Excellus BCBS Medicare Broker News Vol. 7 No. 9

2026 Medicare Star Ratings

CMS has released its 2026 Medicare Star Ratings. These ratings measure a plan’s performance in areas such as quality of care provided to members, clinical outcomes and preventive care, member satisfaction and operational performance. Excellus BCBS is thrilled to announce that their HMO and PDP plans ranked above average for the 13th year in a row.

This year’s ratings include:

• 4.5 out of 5 stars for their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP)
• 4 out of 5 stars for their Medicare Advantage HMO plan
• 3.5 out of 5 stars for their Medicare Advantage PPO plan

While performance improved across many quality measures, updates to CMS methodology—including higher thresholds for nearly 60% of metrics—presented new challenges in achieving top ratings.

Excellus BCBS remains committed to advancing member health outcomes and delivering exceptional care.

Reminder: All enrollment kit and product brochure orders must be placed in Sales Hub. Log in to Sales Hub now to order your 2026 materials.

• 2026 HMO Star Ratings Sheet (PDF)
• 2026 PPO Star Ratings Sheet (PDF)
• Order 2026 Sales Materials From Sales Hub

Medicare Part D Updates

Excellus BCBS has two formulary updates to share with broker partners.

• Humalog will be added back to the formulary for 2026. To limit disruption to members, Excellus will no longer recommend a clinically appropriate, less expensive alternative for Humalog. The drug will remain on formulary for 2026.
• New GLP-1 indication: Wegovy (semaglutide) now has an FDA-approved indication to treat metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in moderate to advanced liver fibrosis.

Use the link below to view the formulary or order print copies on behalf of members.

• Check the Drug List/Formulary
• Request A Formulary For An Existing Member

Agent Of Record Change Update

Excellus announced changes to their Agent of Record policy at their broker first look event in August. These changes will make it easier for clients to request an AOR update if they are working with a new broker. Please note that these changes will not take effect until January 1, 2026. The AOR change form will not be available until after AEP. Please keep an eye on monthly newsletters and Sales Hub, as this is where the AOR change form will be shared once its available.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Broker Account Services.

Special Election Period Notice

30.6.10 – SEP for Individuals whose plan or contract is terminated or non-renewed

This Special Election Period exists for members of Medicare Advantage plans affected by a termination of contract by an MA organization. For 2026, this will include members who are currently enrolled in the following plans:

For members in Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, & Yates counties: Medicare Blue Choice® Discovery, Blue Choice® Select, Blue Choice® Extra, Blue Choice® Advanced, and Blue Choice® Value Plus.

For members in Lewis, Oswego, Oneida, Onondaga, Madison, Cayuga, Cortland, Tioga, & Steuben counties: Medicare BlueFlex

For members in Broome, Tompkins, Jefferson, Schuyler, Chemung, Chenango, Herkimer, & St. Lawrence counties: Medicare BlueFlex, BlueEssential, BlueActive, and BlueClassic.

Members impacted by a plan discontinuation will be able to use this SEP to select a new plan starting December 8th, 2025 until February 28th, 2026. Please note that the termination effective date for the plans listed above is January 1, 2026. Members will need to select a new plan prior to January 1st, or they will be defaulted to Original Medicare.

CMS Disenrollment Guidance (PDF)

REMINDER: Informational Events For Discontinued Members

To support you and your clients who are impacted by 2026 plan discontinuations, Excellus BCBS will be holding virtual webinars throughout AEP. These educational events will be hosted regularly by the team to help members understand the plan changes, the options available to them, and next steps to take. It is their hope that by sending your clients to these events to learn more, Excellus can save you time and make for more meaningful conversations with those you need to meet with.

Save the Dates:

• Rochester members: Every Tuesday @ 12pm from October 7th through November 11th
• CNY members: Every Wednesday @ 12pm from October 8th through November 12th

Member registration links are below. Please reach out to the Broker Account Services team with any questions.

• Rochester Member Registration
• CNY Member Registration

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