There's unclaimed money out there that may be yours. According to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, nearly 12,000 individuals and companies in New York state have forgotten about more than $15 million in checks issued by Excellus Health Plan including Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in 2007 to members and providers.
Excellus says the names of people and companies with checks to claim will be posted on its website (click on Search for Forgotten Funds), as well as in many newspapers tomorrow.
Every year, the state requires insurers like Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to make a list of unclaimed checks that are at least three years old. If the property is not claimed by the end of August, the money is then turned over to the State Comptroller.
"This is money that was paid for claims or refunded premiums. If the money remains unclaimed, it will go to the state," said Arthur Vercillo, M.D., regional president, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. "It rightfully belongs to our members or providers and we want to make sure they have one more chance to claim it before it goes to the state."
Most of the funds that have yet to be redeemed were allocated to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members and providers. Checks may not have been cashed for a number of reasons. The member may have moved and not left a forwarding address, may have died or simply forgot about the money.
To claim a check prior to August 31, you can either email or call Customer Service or Provider Services. If you are a current member, call the phone number on your member identification card. If you no longer are a member of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, or if you are calling on behalf of the estate of a family member, call Excellus BlueCross BlueShield at 1 (877) 757-3850.
Checks will not be mailed until after August 31.
