Q: How do I check the claims history and account balances of my FSA or HSA with Preferred Group?
A: Log on to  https://pgp.LH1ondemand.com 

With your Preferred Group online access, you can:

• View and update your personal profile, including your address and dependents’ information.
• View your reimbursement account activity, including claims history and account balances.
• File claims online (including a feature to upload your receipts).
• View and download important information and forms to make best use of your account throughout the year.

Prepare for your visit with the following questions and checklist.
You can help your primary care provider be an advocate for your health by being prepared with your medical history. Below are some questions that you can write down and bring with you to your first doctor’s visit.

Q: Do I really need a primary care provider?
A: Seeing a provider regularly can make it easier to talk about health issues. They get to know you and your health history. They can help catch problems early. Be sure to call your PCP whenever you believe you need medical care.

Are you looking for a provider? Use the Find a Doctor online search tool at ExcellusBCBS.com/find-a-doctor

Need help? Call the number on the back of your member card to get in touch with Customer Care.

Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do to help you feel your best every day. Your Primary Care Provider is your partner in managing your health. Seeing them for regular preventive care ensures you are up to date on recommended screenings and immunizations. They can also catch health issues early before they become harder to treat. Preventive care, including an annual well visit, cancer screenings, and adult immunizations, are covered in full by your health insurance.

What is a Primary Care Provider? A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is a health care professional who cares for both routine and chronic health needs. They are an advocate for your health. They take care of you when you are sick, ensure you get the preventive care you need, and help you manage any conditions you have. They also counsel you on how to stay healthy or get healthier.

Seeing a PCP regularly is important for many reasons, at any age and even when people are healthy. If you need help finding a primary care provider, use the Find a Doctor tool at https://www.excellusbcbs.com/find-a-doctor.

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health and wellbeing. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Poor mental health increases physical health risks, while poor physical health, especially having chronic conditions, impacts mental health.

Knowing where to go when you need mental or emotional help is the first step toward improving your mental health. If you need help finding a supportive health care or mental health provider, Excellus' care managers are here to help.
Call 1-877-222-1240 - M-F, 8am-5pm.

You may notice that your first prescription of 2024 costs $25 more than you're used to.

That's because there's an annual deductible of $25 as part of Express Scripts coverage. It only happens at the beginning of the year, and you don't have to worry about it the rest of the calendar year. 

To verify this, please login into your ESI Portal and check your Recent Claims and cost breakdown:

https://www.express-scripts.com/login

Over the past week, some members have received a letter from Excellus BC/BS informing them of changes to their plan regarding out-of-network medical providers. These letters were sent out in error. Excellus apologizes for the confusion.

The letters that went out to some FEH Members were sent in error. Excellus is in the process of finding out the impacted members and will be sending an apology letter out to those members. FEH reimbursement levels for non-par professional providers have not changed.

District health insurance clerks have been made aware of this situation. If you have any questions regarding this Excellus mailing or any other health insurance related mailings, please reach out to your district's insurance clerk or to Excellus directly.  

The PDF below shows the letter that was distributed by mistake. 

We have updated the benefit summaries for each of the three options for medical insurance. Please visit our medical insurance page to review the current summaries, which expire at the end of June 2024. 

1. The length of my cough isn't that important. One of the most common misconceptions is that the sound of a cough is the only thing that matters. However, contrary to popular belief, the duration of a cough is often more important in determining the severity of the underlying condition. There are three different types of coughs based on duration:

1. Acute cough: Typically lasts less than 3 weeks. These are often associated with short-lived illnesses.
2. Subacute cough: Typically lasts 3-8 weeks. They sometimes hint at an unresolved infection or post-viral syndrome.
3. Chronic cough: Lasts more than 8 weeks in adults or 4 weeks in children. Chronic coughs can indicate an underlying issue, like asthma or allergies.

2. A scary-sounding cough? Must be serious! Sometimes, a cough can sound scary. But don't judge a book by its cover. A loud cough doesn't always mean something terrible or indicate a severe underlying condition. While a cough can be a vital symptom in determining the underlying issue, it should always be evaluated in conjunction with other symptoms.

3. I haven't coughed; I must be fine! It's easy to think that if you're not coughing, you're not sick. But that's not always true. Some common adult and adolescent illnesses, like strep throat, mononucleosis, roseola, or hand, foot, and mouth disease, don't usually come with a cough. Remember, diseases can show up in different ways – and sometimes, coughs develop later.

You have options when choosing where to go for virtual care. Here is a quick break down to help you make the right choice.

Many medical offices now offer telehealth for common illnesses and follow-up care. Telehealth is just like any other scheduled appointment with your doctor. Instead of going into the doctor’s office, you both conduct the visit through phone or video connection.

Telemedicine is an option for minor medical or behavioral health needs when your primary care provider is not available, or you are out of town. Telemedicine, provided by MDLIVE®, gives you fast and convenient access to a doctor 24/7/365 using a phone, tablet, or computer.