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Video 1

What is Medicare, exactly? 

ROCHESTER ZERO

OPTION A

Medicare Blue Choice Core (HMO) 2026

OPTION B

Medicare Blue Choice Prime (HMO) 2026

OPTION C

Medicare Blue Choice Optimum (HMO-POS) 2026

Premium

$0

$50

$215

Medical Deductible

No Deductible

No Deductible

No Deductible

Prescription Deductible

$615 Deductible (Tiers 2-5)

$615 Deductible (Tiers 2-5)

$100 Deductible (Tiers 3-5)

Annual Physicals

$0

$0

$0

Out of Network Coverage

Urgent/Emergency Only

Urgent/Emergency Only

$3,000 OON (Calendar year). Applies to medical not Part D. Once benefit maximum is met, member is liable.

Primary Care Visits

$10

$5

$0

Specialist Doctor Visits

$55

$40

$30

Dental Allowance

Preventive Dental Only, Optional Supplemental Buy-up

Preventive Dental Only, Optional Supplemental Buy-up

$500 annual allowance INN & OON, will pay up to dental fee schedule, Optional Supplemental Buy-up

Eyeware Allowance

$125

$150

$200

Prescription Drugs

$5 - 25%

$5 - 25%

$0 - 37%

Outpatient Surgeries

$0

$

$

Urgent Care

$40

$40

$40

Worldwide Emergency Care

$115

$115

$115

Maximum Annual

$9,250 INN (calendar year). Applies to medical not Part D. After the maximum is met, all claims covered in full.

$8,000 INN (calendar year). Applies to medical not Part D. After the maximum is met, all claims covered in full.

$6,700 INN (calendar year). Applies to medical not Part D. After the maximum is met, all claims covered in full.

Out-of-Pocket Protection

$

$

$

Transportation Benefit

No Coverage

No Coverage

12 one way trips to health related location within 50 mile limit

Examinations, cleanings (prophylaxis), bitewing x-rays, full-mouth panorex x-rays, fluoride treatments*, space maintainers*, sealants* (*Age restrictions may apply.)
Basic Restorative

50%/50%

80%/80%

Amalgam fillings, composite fillings, routine/simple extractions

Basic Restorative (Enhanced)

0%/0%

80%/80%

Oral surgery including impacted wisdom teeth removal, anesthesia/IV sedation, root canal treatment, periodontal surgery, periodontal scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance following surgery
Major Restorative

0%/0%

60%/60%

Inlays/onlays/crowns, fixed prosthetics: bridgework, abutments, pontics, removable prosthetics: partial dentures, complete dentures, denture: relines, rebases, repairs, implants
Orthodontia (Braces)

0%/0%

50%/50%/$1000 MAX

ANNUAL MAXIMUM

$500

$1,000

Annual Cost

OPTION A

OPTION B

Single

$276.24

$642.12

Student/Spouse

$455.04

$1,057.92

Student/Children

$438.36

$1,019.76

Family

$616.92

$1,435.56

Plan coverage 9/01/23 through 8/31/2024. Fall enrollment 9/1/23-10/15/23. Spring enrollment 1/1/24-2/15/24. .

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?

$0 Tier 1 generic drugs are available on all Excellus BCBS Medicare plans, including more than 50 frequently prescribed medications. To find out how your prescriptions are covered, check our comprehensive list of covered prescription drugs (also known as the “formulary”).

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?

Yes! All Excellus BCBS Medicare plans include preventive and comprehensive dental coverage. This benefit covers 100% of preventive dental services, like cleanings, x-rays, and bitewings, as well as select services like restorative care or major procedures up to a $1,000 annual allowance.

Select plans also offer a flex card to use toward out-of-pocket dental, hearing, or vision expenses. Find your Medicare Plan to learn about the other benefits available to you, such as over-the-counter allowances.

What does the Star Plan Rating mean?

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.

Need Help?

1-877-406-4823 (TTY 711), Open Monday - Friday 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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KEEP ME INFORMED

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*From now until September 30. From October 1 to March 31, representatives are available 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

$0 Premium Plans not available in all areas.


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

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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.
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 04/01/2025
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