Buffalo – With the start of the open enrollment season beginning tomorrow Tuesday, November 1, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York has announced new plans, as well as resources and support to help individuals select the best health plan for them, and avoid paying a tax penalty in 2017.

It is estimated that nearly 100,000 individuals in the eight counties of Western New York remain uninsured. However, over the past three years the uninsured rate has declined from 14% to the current historic low of 7% (uninsured rate by county included below).

This trend has been fueled largely by the creation of the New York State of Health Marketplace (exchange), which has made obtaining health insurance coverage easier and more affordable for individuals and families in Western New York.

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York has attracted a large amount of these new enrollees and for 2017, will expand its offerings by entering the state’s Essential Plan, a lower-cost option for eligible individuals who do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or Child Health Plus. The Essential Plan offers the same essential benefits as other plans, but features no deductible and premiums as low as $0 per month.

Also new for 2017, BlueCross BlueShield is offering two lower-premium “tiered-benefit” plans that offer lower out-of-pocket costs when visiting hospitals and specialists affiliated with Kaleida Health and Catholic Health, respectively.

“We are responding to the marketplace and increasing our options,” stated Dave Busch, senior vice president, chief sales officer. “Individuals are looking for lower-cost plans that provide appropriate coverage and benefits to meet their lifestyle and budgetary needs. By leveraging our relationships with the local health care community, we’re able to provide that in 2017.”

In total, BlueCross BlueShield is offering 15 distinct plans on and off the exchange, all of which feature an array of benefits and resources including a $250 Wellness Card for gym memberships, massage therapy, health food store purchases and more; more than 50 free preventive services, including an annual checkup; Blue Discounts, featuring over 100 local and national offers; and new digital tools to compare treatment costs, find a doctor or hospital, view plan benefits and claims.

Again this year, the primary responsibility for accessing health insurance rests with the uninsured, who will face paying a tax penalty in 2017 if they don’t do so. The penalties for opting to not purchase health insurance are $695 per household adult and $375 per household child under 18, or 2.5 percent of household income, whichever is greater.

BlueCross BlueShield encourages individuals to review their options and update their information each year given the evolving marketplace. Individuals may find lower-cost policies, better coverage or may be eligible for financial assistance depending on their income.

During the annual open enrollment period, from November 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017, BlueCross BlueShield’s Benefit Consultants will be available at various locations across Western New York to meet with anyone who may want to review their health insurance options. The full list of over 100 community meetings can be found at bcbswny.com/meeting. Walk-ins are welcome at these sites, but to alleviate wait time, individuals can call BlueCross BlueShield at 1-800-888-5407 to schedule an appointment.

“We expect our sites to be very busy this year, as we’ve added additional plans and benefit options for 2017 while posting the lowest price increase among local insurers.” added Busch.

Additionally, BlueCross BlueShield offers the following resources:

Online
www.ShopBluePlans.com features an easy-to-use personal quote and subsidy calculator and a soft transfer over to the New York State of Health Marketplace to finalize the individual’s selection.

By phone
Any individual who needs personal assistance may also call BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York directly 1-800-888-5407.

*Source: Enroll America/Civis Analytics uninsured model, November 2015, https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.enrollamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/NY-State-snapshot-County-table.pdf

About BlueCross BlueShield of WNY
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Since 1936, BlueCross BlueShield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. BlueCross BlueShield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as life and disability coverage, dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, BlueCross BlueShield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of our community.

For up-to-date news, facts, and information about the company, leadership, and industry, please visit the BlueCross BlueShield News Center at bcbswny.com/news or follow us on Twitter.