Is Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Options a PPO?

Asked by: Orie Connelly  |  Last update: June 18, 2025
Score: 5/5 (16 votes)

BlueOptions is a unique PPO plan that offers the widest choice of network doctors and hospitals, yet is priced significantly lower than other standard PPO plans. Plus, BlueOptions is designed to encourage your employees to make consumer-driven decisions about their health care.

How do I know if my Blue Cross Blue Shield is PPO or HMO?

Your plan type

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. If you have an HMO, your card may also list the physician or group you've selected for primary care.

How do I tell if my insurance is PPO?

  • If you have an insurance card or certificate of insurance, it should say on there.
  • You can call the customer service for the Carrier that you have insurance through; if you obtained the coverage through the Federal Marketplace, their customer service should be able to tell you what plan you have as well.

Is Florida Blue Blue options HMO or PPO?

Florida Blue's Health maintenance organization plans, or HMO plans, offer a wide range of health care services through a specific, local network of our participating health care providers, hospitals and facilities, typically for a lower deductible than a PPO plan.

Is Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield an HMO or PPO?

We have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Our fee-for-service Plan offers services through a PPO.

Health Insurance 101: How Insurance Works In 90 Seconds | BCBSND

25 related questions found

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield 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 ...

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.

What is BCBS BlueOptions?

BlueOptions is a unique PPO plan that offers the widest choice of network doctors and hospitals, yet is priced significantly lower than other standard PPO plans. Plus, BlueOptions is designed to encourage your employees to make consumer-driven decisions about their health care.

Do doctors prefer HMO or PPO?

HMO plans might involve more bureaucracy and can limit doctors' ability to practice medicine as they see fit due to stricter guidelines on treatment protocols. So just as with patients, providers who prefer a greater degree of flexibility tend to prefer PPO plans.

Is Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Florida Blue is a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

Which insurance is PPO?

A type of health plan that contracts with medical providers, such as hospitals and doctors, to create a network of participating providers. You pay less if you use providers that belong to the plan's network.

What is the downside to a PPO plan?

Cons of PPO Plans

Less Coordination: Without a primary care doctor managing your healthcare, there's less oversight, and it can be harder to keep track of your treatments and appointments.

How do I know if I have a PPO or HDHP?

Key takeaways: High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) offer lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles, while preferred provider organizations (PPOs) typically have higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles.

How do I know if my insurance is PPO?

Your Summary and Benefits should have information about the plan near the top, detailing whether your plan is a PPO or another type of insurance. If you still cannot find the answer, give the customer service number on the back of your insurance card a call and ask if your plan is a PPO plan.

Is blue shield the same as blue cross blue shield?

In 1982, Blue Shield merged with The Blue Cross Association to form the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBS). Prior to 1986, organizations administering BCBS were tax exempt under 501(c)(4) as social welfare plans.

Can you have HMO and PPO at the same time?

Having dual coverage is perfectly legal. But you must coordinate your two policies correctly to ensure you cover your medical expenses compliantly.

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.

Why are out of pocket costs higher with PPO?

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.

What are the two most common health insurance plans?

Before choosing a health insurance policy for yourself, your family, or your employees, you must know what types are available. Some popular health insurance policy options are: Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans. Health maintenance organization (HMO) plans.

Is BCBS Blue options Medicaid?

Blue Option Plus is a new kind of plan that provides Medicaid members with specific behavior health needs, with an enhanced benefit package so they can receive their health care, plus care for behavioral health such as mental health, substance use disorder and rehabilitation from one integrated plan.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO cover international travel?

If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage. Through the Overseas Assistance Center, you're covered when working or traveling overseas.

What is tier 1 in Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Generally, each drug is placed into one of up to six member payment tiers: Preferred Generic (Tier 1), Non-Preferred Generic (Tier 2), Preferred Brand (Tier 3), Non-Preferred Brand (Tier 4), Preferred Specialty (Tier 5) and Non-Preferred Specialty (Tier 6).

What are three disadvantages of a PPO?

Disadvantages
  • Higher monthly premium.
  • Higher out of pocket expenses.
  • Must monitor in-network vs out-of network to control cost.

Why would someone choose PPO over HMO?

PPOs Usually Win on Choice and Flexibility

Unlike most HMO health plans, you won't likely need to select a primary care physician, and you won't usually need a referral from that physician to see a specialist.

Is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO?

Anthem Blue Cross PPO. The Anthem Blue Cross Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) provides benefits when participants use an in-network or out-of-network provider.