A Guide to bcbs Company Health Insurance Coverage

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Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) company offers a wide range of health insurance coverage options to its members. BCBS has a network of over 90 million members across the United States.

With BCBS, you can choose from various health insurance plans that cater to different needs and budgets. These plans include Blue Cross Blue Shield Classic, Blue Cross Blue Shield Choice, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Premier.

BCBS Classic plan offers comprehensive coverage for preventive care, hospital stays, and prescription medications. This plan is ideal for individuals who want to have a wide range of healthcare services covered.

BCBS Choice plan provides coverage for a variety of healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. This plan is suitable for individuals who want flexibility in their healthcare coverage.

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Plan Options

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado plans come in several tiers, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier is defined by the percentage of medical expenses the plan pays after meeting the deductible for the year.

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Bronze plans have your insurance paying 60% of your plan costs after you meet your deductible, leaving you to pay the remaining 40% up to your out-of-pocket maximum for the year.

Silver plans pay about 70% of your medical costs after your deductible, with you covering the remaining 30% up until you hit your out-of-pocket limit for the year.

Gold plans pay 80% of your healthcare costs after you meet your deductible, with you paying the remaining 20% up to your out-of-pocket limit.

Platinum plans pay 90% of your costs after you meet your deductible, with you paying the remaining 10% up until you reach your out-of-pocket limit for the year.

Federal law limits out-of-pocket costs to $9,100 as of 2023, which includes your deductible and coinsurance but not health insurance premiums.

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Colorado Plans

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado offers a range of plans that cater to different needs and budgets. Plans come in four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each defined by the percentage of medical expenses the plan pays after meeting the deductible.

With Bronze plans, you can expect your insurance to pick up 60% of your plan costs after meeting your deductible. You pay the remaining 40%, up to your out-of-pocket maximum for the year.

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Colorado Plan Tiers

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Colorado has a variety of health insurance plans to choose from, and understanding the different tiers can help you make an informed decision. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado plans are categorized into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers.

Bronze plans have your insurance paying 60% of your medical expenses after you meet your deductible, leaving you to pay the remaining 40%. This can add up quickly, but it's essential to consider your budget and health needs.

Silver plans are a popular choice, with your insurance covering about 70% of your medical costs after your deductible. This means you'll pay around 30% of your medical expenses until you hit your out-of-pocket limit for the year.

Gold plans offer even more coverage, with your insurance paying 80% of your healthcare costs after you meet your deductible. This leaves you to pay only 20% of your medical expenses until you reach your out-of-pocket limit.

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Platinum plans provide the most comprehensive coverage, with your insurance paying 90% of your costs after you meet your deductible. This means you'll only pay 10% of your medical expenses until you hit your out-of-pocket limit for the year.

Keep in mind that federal law limits out-of-pocket costs to $9,100 as of 2023, which includes your deductible and coinsurance but not health insurance premiums.

Types Offered in Colorado

In Colorado, you can choose from various types of plans within the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado tiers.

There are four basic plan types: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs), and Point of Service (POS) plans.

Each plan type offers different levels of flexibility and cost-sharing.

With HMOs, you'll typically have lower premiums but may have to see in-network providers to receive coverage.

PPOs offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers, but premiums may be higher.

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EPOs are similar to HMOs but often have a larger network of providers.

POS plans combine elements of HMOs and PPOs, offering more flexibility than HMOs but often with higher premiums.

These plan types can be found within the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado.

Medicare Plans

BCBS offers Medicare Advantage plans that cost an average of $38 per month when drug coverage is included.

These plans are rated about average by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), but individual plan ratings can range widely.

BCBS has a beneficiary base of around 115 million people and operates in every state through its association of 33 companies and licensees.

The company offers a finder tool to help people locate their nearest BCBS company and speak to them about what is available in their region.

BCBS Medicare Advantage plans often include additional services such as dental services, routine vision services, and hearing aids.

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Some plans also offer a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs and a $0 premium, although this can vary depending on the company and coverage level.

Here are some examples of BCBS Medicare Advantage plans with their corresponding monthly premiums and out-of-pocket limits:

BCBS also offers Medicare Supplement plans and separate Part D (drug coverage) plans, including a plan that can get you the most value from both Medicare and Medicaid if you're eligible for both.

Plan Types

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers a variety of plan types to suit different needs and preferences. BCBS plans come in tiers, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, which are defined by the percentage of medical expenses the plan pays after meeting the deductible.

BCBS plans also offer different types of networks, including HMO, PPO, EPO, and POS plans. HMO plans require you to choose a primary care doctor and get a referral to see a specialist, while PPO plans don't require a primary care doctor and allow you to see out-of-network providers for a higher cost.

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Here's a comparison of HMO and PPO plans:

If you're looking for more flexibility in choosing your doctor or prefer not to have a primary care doctor, a PPO plan might be the better choice. However, if you're on a tighter budget, an HMO plan could be a more affordable option.

