Syracuse University employees and retirees will receive health care plans through Excellus BlueCross BlueShield beginning Jan. 1, 2018, the university announced Friday.

According to an SU News release, the university’s Benefits Advisory Council selected the Rochester-based health care administrator because of its:

• local customer service team
• health management programs
• provider network, which is the largest in the nation and provides access to health care internationally
• 24/7 hotline giving free access to medical professionals
• online and mobile resources

Health care plan changes are currently under review but will be announced in future communications, the university said.

POMCO, the university’s current health care administrator, will not manage insurance claims once the switch to Excellus BCBS is made in January. Services planned for 2018 that were previously approved by POMCO will continue to be covered by Excellus BCBS as long as the services continue to be medically necessary and are a covered benefit.

Excellus BCBS officials will visit SU twice a week in the fall and spring to answer personal health plan questions. They will also attend a benefits fair in Flanagan Gymnasium on Sept. 14.