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BlueCard®
As a member of an Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated health plan, you
may participate in the national BlueCard program. The BlueCard program allows members
to receive the same health-care benefits of their local Blue Plan while traveling
or living out of their Plan's area. Members also enjoy the convenience of having
access to the BlueCard Worldwide® network of participating hospitals.
BlueCard Member Brochure (2204 KB PDF): The place to start for information on BlueCard
The BlueCard program has three components:
1. National Coverage
More than 85 percent of all hospitals and physicians throughout the United States
contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. The BlueCard program links each
of these health-care providers.
2. BlueCard PPO
BlueCard PPO links Blue Plan Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network doctors
and hospitals to Blue Plans throughout the United States.
If you or your family are traveling or living in another Blue Plan's area temporarily,
you can present your ID card to any BlueCard PPO doctor or hospital. An estimated
95 percent of the U.S. population lives in areas covered by Blue Cross and Blue
Shield PPOs.
BlueCard doctors and hospitals will recognize your BlueCard PPO membership by a
special "PPO in a suitcase" symbol on your ID card. You do not need to fill out
a claim form for this service.
3. Coverage Abroad
BlueCard Worldwide lets you use your ID card to receive covered inpatient care at
participating hospitals in many countries around the world. BlueCard Worldwide participating
hospitals are located in major travel destinations and business centers throughout
the world. When you're traveling or living outside the United States and require
inpatient hospital care, show your ID card to any of these participating hospitals,
and your claim will be handled just like it is at home.
Finding a Provider
The BlueCard program makes it easy for you to obtain information about Blue Cross
and Blue Shield Plan doctors and hospitals outside your Plan's area. Simply pull
out your ID card and call BlueCard Access® at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) for
the names and addresses of participating doctors and hospitals in the area where
you are traveling or living. If you are traveling abroad, you can use the toll-free
number outside the United States by using an AT&T Direct® Access
Number.
On the Internet, to find a BlueCard health-care provider anywhere from coast to
coast and to view a map with detailed driving instructions, see the BlueCard Doctor and Hospital Finder.
How the BlueCard Program Works
1. Always carry your most current ID card.
2. When you're outside your Plan's area, pull out your ID card and call BlueCard
Access at 1-800-810-2583 for information on the nearest Blue Cross and Blue Shield
doctors and hospitals in the area where you're traveling or living. For other questions,
call the Customer Service number indicated on your ID card.
3. For precertification or prenotification requirements of your Plan, use the telephone
number indicated on your ID card.
4. When you arrive at the doctor's office or hospital, present your ID card, and
the doctor's office or hospital will verify your membership and coverage.
5. After you receive medical attention, your claim is routed to the Host Plan (Blue
Plan of the state where services were rendered), which, in turn, submits to the
Home Plan (the Plan that handles claim processing for your group).
6. All participating providers are paid directly, relieving you of any hassle or
worry. You usually will need to pay only for out-of-pocket expenses (noncovered
services, deductibles, copayments or coinsurance).
7. BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas will send you a detailed Explanation
of Benefits.
Emergencies
In case of a life-threatening emergency, seek immediate care from the nearest provider.
Nonparticipating Provider
You have the option of using a nonparticipating hospital or doctor, but you may
have to pay that provider directly and then file a claim with BlueAdvantage for
reimbursement of covered expenses. Also, a nonparticipating provider may not accept
the usual and customary charges; therefore, you would be responsible for any amount
over the allowance. Coverages may vary, so call Customer Service at the number on
your ID card or
e-mail BlueAdvantage Customer Service for details.
Contact your employer or call the Customer Service number on your ID card to determine
if you participate in this program. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield logo and a suitcase
emblem will be displayed on your ID card to indicate participation in the BlueCard
program.
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