We want you to feel confident that you can afford the high-quality health care you deserve. That's why we're working to slow the growth of rising costs and make care more accessible.

At Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, our strength lies in our commitment to the communities we serve. As a local nonprofit health plan, our mission is to ensure you have access to the care you need, when you need it. We do this through strong provider partnerships, innovative programs to improve affordability, and a relentless focus on you, our member.

Health is not just about an individual’s well-being; it’s about fostering healthier communities where everyone can thrive. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve while keeping health care as affordable as possible.

Jim Reed
President and CEO

Understanding Affordability

Provider Contract Updates

Learn what we're doing to keep the providers you trust in our strong local and national network. 

In- vs. Out-of-Network Care

Understand the difference between in-network and out-of-network care and how it impacts your health costs.

Health Insurance Premiums

Learn how health insurance premiums are calculated and what factors influence the rising cost of care.

Breaking Down What’s Driving Costs

Costs are increasing in all areas of our lives, from the grocery store to the gas pump. Health care is no exception. Locally, the cost of care is rising due to: 

Care Complexity

More high-cost surgeries, transplants, and treatments at hospitals and other outpatient settings 

 

Historic Reimbursement Increases 

Providers asking for double-digit rate increases that are many times higher than historical rates 

 

More Expensive Prescription Drugs 

Steep increases in prescription drug costs, especially specialty drugs that treat complex and chronic health conditions 

How We Use Your Premium Dollars

As a nonprofit health plan, we spent 93 cents of every premium dollar collected in 2023 on health care for you, our members. The rest was spent on taxes and fees and operating expenses.

Here’s the full breakdown: hospitals and doctors (69 cents); prescription medications (14 cents); emergency room visits/professional services such as labs and ambulance services (6 cents); other medical costs (4 cents).

How We’re Making Health Care More Affordable

Every day we work to find new ways to improve your health and to make care as accessible and affordable as possible.

Bringing care to the homes of at-risk Medicare members with WellBe

 

Improving chronic kidney disease with REACH Kidney Care

 

Going the extra mile to help members afford their medication

 

 

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