Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a trusted health insurance provider that has been in operation for over 90 years. BCBS offers a range of health insurance plans, including individual and family plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and international coverage. With a large provider network of over 1.7 million in-network providers, BCBS is accepted in all 50 states and offers plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. In addition to health insurance, BCBS also provides dental and prescription drug plans. BCBS is committed to making healthcare insurance easy, affordable, and attainable for all, with excellent digital tools for managing healthcare and accessing benefits.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type | Private |
Number of Insurers | 33 |
Number of Providers | Over 1.7 million |
Service Area | All 50 states |
Plan Types | HMO, EPO, PPO, POS |
Metal Tier Plans | Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum |
Global Coverage | Over 200 countries |
Dental Coverage | Pediatric essential benefits until the end of the month in which they turn 19 |
Vision Plan | Blue 20/20 vision plan |
Wellness Discounts | Blue365 |
Online Account Management | MyBlue |
What You'll Learn
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers four types of health plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a United States-based federation with 33 independent and locally-operated companies that provide health insurance in the US to more than 115 million people. BCBS offers four types of health plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace:
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans: These typically only cover in-network care by network providers. HMO plans generally require members to name a primary care provider to oversee care and get referrals to see specialists.
- Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans: EPO plans require members to get in-network care but do not require a referral to see a specialist, unlike HMOs.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans: PPO plans offer more flexibility but at a higher premium than HMOs and EPOs. They allow members to get out-of-network care, which is more expensive than in-network care. PPOs also don't require referrals to see specialists.
- Point of Service (POS) plans: POS plans combine elements of PPO and HMO plans. They usually pay for care outside of your provider network but at a higher cost than in-network care. POS plans require members to name a primary care provider and get a referral to see a specialist.
BCBS has been a trusted provider for over 90 years and offers a full range of healthcare coverage solutions for people who live, work and travel internationally. BCBS members have access to exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services. BCBS is committed to making healthcare insurance easy, affordable and attainable for all.
MassHealth: Private Insurance or Public Option?
You may want to see also
BCBS is made up of 33 independent, regionally operated companies
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is made up of 33 independent, regionally operated companies. BCBS has been a trusted health insurance provider for over 90 years, serving families across the country. With a commitment to making healthcare insurance easy, affordable and attainable for all, BCBS offers a range of health plans to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families and small businesses.
The 33 independent and regionally operated BCBS companies are spread across the United States, with at least one insurer in each state. This includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, and many others. By having regionally operated companies, BCBS is able to provide tailored services that cater to the specific needs of each state and community.
BCBS offers a wide range of health insurance plans, including individual and family health plans, Medicare plans, and group health insurance through employers. They provide all four metal tier plans in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. BCBS also offers four types of health plans: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Point of Service (POS) plans.
In addition to their comprehensive health insurance options, BCBS also provides additional benefits to their members. Through their Blue Distinction® Specialty Care programs, members can access high-quality doctors and hospitals that provide exceptional patient care. BCBS members also have exclusive access to discounts on health and wellness products and services, as well as global coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™ for those who live, work and travel internationally.
With their large provider network, BCBS ensures that members have a wide choice of healthcare providers and can easily find in-network doctors and hospitals. This includes over 1.7 million in-network providers, with plans accepted in all 50 states. BCBS is committed to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to its members, and their plans are designed to meet the diverse needs and budgets of individuals, families, and businesses.
Harvard Pilgrim and Taylor Benefits: Private Insurance Options
You may want to see also
BCBS members have access to exclusive discounts
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a trusted health insurance provider that has been in operation for over 90 years. BCBS offers a range of benefits to its members, including exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services.
As a BCBS member, you can enjoy savings on fitness reimbursements and discounts on holistic services. You can also take advantage of the Blue365 program, which offers free health and wellness discounts on fitness products, such as Fitbit, as well as price breaks on Target Optical and meal boxes from Freshly.
In addition to these exclusive discounts, BCBS members have access to the MyBlue app, which allows them to view their coverage, find in-network doctors, track and manage claims, and submit fitness and weight-loss reimbursements. The app also includes a 24/7 Nurse Line, providing instant access to registered nurses at no additional cost.
For those seeking dental coverage, BCBS offers separate dental policies that cover pediatric essential dental benefits for members until the end of the calendar month in which they turn 19. BCBS also provides Medicare Advantage plans and group health insurance through employers, in addition to individual health insurance.
With a commitment to making healthcare insurance easy, affordable, and attainable for all, BCBS is a reliable choice for individuals and families seeking comprehensive health coverage.
Tufts Private Insurance: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
BCBS offers group health insurance through employers
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a trusted health insurance provider that has been in operation for over 90 years. It offers group health insurance plans for employers of all sizes, from small businesses to large corporations with a national reach. Their plans are designed to be flexible and affordable, helping businesses create a healthier and more productive workplace while attracting and retaining top talent.
BCBS understands that every business has unique health insurance requirements, and they tailor their solutions to meet those needs. They offer a comprehensive portfolio of network options, including medical, dental, vision, and behavioural health services. Their plans are designed to provide employees with access and choice through a broad network of doctors and hospitals, ensuring they receive quality care.
One of the key advantages of BCBS group health insurance is their commitment to lowering costs while improving care. They achieve this through various cost-saving measures, such as their BlueSelect Network, which localizes networks to deliver incremental savings. Additionally, their Blue High Performance Network® focuses on enhancing quality and increasing savings by providing access to a comprehensive network of quality providers.
BCBS also offers innovative programs, personalized digital health tools, health coaches, care advocates, rewards and incentives, and virtual visits. These features not only help keep employees healthy and happy but also contribute to cost savings for businesses. Their user-friendly mobile apps and digital tools make it simple to manage benefits and enrollment, providing support to businesses every step of the way.
With their deep local roots and national breadth, BCBS is dedicated to improving the health of the businesses and communities they serve. They have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by companies regarding medical and healthcare, and they use their expansive data and insights to drive equity and affordability. BCBS is committed to making healthcare insurance easy, affordable, and attainable for all.
EmblemHealth: Private Insurance, Public Benefits
You may want to see also
BCBS health insurance costs an average of $665 a month
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a trusted health insurance provider that has been in operation for over 90 years. BCBS offers a range of health insurance plans, including individual, family, group, and Medicare coverage, as well as dental and vision insurance. The cost of BCBS health insurance plans can vary depending on several factors, but on average, a BCBS plan costs $665 per month. This cost may differ depending on the type of plan, the metal tier, the subscriber's age, location, and smoking status.
BCBS offers all four metal tier plans: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The monthly cost of a silver plan for a 40-year-old is $603, which is higher than competitors like Aetna and Cigna. The cost of a typical HMO plan is $539 per month, while a PPO plan costs $685 per month, making PPO plans more expensive.
BCBS also offers Medicare Advantage plans, which cost an average of $38 per month when drug coverage is included. They provide Medicare Supplement plans and separate Part D (drug coverage) plans as well. BCBS has a wide range of doctors and hospitals in its network, with over 90% acceptance, making it convenient to find covered medical care.
In addition to health insurance, BCBS provides exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services for its members. They also have international coverage for those who live, work, or travel abroad. With a large provider network of over 1.7 million in-network providers, BCBS plans are accepted in all 50 states, making it easier to find an in-network provider and save money.
BCBS is committed to making healthcare insurance easy, affordable, and attainable for everyone. They offer a variety of plans to meet different needs and budgets. The cost of a BCBS plan can vary depending on various factors, but it is essential to consider the benefits and coverage provided when choosing a health insurance plan.
Blue Cross Insurance: Private or Public Option?
You may want to see also