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Excellus Medicare Advantage Plans 2027

Reviewed by Russell Noga, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker (all 50 states) — Last updated October 8, 2026

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers Medicare Advantage plans for 2027 in Upstate New York, including the Rochester, Central New York, Utica and Southern Tier regions.

As the local Blue Cross Blue Shield company, Excellus is one of the largest Medicare Advantage insurers in its region. Plans and networks can change each year, so check your Annual Notice of Change and compare Excellus Medicare Advantage plans for 2027 before December 7.

✔ Licensed in all 50 states
✔ Based on CMS 2027 data
✔ Free plan comparison

Key Highlights

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Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is the Blue Cross Blue Shield company for much of Upstate New York.

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Excellus offers Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans; availability depends on your county.

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The national average 2027 Medicare Advantage premium is $12 a month, down from $14.37 (CMS).

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Many insurers are cutting plans for 2027, so compare even if your plan is continuing.

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Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026.

Compare plans and enroll online

Excellus Medicare Advantage Plan Types

Key Takeaway

Excellus offers both HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans. PPOs give more freedom to see out-of-network doctors; HMOs usually cost less.

HMO Plans

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Usually lower premiums and copays

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Use in-network doctors except emergencies

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May need referrals for specialists

PPO Plans

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See out-of-network doctors at a higher cost

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Usually no referrals needed

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Access to the national Blue Cross network on many plans

See Excellus Medicare Advantage PPO plans for 2027 for more on PPO options.

What Excellus Plans May Include

Plans May Include

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Part D prescription drug coverage (2027 out-of-pocket cap: $2,400)

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Routine dental, vision and hearing benefits

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Fitness programs and over-the-counter allowances

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Telehealth visits

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An annual out-of-pocket maximum on every plan

Not all plans offer all benefits. Benefits vary by plan and county and can change for 2027.

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work

What Changed Across Medicare Advantage for 2027

Key Takeaway

Average premiums are lower nationally for 2027, but plan choices are shrinking in many states and some costs are rising.

$12 a Month

Average 2027 Medicare Advantage premium, down from $14.37 (CMS).

5,532 Plans

Medicare Advantage plans available nationwide for 2027, nearly flat from 5,553.

29 of 51

States and jurisdictions where plan choices are shrinking for 2027.

Watch for: many 2027 plans are raising out-of-pocket maximums and drug deductibles. The maximum Part D deductible rises to $700. Check your Excellus Annual Notice of Change for your plan’s exact changes.

Find & Compare Plans Online

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-833-641-4938TTY 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

How to Compare Excellus Plans for 2027

Step by Step

1

Read your Annual Notice of Change. It lists every change to your current plan for 2027.

2

Check your doctors and hospitals. Confirm each provider is in the 2027 network.

3

Check your prescriptions. Confirm each drug and its tier on the 2027 formulary.

4

Compare total costs. Premium, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum together.

5

Compare other insurers. Other companies may also serve your county in Upstate New York.

6

Enroll by December 7. Your new coverage starts January 1, 2027.

Read is Excellus Medicare Advantage a good plan? and see Medicare Advantage plans in New York for 2027.

Key 2027 Dates

Key 2027 Dates

1

October 1: plan-level 2027 details went live on Medicare Plan Finder.

2

October 15: Annual Enrollment opens. You can join, switch or drop a plan.

3

December 7: Annual Enrollment closes. Choose by this date for January 1 coverage.

4

January 1, 2027: your new plan starts. January 1 to March 31 is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period for one more change.

Comparing Medicare Plans for 2027

Excellus Medicare Advantage vs Medigap

Medicare Advantage

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Lower premiums, often $0

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May include drug, dental and vision coverage

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Networks and copays, up to an annual maximum

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

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Higher monthly premium

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Any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare

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Predictable costs; separate Part D plan needed

Good to know: New York allows Medigap enrollment year-round without medical underwriting, unlike most states.

Conclusion

The Bottom Line

Excellus continues to offer Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans across much of Upstate New York. Plans and networks change every year, so review your Annual Notice of Change and compare during Annual Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, 2026.

Compare plans and enroll online

Frequently Asked Questions

➤ Where does Excellus offer Medicare Advantage plans?

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers Medicare Advantage plans in much of Upstate New York, including the Rochester, Central New York, Utica and Southern Tier regions. Availability varies by county.

➤ What types of Medicare Advantage plans does Excellus offer?

Excellus offers HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans. PPO plans let you see out-of-network doctors at a higher cost.

➤ Are Excellus Medicare Advantage plans changing for 2027?

Plans can change every year. Check your 2027 Annual Notice of Change to see what is changing with your plan, including premiums, networks and drug coverage.

➤ Do Excellus Medicare Advantage plans include dental and vision?

Many Excellus plans may include routine dental, vision and hearing benefits, but not all plans offer all benefits, and amounts can change for 2027.

➤ When can I enroll in a 2027 Excellus Medicare Advantage plan?

Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027.

Have Questions?

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-833-641-4938

TTY users 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

Find & Compare Plans Online

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-833-641-4938TTY 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

( Medicare Expert )

Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, and head content editor of several Medicare insurance online publications. He has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Medicare insurance broker helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

CompareMedicareAdvantagePlans.org
215 RR 620 South Austin, TX 78734

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