Navigating The Path To Changing Blue Cross Insurance Plans

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a range of health insurance plans to cater to different needs. Whether you're an individual, a family, or an employer, Blue Cross has got you covered. Changing your health insurance plan can be a confusing process, but Blue Cross Blue Shield can help you explore your options. Typically, you would need to wait for the open enrollment period to make changes to your health plan, but there are exceptions for certain life events such as moving to a new state, getting married, or having a baby. Blue Cross Blue Shield provides coverage for people who live, work, and travel internationally, ensuring that quality care is accessible whenever and wherever it's needed.

Moving to a new state

If you're moving to a new state, you'll need to make some changes to your insurance. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you're covered:

• Contact your insurance provider: Get in touch with your current health and car insurance companies to inform them of your move. Ask if they offer coverage in your new state and about any changes in costs or requirements.
• Review state requirements: Each state has different insurance laws and requirements. Check the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for your new state to understand the specific rules and regulations for health and car insurance.
• Obtain necessary coverage: If your current insurance provider doesn't operate in your new state, you'll need to purchase new insurance. Shop around and get quotes from multiple companies to find the best plan for you. Remember that moving to a new state triggers a special enrollment period for health insurance, allowing you to select a new plan right away.
• Update your address: Ensure that both your insurance providers and the DMV have your new address. This is important for billing and coverage purposes.
• Register your vehicle: Visit the DMV in your new state to register your vehicle and obtain a new license plate. Bring the necessary documentation, including proof of insurance, driver's license, vehicle title, and proof of residence and identity.
• Obtain a new driver's license: In most states, you can obtain a new driver's license when registering your vehicle. In some cases, you may need to go to a different location for a photograph. Fill out the required forms and pay the license fee.
• Cancel your old policies: Once you have confirmed that your new insurance policies are in place, don't forget to cancel your old policies. Ensure that the end date of your old policy aligns with the start date of your new one to avoid any gaps in coverage.

Remember that it's crucial to plan ahead and make these changes promptly to avoid any lapses in coverage and potential fines.

Losing your job

Special Enrollment Period:

If you lose your job and, as a result, your health plan, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to get a new Blue Cross and Blue Shield Individual and Family plan. This option is available in various states, such as Texas and Illinois. During this special period, you can purchase a new plan within 60 days before or after your employer's plan ends. You will need to provide documentation, such as a company letter or job records, to prove your life event date.

COBRA Coverage:

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, is a federal program that allows you to keep the same coverage you had through your job. With COBRA, you pay the full monthly cost of the insurance, as your employer is no longer contributing. To qualify for COBRA, your employer must have had 20 or more full-time employees, and your employment must have ended or been terminated, resulting in a loss of insurance coverage. You can learn more about COBRA by contacting your former employer's human resources representative or visiting the U.S. Department of Labor website.

Medicare or Medicaid:

Depending on your age and income, you may be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid. If you are under 65 and have lost your health coverage, you may be able to enroll in an Individual and Family health plan. These plans offer different levels of coverage, known as metallic levels, with varying monthly payments, deductibles, and copays. If you are approaching 65 or are already 65, you can enroll in Medicare, which has specific parts that you can choose from and build upon. On the other hand, if you have a low income or a disability, you may qualify for Medicaid, a state-run program that provides health insurance for those in need.

Confirm Your Doctor's Network:

When switching to a new insurance plan, it's important to confirm that your current doctor accepts your new plan. Contact the doctor's office and provide them with the full name of the plan to ensure they are within the network. This will help you avoid paying more or full costs for out-of-network doctors.

Remember, it's essential to maintain health coverage, especially during life changes such as job loss. By exploring these options, you can make an informed decision to ensure you have the necessary insurance protection.

Getting married

If you have had at least one day of health care coverage during the 60 days before your wedding, you can make changes to your plan within 60 days of your wedding day. After that, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period.

If you don't have a health plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield have many plans to choose from to fit your new family and budget. You can get started by visiting your local BCBS company website for details on your coverage options.

If you already have a Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plan, there are a few ways to add your new spouse to your plan. If you enrolled directly with Blue Cross and Blue Shield online, log in to your account or call their customer service number. If you enrolled on the Health Insurance Marketplace, log in to your Marketplace account. If you have health care coverage through your employer, call your company's benefits or HR department.

If you don't qualify for special enrollment, you may still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, depending on your income. There is no special enrollment period for these government-offered coverage options, so you can apply at any time.

Having a baby

If you have a Blue Cross health plan, you can add your new baby to your plan by logging into your account. If you enrolled on the Health Insurance Marketplace, log in to your Marketplace account. If you have health care coverage through your employer, call your company's benefits or HR department.

It is important to add your child to your health insurance as soon as possible. Most plans require babies to be added within 30 days, though some allow 60 days. You will need to provide a copy of the birth certificate to add your baby to your plan.

If you don't have a health plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield have many plans to choose from to fit your new family and budget.

Losing insurance coverage

Common Reasons for Loss of Coverage

Life changes that may cause a loss of coverage include:

• Losing job-based health coverage
• Losing a family member's job-based coverage plan
• Changes in your household, such as getting divorced or having a death in the family
• Changes in residence, such as moving to a new ZIP code where your plan doesn't offer coverage

What to Do if You Lose Your Insurance Coverage

If you lose your insurance coverage, you can:

• Buy a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace: When you lose your job—whether you left voluntarily or were laid off—you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. If you lost your health insurance in the last 60 days or expect to lose your coverage in the next 60 days, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan. You usually have 60 days from the life event to enroll in a new plan, but you should report your change as soon as possible.
• Get COBRA coverage: The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives you and your family the option to use your employer's group health benefits while you transition to a new job or experience other life changes. You can stay on the plan for up to 18 months, but you will pay the full premium costs plus an administrative fee.
• Get subsidized coverage: When you provide details about your income during the Marketplace application, you may qualify for cost savings programs. For example, the premium tax credit can lower your monthly premium, and cost-sharing reductions can help pay your out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
• Get Medicaid coverage: Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid coverage. Each state has a Medicaid program designed to help adults and families with low incomes get the healthcare they need. You can apply for Medicaid at any time, but eligibility is based on your income for the entire year, so if your income was high at the beginning of the year, you may not qualify.
• Get CHIP coverage: The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for pregnant women, children, and families with low incomes. You can apply for CHIP at any time through the Marketplace or by contacting your state CHIP program directly.
• Change to a Blue Cross plan that you buy yourself: If you lose your employer-provided insurance due to a job loss, you qualify for special enrollment. You'll have up to 60 days before and 60 days after your employer's plan ends to purchase a plan.

Frequently asked questions