How do I know which BCBS I have?

Asked by: Dale Dicki  |  Last update: February 19, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (52 votes)

If you forget or aren't sure what type of health insurance plan you have (like an HMO or PPO), you can find out on your BCBS ID card.

How do I find out what BCBS plan I have?

Use our interactive tool to find your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company's website and access your account. On their website, you'll be able to look up your health plan, review a claim and more. Enter the first three letters of the Identification Number from your member ID card.

How many types of BCBS are there?

Blue Cross Blue Shield is NOT a Single Health Insurance Company. Rather, There are 36 Different Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies that are Part of as Association. Anthem is the Largest of all the Blue Cross Companies.

How do I find my BCBS provider ID?

How do I find my Provider ID number or P#? Call Customer Care at 1-800-920-8889 and press #2 for Eligibility and Benefits. Refer to the notification letter sent from the Health Plan. If you cannot find your letter, call the Excellus BCBS Web Help Desk at 1-800-278-1247 .

Is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pennsylvania?

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a common health insurance in Pennsylvania, and individuals who have Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield may wish to find therapists who are in-network with their health insurance.

Three things to know if you're a Blue Cross Blue Shield customer

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Is Highmark PPO the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Since Highmark licenses with Blue Cross Blue Shield, they provide many of the same benefits. At the same time, it operates as an independent company and only operates in Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. As a company, Highmark also operates other health-related businesses, such as optometrist outlets.

How do I check what insurance I have?

HealthCare.gov, is a portal for finding information about your health insurance options. You can also contact HealthCare.gov at 1-800-318-2596 or go to https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us/. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, visit the Medicare Web site or call the Medicare Help Line at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Is Blue Shield the same as blue cross?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield developed separately, with Blue Cross providing coverage for hospital services and Blue Shield covering physicians' services. Blue Cross is a name used by an association of health insurance plans throughout the United States.

How do I find my BCBS payer ID?

The payer ID is generally five (5) characters but it may be longer. It may also be alpha, numeric or a combination. The payer ID is often located on the back of the insurance card in the Provider or Claims Submission section.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield a PPO?

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

However, BCBS still pays more to in-network providers than out-of-network providers. People who are part of a PPO do not need a physician's referral to consult with a specialist. PPOs also usually offer drug coverage. Learn about Medicare referrals.

What are the categories of BCBS?

The BCBS's permanent internal structure is made up of four groups: the Risks and Vulnerabilities Assessment Group, the Supervisory Cooperation Group, the Policy and Standards Group and the Basel Consultative Group.

Is Blue Shield PPO or HMO better?

HMO plans are generally less expensive than PPO plans, with lower monthly payments, making them ideal if your favorite doctors are already in the network, or if you receive most of your care close to home.

How do I know my health insurance plan?

If you have any questions about what your plan covers, contact your insurance company. Member Services representatives are there to answer exactly these types of questions. They can tell you whether a doctor, prescription or service is covered, plus how much your insurance will pay.

How do I find my BCBSIL ID number without card?

Your member ID number will also be on a welcome letter you'll receive after you enroll. If you haven't received your ID card yet, use the ID number and group number in your welcome letter to log into Blue Access for MembersSM. The secure member portal lets you access your digital ID card or print a temporary ID card.

What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?

HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums. You can also expect to pay less out of pocket. PPOs tend to have higher monthly premiums in exchange for the flexibility to use providers both in and out of network without a referral. Out-of-pocket medical costs can also run higher with a PPO plan.

What is better, Blue Shield or Anthem Blue Cross?

What we're seeing is that when comparing apples and apples, the Blue Shield of California formulary is broader than Anthem Blue Cross for Individual/Family and maybe even Small Business. Anthem made the move to a more limited drug list for their group business which was unprecedented.

How many BCBS plans are there?

The BCBS System

With 33 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance companies, we offer personalized health care across the country.

What is the difference between Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard and Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic?

With FEP Blue Basic, you can enjoy no deductible with care from in-network providers. FEP Blue Standard gives you the flexibility to receive care both in and out-of-network.

How do I check my own insurance?

Like the DVLA will, you can check your vehicle has a valid insurance policy on the MID. It's free. Simply enter your vehicle registration number on askMID.com. If you suspect that you have been involved in an induced or staged accident, you should contact your insurer.

What is the best health insurance company to go with?

Best Health Insurance Companies for 2025
  • Best Overall and Best for Self-Employed: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best Widely Available Plans: UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for Low Complaints and Best for Chronic Conditions: Aetna.
  • Most Affordable: Molina Healthcare.

What is PPO insurance?

Preferred provider organization (PPO) A type of medical plan in which coverage is provided to participants through a network of selected health care providers, such as hospitals and physicians. Enrollees may seek care outside the network but pay a greater percentage of the cost of coverage than within the network.

How do I know if my BCBS is PPO?

When you see the “PPO in a suitcase” logo on the front of the member's ID card, it means that the member has PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) benefits available for medical services received within or outside of the United States.

Is Highmark BCBS good insurance?

Highmark ranks second on insure.com's list of the best health insurance companies in the U.S. for 2024. PITTSBURGH (March 21, 2024) — Highmark has recently been ranked the number two health insurer in the nation on insure.com's list of the best health insurance companies in the U.S. for 2024.

What is BCBS PPO called?

BlueCard® PPO. A national program that offers members traveling or living outside of their BCBS Plan's area the PPO (preferred provider organization) level of benefits when they obtain services from a physician or hospital designated as a PPO provider. BlueCard® PPO Member. Carries an ID card with this identifier on it ...