BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is now Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York (Highmark BCBSWNY). Rest assured, only the name has changed, but your plan, benefits, and coverage will stay the same.
We have served families in New York since 1936. Your health is our purpose. We can help you get the most from your Medicaid and Child Health Plus benefits!
PrEP can prevent HIV
PrEP Awareness Week, October 25-31, 2021
Medication — PrEP (HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) — can prevent HIV. For details about taking this medication, talk to your primary care provider or read these facts from the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute.
Pick the right plan for you
Medicaid
For pregnant women, families with children and children under age 19
Health and Recovery Plan (HARP)
For adults 21 or older who have Medicaid, and have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder
Child Health Plus
For children under 19 years old who don’t qualify for Medicaid and don’t have health benefits
Looking for free or low-cost health insurance?
See if you’re eligible, and find out how to choose Highmark BCBSWNY.
Updates and announcements
Reminder for Medicaid members
Starting September 1, 2022, you will need to use a prescriber and pharmacy that is enrolled with Medicaid Fee for Service. If your prescriber or pharmacy is not enrolled with Medicaid Fee for Service, the prescriptions and supplies that they prescribe or fill will not be covered. You should have received a letter from us in June 2022 if you filled a prescription by a prescriber or pharmacy who was not enrolled. Please follow the instructions in the letter to find a new provider or pharmacy before September 1, 2022. You can use the Find a Doctor tool to find a provider or pharmacy enrolled in Medicaid Fee for Service.
Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)
Covered services provided adhere to the Paul Wellstone and Pete Dominici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), 42 U.S.C. 18031(j), along with any subsequent amendments, federal guidance, and regulations related to those Acts. Comparative analyses are conducted following the guidelines outlined in MHPAEA. The latest comparative analysis can be found at Compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Comprehensive Report: New York Medicaid Managed Care, Alternative Benefit Plan, and Children´s Health Insurance Program (ny.gov)
Health and Recovery Plan (HARP)
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York Health and Recovery Plan (HARP) is available for eligible Medicaid members ages 21 or older. Learn more.
Children’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Starting October 1, 2019, Highmark BCBSWNY will cover Children’s HCBS for eligible Medicaid members. Learn more in your Member Handbook update: August 2019 Member Handbook Update – English
LiveHealth Online ― quick and easy access to care
Can’t get to your doctor? Visit a doctor 24/7 through video chat using LiveHealth Online. All you need is your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Don’t wait until your next sick day.
Learn more about LiveHealth Online
Need help? Let’s chat!
You can chat with a live person Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Thinking about pregnancy? Learn more.