Is Blue California the same as Blue Shield?

Asked by: Charles Schmitt  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (3 votes)

Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan dedicated to providing Californians with access to high-quality health care at an affordable price.

Is Blue Shield of CA the same as Blue Shield?

Blue Shield Life is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Shield of California.

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield called in California?

Anthem Blue Cross: California Health Insurance, Medicare & More.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover in California?

BlueCard® Program

Provider access for Blue Shield* members doesn't end at the California state border. The BlueCard® Program allows us to offer some of the largest networks coast to coast so our members can access healthcare services while traveling or living in another Blue plan service area.

Who owns Blue Cross Blue Shield of California?

Blue Shield of California is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation and health plan founded in 1939 by the California Medical Association. It is based in Oakland, California, and serves 4.5 million health plan members and more than 65,000 physicians across the state.

Blue Shield health insurance plans in California all you need to know to get the best insurance

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Can I use Blue Shield of California out of state?

As a Blue Shield member, you have access to coverage through the BlueCard® Program, no matter where you live or travel.

Is Blue Shield California good insurance?

Blue Shield of California earned a Top 5 rating in our annual review of Best Health Insurance Companies. They got 4 out of 5 star ratings across the board in claims, price and customer service and 4-star ratings in website & apps.

Is California covered the same as Obamacare?

California Obamacare Plans. California is among the few states that chose to create its own health care marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. This marketplace is called Covered California.

Can you use Blue Shield at Kaiser?

With Kaiser, you will need to use Kaiser facilities exclusively. With Blue Shield, you can use independent hospitals and doctors that contract with Shield under HMO or PPO models.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover all states?

Most Blue Cross Blue Shield members can rest easy since Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage opens doors in all 50 states and is accepted by over 90 percent of doctors and specialists. And if your extended travel plans take you abroad, you can ensure you have access to quality care through GeoBlue.

How do I cancel my Blue Shield of California?

You must call Customer Service, (855) 836-9705, to have them cancel your current medical plan because, legally, Blue Shield cannot cancel your plan without your authorization. Failure to cancel your plan will result in you having two active plans and two sets of bills.

Is Blue Shield private or public?

It is private insurance.

Whats better PPO or 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.

Is Blue Shield the same as Anthem Blue Cross?

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a subsidiary of Anthem, but the two entities each sell health insurance in different areas of the country, and each company provides Medicare health benefits and prescription drug coverage to beneficiaries in those areas.

Can I switch from HMO to PPO?

Contact your insurance agent or see your company human resources representative to discuss your health insurance coverage. Ask about the next available enrollment period and find out if you must wait until then to change health insurance coverage from your HMO to a PPO.

Why is Kaiser insurance so cheap?

Kaiser Permanente opened its doors to the public in 1945 -- and offered health coverage that was considerably less expensive than conventional insurers like Blue Cross. The strategy worked because it owned and operated its own hospitals and clinics and directly employed physicians.

Are EPO and PPO the same?

A PPO offers more flexibility with limited coverage or reimbursement for out-of-network providers. An EPO is more restrictive, with less coverage or reimbursement for out-of-network providers. For budget-friendly members, the cost of an EPO is typically lower than a PPO.

How much do you need to make to qualify for Covered California?

According to Covered California income guidelines and salary restrictions, if an individual makes less than $47,520 per year or if a family of four earns wages less than $97,200 per year, then they qualify for government assistance based on their income.

Do I have to pay back Covered California?

If you earned more than the income you stated on your application, you may have to pay some or all of the financial help that you didn't qualify for. There are limits to the amount you may need to repay, depending on your income and if you file taxes as “Single” or something else.

Is Covered California Same as Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal offers low-cost or free health coverage to eligible Californian residents with limited income. Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace where Californians can shop for health plans and access financial assistance if they qualify for it.

Why is it Blue Shield of California?

Why Blue Shield? We believe that all Californians deserve access to high-quality health care at an affordable price. That's why we offer plans, comprehensive benefits, and access to some of the largest doctor networks in the state. And as a nonprofit organization we are proud to give back to the communities we serve.

Can I use Florida Blue in California?

When traveling out-of-state, you're covered under the BlueCard® Program. You'll receive in-network benefits and will be protected from balance billing when receiving covered services from a BlueCard® participating provider.

Can you use covered California in other states?

If the student is going to school outside the state of California, only emergency services may be covered by a Covered California health insurance plan. ... If students are tax dependents, they can be covered under their parents' Covered California health plan, no matter where they live.

Does Medi Cal transfer to other states?

Can I use my Medicaid coverage in any state? A: No. Because each state has its own Medicaid eligibility requirements, you can't just transfer coverage from one state to another, nor can you use your coverage when you're temporarily visiting another state, unless you need emergency health care.