
The Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Federal Employee Program is a great option for pediatricians who want to provide care to federal employees and their families. The program offers a network of over 90,000 providers, including pediatricians.
To become a part of the BCBS Federal Employee Program, pediatricians must meet certain requirements, including having a valid medical license and board certification in pediatrics. The program also requires pediatricians to have a contract with a BCBS health plan and to be willing to accept the plan's payment terms.
Pediatricians in the BCBS Federal Employee Program can expect to see a large patient base, including children and families of federal employees. This can be a great opportunity for pediatricians to build their practice and provide quality care to a diverse population.
How to Enroll
To enroll in the pediatrician BCBS federal employee program, start by logging into your BCBS account online.
You'll need to have your federal employee ID number and other personal details ready to complete the online enrollment process.
Once you've logged in, click on the "Enroll" button and follow the prompts to select your pediatrician and confirm your coverage.
Make sure to review and confirm your selection carefully, as this is your opportunity to choose your pediatrician for the year.
You can also enroll by phone or mail, but online enrollment is generally the fastest and most convenient option.
Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
You can't enroll if you're currently serving in the military or have been honorably discharged within the past two years.
You must be at least 18 years old to enroll, but there's no upper age limit.
You'll also need to provide proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Online Enrollment
Online enrollment is a convenient and efficient way to enroll in a program. You can often complete the process in just a few minutes.
To start, gather all required documents and information, such as your ID and previous academic records. Make sure you have a valid email address and phone number.
Most online enrollment systems are user-friendly and offer step-by-step instructions. You'll typically be asked to create an account, fill out an application, and pay any required fees.
Some programs may require a separate application fee, which can range from $25 to $100. Be sure to check the program's website for specific fee information.
Once you've submitted your application, you'll usually receive a confirmation email or phone call within a few days. This is a good sign that your application has been received and is being processed.
Phone Enrollment
Phone Enrollment is a crucial step in the enrollment process. You'll need a phone that's compatible with the program you're enrolling in, which is usually specified in the program's requirements.
To enroll, you'll need to have a phone that meets the minimum specifications, such as a 4G LTE connection and a compatible operating system. Some programs may require a specific type of phone, like a smartphone with a certain level of storage.

You can check the program's requirements to see if you need to purchase a new phone or if your current one will work. In some cases, you may be able to use a phone that's a few years old, but it's always best to check.
If you don't have a compatible phone, you can consider purchasing one or exploring other options, such as borrowing a phone from a family member or friend.
Insurance
The insurance options for the pediatrician BCBS Federal Employee Program are quite varied. Aetna, Aetna Better Health of Maryland, and Aetna Better Health of VA are all part of the program.
Some of the insurance providers include Alliance Health Plan: Federal Employee Plan, American Postal Workers Plan (Federal), and Amerigroup DC. Amerigroup Maryland is another option, as well as AmeriHealth DC.
Here is a list of some of the insurance providers:
- Aetna
- Aetna Better Health of Maryland
- Aetna Better Health of VA
- Alliance Health Plan: Federal Employee Plan
- American Postal Workers Plan (Federal)
- Amerigroup DC
- Amerigroup Maryland
- AmeriHealth DC
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia
- Anthem HealthKeepers Plus (VA)
- Beech Street
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (Federal)
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Community Plan of Maryland
- ChoiceCare PPO (Humana)
- Cigna Healthcare of the Mid Atlantic (includes Great West Healthcare)
- Claimsbridge PPO
- Conifer Health
- First Health
- Government Employees Health Association (Federal)
Benefits
Having insurance can be a lifesaver in times of unexpected expenses.
Financial protection against medical emergencies is one of the key benefits of insurance.
A single hospital stay can cost upwards of $10,000, making it difficult for many people to pay out-of-pocket.
Insurance plans can help cover these costs, reducing the burden on individuals and families.
With insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for the unexpected.
Insurance can also provide financial protection against other unexpected events, such as car accidents or natural disasters.
According to the article, a single car accident can cost up to $30,000 to repair, and insurance can help cover these costs.
Types of Insurance
There are several types of insurance, including health insurance. Aetna and Aetna Better Health of Maryland are two examples of health insurance providers.
Some health insurance plans are specifically designed for federal employees, such as the American Postal Workers Plan (Federal) and the Government Employees Health Association (Federal).
Aetna Better Health of VA offers health insurance in Virginia, while Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia provides coverage in the same state.

CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and CareFirst Community Plan of Maryland are health insurance options for Maryland residents.
