No deal reached between WellNow and Excellus: As of now, patients will pay full-price starting Jan. 1
WellNow Urgent Care has maintained that starting January 1, 2024, it will no longer accept Excellus BlueCross BlueShield insurance, potentially impacting thousands of patients with increased medical costs. We reported on this issue in October, ... more
State lawmakers want to address healthcare workforce at upcoming hearing
State lawmakers are preparing for a legislative public hearing scheduled for December 19 in New York City, aiming to address critical issues within New York's health care sector. This hearing will gather input from health ... more
Healthcare workers who haven’t received flu vaccine will need to wear a mask
In response to a significant increase in flu cases, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has declared the flu as prevalent in the state. This declaration enforces a mask requirement for unvaccinated healthcare ... more
What will expanded HealthSteps program do in New York?
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of over $17.7 million to expand HealthySteps, a program designed to integrate mental and physical healthcare for young children within pediatric settings. Administered by the state Office of ... more
Health workers file thousands of understaffing complaints, but NY struggles to enforce its law
Health care workers in New York are raising alarms over understaffing in hospitals, with nearly 8,000 complaints filed recently, adding to around 660 existing complaints with the state Department of Health. Despite this influx, enforcement ... more
Nearly 400,000 dropped from Medicaid due to paperwork issues, not eligibility requirements
In a significant development affecting New York's public health insurance system, nearly 400,000 residents have been removed from Medicaid due to issues related to re-enrollment paperwork. This follows the end of the pandemic-related suspension of ... more
NY invests $5.1M in school-based mental health clinics
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $5.1 million investment to establish 137 school-based mental health clinic satellites across New York State, focusing particularly on high-needs schools. This funding, administered by the New York State Office ... more
Search for dog in bite incident at Mulholland Wildflower Preserve in Tompkins County
Tompkins County Environmental Health officials are on the lookout for a dog that bit a person on Tuesday afternoon at Mulholland Wildflower Preserve. The incident, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on November 28 near the ... more
Life expectancy up in the US slightly, but continues lagging behind pre-pandemic levels
The United States experienced a notable increase in life expectancy during 2022, marking a recovery from the pandemic's impact, but the figures still fall short of pre-pandemic levels. According to recent data from the Centers ... more
UR Medicine Thompson Health appoints new director of case management
UR Medicine Thompson Health has announced Crystal M. Sawyer of Manchester as the new director of Case Management/Social Work at the F.F. Thompson Hospital. In her new role, Sawyer will lead a team of social ... more
Congressman advocates for local routing of 988 crisis hotline calls
In response to concerns about the effectiveness of the National Suicide and Crisis hotline, New York Representative Marc Molinaro is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement "georouting" for 988 calls. This change ... more
Karina Anderson appointed as new director of practice management at Thompson Health
UR Medicine Thompson Health has announced the appointment of Karina Anderson as the new Director of Practice Management, effective December 4. Anderson, a resident of Pittsford, brings a wealth of experience to the role, backed ... more
What is ‘Medical Aid in Dying’ bill? Why is it gaining momentum with state lawmakers?
Legislation to allow medical aid in dying bill has been introduced in New York State every year since 2015, and its backers say 2024 could be the year it finally passes. The bill would allow terminally ... more
Excellus BCBS’s pharmacy concierge program can yield savings
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield's innovative Pharmacy Concierge program has been making strides in enhancing medication safety while simultaneously reducing prescription drug costs for numerous employers. The program, chiefly designed for midsize and large employer groups, entails ... more
Overdose numbers remain steady in Steuben County
Steuben County, grappling with the challenges of substance abuse, has reported a consistent number of overdoses in the last three months, according to the latest data from the county’s Public Health Department. October saw 23 ... more
State mandates AEDs at youth camps and sporting events
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a groundbreaking law on Friday, mandating that all camps and youth sports programs in New York State implement plans for automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This new legislation requires these facilities and ... more
INSIDE THE FLX: Local music educator Dan Hacker talks marching in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (podcast)
In a matter of hours — longtime local music educator Dan Hacker will march with the Band Directors Marching Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. That appearance, nearly six years in the making, will ... more
New York expands access to drug testing supplies in opioid crisis
In a significant move to combat the opioid epidemic, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Matthew's Law, expanding public access to fentanyl testing supplies and other resources crucial in preventing drug overdoses. Named after Matthew ... more
WellNow vs. Excellus: Finger Lakes healthcare crisis looms if deal isn’t reached soon
If something doesn’t change between now and Jan. 1, 2024 two of the biggest names in Upstate New York healthcare will part ways. WellNow Urgent Care says it will stop accepting Excellus BlueCross BlueShield health ... more
