Excellus searches for owners of forgotten funds

April 25--WATERTOWN -- Nearly 14,000 individuals and companies across the state have forgotten to cash checks worth more than $2.6 million from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

According to Excellus, the checks were issued to members and providers in 2011, but were never cashed. Now, the Rochester-based health insurer is encouraging companies and individuals to claim their forgotten funds before it is too late.

"This is money that was paid for claims or refunded premiums," President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher C. Booth said in a news release. "If the money remains unclaimed, it will go to the state. 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 out to the state."

If funds are not are not claimed by the end of August, Excellus is required by law to turn the money over to the state comptroller.

Excellus said there are a number of reasons why checks may not have been cashed. A member may have moved and not left a forwarding address, the member may have died, or the member may simply have forgotten about the check.

To claim a check before Aug. 31, members can call the number listed on their Excellus member identification card. Former members, or people calling on behalf of a family member, can call Excellus BlueCross BlueShield at 1-877-757-3850.

More information on how to claim a check and a complete list of companies and individuals with unclaimed checks can be found online at www.excellusbcbs.com/forgottenfunds.