Did you know if you are a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC member your health plan covers you across the United States and around the world through Blue Card?  All you need is your membership ID card!

So, how does Blue Card coverage work?

In an emergency, go to the nearest doctor or hospital. In emergency situations, services will be processed at in-network rates, even when services are received from an out-of-network provider.

For non-emergency care in the US visit a participating Blue Card doctor or hospital for the highest level of covered benefits. You may visit a non-participating Blue Card doctor or hospital, but your out-of-pocket expenses will be higher, except in the case of an emergency. When you arrive at the doctor or hospital you are visiting, you will simply present your BCBSNC membership ID card. To find a Blue Card doctor in the area you are in, you can search the “Find a Blue Card Doctor” tool online or call the customer service phone number on the back of your ID card.

Coverage varies outside of the US, therefore for non-emergency care outside the US, you simply contact BCBSNC Customer Service prior to your trip for specifics on the country you will be visiting.  Also, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Worldwide online to print a list of doctors in the country you will be visiting.

As always, don’t forget to bring your BCBSNC membership card when you travel!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Call today and go over questions about Open Enrollment vs Special Enrollment so you do not lose the opportunity to acquire coverage.  To enroll in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan, outside of the annual enrollment period, you must qualify under the Special Enrollment guidelines set out below.  Special circumstances for enrolling outside of the open enrollment period include:

Loss of minimum coverage (employer coverage, government plans, etc.)

Adding a dependent through birth

Adoption or marriage

Gaining citizenshipEnrollment/non-enrollment errors by the federal Marketplace or the US Department of Health and Human Services

Qualified health plan violates the material provision of its contract with the individual

Newly eligible for a subsidy or a change in the amount of subsidy you are eligible for

Moving to a new state

American Indian/Alaska Native status (may change once a month)Other exceptional circumstances