Excellus BlueCross BlueShield shares advice for those preparing for the upcoming Medicare Advantage annual enrollment period
September 2, 2026
The annual enrollment period (AEP) for Medicare Advantage is coming up. AEP is when members can evaluate their current plan and determine if they want to keep that plan or enroll in a new one. It can be a confusing and stressful time for Medicare Advantage members and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) wants to help.
The following are five things Medicare Advantage members should expect and what they can do now to prepare.
Keep an eye on the mail
Starting in September, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries should keep an eye on their mailboxes, email, and online member portals for important health plan information that can help them evaluate their coverage choices for the coming year.
Review health plan information and do research in advance of Oct. 15
Medicare Advantage enrollment options become available Oct. 1. This information deserves careful review. It provides details about current coverage and serves as a valuable resource for comparing 2027 Medicare Advantage options when that information becomes available Oct. 1.
Know the important dates
- Oct. 1, 2026: Plan options become available for review. Due to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, insurance carriers will not be able to discuss anything about 2027 plan options before this date.
- Oct. 15–Dec. 7, 2026: The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period takes place.
Prepare for open enrollment
Understand their healthcare usage over the past year, including how often they go to the doctor, which prescription medications they have and if they access specialists regularly. This helps when considering 2027 options and determining what will meet their health care and prescription drug needs.
Contact Medicare Advantage Member Services
Contact Excellus BCBS Medicare Advantage Member Services by calling the number on the back of their member ID card, or speak with a licensed Medicare representative with questions about Medicare Advantage open enrollment dates and deadlines.
As a health plan rooted in our local communities, Excellus BCBS is actively exploring deeper partnerships with our providers to address rising costs and advocating for policy solutions to strengthen and enhance benefits for older adults. Our local teams are here to guide and support members and we remain deeply committed to helping them through the annual enrollment period.
