Rally held against Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for putting 'profit over people'

Rochester, N.Y. — A national grassroots campaign delivered a strong message against corporate greed in the streets of Rochester Wednesday.

"CARE OVER COST" rallied outside the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield corporate office on Court Street. They claim the private health insurer is putting profit over people, denying members the treatment and medicines they deserve.

"We believe that all patients and providers end up being in a worse position because of private insurance companies," said Ursula Rozum, the statewide healthcare lead for Citizen Action of New York. "(These) companies make work harder for the health care providers like WellNow, and they make life really stressful for patients."

WellNow recently threatened to stop accepting Excellus insurance if the corporation does not update its reimbursement rates.

Excellus told us its policies are based on the latest medical literature, federal and state treatment guidelines, and recommended standards of care. The corporation also said local physicians are currently engaged in policy review.

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