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1-888-576-6542
For help understanding your options, call us at
1-888-264-4509 (TTY 711)
We are here to help you.
Everybody deserves
to live a healthy life,
including you.
EVERYBODY BENEFITS.
You should have received a letter from NY State of Health. It says your Essential Plan coverage will end on June 30, 2026.
We know this news may be hard to hear. You may feel worried or unsure about what to do next. If you have depended on this coverage, this change can feel stressful.
You are not alone. We are here to help you understand what is changing and what options you may have.
Premiums are $0/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.
- No Cost Preventive Care including vaccines, flu shots, checkups and screenings to keep you and your family healthy
- Adult dental and vision coverage now included
- Enroll anytime in the Essential Plan
- Prescription savings and home delivery
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 90 years.
- Turning 65? Find a Medicare plan that suits your needs
- Medicare plan options starting at $0/month
- Plans packed with extras like dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Medicare plans accepted by a large network of doctors and specialists
- Knowledgeable local representatives to talk you through your options
If you have both Medicare and full Medicaid, we have a great plan for you, which makes better care simpler and more affordable for people in our community.
- $0 monthly premium
- Low-cost prescription coverage
- Hearing services: $0 copay for select hearing aids (annually for each ear)
- Dental: $0 copay for preventive and comprehensive care
- Vision: routine eye exams with $200 allowance for eyewear
- OTC monthly allowances and more
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
At $0 a 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.
- No Cost Preventive Care including vaccines, flu shots, checkups and screenings to keep you and your family healthy
- Adult dental and vision coverage now included
- Enroll anytime in the Essential Plan
- Prescription savings and home delivery
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 85 years.
- 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
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
- Your Essential Plan coverage will end on June 30, 2026
- This change is due to a change in federal law
- This change affects people across New York state
- Move to Essential Plan 1
- Move to our Blue Choice Option or HMOBlue Option Medicaid Plan
NY State of Health will decide what you qualify for based on your immigration status. We can help explain what this means for you.
- Your Essential Plan coverage will end on June 30, 2026
- This change is due to a change in federal law
- This change affects people across New York state
- Move to Essential Plan 1
- Move to our Blue Choice Option or HMOBlue Option Medicaid Plan
NY State of Health will decide what you qualify for based on your immigration status. We can help explain what this means for you.
A Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through NY State of Health with possible financial help
Health insurance through your job if your employer offers it
There is no requirement to enroll in a plan with us. We are here to help you understand your choices so you can decide what is best for you.
Use your current coverage for free preventive care, like:
- Checkups
- Screenings
- Vaccines
- Dental cleanings
- Eye exams
✓ Use your current coverage for free preventive care, like:
- Checkups
- Screenings
- Vaccines
- Dental cleanings
- Eye exams
You may be able to enroll sooner if you have a life change, like pregnancy or getting married or divorced.
✓ You may be able to enroll sooner if you have a life change, like pregnancy or getting married or divorced.
You do not have to go through this alone. Our team can help you:
- Understand letters from NY State of Health
- Know important dates and deadlines
- See if you qualify for financial assistance to lower your monthly premium
- Enroll in a new plan
- Answer questions about pregnancy, Medicaid or other plans
You can meet by phone, online, or in person in some areas.
We know this is a difficult change. We care about helping you understand what comes next. When you are ready, we are here to answer questions, explain your options, and support you in any way we can.
1-800-264-4509 (TTY 711)
to schedule an appointment with one of our Facilitated Enrollers (virtual or in person in select counties).
Why is my Essential Plan coverage ending?
NY State of Health is ending the Essential Plan 200–250 on July 1, 2026, because of changes to federal law.
Should I call Excellus BCBS with questions?
Yes. Please do not call the number on your ID card. Call our dedicated number instead: 1-888-264-4509 1-888-291-8668 (TTY 711). Our agents can help you:
- Choose a new health plan
- Set up a virtual or in person appointment with a Facilitated Enroller (available in select counties)
Will my benefits change when I switch to a QHP?
Yes, there will be some changes.
- Non-standard QHPs include coverage for adult vision exams, eyewear and preventive and routine dental
- Standard QHPs do not include dental or vision coverage
- One of our stand-alone dental plans stand-alone dental plans can complement a standard QHP
Will I have a deductible with a QHP?
Yes, but it will be lower for 2026.
- Your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum will be prorated
- You will only pay for July–December, not the full year
- Cost sharing limits reset, but at half-year amounts
I already paid toward my out-of-pocket maximum. Do I lose that?
Not necessarily.
- If you choose a QHP with Excellus BCBS, costs you paid from January 1–June 30, 2026, can carry over
- This helps you avoid starting over, especially if you are in treatment
Will I get help paying my monthly premium?
Most former Essential Plan 200–250 members should qualify for tax credits that significantly lower monthly premiums.
What if I cannot afford a QHP?
What if I did not get a notice that my coverage is ending?
Call NY State of Health to confirm your contact information:
- 1-855-355-5777
- TTY: 1-800-662-1220
Important note: Members who enrolled after April 1, 2026, may not receive a notice
What if I moved?
I missed the deadline and lost coverage. What can I do?
You will need to wait for Open Enrollment, starting November 1, 2026, with coverage beginning January 1,2027. You may be able to enroll sooner if you have a qualifying life event, such as:
- Pregnancy or having a baby
- Marriage or divorce
- Moving
- Losing employer coverage
- Aging off a parent’s plan
If I am working, can I get insurance through my job?
Possibly. Many employers offer health insurance. Contact your employer to check your options.
What if I am a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) enrollee?
Pregnant DACA members will move to Medicaid. Non-pregnant DACA members will no longer qualify for NY State of Health coverage unless they qualify for Medicaid by income. Contact us at 1-888-264-4509 (TTY 711) for help checking eligibility.
What if I am pregnant and have a Postpartum Save Date (PPSD)?
NY State of Health will keep your Essential Plan coverage. Coverage lasts through the end of your PPSD, if your due date is within 6 months. You may still choose to switch to Medicaid.
What if I am pregnant and my due date is more than 6 months away?
NY State of Health will transition you to coverage. Medicaid
Updating your information at NY State of Health
Click for a video of how to log in to NY State of Health.
Opens in a new window.Click for a video of how to update your household size.
Click for a video of how to update your address.
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Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is an HMO plan and PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal.
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Date Last Updated 04/16/26
