Looking for coverage?
1-888-576-6542

FEARLESS IS SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Health insurance coverage for you and your family from the name trusted for more than 80 years and accepted by 100% of hospitals and 99% of doctors.
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 based on household size and income with coverage widely accepted by doctors, hospitals and pharmacies.

  • 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
The $0 Essential Plan
Medicare
For Businesses
Medicare

Choose your Medicare plan with confidence. The company your neighbors have trusted for over 80 years. The plan 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
  • 2017 Annual Election Period: October 15 - December 7
The $0 Essential Plan
Medicare
For Businesses
Excellus 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
100% of Hospitals & 99% of Doctors
Telemedicine
Fitness Benefits
100% of Hospitals & 99% of Doctors
With more than 80 years in our community, we know Upstate New York. With the plan made right here and accepted in all 50 states, you know that wherever you roam, we’ll be there.
100% of Hospitals & 99% of Doctors
Telemedicine
Fitness Benefits
24/7 Telemedicine
Connect to a doctor in real time using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. A valuable option for college students, if you're away on travel, or can't visit the doctor's office.
100% of Hospitals & 99% of Doctors
Telemedicine
Fitness Benefits
Gym & Fitness Benefits
Receive up to $400 or $600 toward a gym membership and fitness classes. Plus, exclusive Blue365® discounts.
FIND YOUR PLAN
In less than a minute see if your income qualifies you for the Essential Plan or other no or low cost plans. We’ll also email you a free guide to help you shop for health insurance.
What county do you live in?
Why are we asking?
Why are we asking? Insurance plans and rates vary depending on where you live. 
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How many people live in your household?
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Why are we asking?
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. 
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How many adults (19+) are you looking to cover?
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Why are we asking?
Why are we asking? The size of your household is critical to determining your eligibility for financial assistance.
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What is your total annual household income?
Why are we asking?
Why are we asking? Your household income compared to the Federal Poverty Level, combined with household size, is critical to determining your eligibility for financial assistance or tax credits.
Email Address: Get a free guide to choose the right health insurance
By checking the box, I agree to receive health tips and information by email from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
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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.

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
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.