Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of 34 independent and locally-operated companies that provide health insurance in the United States. BCBS offers a personalized approach to healthcare, working closely with hospitals and doctors in the communities they serve to provide quality, affordable healthcare. With over 1.7 million doctors and hospitals contracting with BCBS companies, they are the most widely accepted insurer in the country. BCBS offers coverage to individuals and families in all 50 states, as well as those who reside outside the United States, making it a popular choice for those seeking comprehensive and accessible healthcare options.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of Insurance | Private |
Number of Members | 115 million |
Area of Coverage | All 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and many foreign countries |
Number of Doctors and Hospitals under Contract | 1.7 million |
International Coverage | Yes, through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™ or GeoBlue |
Website | bcbs.com |
Mobile App | MyBlue |
Year Founded | 1929 |
What You'll Learn
BCBS offers personalized healthcare to members in all 50 states
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has been providing healthcare coverage to members since 1929. BCBS offers personalized healthcare to members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. With over 1.7 million doctors and hospitals contracting with BCBS companies, it has the widest network of healthcare providers nationwide.
BCBS understands that healthcare needs vary from community to community and person to person. That's why they offer personalized healthcare solutions based on the needs of the communities where their members live and work. They work closely with hospitals and doctors in the communities they serve to ensure their members have access to quality, affordable healthcare.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is made up of 33 to 35 independent, community-based, and locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies. These companies provide healthcare coverage to more than 107 million members across the country, with plans available in every state.
BCBS also provides coverage for individuals who permanently reside outside the United States, as well as short-term and long-term travel insurance options. Through their Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™ and GeoBlue programs, they offer healthcare solutions for people who live, work, and travel internationally.
With BCBS, members can feel confident that they are getting the right healthcare coverage for their unique needs. The company is committed to empowering Americans with health coverage that meets their individual and community-specific requirements.
BCBS's personalized approach to healthcare is further exemplified by their Blue Distinction® specialty care programs, which help connect members with doctors and hospitals that provide exceptional patient care. They also offer exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services, as well as remote doctor visits and telehealth services for added convenience.
In conclusion, BCBS's presence in all 50 states and its personalized approach to healthcare make it a reliable and accessible option for individuals and families seeking comprehensive healthcare coverage.
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BCBS has 33-35 independent, locally operated companies
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of 33 to 35 independent, locally operated companies. These companies are licensees, independent of the association and of each other, offering insurance plans within defined regions under one or both of the association's brands.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) owns and manages the Blue Cross and Blue Shield trademarks and names in more than 170 countries. The Association grants licenses to independent companies to use the trademarks and names in exclusive geographic areas. BCBSA also manages communications between its members and the operating policies required to be a licensee of the trademarks. This permits each BCBSA company to offer nationwide insurance coverage through its BlueCard provider network and claims reimbursement program, even though it operates only in its designated service area.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) is a nationwide option under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) for US federal government employees and retirees. FEP enrols over half of the federal workforce, with over 5 million members, making it the largest insurer of federal employees and the largest single health plan group in the world.
BCBS companies have provided healthcare coverage to members since 1929, allowing them to live free of worry and fear. In every ZIP code, BCBS offers a personalized approach to healthcare based on the needs of the communities where their members live and work. They work closely with hospitals and doctors in the communities they serve to provide quality, affordable healthcare.
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BCBS covers federal employees, retirees, and their families
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a federation of independent and locally operated companies that provide health insurance in the United States. It is the top choice of U.S. federal employees, retirees, and their families, enrolling more than half of all U.S. federal employees. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) is a nationwide option under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) and has been part of the program since its inception in 1960.
The FEP covers roughly 5.6 million federal employees, retirees, and their families out of the more than 8.5 million people who receive their benefits through the FEHB Program. The program offers comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision, and is committed to providing affordable and accessible healthcare. BCBS companies serve more than 17 million unionized workers, retirees, and their families, which is more than any other insurer.
The FEP offers a comprehensive suite of resources to help current and prospective members choose the best medical, dental, and vision plans for themselves and their families. This includes tools such as the AskBlue medical, dental, and vision plan finder, prescription drug cost tool, and health cost advisor tool. The program also provides enhanced benefits in specific areas, such as hypertension management, pregnancy care, and dental and vision benefits for children.
In addition, the FEP has introduced innovative solutions to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability. For example, the program offers a Medicare prescription drug program, expanded mental health counseling, and enhanced fertility services. The FEP also provides international support through GeoBlue, which offers a worldwide network of quality healthcare providers and hospitals, direct payments, and 24/7 care coordination for members living or travelling abroad.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program is committed to meeting the diverse needs of federal employees, retirees, and their families, providing quality healthcare coverage, and ensuring accessibility and affordability.
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BCBS offers international healthcare solutions
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a United States-based federation with 34 or 35 independent and locally-operated companies that provide health insurance in the United States to more than 115 million people. BCBS offers a full range of healthcare solutions for people who live, work, and travel internationally.
BCBS Global™
BCBS Global™ offers international healthcare coverage for employers, individuals, and students, providing peace of mind for everyone from short-term travellers to long-term expatriates, worldwide. BCBS Global™ is offered through GeoBlue and Bupa Global.
GeoBlue
GeoBlue is an international health insurance product offered in the US via the BCBS network. It is available for individuals, students, and employers. GeoBlue's mission is to provide peace of mind to long- and short-term global travellers by offering competitive insurance protection and technology-powered assistance.
Bupa Global
Bupa Global is the international health insurance arm of Bupa, a UK-headquartered international healthcare company. Bupa Global provides products and services for globally-minded and mobile people who want premium coverage and access to healthcare anytime, anywhere in the world. Bupa Global has offices in London, Brighton (UK), Miami (USA), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dubai (UAE), and Hong Kong (China), as well as regional offices in Mainland China, Singapore, Egypt, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Brazil, Panama, Guatemala, and Ecuador.
BlueCard Worldwide®
BlueCard Worldwide® is a basic international benefit offered as part of most BCBS employer-sponsored health insurance policies. It processes international claims and reimburses medical professionals or members for medical costs incurred abroad.
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BCBS offers exclusive discounts on health and wellness products
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a United States-based federation with 34 independent and locally-operated companies that provide health insurance in the United States to more than 115 million people. BCBS offers exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services through its Blue365® program.
The Blue365® program offers a range of deals to support members' health and wellness goals. These include:
- Wearable devices and home gym equipment
- Virtual workout classes and access to gyms
- Meal kit subscriptions, chef-prepared entrees, and weight management plans
- LASIK surgery and hearing aids
- Skin care products, oral care, and mental well-being services
- Lodging, car rentals, and vacation packages
- Financial, family health, and pet health services
In addition to these exclusive discounts, BCBS members can also take advantage of other incentives and rewards for taking an active role in their health. For example, members can earn up to $170 by taking the Blue Health Assessment (BHA) and meeting their health goals. BCBS also offers a Discount Drug Program, which provides lower prices on prescription drugs not covered by their pharmacy benefits.
BCBS is committed to helping its members achieve their health goals and live their best lives. With a range of exclusive discounts and incentives, members can access the tools and resources they need to improve their physical and mental well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a federation of 34 independent and locally-operated companies that provide health insurance in the United States. BCBS offers a personalized approach to healthcare, working closely with hospitals and doctors to provide quality, affordable healthcare.
Yes, BCBS is considered private insurance. BCBS companies have provided healthcare coverage to members since 1929, allowing them to live free of worry and fear.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) is a nationwide option under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) for US federal government employees and retirees. It has been part of FEHB since its inception in 1960 and is the largest insurer of federal employees and the largest single health plan group in the world.