Health Insurance

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health Insurance

Health care coverage is among the most important and controversial issues facing Americans today. Having a good health care insurance plan with nearly universal acceptance gives you the freedom to utilize a wide range of health care professionals and services.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield provides health care coverage for more than100 million Americans and is accepted by about 90 percent of all hospitals and carry 80 percent of all doctors. Blue Cross coverage can be used at any time, whether you’re traveling abroad or at home, and offers financial flexibility. Blue Cross is the government’s top choice when it comes to insurance and one of the only insurers in the country able to administer Medicare policies.

Blue Cross offers a variety of health care insurance options. A Health Savings Account enables members to save money in a tax-exempt account with all funds deposited being tax-deductible and available for medical expenses. A Point of Service account gives members the choice to visit a doctor in their approved network or to seek medical attention elsewhere.

A Blue Cross Flexible Spending Account lets members allocate pre-tax dollars toward specified dependent and medical care expenses. Funds are provided by members who make contributions directly from their paycheck. A Health Maintenance Organization plan provides comprehensive service to members and offers more coverage and service delivery at lower costs. Members must choose a doctor within their designated network and can visit an external physician only if referred.

Blue Cross’ Preferred Provider Organization coverage offers a discounted price while allowing a policyholder to choose among doctors in and outside of the Blue Cross network. And an Indemnity and Traditional Coverage plan lets members choose any doctor in the country as their primary physician.

As one of the few insurers allowed to administer Medicare plans, Blue Cross offers several options for America’s disabled and senior citizens. A MedicareBlue Preferred Provider Organization plan offers a wide selection of specialists and hospitals in and out of the Blue Cross network. Drug coverage and comprehensive medical is offered at a lower cost.

A Basic Medicare Blue plan allows policyholders to visit any doctor without a referral. The policy is moderately priced and can help fill gaps in Medicare coverage. Basic Medicare Blue includes emergency health care coverage accepted by 80 percent of out-of-country hospitals and gives members the option of adding preventive-care coverage for another $5 per month.

Blue Cross’ Senior Gold policy covers all deductibles and copay payments for visits to doctors in the Blue Cross network and lets members see doctors without a referral. Depending on where you live, some plans can be customized to add dental protection.

The MedicareBlue Rx prescription drug plan covers the cost of prescription drugs as well as a wide range of medications and can be used at 60,000 pharmacy chains across the country. Blue Cross’ Vantage Blue plan offers Medicare coverage for as little as $36 a month and gives the policyholder the ability to visit any clinic or doctor within the Blue Cross network. Doctor visits outside of the network receive limited coverage if approved. When traveling in the United States, members receive emergency room visitations and urgent care as needed.

The SecureBlue plan is a combination of prescription drug, medical assistance and Medicare coverage. To qualify for SecureBlue, members must be 65 years old, have no insurance and live in the SecureBlue service area. Blue Cross’ CareBlue plan also combines prescription drug, medical assistance and Medicare coverage. The CareBlue package offers benefits that can help reduce health risks, such as fitness and safety programs, care support and monthly newsletters.

The Extended Basic Blue plan includes preventive care, 20 additional home care days and basic Medicare co-pays and deductibles. Extended Basic Blue allows the option to customize plans to include dental coverage.