If an out-of-state specialist offers care for a serious illness, a plan with broader BlueCard benefits may offer an alternative to having that care treated as out of network, subject to coverage and authorization requirements.
BlueCard
Posts related to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield BlueCard program for out-of-state providers.
Blue Shield BlueCard Is Back for 2022
The BlueCard program allows members to receive some health care services outside of California. This is an important feature for individuals who routinely spend weeks or months outside of California on business. With the exception of emergency services, if an individual needed small health care service in another state, they were almost forced to buy two health plans; one for California and one for the other state.
Blue Shield BlueCard Program Benefits Get Trimmed For 2019
The limitations to the BlueCard program for 2019 on PPO plans means the out-of-area health care services are no different than Blue Shield’s Trio HMO plan for individuals and families. Unless the health care services are for emergency or urgent care they won’t be covered unless the member has prior authorization from Blue Shield of California.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield BlueCard Out-of-Area Benefits
If you are going to be spending an extended period of time outside of your plan area, for work, vacation, or going to college, carefully review your plan’s Evidence of Coverage to make sure the BlueCard Program is part of the covered benefits. I was surprised to learn that both Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO plans included the BlueCard Program for 2017.
