What is the difference between Blue Cross and Blue Shield standard and basic?

Asked by: Destin Kris DDS  |  Last update: March 4, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (39 votes)

Standard Option has deductibles, co-insurance and copays depending on the medical services provided. Basic Option offers in-network care only and has copays for medical services with no deductible.

What is the difference between blue cross, blue shield, and blue cross?

History. 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 standard option deductible for Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Under Standard Option, the calendar year deductible is $350 per person. After the deductible amount is satisfied for an individual, covered services are payable for that individual. Under a Self Plus One enrollment, both family members must meet the individual deductible.

How do I know what kind of Blue Cross insurance I have?

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.

Which services are provided as part of BCBS Basic Coverage?

The following are typically part of the essential coverage provided by BCBS basic plans:
  • Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care)
  • Emergency services.
  • Hospitalization.
  • Pregnancy and maternity care.
  • Mental health services.
  • Prescription drugs.
  • Laboratory services.
  • Preventive services.

What is the Difference Between Blue Cross Standard and Basic

33 related questions found

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

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.

What is the basic benefit plan?

The Basic Benefit Plan is a monthly annuity benefit, which is calculated as: the value of 1% of the average of your highest basic pay over three years (“high-3 average pay”), multiplied by your years of federal service. The plan includes survivor and disability benefits.

What insurance is comparable to Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Blue Cross Blue Shield's top competitors include NeueHealth, Endeavor Health, and Zelis. NeueHealth operates within the medical sector, providing care through its owned and affiliated clinics. It offers arrangements and tools for independent providers and m…

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.

How do I know which health insurance is primary?

The insurance that pays first is called the primary payer. The primary payer pays up to the limits of its coverage. The insurance that pays second is called the secondary payer. The secondary payer only pays if there are costs the primary insurer didn't cover.

How much is the standard deductible?

Standard deduction 2024

The standard deduction for 2024 (tax returns filed in 2025) is $14,600 for single filers and married people filing separately, $21,900 for heads of household, and $29,200 for joint filers and surviving spouses. $14,600.

Is Blue Cross Federal PPO or HMO?

We have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Our fee-for-service Plan offers services through a PPO. This means that certain hospitals and other healthcare providers are “Preferred providers.” When you use our PPO (Preferred) providers, you will receive covered services at a reduced cost.

Why is Blue Cross Blue Shield so good?

In every ZIP Code, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies offer a personalized approach to health care based on the needs of the communities where their members live and work. They work closely with hospitals and doctors in the communities they serve to provide quality, affordable health care.

Is Blue Cross cheaper than Blue Shield?

Depending on your region, the cheapest California health plan might be offered by Anthem Blue Cross or by Blue Shield of California. However, the rates tend to be about the same. The big difference is network. Which plan offers the most doctors, hospitals and medical provider networks?

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.

Why do doctors prefer PPO over HMO?

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.

What is a disadvantage of a PPO plan?

In general, PPO plans tend to be more expensive than an HMO plan. Your monthly premium will be higher and you will have to meet your deductible before your health insurer starts paying. You will also have to pay more out-of-pocket if you visit a provider who is not part of your PPO network.

What are three disadvantages of HMO?

Disadvantages
  • If you need specialized care, you will need a referral from your primary care physician to an in-network provider.
  • Must see in-network providers for care-less flexibility than a PPO plan.

Which health insurance company denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

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 a basic benefits package?

Employers provide a range of benefits designed to support their employees' health, financial stability, and personal growth. These packages typically include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off (PTO) , and other perks.