Health insurance plans can also be categorized by their provider networks, such as Kaiser Permanente Maryland Medicaid, which requires a referral, and Kaiser Permanente Virginia Medicaid.
Here's a list of some health insurance providers:
- Aetna Better Health of Maryland
- Aetna Better Health of VA
- Kaiser Permanente Maryland Medicaid
- Kaiser Permanente Virginia Medicaid
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Community Plan of Maryland
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Maryland
- United Virginia Medicaid
These are just a few examples of the many health insurance providers available.
Cost and Payment
The cost and payment process for the pediatrician BCBS federal employee program is relatively straightforward. The annual deductible for this program is $50 per child, with a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $5,000 per family.
You'll need to pay this deductible when you receive medical care from a participating pediatrician. After meeting the deductible, you'll pay a copayment of $20 for office visits, and 30% of the costs for prescription medications.
It's worth noting that these costs are subject to change, so be sure to review your plan documents carefully.
Premiums
Premiums can be a significant expense for individuals and businesses alike.
The cost of premiums varies depending on the type of insurance, with health insurance premiums being one of the most expensive types.
For example, a 40-year-old non-smoker can expect to pay around $450 per month for a standard health insurance plan.
Businesses with more employees may qualify for group health insurance plans, which can be more cost-effective.
Group health insurance plans can cost as little as $150 per employee per month for a small business with fewer than 10 employees.
Deductibles
Deductibles are a crucial aspect of insurance policies. They're the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
A typical deductible for health insurance can range from $500 to $2,000 per year, depending on the policy.
You'll usually need to pay this amount for each year or policy period.
For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible, you'll pay the first $1,000 of medical expenses, and then your insurance will cover the rest.
Some policies may have different deductibles for different types of expenses, such as prescriptions or specialist visits.
Pediatrician Care
As a federal employee, finding the right pediatrician for your child's care is crucial.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Federal Employee Program offers a wide network of pediatricians who are experienced in caring for children.
You can find a pediatrician near you by visiting the BCBS Federal Employee Program website and using their provider search tool.
Finding a Pediatrician
Finding a pediatrician is a crucial step in ensuring your child receives the best possible care. Research shows that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends finding a pediatrician by the time your baby is 6-9 months old.
A good pediatrician should be board-certified, with a background in pediatrics. According to the article, the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) is the primary certifying body for pediatricians in the US.
Having a pediatrician who is a good fit for your family's values and lifestyle is essential. A pediatrician's communication style, bedside manner, and availability can greatly impact your experience as a parent.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a pediatrician to patient ratio of 1:1,800. This ensures that your child receives personalized attention and care.
You can start by asking friends, family members, or coworkers for recommendations. Personal referrals can be a great way to find a pediatrician who is a good fit for your family.
Pediatrician Network
A Pediatrician Network is a group of healthcare professionals who specialize in caring for children. They work together to provide comprehensive care to kids.
Pediatricians often have a network of specialists, such as pediatric surgeons and pediatric cardiologists, who can provide advanced care when needed. This network ensures that children receive the best possible care.
Having a pediatrician network can also provide after-hours care and emergency services for families. This is especially important for newborns and young children who require constant monitoring.
In many cases, pediatricians work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nurse practitioners and pediatric nurses, to provide coordinated care. This collaborative approach helps ensure that children receive consistent and high-quality care.
Pediatricians often participate in continuing education and training to stay up-to-date on the latest medical research and treatments. This helps them provide the best possible care for their young patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BCBS federal employee program?
The BCBS federal employee program, also known as FEP, is a 60-year-old health insurance provider for the federal workforce. It offers comprehensive coverage to federal employees and their families.
Does BCBS FEP require a referral?
No, BCBS FEP does not require a referral to see a doctor or specialist. Simply call your chosen provider to set up an appointment.
Is Fehb the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?
No, the Federal Employee Program (FEP) is a separate program administered through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, but it's not the same as the HMSA's Federal Employees Health Benefits program, which is a different plan.
Sources
- https://www.bcbs.com/about-us/association-news/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-federal-employee-program-enhances-experience-overseas
- https://fedmanager.com/news/blue-cross-and-blue-shields-federal-employee-program
- https://www.bluecrossvt.org/members/federal-employee-program-fep
- https://www.bcbs.com/about-us/association-news/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-federal-employee-program-announces-new-telemedicine-benefits
- https://appointments.childrensnational.org/provider/edward-sepe/2359997
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