FEARLESS IS SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS
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
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
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
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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.
& 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
2. Does my doctor accept the plan?
3. What if I can't see my doctor?
4. Can I get financial assistance?
Language Assistance and Non-Discrimination Notice
Copyright © 2018 Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. All rights reserved.
