How do I read my BCBS ID card?

Asked by: Prof. Andres Walter  |  Last update: August 28, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (12 votes)

How to Read Your Member ID Card
  1. Your Member ID Number. Your Blue Cross ID card has your identification number (also known as your member ID number in some applications) and group number. ...
  2. Your Plan Type. ...
  3. Your Costs. ...
  4. Pharmacy Coverage. ...
  5. Contact Information.

How to read blue cross blue shield card?

Five things to look for on your BCBS ID card
  1. Double-check details. Check your new card to ensure details like the spelling of your name and the type of plan you selected are correct. ...
  2. Key contact information. ...
  3. Your member ID number. ...
  4. Your plan type. ...
  5. Your co-pays.

How do I read my insurance ID card?

Understanding Your Health Insurance Card
  1. Insurance Company Name – Also known as the Insurance Carrier.
  2. Member name and member number – also called the policy number or identification number. ...
  3. Group number. ...
  4. Effective date. ...
  5. Insurance contact information.

How many digits is a BCBS ID?

A member's ID number includes the alpha prefix in the first three positions and all subsequent characters ‒ between 6 and 14 numbers or letters ‒ up to 17 characters total. Always use the alpha prefix on the member's current ID card.

What does the suitcase mean on a BCBS card?

A suitcase logo on a member's ID card means the patient has BCBS traditional, PPO, or HMO benefits delivered through BlueCard. Some plans may adjust benefits according to the home plan's benefit structure.

Blue HowTo: Accessing You Member ID Card

44 related questions found

What do BCBS prefixes mean?

BCBS member ID prefixes are used to quickly route claims and electronic inquires. Prefixes may also indicate specific network and benefit plan information.

What does DOI mean on a BCBS insurance card?

Your state's department of insurance (DOI) serves as your ally in the insurance world, and its job includes: Educating consumers and businesses on insurance terms, policies, options, and scams. Listening to and resolving consumer questions, concerns, and complaints.

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 .

Are member ID and policy number the same?

The policy number on your insurance card is a unique code associated with your insurance plan. Your insurance company uses your policy number to track and process insurance claims and costs. Policy numbers may also be referred to as subscriber IDs or member ID numbers.

How many digits is a medical ID number?

The card contains a 14-digit ID number and is used just like a plastic BIC.

What are the numbers on my insurance card?

Member ID Number: identifies you, the insured. Group number: Identifies your employer plan. Each employer choses a package for their employees based on price, or types of coverage. This is identified through the group number.

What are the abbreviations on my insurance card?

The type of insurance plan you have

You will likely see one of the following acronyms on your card: HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) POS (Point-of Service Plan)

What does inn oop mean on insurance card?

What Is It? An out-of-pocket maximum (OOP) is the most you'll pay for medical services within your policy's calendar year. Almost all insurance carriers require services to be in-network and covered by your plan to count toward your OOP. The goal of an OOP is to protect patients from high healthcare costs.

What is the BCBS prefix identification tool?

The BCBS Prefix Identification Tool can be utilized by any CareCentrix provider servicing patients with a BCBS plan to identify the patient's plan type, and obtain health plan contact information for over 14,000 pre-fixes for BCBS Association plans.

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.

Where is the policy number on the insurance card for United Healthcare?

The Group Number is the policy number in UnitedHealthcare Insurance card.

What does the member ID number identify on an insurance card?

Member Number This number is used to identify you. It tells your provider how to bill your health plan. If your spouse or children are also on your coverage, your member numbers may look very similar.

How do I look up an insurance policy number?

You can also call your provider directly. An agent will be able to assist you in locating the policy number, but to do so, they will need to verify your account for security reasons — and they may even ask you to confirm your date of birth, address, or other personal details.

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 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.

What is the expected payout for the BCBS settlement?

The Net Settlement Fund is estimated to be approximately $1.9 billion. This is after deducting attorneys' fees, administration expenses and other costs from the $2.67 billion Settlement Fund.

What does the DOI number look like?

What does a DOI look like? A DOI can appear as either an alphanumeric string of digits or as a webpage URL: DOI: 10.1080/15588742.2015. 1017687 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15588742.2015.1017687 See the following pages for illustrations.

Is member ID the same as policy number?

Policy Number and Member ID

The policy number or member ID is a unique identifier for your insurance plan, usually found on your card. This helps healthcare providers verify your coverage and process claims. Most of the time, the policy number and the member ID are one and the same.

Why is DOI on my insurance card?

If your insurance card has the letters DOI or TDI down in the corner, it means your health plan is regulated by the State of Texas. That means you will be protected by the ban on surprise medical bills passed by the legislature.