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FEARLESS IS A PLAN FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

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

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 Annual Election Period for 2020 Coverage: October 15 - December 7
  • Turning 65? Find a Medicare plan that suits your needs
  • Medicare plans with $0 premiums and $0 generic drugs
  • Low-cost plans including vision and new dental benefits
  • Medicare plans accepted by a large network of doctors and specialists
  • 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
Medicaid
Child Health Plus
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Plans
Medicaid
Our Medicaid plans sponsored by New York State provide free or low-cost health insurance for individuals and families who meet NYS income eligibility requirements. Plus, coverage for prescription drugs, doctor visits, and free preventive care such as mammograms, routine physicals and immunizations is included.
Medicaid
Child Health Plus
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Plans
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.
Medicaid
Child Health Plus
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Plans
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Health Plans
Special Enrollment Period for 2020 Coverage: March 16 - December 31
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.
Based on your answers, this plan may fit you best
Your Health Insurance Guide Is on Its Way

Check your e-mail for your guide to Excellus BCBS health care plans and coverage. Learn where to get started, how to get financial help if eligible, and more! If you need further assistance, please call 1-888-576-6542.

Please Note: You can only enroll for Excellus BCBS Metal Plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) during Open Enrollment, which begins November 1, 2020. However, you may be eligible to enroll now if any of the life events listed below have occurred, or will occur, within your family in the past 60 days. Those qualified for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or interested in Child Health Plus can enroll at anytime throughout the year. If you need further assistance, please call 1-888-576-6542.

Life Events for Special Enrollment
  • Having a baby or adoption
  • Getting married or divorced
  • Moving from one service area to another
  • Losing coverage from your employer
RECALCULATE
EXTRAS WITH EXCELLUS BCBS
Our members enjoy more than just healthcare coverage. Join us!
Excellus BCBS Apps
Excellus BCBS Mobile App
Manage your claims, find a doctor or urgent care center, view your benefits coverage, access your member card and more.
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
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. 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 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 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.

The Essential Plan | Medicaid | Child Health Plus

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.

Medicare

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.

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

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.

4 questions to ask when choosing a health plan

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?

Use our Find a Doctor tool to look for physicians in your area that accept your Excellus BCBS plan.

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 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.

What online tools are available to help me manage my membership?

Make sure you’re getting the most value out of your health plan by creating an account online at www.excellusbcbs.com. You’ll get a comprehensive tool showing the summary of your benefits, tracking your deductible and out-of-pocket spending, providing the ability to see and submit claims, preferences for receiving paperless statements, viewing and ordering your member card, and more.

Plus, download the Excellus BCBS app for Apple or Android devices for control of your membership on your smartphone or tablet.
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
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In-person help
Need Help? Visit Us.

Due to COVID-19, the Rochester and Syracuse Resource Centers will be closed to walk-in traffic and at limited capacity. However, we are still ready to assist members and prospective members.

Get expert advice in-person at one of our Resource Center locations on W. Ridge Road in Rochester and S. Warren Street in Syracuse.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Need help?
Chat with Us or Request a Call

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.

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.
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