WellNow Urgent Care anticipates more patients coming into its locations in Onondaga County as it shifts to “in-network” operations with Excellus Blue-Cross Blue-Shield. The renewed insurance coverage status goes into effect Friday, November 15th. WellNow Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Biernbaum says it’s been a very difficult year for WellNow patients with BCBS insurance having to pay more for their visits. However, he says the deal struck between WellNow and BCBS will instantly remove a cost burden for patients.
“Which will allow Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield patients to come to one of our locations and not be out of network," Biernbaum said. "And so that allows for patients to have more affordable and easier access to healthcare. And I know it’s been a struggle in the Syracuse region.”
Biernbaum is relieved to deliver better news to his providers and patients after urgent care locations were left out of network in Syracuse and Rochester for nearly a year.
“So that we can go back to doing what we always want to do which is serve the patients in our communities," Biernbaum said. "I think what this will allow us to do is people then can use their full benefit, right? And people have urgent care specific benefits often with Excellus.”
Learn more about the contract updates between WellNow and the insurance company here.
Excellus declined an interview for this story.
Editor's note: The health insurance company is a supporter of WAER and is the main insurer for Syracuse University employees.
