What states does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?

Asked by: Geovanny Dibbert  |  Last update: July 9, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (54 votes)

BCBS understands and answers the needs of local communities, while providing nationwide health care coverage for 115 million members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Does BlueCross BlueShield cover all 50 states?

With access to the largest provider network in the world, your Excellus BlueCross BlueShield plan offers a world of options. Our members have access to medical assistance services, doctors, and hospitals in all 50 states and more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

Does BlueCross BlueShield cover across state lines?

You and your enrolled dependents may access PPO benefits when you're traveling or temporarily living outside your home state with the BlueCard program. The BlueCard also covers enrolled dependents, including students and family members, who temporarily reside outside your home state.

Can I use BCBS SC in another state?

Coverage beyond South Carolina

Members may receive in-network benefits outside of the state through the BlueCard® program. This national program lets BlueCross members access in-network care through Blue Plan networks in other states.

Can I use BCBS of Texas out of state?

If you are traveling outside of Texas, there are even more BCBS Network providers from which to choose. In fact, more than 85 percent of all doctors and hospitals throughout the United States contract with BCBS.

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

27 related questions found

Can I transfer my BCBS insurance to another state?

Coverage That Moves and Grows With You

BCBS can help when you need to change your coverage, whether you are moving to a new state, changing jobs, getting ready to retire or your employment circumstances have changed.

What states does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas cover?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Subsidiaries

In addition to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Texas, Illinois, New Mexico, and Oklahoma operating as divisions of HCSC, HCSC includes the following subsidiaries: Apply for Texas health insurance coverage at eHealthInsurance.

Will my insurance cover me out of state?

Do I need multi-state car insurance? No. No matter where you live, your standard car insurance policy will typically cover you in all 50 states and Canada.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield private or state?

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a private insurer that offers Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. The plans they offer have various pros and cons, including cost and coverage.

Can I use my health insurance in every state?

If you live in two different states or frequently travel within the country, you may want to sign up for a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. A PPO plan gives you more nationwide options for providers and health care services. That means you're able to use your health insurance no matter where you are.

Does it matter what state I live in for health insurance?

You should buy coverage in the state where you officially reside. Most states consider you a resident if you intend to make that state your permanent home.

Do I need to change my insurance if I move out of state?

Moving to another state? If you're moving between states, keep in mind that insurance coverage varies across states. For example, in California, due to the high risk of earthquakes, you may want to take special precautions to make sure your home is safe and secure in case an earthquake occurs.

How to bill out of state BCBS plans?

The steps are simple and there are just three:
  1. Verify eligibility and benefits via a phone call.
  2. Verify the local claims filing address.
  3. File claims to your local plan.

What insurance is accepted in all 50 states?

Medicare is run by the federal government, which is why Original Medicare coverage is the same in every state and includes nationwide access to providers.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover across state lines?

The BlueCard® Program links Blue plans across the United States and abroad, through a single electronic network, for claims processing and reimbursement.

What happened to Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Court issues preliminary approval of $2.8 billion Blue Cross Blue Shield provider settlement. A $2.8 billion settlement from Blue Cross Blue Shield to health care providers resolving a 12-year antitrust lawsuit received preliminary approval yesterday from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield good in all states?

Every Blue Cross Blue Shield plan participates in the BlueCard program that allows you to use your plan benefits to access care anywhere inside the United States.

How many states does BCBS cover?

BCBS understands and answers the needs of local communities, while providing nationwide health care coverage for 115 million members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

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.

Can I use my health insurance anywhere in the US?

The Long Answer: Your out-of-state coverage is going to really only cover emergencies, and not much else--there's also loopholes to what's considered an Emergency. In most cases, insurance companies are required to pay for reasonable emergency medical expenses regardless of the hospital you go to.

What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?

HMOs (health maintenance organizations) are typically cheaper than PPOs, but they tend to have smaller networks. You need to see your primary care physician before getting a referral to a specialist. PPOs (preferred provider organizations) are usually more expensive.

How long can I stay on my parents insurance blue cross blue shield?

The Affordable Care Act requires plans and issuers that offer coverage to children on their parents' plan to make the coverage available until the adult child reaches the age of 26.

What is the best healthcare insurance?

Investopedia's analysis ranks Kaiser Permanente as the best health insurance company for 2025 because of its blend of affordability and low customer complaints. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna also earned top marks. We evaluated nine insurers using dozens of criteria, such as customer satisfaction, plan types, and costs.

Can I use my Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas in another state?

Traveling within the U.S.

If you are traveling out-of-state but within the United States, you have access to the same level of benefits you receive in-network as long as you visit in-network providers.

Does Blue Cross cover dental?

BCBS FEP Dental offers more benefits that make you smile:

Preventive care is paid in full, including up to three cleanings a year, when you use a dentist in our network. A large nationwide network with over half a million dentists and their locations. No deductible for services like fillings and root canals.