Excellus BCBS has raised its minimum wage to $18 an hour

Posted on November 28, 2021

 

 

News Release

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                 Contact: Edward Byrnes

Date: November 24, 2021                                                                             [email protected]

 

Excellus BCBS has raised its minimum wage to $18 an hour

 

SYRACUSE, NY – Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has raised the minimum wage for all employees at its company to $18 an hour. Previously, the minimum wage was $15 an hour.

 

“I’m excited to share that our organization has a new $18 an hour minimum wage,” said Jim Reed, CEO and president of Excellus BCBS. “We hope an increase in the minimum wage will have a meaningful impact on employees and their families and help us remain competitive when attracting and retaining top talent.”

 

Increasing the minimum wage to $18 an hour will result in salary increases for 639 employees across upstate New York, or about 15 percent of the Health Plan’s total workforce.

 

Employees receiving raises include about 389 making below $18 an hour and 250 making just above that amount. Many of these employees work in customer service, member enrollment, claims processing, clinical support, provider network credentialing or in the print and mail room.

 

“As one of upstate New York’s largest nonprofit employers, we’re committed to investing in our employees while also serving as a great place to work,” Reed said. “Pay is important, but we’re also proud of our comprehensive employee benefits, flexible work environment, our strong culture and mission.” 

 

Excellus BCBS employs about 4,000 employees across 39 counties of upstate New York.

 

To learn more about careers at Excellus BCBS

Excellus BCBS is currently hiring for a range of positions, including Customer Care advocates, risk adjustment retrieval specialists and direct pay Medicare account service consultants. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/Careers.

 

 

###

 

 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 3,500 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.

Other Network News

logo
September 18, 2026

Community Day at the Everson

We’re celebrating the opening of America 250: Rebels, Radicals, & Revolutionaries with a day full of art-making, family fun, and community connection.

Turning Stone Earns National Recognition from Forbes for $400 Million Transformation
September 17, 2026

Turning Stone Earns National Recognition from Forbes for $400 Million Transformation

Forbes senior contributor, Larry Olmsted, highlights the $400 million Turing Stone Evolution – praises resort’s hotels, world-class dining, golf, events, entertainment, central location and proclaims Turning Stone “the biggest and best in…

NY SBDC Fast Track to Small Business Workshop
September 16, 2026

NY SBDC Fast Track to Small Business Workshop

This program helps participants build a strong foundation, avoid common start-up pitfalls, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Oswego Health Foundation Gala
September 16, 2026

2026 Oswego Health Foundation Gala

Oswego Health Foundation announces their 7th Annual Foundation Gala, "License to Heal: A Night of Elegance. A Mission of Care."

Good Side of Bad Movie Screening NAMI Syracuse
September 15, 2026

Award-winning Movie Screening to Benefit Mental Illness

Join NAMI Syracuse, NAMI NYS, and Schizophrenic.nyc for a special screening of Good Side of Bad, followed by an evening of storytelling, lived experience, mental health advocacy, and connection.

William Hython
September 14, 2026

Business Litigation Attorney William Hython joins Harris Beach Murtha’s Syracuse Office

Senior Counsel William H. Hython has joined Harris Beach Murtha’s Business Litigation practice group and Syracuse office.

bngc logo
September 14, 2026

Hospitality Syracuse Inc. will Present a $113,580 Check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse on Sept. 16.

You are cordially invited to join us at 3:30pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Boys…

PEACE, Inc. Rooftop BBQ Fundraiser
September 10, 2026

PEACE, Inc. Rooftop BBQ Fundraiser

Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, and great company while supporting programs that help individuals and families throughout Central New York thrive.

AUD Authority Unveils NBT Bank Arena at the Utica Memorial Auditorium
September 10, 2026

AUD Authority Unveils NBT Bank Arena at the Utica Memorial Auditorium

The agreement was awarded through a competitive bidding process and marks a long-term investment in one of the region's premier entertainment and community venues.