Medicare Broker News • Vol. 5 No. 7 • 2023

GlaxoSmithKline No Longer Participating In NYS EPIC Program

The NYS Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program sent letters to Medicare members in March stating GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will no longer participate in the EPIC program as of July 1, 2023. As a result, the drugs listed below will no longer be covered by EPIC.

The affected drugs are:

*Only affects Nucala claims received under the part D benefit, not under medical Part B

Formulary and non-formulary drugs approved through an exception process, are still covered by the Health Plan and members will pay their appropriate cost-share. Members will no longer see the EPIC discount deducted from their copay/coinsurance after July 1, if they continue filling one of the drugs listed.

The Health Plan notified affected members by mail to inform them. We’re providing this information, so you are aware in the event one of your clients calls and refers to the letter they received.

If you have any questions, please contact your broker account executive. Thank you for the care you give our Medicare population.

Marketing Rule Update And Guidance

In a recent memo, CMS updated their definition of Marketing to include all materials or activities that mention any benefits (i.e., dental, vision, eyewear allowances). This change may impact lead pieces and marketing campaigns you may have previously used without CMS approval. Our recommendation is that agents refer to their FMO upline for guidance on the CMS submission process.

Read The Full Memo From CMS (PDF)

NAHU Is Now NABIP

The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) has rebranded their organization. They are now the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP). NABIP leads state-based and federal advocacy efforts on behalf of its membership, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and individuals seeking health insurance.

The transition is effective immediately.

Read The NABIP Press Release (PDF)

REMINDER: Retail Training Requirement

Summer is here and we know many of you are eager to start planning and hosting events. If you are interested in registering for a sales or educational event, please contact your Broker Account Executive to ensure you complete the retail training requirement prior to filing with us.

CNY, East, Utica-Rome Regions:

Jodi Napoli, Medicare Broker Account Executive
Direct: 607-237-2436
Email: Jodi.Napoli@excellus.com

Renee Marchione, Medicare Broker Sales Account Service Consultant
Email: ExcellusBSD2@excellus.com

Rochester Region:

Darcie Coleman, Medicare Broker Account Executive
Direct: 585-736-0492
Email: Darcie.Coleman@excellus.com

Elizabeth Gardner, Medicare Broker Sales Account Service Consultant
Email: ExcellusBSD@excellus.com

MEDICARE SALES HUB REMINDER - Your virtual destination for on-demand training and educational materials

Getting Started - Need Access? Fill out the short form to request an account, and within two days you will receive an email notification that your request has been approved (note: email might appear in your Junk folder). Register Now →

Already Registered? If you have an account, you can log in at any time at ExcellusForBusiness.com/MedicareSalesHub →

Learn More. Download this User Guide (PDF) for tips on how to use the site.

Download the Excellus BCBS app:

The information in this document is current as of 7/17/2023. For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online at CDC.gov.