BCBS POS Explained: A Guide to Healthcare Options

Author

Reads 1.1K

Small chapel with illuminated cross and blue lighting at night, conveying spirituality and peace.
Credit: pexels.com, Small chapel with illuminated cross and blue lighting at night, conveying spirituality and peace.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers several healthcare plans, but what does POS stand for? BCBS POS stands for Point of Service, which means you can choose to receive care from either in-network or out-of-network providers.

As a BCBS POS plan holder, you'll have the flexibility to visit any doctor or hospital, but you'll pay more for out-of-network care.

With a BCBS POS plan, you can also choose to see a primary care physician (PCP) for referrals to specialists, which can help you save money on out-of-pocket costs.

BCBS POS plans often have a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for services received from both in-network and out-of-network providers.

Here's an interesting read: Bcbs in Network Therapists

How Plans Work

BCBS POS plans combine the flexibility of a PPO plan with the affordability of an HMO plan, giving you and your employees the best of both worlds. This unique network makes it easy for employees to seek care using our vast HMO network, with no need to choose a primary care provider if they live outside of Michigan.

You might enjoy: Bcbs Hmo Urgent Care

A healthcare worker in protective gear waits at a subway station amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Credit: pexels.com, A healthcare worker in protective gear waits at a subway station amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you need emergency medical care, go directly to the nearest hospital. You can also find nearby doctors and hospitals by visiting provider.bcbs.com or calling BlueCard Access at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583).

Certain services may require prior approval by BCN, even if a referral isn't needed. This is just one of the many ways our plan helps you stay on top of your healthcare costs.

To find nearby doctors and hospitals, visit provider.bcbs.com or call BlueCard Access at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583). This will give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your care.

If you need non-emergency medical care while traveling abroad, you must call the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) to arrange for care. This will ensure that you receive cash-less access to inpatient care.

A different take: Bcbs Medical Policy

Providers and Costs

When you're looking for medical care, it's essential to understand the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers. In-network providers are BCN HMO contracted providers and out-of-state BlueCard Traditional participating providers, which means you'll pay less out of pocket when you see them.

You can find in-network providers by checking with your BCBS POS plan or visiting the BCBS website. They're a great option for cost-effective care.

Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with different types of providers:

In-Network vs Out-of-Network Providers

A healthcare worker in scrubs on a video call, focusing intently.
Credit: pexels.com, A healthcare worker in scrubs on a video call, focusing intently.

As we navigate the world of healthcare, it's essential to understand the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers.

In-network providers are contracted with BCN HMO and offer lower out-of-pocket costs for members.

These providers are the ones you want to see when possible, as they're part of your plan's network.

You can find in-network providers within your state or through BlueCard Traditional, which covers out-of-state providers.

Here's a breakdown of the two types of providers:

Out-of-network providers can still be good options if they're the best choice for your care, but be aware that you'll likely pay more out of pocket.

Pharmacy Benefit Manager Changes

We're making some changes to our pharmacy benefits management system to keep costs more stable for our group customers and members.

This change will help us better manage pharmacy expenses and provide more predictable costs for everyone involved.

Our goal is to keep costs stable, not to cut back on essential medications or services.

We're confident that this new system will help us achieve that goal and provide better value for our customers.

Intriguing read: Bcbs Pharmacy

Understanding BCBS POS

Minimalist office interior featuring a desk with chairs, suitable for healthcare or office settings.
Credit: pexels.com, Minimalist office interior featuring a desk with chairs, suitable for healthcare or office settings.

A POS network combines the two most common types of health insurance plans, HMO and PPO, giving employees flexibility and affordability.

This network makes it easy for employees to seek care using a vast HMO network. Employees with a Michigan address need to select a primary care provider, or PCP, but can still go to a specialist and other physicians without a referral.

Employees living outside of Michigan don't have to choose a PCP. Certain services will still require prior approval by BCN, even without a referral.

See what others are reading: Bcbs Michigan Prefix

Plan Structure

A POS network combines the two most common types of health insurance plans, HMO and PPO, giving employees flexibility and affordability. This unique structure allows employees to seek care using a vast HMO network.

Employees with a Michigan address will need to select a primary care provider, or PCP, to access care within the network. However, they can still visit specialists and other physicians without a referral.

Additional reading: Bcbs Virtual Doctor

Smiling cashier using a touchscreen POS system in a modern retail environment.
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling cashier using a touchscreen POS system in a modern retail environment.

In contrast, employees living outside of Michigan won't have to choose a PCP, providing greater flexibility in their care options. This is a significant advantage for those who may be traveling or living in different areas.

Certain services will still require prior approval by BCN, even if a referral isn't needed. This is an important consideration for employees who may need to access specialized care or services.

Transcripts

If you're looking for a new plan, it's a good idea to consider the network of doctors and hospitals that fits your needs.

The network for POS plans includes all primary care providers in the BlueCHiP for Medicare network, all hospitals in RI, and 4 in Southeastern MA.

You pay a 20% coinsurance to go outside of the traditional network in non-emergency and non-urgent situations with POS plans.

Referrals are not required for the PPO plan since it’s a national network.

The PPO plan also has an open pharmacy network.

If you frequently receive care outside of Rhode Island, the PPO plan may be more cost-efficient.

If you typically receive care near home, the POS plan may be your best option.

Worth a look: Medicare Hmo Pos Plan

Healthcare Options

A serene view of a blue church tower with a cross at sunset, capturing the essence of sacral architecture.
Credit: pexels.com, A serene view of a blue church tower with a cross at sunset, capturing the essence of sacral architecture.

With Blue Cross Blue Shield POS (Point of Service) plans, you have the flexibility to choose from a range of healthcare options.

You can choose a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, which requires a primary care provider (PCP) to coordinate your care and provide referrals for specialists.

In an HMO plan, you'll need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist, such as a cardiologist.

This means that if you need to see a specialist, you'll need to go through your PCP first.

HMO plans typically don't cover services from out-of-network providers.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Bcbs Plans 2023

Matthew McKenzie

Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.