Excellus BCBS Broker News Vol. 20 No. 11

The 2026 Broker Guide Is Now Available!

Designed to support your client service efforts and help grow your brokerage business, the guide can be accessed on the Broker Tools page.

If you have any questions on the 2026 Broker Guide, contact your Account Manager or email BrokerContractsExcellus@excellus.com.

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Why Health Insurance Costs Are Increasing — And What’s Driving The Change

Rising costs and the growing demand for health care — especially for hospital services and prescription drugs — are challenging patients, doctors, businesses, health plans, and the entire health care system. These difficulties are causing higher premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs nationwide. Many of our local health care leaders are already collaborating to make care more accessible and affordable — while helping to improve outcomes for everyone.

But who decides what you and your clients pay? From doctors and hospitals to employers and insurers — every part of the health care system plays a role. To see some examples on how every part of the system shapes what you pay, view the Why you’re paying more for health insurance – and what impacts costs PDF.

Following are resources and educational materials you can use with your clients to help them understand how premium dollars are used and examples of what Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is doing to improve health outcomes.

• Understand more about How Your Premium Dollars Are Used (YouTube)
• Learn more about healthcare cost trends and what Excellus is doing to improve health outcomes while managing rising costs (PDF)
• How to get the most value from your health insurance (News)

Additional value-added resources are available on ExcellusForBusiness.com to help small businesses find meaningful ways to improve quality of care while managing costs for employees.

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Rx News - Stelara And Biosimilar Formulary Updates For 2026

Biosimilars represent an opportunity to improve access and affordability for our community. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) has advocated for the use of biosimilars since 2018 when they were the first standalone health plan to prefer a biosimilar in a major drug category. Today they include biosimilars in all drug categories in which biosimilars are available.

Stelara (ustekinumab), a blockbuster biologic drug, is indicated for certain autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease. The first biosimilar launched earlier this year, and there have been multiple different biosimilars approved in the U.S. since.

Excellus BCBS offers multiple formulary options for large employer groups, dependent on the funding arrangement. As of October 1, 2025, Excellus BCBS commercial formularies include preferred biosimilars Yesintek and Selarsdi along with the reference drug Stelara.

Read More

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2026 Wellbeing Resources

Many members are not aware of all the programs, resources, and tools available to them through Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Below are two resources that describe many of the programs and benefits available to members through their health plan. Please note that there are three versions of both resources, based on funding arrangement: small group, fully insured large group, and self-funded.

2026 Member Wellbeing Guides: Share these guides with your groups to highlight the wellbeing benefits and resources included in their plan. Hard copies are available upon request through your Account Manager. In addition to the guides, this webpage offers a variety of resources to support your groups’ wellness programs.

2026 Member Wellbeing Guides

For groups that want additional guidance, there is a team of Wellbeing Engagement Consultants that can support your groups in developing their wellness program. Contact your Account Manager to schedule a complimentary wellbeing consultation for any of your groups.

“Making the Most of Your Health Plan” videos provide an overview of the Excellus BCBS member website and mobile app. They highlight important features, tools, and resources available to help members and their families live healthier lives. Share these videos with your groups for details on navigating the Excellus BCBS website, finding a doctor, saving money on prescriptions, wellbeing resources and more.

“Making the Most of Your Health Plan” (Videos)

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