Excellus BCBS bill payment basics

Excellus BCBS is a regional health insurance plan serving New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. To pay your monthly premium, you have four main routes: automatic bank withdrawal, online payment through your member account, mailing a check, or paying by phone with a customer service representative. The method you choose affects when the payment posts and whether you risk a late fee if you miss your due date.

Your bill is due on the first of each month unless your plan documents state otherwise. Excellus sends bills by mail or email depending on your preferences. If you have not received a bill and your due date is approaching, log into your member account or call the number on your insurance card to confirm the amount owed and the exact due date for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Excellus BCBS bills are due on the first of the month, and you can pay online, by automatic withdrawal, by check, or by phone.
  • Automatic bank withdrawal is the most reliable way to avoid late fees because the payment is scheduled in advance and does not depend on mail delivery.
  • Online payment through your member account typically posts within one to two business days, while mailed checks can take one to two weeks.
  • If you miss a payment, Excellus will send a notice before canceling coverage, but the exact timeline depends on your plan type and state.
  • You can change your payment method or due date by contacting Excellus customer service or updating your account online.

Setting up automatic bank withdrawal

Automatic withdrawal is the safest option because the payment leaves your account on a set day each month without you having to remember. Log into your Excellus member account, go to the billing or account settings section, and select the option to enroll in automatic payments. You will need your bank account number and routing number. Excellus will ask you to confirm the bank account once before the first withdrawal processes.

The withdrawal typically happens on the first of the month or a few days before, depending on your plan. Once enrolled, you do not need to do anything each month unless you want to change the amount, the bank account, or the withdrawal date. If your bank account closes or changes, update it in your member account right away to prevent a failed payment and potential late fees.

Paying online through your member account

To pay online, visit the Excellus BCBS website and log into your member account using your member ID and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one by providing your member ID, date of birth, and email address. Once logged in, look for a "Pay Bill" or "Make a Payment" button, usually found on the billing or account overview page.

You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. The payment posts within one to two business days. Keep in mind that if you pay with a credit card, the credit card company may charge you a cash advance fee or treat it as a purchase with interest, depending on your card terms. Paying from a bank account directly typically has no additional fee.

Online payments are recorded immediately in your account, so you will see a confirmation number right away. Save this confirmation number in case you need to reference the payment later. If the payment does not post within two business days, contact Excellus customer service with your confirmation number.

Mailing a check or paying by phone

If you prefer to mail a check, write your member ID on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your bill or on the Excellus website. Checks typically take one to two weeks to arrive and post, so mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee. Include your member ID on the envelope as well so the payment gets matched to your account quickly.

To pay by phone, call the customer service number on your insurance card or bill. A representative will take your payment information over the phone. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The payment is recorded immediately, but it may take one to two business days to post to your account. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment is late, Excellus will send you a notice by mail or email alerting you that your account is past due. The notice will state how many days you have to pay before coverage is canceled. The exact number of days varies by state and plan type, but it is typically 30 days from the due date. During this grace period, your coverage remains active even though you owe money.

If you do not pay by the end of the grace period, Excellus will cancel your coverage. Once canceled, you will need to contact Excellus to reinstate your plan, and there may be a waiting period before coverage resumes. If you know you will be late, call Excellus before the due date to discuss payment options or a possible extension. Some plans offer hardship programs or payment plans for members facing temporary financial difficulty.

Changing your payment method or due date

You can change how you pay or when your bill is due by logging into your member account or calling customer service. If you want to switch from mailing checks to automatic withdrawal, or from one bank account to another, make the change at least a week before your next due date to ensure the new method is set up in time.

If your due date does not work with your pay schedule, ask Excellus whether you can move it to a different day of the month. Not all plans allow this, but many do. The change usually takes effect within one to two billing cycles, so confirm the new date in writing or in your member account before relying on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Excellus BCBS bill with a credit card online?

Yes, you can pay with a credit card through your member account or by phone. However, your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee or interest depending on how they classify the payment. Check your card's terms before paying this way, or consider paying directly from your bank account instead.

What if I pay online but the payment does not show up in my account?

Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If it has been longer, log back into your account and look for a confirmation number from your payment. Call customer service with that number to confirm the payment was received. Do not pay again until you have confirmed the first payment did not go through.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?

Some Excellus plans offer payment arrangements for members facing hardship. Call the customer service number on your bill to ask whether your plan qualifies and what documentation you need to provide. It is better to contact them before your payment is late rather than after.

Does Excellus charge a fee to pay by phone or online?

Excellus does not charge a fee for online payments or phone payments made directly from your bank account. Credit card payments may incur a fee from your credit card company, not from Excellus. Automatic withdrawal is also free.

What should I do if my bank account information changes?

Update your bank account in your member account as soon as possible if you switch banks or close an account. If you have automatic withdrawal set up, the old account will fail and you may be charged a late fee. You can update it online or by calling customer service.