Proven Network and Pharmacy Solutions

Our proven network and pharmacy solutions are tailored to your business needs, with a focus on reducing costs and improving employee health. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of network options to suit your unique requirements.

You can choose from a Broad PPO, which provides access to over 1.8 million in-network providers, or a Narrow Providers option that limits access to select in-network providers who deliver care at lower costs. The BlueSelect Network is a great example of this, offering incremental savings above and beyond the BlueCard PPO.

One of the benefits of our pharmacy solutions is that they can help lower costs for your employees. By partnering with us, you can provide your employees with access to a range of pharmacy options, including telehealth benefits.

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For example, BCBS of CO members have 24-hour access to board-certified physicians through the Sydney mobile phone app. This can be a huge time-saver for employees who need medical attention outside of regular business hours.

Here are some of the pharmacy solutions we offer:

  • Telehealth benefits, including 24-hour access to board-certified physicians
  • Unlimited chat messages with physicians, 24/7
  • Access to a range of pharmacy options, including the BlueSelect Network

Full On Approach

If you value flexibility and options when it comes to choosing your doctor, a PPO plan might be the way to go. PPOs don't require you to get a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist, and you can also see a doctor who isn't in your network, although you'll have to pay more for out-of-network medical care.

PPO plans tend to be more expensive than HMO plans, with a typical PPO plan costing $685 per month on average for a 40-year-old with a Silver health plan, compared to $539 per month for an HMO plan. However, if you highly value seeing specialists without a referral or having more flexibility when it comes to choosing your doctor, the extra cost might be worth it.

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Here are some key differences between PPO and HMO plans:

Ultimately, the choice between a PPO and HMO plan depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you want more flexibility and options, a PPO plan might be the better choice. But if you're looking for a lower-cost option with more restrictions, an HMO plan could be the way to go.

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Medicare Advantage Types

Medicare Advantage plans can be quite different from one another, and it's essential to understand the types available to make an informed decision. There are multiple types of Medicare Advantage plans offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), which impact whether a beneficiary can visit out-of-network doctors or claim for drug costs.

BCBS offers plans with varying levels of coverage, and the cost of these plans can vary greatly depending on the company, coverage level, and plan type. Some plans have a $0 Medicare Advantage premium, but the copayments or coinsurance amounts may be different than those in Original Medicare.

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If you're looking for a plan with $0 premium, you're in luck - some providers offer this option. However, the copayments or coinsurance amounts may be higher than those in Original Medicare.

It's worth noting that some Medicare Advantage plans may have additional benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage, as well as fitness benefits and worldwide emergency coverage. These benefits can vary depending on the plan and provider.

Here are a few examples of BCBS Medicare Advantage plans with $0 premium:

As you can see, the out-of-pocket limits for these plans vary, ranging from $4,800 to $6,350. It's essential to carefully review the plan details and benefits to ensure you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Private Fee for Service (PFFS)

Private Fee for Service (PFFS) plans give you the freedom to visit any Medicare-approved provider who accepts the payment terms. The plan decides how much you pay and how much the insurance company will pay before treatment starts.

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You can usually get drug coverage with a PFFS plan, but if you join an HMO or PPO that doesn't cover drugs, you can't get a separate Part D drug plan.

People with PFFS plans in some areas may be able to apply for Part D if their plan doesn't cover drugs. For example, those on a BCBS plan in Arkansas can opt for a PFFS plan with no drug coverage and then apply for Part D.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BCBS and Blue Shield?

BCBS and Blue Shield are two separate entities within the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, with BCBS focusing on hospital services and Blue Shield covering physician services. Understanding the difference between them is key to choosing the right health insurance plan for your needs.

What company owns Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a network of 36 independent companies, not a single company. Anthem is the largest of these companies, operating in several states and generating $92 billion in annual revenue.

Is BCBS now Anthem?

Yes, Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Empire BlueCross are now known as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross, respectively, as of January 1, 2024. This change does not affect your health coverage or access to care.

How do I find my group number for Blue Cross Blue Shield MA?

Your group number is listed below your member number on your Blue Cross Blue Shield MA ID card, if available

Is BCBS Illinois Medicaid?

No, BCBS Illinois is not a traditional Medicaid plan, but it operates the Blue Cross Community Health Plan (BCCHP) in Illinois as a Medicaid MCO. BCCHP is a Medicaid plan offered by BCBS Illinois.

Ann Lueilwitz

Senior Assigning Editor

Ann Lueilwitz is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a proven track record of delivering high-quality content to various publications. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Ann has honed her skills in assigning and editing articles that captivate and inform readers. Ann's expertise spans a range of categories, including Financial Market Analysis, where she has developed a deep understanding of global economic trends and their impact on markets.

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