Looking for coverage?
1-888-576-6542
Call Us
1-888-576-6542
The State of New York has announced a Special Enrollment Period due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Individuals can enroll in Qualified Health Plans until December 31, 2020. Individuals can enroll in other state-sponsored programs – Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus – year-round.FEARLESS IS A PLAN FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
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.
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.
We're here to discuss your needs, answer questions about plans and help you and your employees embrace their health and well-being.
Learn about your Medicare options here.
Your eligibility for New York State or federally-sponsored programs, financial assistance, or tax credits is determined by your household income and size compared to the Federal Poverty Level and other requirements.
For questions about health plans and income eligibility, call Excellus BCBS at 1-888-576-6542.
If you are in a situation where you have not applied or have not yet been approved for unemployment, you can assume that income as zero until you start receiving unemployment benefits.
When applying for health insurance, be prepared with the following information:
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. For Medicare, refer to our Medicare Advantage Timeline for specifics on when you may switch your Medicare coverage.
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 you can buy or change your health insurance all depends on the plan you qualify for.
Select a product below to get started:
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 2020, individuals and families can enroll from November 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020.
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.
Enrollment is available for the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus all year long for those who qualify. To talk to one of our dedicated Insurance Advisors today about your options, call 1-888-576-6542.
There are three times when you can enroll in Medicare: Annual Election Period, Turning 65 and Special Enrollment Periods.
Annual Election Period
Eligible individuals can enroll for 2020 coverage from October 15, 2019 — December 7, 2019.
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.
Due to COVID-19, the Rochester and Syracuse Resource Centers will be closed to walk-in traffic, but our knowledgeable Facilitated Enrollers are available for phone appointments and for in-person appointments in certain counties. Visit our Resource Center portal for more details.
If you're buying or renewing health insurance, 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. The Essential Plan from Excellus BCBS, for example, covers more than 50 prescription contraceptives. You can review the prescription drug lists covered by our plans at ExcellusBCBS.com
2. Does my doctor accept the plan?
3. What if I can't see my doctor?
4. Can I get financial assistance?
You could qualify for the Essential Plan for $0 or $20 a month based on your age, household income and size, and immigration status. Or, you may be eligible for other NYS-sponsored plans or subsidies. Use our calculator to see or call Excellus BCBS at 1-888-576-6542 to see if you qualify.
Our Rochester Resource Centers is now open and ready to assist members and prospective members. Please wear a mask and follow all federal COVID-19 guidelines when making your visit.
Have a question or need help finding coverage? Start a chat by clicking the blue chat box below or request a call with one of our Facilitated Enrollers. Chat is available from Mon. - Thurs. from 8am - 8pm, and Fri. 9am - 8pm.