Excellus BlueCross BlueShield announces availability of 2026 Health Plan Overview

ROCHESTER, NY - Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has released its 2026 Health Plan Overview, highlighting the organization's continued focus on improving access, health outcomes and affordability across upstate New York.

As a local, nonprofit health plan serving 1.5 million members, the report reinforces Excellus BCBS's commitment to reinvesting in the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves.

The Overview's key highlights include:

• Delivering value and improving affordability - Excellus BCBS continues to direct the vast majority of premium dollars to care
  • 92 cents of every premium dollar was spent on healthcare in 2025
  • Approximately $7 billion paid in 2025 in medical and pharmacy benefits
  • A long-standing commitment to modest margins, averaging 1.5% over 20 years

• Investing in local communities - The organization maintains a deep commitment to community health and local engagement:
  • Funding 500+ community projects in 2025 focused on critical health and social needs
  • Supporting members through local resource centers and community-based programs
  • Engaging a workforce of 4,000+ employees rooted in the region

• Helping people stay healthier, which can keep health care costs from rising as quickly
  • Our programs focus on improving health and addressing the root causes of rising costs

"Our commitment goes beyond providing coverage-we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve," said Jim Reed, president and CEO of Excellus BCBS. "Every investment we make, from supporting local programs to helping members navigate care, is about strengthening the places we call home and improving the health of our neighbors."

The full 2026 Health Plan OverviewOpen a PDF is now available and provides additional detail on the organization's performance, partnerships, and priorities for the future.

Contact:Edward Byrnes [email protected]