Democrat and Chronicle

(Saturday, February 2, 2002) -- Howard Berman, chief executive officer of Excellus Inc., said the insurer will remain a nonprofit business.

"We are a not-for-profit health plan," he said. "We are committed unequivocally to remain not-for-profit."

The company owns BlueCross BlueShield of the Rochester Area as well as sister plans in Utica-Watertown and Syracuse and Univera in Buffalo.

A new state Senate finance committee executive budget report stated that Excellus had "expressed interest" in seeking for-profit status.

The incorrect report prompted some area health care leaders to question Excellus' motives.