Saturday, November 01, 2025
Buffalo, NY (November 1, 2025)—Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield announced its Individual Market Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance products for 2026 in Western and Northeastern New York, offering individuals and families high-quality and convenient coverage options tailored to their lives and health goals.
“The ACA marketplace has been a vital part of the U.S. healthcare system for more than a decade, ensuring that Americans who don’t receive insurance through work or another government program are protected and connected to high-quality care,” says Bill Tuthill, vice president of Federal Markets for Highmark. “We know that a lot is changing this year, and our customer service team is ready to help consumers navigate through those changes and choose the best plan for them.”
“Highmark has been a reliable, dependable partner for ACA consumers since the beginning,” says Ellen Galardy, president of Federal Business at Highmark. “We want to remind people that ACA plans cover all ten essential health benefits, including doctor visits and maternity care, and provide access to important preventive care at no cost to the member. And, starting this year, all bronze and catastrophic ACA plans are eligible to be paired with a Health Savings Account, allowing members to use tax-advantaged funds to pay for their care.”
2026 Individual and Family plans
Highmark will offer my Blue Access EX plans in all eight counties of Western New York and all 13 counties of Northeastern New York for 2026. These plans provide individuals and families with access to Highmark’s broadest network of doctors and hospitals.
Plus, no plans require referrals to see a specialist and include in-network coverage for services received from 97 percent of hospitals and over 2 million providers nationwide through the BlueCard® program, including facilities in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York City.
While the open enrollment period runs through January 31, consumers must enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts on January 1. For more information on Highmark’s 2026 ACA health insurance products, visit Highmark.com or call 855-344-3425.
About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is the region’s largest and longest-standing health plan, with roots in Western New York dating back to 1936. Today, it is an affiliate of Highmark Inc., the fifth largest overall Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated organization in the country with more than 7 million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and western and northeastern New York. The company insures over 500k members and employs nearly 1,600 team members across New York State. It is one of the region’s strongest corporate citizens, investing over $8 million into 200 non-profit partners across New York. The company generates over $1 billion in economic impact in New York. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
About Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York
Highmark Blue Shield has roots in the Capital Region dating back to 1946. Today, it is an affiliate of Highmark Inc., the fifth largest overall Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated organization in the country with more than 7 million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and western and northeastern New York. The company insures over 100k members and employs over 130 team members in the Capital Region. It is one of the region’s strongest corporate citizens, investing over $8 million into 200 non-profit partners across New York. The company generates over $1 billion in economic impact in New York. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
For more information, contact:
Kyle Rogers
kyle.rogers@highmarkhealth.org
716-341-3184
