Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts private insurance?

What is the difference between Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Anthem?

“In California, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are actually different companies and are competitors. In most other states, they are the same company and formed an association, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem Blue Cross is a for profit company in California, and Blue Shield is a non-profit.

How do I pay Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts?

The fastest and easiest way to pay your Blue Cross premium bill is through your MyBlue Account. Once you're logged in, click on My Plan & Claims, then Pay My Bill.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts work out of state?

Get quality health care no matter where you are in the world. Whether you're traveling within the United States or abroad, BlueCard®' and Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Core make sure you have access to top doctors and hospitals and concierge-level service.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts cover weight loss surgery?

Bariatric surgery is considered NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY for patients with a BMI less than 35 kg/m2. Bariatric surgery in adolescents may be considered MEDICALLY NECESSARY according to similar weight-based criteria used for adults, but greater consideration should be given to psychosocial and informed consent issues.

When did Blue Cross Blue Shield become for-profit?

In 1994, BCBS changed to allow its licensees to be for-profit corporations. During 2010, Health Care Service Corporation, the parent company of BCBS in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Montana and Illinois, nearly doubled its income to $1.09 billion in 2010, and began four years of billion-dollar profits.

What is a private insurance company?

Private health insurance refers to any health insurance coverage that is offered by a private entity instead of a state or federal government. Insurance brokers and companies both fall into this category.

What is an example of private insurance?

Private health insurance is primarily funded through benefits plans provided by employers. Examples include: Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance companies. ... Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

What is the difference between public and private health insurance?

Public health insurance is insurance that is subsidized or paid for entirely by public (government) funds. Private health insurance is paid for in part or entirely by the individuals being covered. ... Private health insurance can be offered through an employer or can be purchased by individuals.

Can I use Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts 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.

What states does Blue Shield Cover?

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Anthem, Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving members in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin; and specialty plan members in ...

What is direct billed Medex?

If you have a direct-billed Medex Bronze or Medex Core plan, here's an easy way to help cover your vision and hearing expenses, while limiting your out-of-pocket costs. ... The Medex Vision and Hearing benefit plan covers these benefits so you can more easily afford the glasses and hearing aids you need.

Is Anthem the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts?

As a subsidiary of Anthem Inc. BCBS is one of the most prominent health insurers. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers global coverage and a global coverage app on itunes and GooglePlay.

What does EPO and PPO mean?

A PPO (or “preferred provider organization”) is a health plan with a “preferred” network of providers in your area. ... An EPO (or “exclusive provider organization”) is a bit like a hybrid of an HMO and a PPO. EPOs generally offer a little more flexibility than an HMO and are generally a bit less pricey than a PPO.

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 Cross Blue Shield the same in every state?

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.

Who is the CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts?

Andrew Dreyfus is President and Chief Executive Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, one of the largest independent, not-for-profit Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in the country serving nearly 3 million members. As CEO, Andrew leads the company's effort to make quality health care affordable.

Why did Blue Cross and Blue Shield merge?

The two companies began to unify in the 1940s, setting up agreements to ensure that the total 24 million members of both plans would have more comprehensive coverage nationwide. On December 27, 1933, America's first "Blue Cross Baby” was born in Durham, North Carolina.

What are the types of private health insurance?