Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has announced a new multi-year collaboration with WellBe Senior Medical, an independent company that will bring care directly to the homes of some of their most vulnerable Medicare Advantage members. Members who are eligible for this program have many chronic medical conditions, are taking a dozen or more prescription medications, have frequent emergency department visits and hospital admissions, as well as a high prevalence of behavioral health needs.
“This group represents some of our most at-risk members who are in need of comprehensive, coordinated, and convenient care,” explains Tony Vitagliano, Excellus BCBS SVP provider network engagement. “Approximately 30,000 of our members are eligible for this service.”
As a geriatric care provider, WellBe specializes in caring for patients living with multiple chronic conditions and complex illnesses. Eligible members will benefit from personalized in-home care as needed, help managing prescription medications, and in-home urgent care services available 24/7.
“WellBe providers work directly and collaboratively with our members’ primary care providers and caregivers,” adds Vitagliano. In addition to medical providers, WellBe offers an interdisciplinary team that includes social workers, geriatric behavioral health specialists, pharmacists and an around-the-clock mobile urgent care.
“At WellBe, we believe that everyone should have access to comprehensive, personalized healthcare, and we’re thrilled that Excellus BCBS shares this vision”, states Dr. Jeffrey Kang, Founder and CEO of WellBe Senior Medical. “WellBe’s in-home care can provide information and insights, including advance care planning, social support and behavioral health, and complex care management.”
The goal of this collaboration is to improve outcomes and healthcare quality, reduce unnecessary medical costs, and provide an exceptional member experience. Vitagliano notes, “adding WellBe to our provider network furthers our overall mission to help people in our communities live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care.”
Contact:
Michelle Kraft, michelle.kraft@excellus.com
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With about 4,500 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.
About WellBe Senior Medical – WellBe Senior Medical is an independent home-based medical group. WellBe specializes in delivering comprehensive, home-based medical care to patients who are facing multiple complex health challenges. WellBe’ provides personalized care and works together with patients, their caregivers, and other network physicians to nurture all aspects of health.
* WellBe Senior Medical is an independent company providing home based medical care to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members.
*Other providers are available in our network.
