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1-888-576-6542
HEALTH MEANS MORE THAN EVER.
We know that health and wellbeing have taken on a new meaning over the past year.
That's why we give our members more ways to get more from their benefits.
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
- NEW – 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 80 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
Learn about your Medicare options here.
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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.
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.
How to Calculate: Add the total from these sources
- Gross income from employers or self-employment income that you received or anticipate for this entire year
- Total unemployment benefits received or anticipated for this year
- Alimony payments received this year from divorces settled after 12/31/2018
- All Social Security payments this year, including disability, retirement and survivor’s benefits
- Pension or retirement income
- Rental income
- Income from interest, dividends, capital gains and annuities
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.
How to Calculate: Do NOT include these sources
- Child support
- Workers compensation
- Disability payments from an employer
- COVID-19 CARES Act economic stimulus payments or COVID-19 pandemic unemployment compensation received in 2020
Required Information for Eligibility
When applying for health insurance, be prepared with the following information:
- Birth dates
- Social Security numbers
- Citizenship documents, a certificate of naturalization or a permanent resident card
- Driver License of NYS Identification Card
- Most recent federal income tax return if self-employed
- Income verification for the last four weeks.
- Employer-based health insurance information
- User name and password from NY State of Health, if available.
& 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
If you are eligible for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan, you can enroll at any time during the year.
For Metal level plans (Qualified Health Plans), you can purchase health insurance during Open Enrollment, which is typically between November 1 and January 31.
However, if you are currently uninsured and not eligible for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan, you can still enroll in a Qualified Health Plan during the NY State open enrollment extension due to COVID-19.
Special Enrollment Periods
Outside the annual open enrollment period (February 1-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 2021 coverage from October 15, 2020 — December 7, 2020.
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?
In certain counties, Facilitated Enrollers are available by appointment. To schedule yours, call 1-888-576-6542.
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?
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.
What online tools are available to help me manage my membership?
Plus, download the Excellus BCBS app for Apple or Android devices for control of your membership on your smartphone or tablet.
Are dental plans available?
Our dental plans for individuals and families include coverage for preventive services like cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, routine services such as exams, x-rays and fillings as well as coverage for more comprehensive care like select crowns and adult root canals.
Are there plans for early retirees?
Modeled after a popular Medicare Advantage plan and designed for those over 55, our Destination 65SM Silver and Gold plans are intended to ease your transition into Medicare. They’re ideal if your spouse has already moved into Medicare or if only one of you has employer coverage.
call 1-888-576-6542.
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