Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Looking for coverage?
1-888-576-6542

FEARLESS IS SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Health care coverage is one of the most important decisions you make. Protect yourself and your family with the name trusted for more than 80 years.
The $0 Essential Plan
Medicare
For Businesses
The $0 Essential Plan

The Essential Plan premiums are as low as $0/month or $20/month for eligible individuals, with coverage widely accepted by doctors, hospitals and pharmacies. Individuals under age 65 may be eligible based on New York State household income and size guidelines.

  • FREE Preventive Care including checkups, screenings, flu shots and vaccines to keep you and your family healthy
  • NO deductible, so the plan starts paying for your health care right away
  • Dental and vision coverage options
  • Low cost generic prescription drugs, including contraceptives
  • Enroll anytime in the Essential Plan
  • Financial aid may be available for other Excellus BCBS individual and family plans depending on your income
The $0 Essential Plan
Medicare
For Businesses
Medicare

Medicare provides coverage if you are 65 or older or have a disability, regardless of income. Choose your Medicare plan with confidence from the company your neighbors have trusted for over 80 years.

  • Medicare plans accepted by a large network of doctors and specialists
  • Turning 65? Find a Medicare plan that suits your needs
  • Medicare plans with $0 premiums and $0 generic drugs
  • Knowledgeable local representatives to talk you through your options
The $0 Essential Plan
Medicare
For Businesses
Excellus BCBS for Business

We're here to discuss your needs, answer questions about plans and help you and your employees embrace their health and well-being.

  • Learn how synchronized care ensures lower costs, better care, and easier administration for you and your team
  • Help your team make the most out of high deductible health plans
  • Discover how telemedicine is saving employers and employees money and boosting productivity
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Plans
Medicaid
Child Health Plus
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Health Plans
Get the benefits you and your family need with our Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans with coverage accepted by 100% of hospitals and 99% of doctors. Nearly 3 out of 4 New Yorkers qualify for reduced premiums.
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Health Plans
Get the benefits you and your family need with our Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans with coverage accepted by 100% of hospitals and 99% of doctors. Nearly 3 out of 4 New Yorkers qualify for reduced premiums.
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Plans
Medicaid
Child Health Plus
Medicaid
Our Medicaid plans sponsored by New York State provide free or low-cost health insurance for those under age 65 who meet NYS income eligibility requirements.
Medicaid
Our Medicaid plans sponsored by New York State provide free or low-cost health insurance for those under age 65 who meet income eligibility requirements.
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Plans
Medicaid
Child Health Plus
Child Health Plus
Depending on your family’s income, your children up to age 19 may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance coverage sponsored by New York State. With access to a network of more than 13,000 other doctors, urgent care centers, hospitals and specialists, we have kids covered. For more information or to apply, call 1-800-234-4781, TTY: 1-800-662-1220 or visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
Child Health Plus
Depending on your family’s income, your children up to age 19 may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance coverage sponsored by New York State. With access to a network of more than 13,000 other doctors, urgent care centers, hospitals and specialists, we have kids covered. For more information or to apply, call 1-800-234-4781, TTY: 1-800-662-1220 or visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
FIND YOUR PLAN
In less than a minute see if your income qualifies you for the Essential Plan or other free or low cost plans. We’ll also email you a free guide to help you shop for health insurance.
Question 1
What county do you live in?
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Why are we asking?
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Why are we asking? Insurance plans and rates vary depending on where you live. 
* Required field
Question 2
How many people live in your household?
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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Why are we asking?
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Why are we asking? The size of your household is critical to determining your eligibility for financial assistance. For example, a household of four may be eligible for more financial assistance than an individual. 
* Required field
Question 3
How many adults (19+) are you looking to cover?
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2
3+
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Why are we asking?
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Why are we asking? The size of your household is critical to determining your eligibility for financial assistance.
* Required field
Question 4
What is your total ?
Your eligibility for many state and federal programs is determined by your household income, so please be sure to include all sources of your income.
Please round your Annual Income to the nearest dollar and do not include decimals or commas.
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Why are we asking?
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Why are we asking? Your eligibility for New York State-sponsored or federally-sponsored programs, financial assistance, or tax credits is determined by your household income and size compared to the Federal Poverty Level. Be sure to consider and include all sources of your household income.
: Get a free guide to choose the right health insurance
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EXTRAS WITH EXCELLUS BCBS
Our members enjoy more than just healthcare coverage. Join us!
Go Digital with Telemedicine
24/7 Telemedicine
Connect to a doctor in real time using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. A valuable option for college students, when you travel, or if you live far from your doctor.
Rewards for being active
Gym & Fitness Benefits
Receive up to $400 or $600 toward a gym membership and fitness classes. Plus, exclusive Blue365® discounts.
Prevention is key
FREE Preventive Care
How about $0 health screenings, flu shots, other immunizations, and more! See the complete list to take advantage every year.
Common Questions
Common Questions
& Helpful Resources

If I'm an Excellus BCBS member, can I make changes to my coverage?

