Excellus BCBS Medicare Broker News - Vol. 5 No. 6

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Updates On COVID-19

As of May 11, 2023, the COVID-19 National Emergency and Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) has ended. Excellus continues to review the guidelines surrounding COVID-19 related vaccines, testing, and telehealth services, and have updated our website to reflect the most up-to-date information on what this means for members. If you or a client has questions about the end of the PHE, please use the link below to learn more.

Excellus BCBS Updates On COVID-19

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Logo Use Reminder

As marketing efforts start to shift to AEP, please remember to submit any print or digital collateral that uses the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield logo to the Excellus team for approval prior to use. This includes websites, videos, posters, and direct mail. Please feel free to refer to the CMS Filing Guidelines for Brokers if you have any questions about using our brand.

Please log in to the Medicare Sales Hub to access the CMS Filing Guidelines.

ExcellusForBusiness.com/MedicareSalesHub

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Also, take a moment to make sure you have the most updated version of the logos on file. They are no longer using the “Live Fearless” tagline and any materials that mention “Live Fearless” should not be used.

2023 Excellus BCBS Logos (ZIP)

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Retail Training Requirement

Summer is here and we all know many agents are eager to start planning and hosting events. If you are interested in registering for a sales or educational event, please contact your Broker Account Executive to ensure you complete the retail training requirement prior to filing with us.

CNY, East, Utica-Rome Regions:
Jodi Napoli, Medicare Broker Account Executive
Direct: 607-237-2436
Email: Jodi.Napoli@excellus.com

Renee Marchione, Medicare Broker Sales Account Service Consultant
Email: ExcellusBSD2@excellus.com

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Rochester Region:
Darcie Coleman, Medicare Broker Account Executive
Direct: 585-736-0492
Email: Darcie.Coleman@excellus.com

Elizabeth Gardner, Medicare Broker Sales Account Service Consultant
Email: ExcellusBSD@excellus.com

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Accepted Core Training Certifications

Below, please find the Core Training Certifications that Excellus will accept for 2024 AEP. They will keep you updated on release dates as they are announced.

• AHIP – Release Date: June 21
• NAHU – Release Date: TBD
• Pinpoint – Release Date: TBD

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REMINDER: 5-Star Special Enrollment Period

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield HMO plans have once again earned 5 out of 5 stars from Medicare for 2023. What does that mean for you? It’s an opportunity to sell some of the region’s highest-rated Medicare plans outside of AEP – and a win for clients looking to move into a higher quality plan right now.

Your clients can use the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period to make a one-time switch into one of these 5-star rated HMO plans now through November 30, 2023. They have put together resources to outline what you and your clients need to know about the 5-Star SEP. Log into the Medicare Sales Hub to access them or download below.

5-Star SEP Resource For Brokers (PDF)5-Star SEP Resource For Clients (PDF)Please note: The

PPO plans are rated 4 out of 5 stars for 2023 and do not qualify for the 5 Star SEP.

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REMINDER: Bill Pay Options For Members

Members have a new option for paying their Medicare Direct Pay and Medicare Supplement premiums. They can now pay over the phone by calling 1-877-883-9577 (TTY 711). Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Upon calling, members will be prompted to enter the last 4 digits of their member ID and their date of birth. Members can pay their current or past due balance, as well as future balances.

Forms of payment accepted:

• Bank Account (Checking or Savings)
• Discover
• MasterCard
• Visa

*American Express cards are NOT accepted for payment. Excellus strives to make payment as simple as possible for members, which is why they offer several convenient ways to pay. Learn more about Medicare member bill pay options or download the "Easy Ways To Pay Your Bill" (PDF) to share with your clients.

Learn More About Bill Pay Options

‍Easy Ways To Pay Your Bill (PDF)