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Turning 65 or New to Medicare?
Knowing you've got the most trusted coverage during the moments that matter most. That's Medicare that cares back. Answer a few questions to get started with your Medicare timeline.
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Almost There…
Turning 65 or New to Medicare?
Start Your Medicare Timeline
Knowing you've got the most trusted coverage during the moments that matter most. That's Medicare that cares back. 

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Now is the time to review the new options and features available to you that could enhance your coverage and reduce costs. In 2022, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is bringing you Medicare Advantage plans that are more powerful, affordable, and backed by the knowledge and support of local experts. It's a fresh approach — and it's what The Benefit of BlueSM is all about.
Great Coverage Doesn’t Have to Cost You
The Annual Election Period for 2022 is Underway:
October 15 – December 7
Now is the time to review the new options and features available to you that could enhance your coverage and reduce costs. In 2022, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is bringing you Medicare Advantage plans that are more powerful, affordable, and backed by the knowledge and support of local experts. It's a fresh approach — and it's what The Benefit of BlueSM is all about.
General Medicare Timeline

Let's get started! Take these important steps to learn about Medicare and see what you have to do now to prepare for enrollment.

7-9 MONTHS to turning 65:
• Watch our Medicare Minute Video series and get answers to the most common questions we hear about Medicare.Opens in a new window.
 Review your current health care coverage to see what options you have after you turn 65. Also, consider your travel habits, prescription drug needs, and calculate your annual health care budget.
3 MONTHS to turning 65:
• Complete your enrollment during your Initial Enrollment Period. You have from 3 months before you turn 65 to 3 months after your birthday month to enroll.
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months prior to your 65th birthday, through 3 months after your birthday month concludes.
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Did you know you can make a one-time switch into a Medicare Plan at any time during the year? Find your plan below!
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ENROLL NOW
Let's get started! We're here to help you feel confident every step of the way. Choose to enroll online, request an enrollment kit by mail, or talk to one of our local enrollment experts.
LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE
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ARE YOU...

Helping a loved one with Medicare

We're here to support you as you help your loved ones make the move to Medicare. Whether it’s their first time enrolling or they are shopping for a new plan, we offer resources for simplify the process and guide you along the way.
Learn More

A Veteran

With a Medicare Advantage plan from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, you’ll get coverage that was specifically created to work with and compliment your existing Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits. Plans with dental coverage, over-the-counter allowance, and transportation are available at no additional cost to you. To learn more or request a Medicare Advantage product brochure for veterans, please call 1-877-883-9577 (TTY 711).

A Medicare Broker

When trusted local agents partner with a health plan backed by 90 years of strength and stability, Everybody Benefits.

Turning 65 or New to Medicare?
Knowing you've got the most trusted coverage during the moments that matter most. That's Medicare that cares back. Answer a few questions to get started with your Medicare timeline.
Let's Get Started
Almost There…
Turning 65 or New to Medicare?
Start Your Medicare Timeline
Knowing you've got the most trusted coverage during the moments that matter most. That's Medicare that cares back. 
General Medicare Timeline

Let's get started! Take these important steps to learn about Medicare and see what you have to do now to prepare for enrollment.

7-9 MONTHS to turning 65:
• Watch our Medicare Minute Video series and get answers to the most common questions we hear about Medicare.Opens in a new window.
 Review your current health care coverage to see what options you have after you turn 65. Also, consider your travel habits, prescription drug needs, and calculate your annual health care budget.
3 MONTHS to turning 65:
• Complete your enrollment during your Initial Enrollment Period. You have from 3 months before you turn 65 to 3 months after your birthday month to enroll.
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months prior to your 65th birthday, through 3 months after your birthday month concludes.
• Hide Image •
Enroll OnlineOpens in a new window.
Learn More About the Enhanced Plans Available to You for 2025
Understand your options, learn more about your coverage, watch a Medicare plan highlight video, and set up a 1-on-1 appointment with a Medicare expert to get your questions answered.
Frequently Asked Questions and Helpful Resources
Excellus BCBS Member Benefits and Details

How do I help a loved one find the right Medicare plan?

