Bassett Medical Center Receives Excellus BCBS Health and Wellness Award

UTICA—Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently awarded Bassett Medical Center a $5,000.00 Health and Wellness Award to support the Bob Simon and Loretta Anagnost Cancer Patient Assistance Program. Since its inception in 2004, this program has helped thousands of patients who are battling cancer with prescription drug costs, lodging at the Hannah-Lee House, transportation, medical supplies such as wigs and colostomy bags, and various other expenses. This donor-funded program enables providers at the cancer center to bring comfort and offer additional assistance to patients who are facing challenges.

“We thank Excellus for contributing to the Bob Simon and Loretta Anagnost Cancer Patient Assistance Program at Bassett, which has been extremely comforting to patients who need to overcome financial concerns while also battling cancer,” said Dr. Alfred Tinger, MD, FACRO, medical director, Bassett Cancer Institute.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Health and Wellness Awards support programs that conduct ongoing work or initiatives designed to improve community health and health outcomes. Health disparities are complex and can have many causes. These awards are given to programs that address specific health conditions or factors linked to health disparities.

“Providing access to high-quality health care is core to our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” stated Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Utica regional president. “We are proud to support the Bob Simon and Loretta Anagnost Cancer Patient Assistance Program with this essential community health funding to help remove barriers to care for the most vulnerable patients.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to supporting local organizations that improve community health. The company’s corporate giving follows all applicable laws and regulations and does not support funding organizations that conflict with its corporate mission, goals, policies, or products.