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Earlier this year, �鶹Ƶ��University conducted an annual review of health care benefits to ensure high-quality coverage, excellent customer service and competitive rates. As part of this exercise to foster institution-wide excellence, the Office of Human Resources began reviewing and assessing the University’s current medical plans and exploring new coverage opportunities to ensure employees and retirees have access to the highest quality plans. Following extensive feedback from health care experts, along with the University’s Benefits Advisory Council, which includes student, faculty and staff representation, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has been selected to administer the medical plans for �鶹Ƶ��University, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

As an Upstate New York-based provider with offices in DeWitt, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield was selected because of its many strengths and capabilities, including:

• Dedicated, local customer service team that will deliver superior member support;
• Comprehensive health management programs that ensure exceptional patient care;
• Largest nationwide provider network, with the following highlights:
  • 96 percent of hospitals and 92 percent of physicians contract with BlueCross BlueShield organizations nationwide
  • An international network that provides members with access to doctors and hospitals in 200 countries
• 24/7 Nurse Line provides employees with free access to trained medical professionals around the clock; and
• Comprehensive online and mobile resources.

“The selection of Excellus as the administrator of our plans is the result of a very collaborative approach involving dedicated employees who are committed to a competitive benefits package,” says Andrew R. Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “The decision was based on many factors, including Excellus’ exceptional provider coverage, dedication to customer service, overall value to our employees and its local roots.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to providing �鶹Ƶ��University the highest level of customer service. To further this commitment, a seasoned and knowledgeable representative from Excellus will hold office hours on campus twice a week to assist members with any medical plan inquiries. These office hours will commence Oct. 30 – Nov. 10 during Open Enrollment, and will continue into 2018 to ensure that members are receiving the highest level of service and to ensure a seamless transition.

“The Benefits Advisory Committee explored medical coverage opportunities to make sure the University can continue to offer affordable and high-quality health plans. The committee was broadly representative of the University community and engaged in spirited discussion to understand options and make solid recommendations about the University’s medical benefits, which are so important to our employees,” says Maxwell School Professor of Practice Thomas Dennison. “Excellus’s proposal included a powerful provider network and demonstrated a clear commitment to customer service. I’m confident that this was a well-considered and good decision.”

The responses to frequently asked questions focusing on the upcoming coverage transition can be found here. In addition, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, as well as many other University benefits providers will be on site at the Benefits Fair on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m.-2p.m. in Flanagan Gymnasium. Employees and retirees are encouraged to attend to discover the many resources available to them as part of their comprehensive benefits package.

“We’re thrilled that �鶹Ƶ��University has selected Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as its health insurance provider,” says Jim Reed, Excellus regional president, Central New York. “As a local employer, we are looking forward to partnering with the University to provide their employees and families access to high-quality, affordable health care.”

Additional transition information will be available through Open Enrollment communications that will be forthcoming during the fall semester.

Should you have any questions on this change, or any of the other University benefits, contact the HR Service Center during normal business hours at 315.443.4042 or via email at hrservice@syr.edu.