Nationwide access and local support: What it means for Blue members

The phrase “think globally, act locally” has become a rallying cry for transformative ideas that can have a positive impact on individual lives. It’s an effective point of view to have, especially when talking about healthcare.

“Nationwide access, local support” is the unique premise, and promise, of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies: healthcare specially tailored to the needs of the local communities where our Blue members live and work, but with access to our national network wherever they may travel. It’s one of the most important benefits of the most trusted healthcare network in America, and one every member of every Blue plan enjoys as part of membership.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies started locally, serving and investing in their communities  while working with local physicians and hospitals to better understand the needs of the local population, and give them access to the best care possible.

BlueCard Ensures Members Can Access Coverage while Traveling Out of State

In 1995, BlueCard was introduced, streamlining the administration of benefits for members who receive care when they are traveling out of state. Today this solution provides Blue members locally-operated, community-based coverage from one of the 33 independent companies, and a national network that provides coverage to 100 million Americans.

With the BlueCard Program, you can locate doctors and hospitals quickly and easily. With your Blue Plan ID card handy, just visit the Blue National Doctor & Hospital Finder to locate doctors and hospitals, along with maps and directions to find them. Or simply call BlueCard Access at 1.800.810.BLUE (2583) for the names and addresses of doctors and hospitals in the area where you or a covered dependent need care. If you’re a PPO member, always use a BlueCard PPO doctor or hospital to ensure you receive the highest level of benefits.

BCBS Companies Are Deeply Rooted in Local Communities

But the backbone of this structure is still the local presence of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies in communities across America. Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have long-term relationships with local doctors, nurses, and hospitals to provide members with access to the best medical care at the best value.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield members have a variety of tools and resources at their fingertips to help them connect with the right doctors and hospitals, right in the communities where they live. The new BCBS National Doctor and Hospital Finder is more than just a directory of names and locations. You can quickly find out which doctors and hospitals are in your network, read and write provider reviews, get reliable cost estimates for more than 160 common procedures, and identify doctors who have been recognized for their quality efforts. The BCBS National Doctor and Hospital Finder enables members to tie their collective local knowledge and experience together to build a better, more informed, healthcare community.

BCBS Coverage Is Tailored to the Unique Needs of Members

For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have provided the best possible combination of healthcare security and customization to our members. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are the oldest, most experienced providers of health coverage in America. This history provides Blue members with high quality coverage and maximum benefits for their healthcare dollars. We couldn’t do this with a “one-size-fits all” strategy, but one that is tailored to the needs of members in communities nationwide.

Contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company today and experience the benefits of Blue membership.

Access BlueCard

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.