Excellus BCBS Broker News Vol. 5 No. 10

Final Reminders For AEP

We’re in the last few weeks of the Annual Election Period. As you continue to enroll new clients and have conversations with current members, please keep the following tips in mind:

• One of the common application issues 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. This is required for enrollment in any of our HMO plans.
• When enrolling new members in PPO plans, please ensure the member confirms that any out-of-area providers they see accept their local BlueCross BlueShield Medicare plan. This will ensure there are no interruptions to their care. For example, if a member travels to Florida for the winter, they will want to confirm that their doctor in Florida accepts Florida Blue.
• OTC catalogs will be distributed in December. These will be sent directly to members, based on the plan they selected.
• All members will receive a new member ID card in December

As a thank you for all your efforts during AEP, Excellus is once again running a sales promotion this year. Prizes include your choice of Excellus BCBS branded apparel. Download the Sales Promotion Flyer below for more details. Please contact your dedicated Broker Account Executive with any questions or for additional information.

    Get The Sales  Promotion Flyer! (PDF)  

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Important Information On  Medicare Supplement Disenrollment        

Medicare Supplement Plans D, G, and N premiums will increase by 66 percent effective January 1, 2024. Members on these plans may want to change to a Medicare Advantage plan, which means they need to enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period.

If your member enrolls in a MAPD Plan, they will need to disenroll from their Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare Supplement plans will term as of the first day of the month, following receipt of the disenrollment form, unless a requested disenrollment date is written on the form. (i.e., please disenroll effective 12/31/2023).

Excellus will also accept letters with a cancellation date and signature that can be faxed to 716-857-6160. Letters are also accepted by mail to PO Box 211316 in Eagan, MN 55121.

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Update On D-SNP Integrated Dual Plans

At this time, Excellus broker partners cannot enroll individuals into D-SNP Integrated Dual plans. They are waiting for NYSDOH to create a process to enroll into these plans. There is no timeline available, but they are collaborating closely with the State to get this enrollment process in place as soon as possible. Excellus will keep you updated on our progress and appreciate your patience.

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Reminder: 2023 Flex Card Funds

Existing funds on the 2023 Flex Card must be used by December 31. Unused funds will be forfeited after December 31, 2023.

For 2024, members with an existing Flex Card will not receive a new card. Funds will automatically be reloaded to their existing card by January 1, 2024. Members can check their current card balance or order a replacement card by calling 833-655-1780.

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