Choosing the Right bcbs Blue Options PPO Plan

If you're considering a bcbs Blue Options PPO plan, you're likely looking for flexibility and affordability in your healthcare coverage. With multiple plan options to choose from, selecting the right one can be overwhelming.

The bcbs Blue Options PPO plan has a network of over 90,000 providers, offering you access to a wide range of healthcare services. This extensive network ensures that you'll have a variety of options for medical care.

As you explore the different plan options, consider your individual needs and budget. Some plans may offer higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs, while others may have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.

Blue Options is a plan that helps you control your care and expenses with lower out-of-pocket costs for in-network doctors and hospitals. It also gives you the option to use providers in the larger PPO network at a higher cost.

You'll have lower out-of-pocket costs if you see a contracted provider in the Blue Choice OPT PPO network. This is Tier 1 of the benefit tiers.

If you see a contracted provider in the larger PPO network, you'll have higher out-of-pocket costs. This is Tier 2 of the benefit tiers.

Seeing an out-of-network doctor will result in the highest out-of-pocket cost. This is Tier 3 of the benefit tiers.

Here's a quick rundown of the benefit tiers:

You have the flexibility to choose from different plan options with BCBS Blue Options PPO. This includes the ability to select from a narrow network of designated providers, a broader network of contracted PPO providers, or out-of-network providers.

The BCBSIL PPO network offers flexible benefit design options at a price you can afford, giving your employees a wide range of benefits and the freedom to visit any doctor they choose.

With Blue Options, you can control your care and expenses with lower out-of-pocket costs for in-network doctors and hospitals, and the choice to use providers in the larger PPO network at a higher cost.

There are three benefit tiers to keep in mind: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Tier 1 offers the lowest out-of-pocket costs if you see a contracted provider in the Blue Choice OPT PPO network. Tier 2 offers higher out-of-pocket costs if you see a contracted provider in the larger PPO network. Tier 3 offers the highest out-of-pocket cost if you see an out-of-network doctor.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you understand the difference between each tier:

To determine which tier you're in, look for the name of the product on your ID card, which will be Blue Choice Options. You can also ask for the three-letter network code, which will be BCO. And, check the back of your ID card for the statement that says "This plan is part of the Blue Choice OPT (BCO) network with tiered benefits."

You'll get the best value when you see a doctor in your network, as Blue Shield has negotiated rates for each service.

Your doctor or hospital will bill Blue Shield for most services, and they'll determine what you can be charged based on those negotiated rates.

If you have a deductible, you'll be responsible for paying 100% of the negotiated rate for certain services until you reach the deductible limit.

There is a limit to how much you have to spend out of your pocket each year before Blue Shield begins paying 100% for most covered medical services, called your plan's out-of-pocket maximum.

Here are the types of services that are covered under Blue Choice Options:

If you choose to see a non-network provider, your costs will be significantly higher because Blue Shield doesn't have negotiated rates with those providers.

In some instances, services provided by a non-network provider may not be covered, and you may be responsible for all billed charges.

To save money and get the most value out of your health plan, it's essential to choose doctors in your plan's network.