Please note: your email notification may appear in your Junk folder, so please be sure to check that.

• Excellus suggests you request your account now, so your access is ready when you need it. Register now at:
  ExcellusforBusiness.com/MedicareSalesHub/Register
  
  
• After your account is set up, you can log in at any time at:
  ExcellusforBusiness.com/MedicareSalesHub

Be sure to bookmark the site and check back often for new materials. Excellus will provide periodic updates as new content is available throughout the year.

Register Now

Expansion Of Excellus' Over-The-Counter Benefit

Some Excellus BCBS Medicare Advantage plan members have a quarterly over-the-counter (OTC) benefit of $30 that allows them to purchase OTC products in 2022.

The OTC benefit is available on all plans in Central NY and the Medicare BluePlus (PPO) and BlueBasic (PPO) plans in the East*.

Members will receive a catalog of items to order from. Some examples of eligible OTC items include pain relievers, cold & flu products, and first aid supplies. This benefit provides a set amount each quarter ($30) to spend on everyday health and wellness items.

More information can be found in the Member Fact Sheet (which cannot be used with members until 10/1) and Broker FAQ below. Both of these resources are also readily available on Excellus' new Medicare Broker Sales Hub.

*Not available on the Medicare Bassett (HMO-POS) plan or in the Rochester region.

Member Fact Sheet (PDF)Broker FAQ (PDF)

EPIC/LIS Rate Chart

For your clients who may be eligible for EPIC or LIS benefits, the rate charts are now available. Below, you can find rates with and without the OSB Dental premiums.

With OSB Dental Chart (PDF)

‍Without OSB Dental Chart (PDF)

Enrollment Tips: Ensuring A Seamless Application Approval

Excellus has compiled a detailed tip sheet for their' broker partners that describes the enrollment process, timelines, and suggestions for submitting completed applications to help alleviate and minimize any delays in processing.

If you experience a business delay due to missing information on your client’s application, one of the common issues seen is related to the Primary Care Physician (PCP) details. When adding the PCP to the application, please use the first and last name only with no prefix, title, or suffix.

• When do members need to provide a PCP?

• When electing to enroll in HMO coverage, please ensure the PCP’s full first and last name is spelled correctly. Do not include a prefix of Dr., Doctor, NP.

Additional information can be found in Excellus' full Broker Tip Sheet.

Broker Tip Sheet (PDF)