Helping a friend or family member as they navigate Medicare enrollment or switch plans can be overwhelming. Here are some resources to simplify the process and guide you along the way.

  • Start by learning the basics. Our Medicare Minute Videos answer the most common Medicare questions in under a minute. Next, you can learn more about specific plan options available to your loved one by watching our Medicare Highlight Videos.
  • To help your loved one choose the best plan for them, you’ll need to know the answers to a few important questions. Share this questionnaire with your loved one or sit down and go through it together. The answers will help you compare plan benefits and determine the amount of coverage they’ll need.
  • If you’re a caregiver for a loved one, we have resources that can support you. Visit our Caregiver Support page or learn more about Advance Care Planning.
  • When it comes to Medicare, sometimes you need to talk to someone face-to-face. Our local experts can guide you through the Medicare basics and answer any questions you have.

Are my prescription drugs covered?

Each of our Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans cover prescriptions differently. Health plans are required to publish a comprehensive list of covered prescription drugs, also know as a formulary. Make sure your drugs are covered and at a price that fits your budget before making a plan selection. Use the link below to view our formularies.

When Can I Enroll In Medicare?

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.
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months prior to your 65th birthday, through 3 months after your birthday month concludes.

Watch our Medicare Minute Videos to learn more about initial enrollment and working past 65.

Once you’re enrolled in Medicare, you can change your Medicare coverage during the Annual Election Period from October 15 to December 7. If you enroll during AEP, your coverage will begin January 1st of the following year.

You may be able to join or switch plans under special circumstances that grant a Special Election Period. View our Medicare Advantage Timeline to learn more.

Enroll OnlineOpens in a new window.

Is dental coverage included?

All Excellus BCBS Medicare plans include preventive dental coverage at no cost to the member. This benefit covers services, like cleanings, x-rays, and bitewings. Select plans may include a comprehensive dental allowance as well to cover restorative care or major dental procedures.

You have option to purchase up to $1,000 in supplemental dental coverage when you first enroll in one of our Medicare plans.

Learn more about our optional supplemental dental coverage 

What is a Star Plan Rating?

Each year, Medicare plans earn ratings on a one-to-five scale, with one star representing poor performance and five stars representing the highest quality rating a health plan can earn. Star Ratings are released annually and are based on member satisfaction, plan details, and overall performance.

The Star Rating is based on information collected from actual members like you, clinicians, and Medicare’s comprehensive monitoring process. Our Star Rating is a testament to how hard we work to help support your health and wellness. Our preventive health screenings, dedicated Medicare-only customer service department, and numerous health and wellness programs are just some ways in which we go above and beyond.

See how our plans are rated 

Need Help?

1-877-406-4823 (TTY 711), Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.*

To chat with a licensed agent, click the blue chat box on the screen. 

Chat is available from Mon. - Thurs. from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Fri. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.


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*From now until March 31. From April 1 to September 30, representatives are available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Copyright © 2025 Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use | Web Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement | Notice of Privacy Practices

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is an HMO plan and PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal.

Dollar amounts listed for various benefits are applicable to providers within our network unless otherwise noted. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Excellus BCBS members, except in emergency situations. TruHearing® is an independent company that offers hearing products and services to Excellus BCBS members. Preventive dental services are 2 cleanings, 2 oral exams and 1 set of up to 4 bitewing X-rays or 1 full mouth X-ray per year. The Silver&Fit® Healthy Aging and Exercise Program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc. (ASH Fitness), a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). ASH is an independent company that offers these services on behalf of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. All programs and services are not available in all areas.

Submit a complaint about your Medicare plan at www.Medicare.gov or learn about filing a complaint by contacting the Medicare Ombudsman

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Date Last Updated 07/21/2025
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