WORKS IN PROGRESS: EXCELLUS BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD, CENTRAL NEW YORK REGION [Business Journal, The (Central New York)]

333 Butternut Drive, Syracuse, NY 13214

* Website: www.excellusbcbs.com

* Products/Services: Health insurance

* Total CNY Employees: 950

* Top Executive: Arthur Vercillo, M.D., regional president

* Geographic Area Served: Cayuga, Cortland, Lewis, Jefferson, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tompkins, St. Lawrence counties

* 2011 Highlights: Fifty-two upstate New York hospitals last year earned more than $19 million in quality-improvement incentive payments from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) as part of the health insurer's Hospital Performance Improvement Program. Excellus BCBS had the top-rated HMO/POS plan in New York, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance health insurance plan ranking for 2011-2012. Excellus BCBS was one of five U.S. health plans recognized for achieving high quality and low cost in a national study released by The Commonwealth Fund. Christopher C. Booth was appointed president, and Dorothy A. Coleman was hired to be the executive vice president and chief financial officer. CompassionNet, which has served more than 1,000 families, marked its 10th anniversary. Excellus BCBS continued to promote its Generics are REAL public education campaign. Excellus BCBS provided financial support for community health-planning efforts, including creation of HealtheConnections.

* 2012 Plans/Outlook: In 2012, the company will continue its public-education campaign regarding generic-drug use; provide financial support of community health-planning efforts; launch Silver & Fit; expand its efforts to help address the needs of underserved populations by reopening its Family Health Plus and HMOBlue Option products to new members in Oswego County, effective Feb. 1, 2012; and support solutions to resolve other community needs.