Outside the annual open enrollment period (February 2-October 31), you may qualify to buy or change your health insurance coverage if you experience certain life events, within 60 days in most cases.

Life Events include: getting pregnant, having a baby, adopting a baby, change in marital status, moving, losing coverage from your employer, or aging off of a parent’s health plan.

Contact Member Services

By Phone: For an immediate response, call the number on your Member Card for personalized care. Don't have your card handy? Contact numbers are available here.

When can I buy health insurance?

When you can buy or change your health insurance all depends on the plan you qualify for.

Select a product below to get started:

Individuals and Families (Non-Medicare)

There are two times when you can buy health insurance: Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment Periods.

Open Enrollment

During Open Enrollment, anyone can purchase health insurance. For coverage to begin in 2018, individuals and families can enroll from November 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018.

Keep In Mind: To have coverage in place by January 1, you must enroll by December 15.

Special Enrollment Periods

Outside the annual open enrollment period (February 2-October 31), you may qualify to buy or change your health insurance coverage if you experience certain life events, within 60 days in most cases.

Life Events include: getting pregnant, having a baby, adopting a baby, change in marital status, moving, losing coverage from your employer, or aging off of a parent’s health plan.

To talk to one of our dedicated Insurance Advisors today about your options, call 1-888-576-6542.

The Essential Plan | Medicaid | Child Health Plus

Enrollment is available for the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus all year long.

Medicare

There are two times when you can enroll in Medicare: Annual Election Period, Turning 65 and Special Enrollment Periods. 

Annual Election Period

Eligible individuals can enroll for 2018 coverage from October 15, 2017 — December 7, 2017.

Turning 65

If you’re turning 65, you can enroll in Medicare from the period that extends 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday. For example, if you turn 65 on July 4, you can enroll anytime between April 1 and October 31.

Special Enrollment Periods

Please refer to our Medicare Advantage Timeline to view specifics on when you may join or switch your coverage.

I have questions. Can I get help from someone in-person?

Of course! We have Resource Center locations in Rochester and Syracuse. Visit our Resource Center portal for more details.

4 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Health Plan

If you're buying or renewing health insurance for 2018, you should ask four questions before selecting a plan:​

1. Will the plan cover my prescriptions?

Make sure your medications, including maintenance drugs and contraceptives, are covered by the insurer. Excellus BCBS , for example, covers more than 50 prescription contraceptives. ​

2. Does my doctor accept the plan?

Ask your doctors if they accept the insurance you are considering.

3. What if I can't see my doctor?

Ask if the plan covers emergency care anywhere in the world. You may also want to inquire as to whether the plan has a telemedicine program that provides 24/7 access to a doctor by phone or video chat when you have a minor health issue and can't see your physician.

4. Can I get financial assistance?

You may be eligible for financial help based on your household income and size. Or, you could qualify for the Essential Plan, for $0 or $20 a month. Use our calculator to see if you qualify.

In-person help
Need Help? Visit Us.
Get expert advice in-person at one of our Resource Center locations on W. Ridge Road in Rochester and S. Warren Street in Syracuse.
Get expert advice in-person at one of our Resource Center locations on W. Ridge Road in Rochester and S. Warren Street in Syracuse.
VISIT A RESOURCE CENTER
Live Fearless with Excellus BCBS
Live Fearless
We’re on a mission to inspire a more fearless Upstate New York – showing how making small changes today can make a huge impact on your health tomorrow.
We’re on a mission to inspire a more fearless Upstate New York – showing how making small changes today can make a huge impact on your health tomorrow.
JOIN US
STAY CONNECTED
Let us help you find the right plan. Get your free guide to choosing the right health insurance.
By checking the box, I agree to receive health tips and information by email from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.