Getting health insurance for the first time is exciting: You did the research, chose a plan and now know you can get the care you need to stay healthy. Having health care coverage doesn’t just protect you and your family from high care costs associated with unexpected medical emergencies, but it also provides access to preventive care services that promote long-term health. That said, there are a few things you should do now that you’re covered to get familiar with your plan and its benefits. As a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Care Network member, there is a variety of care options to get acquainted with when you need them most. While you’re waiting for your plan ID card to come in the mail, here are a few things you should know that will help you get the most out of your coverage:
- It’s important to read anything you receive. It’s tempting to skip over or quickly skim through any information regarding your coverage, but try to thoroughly review all documentation that you receive. This may include information critical to you understanding exactly what is, and is not, covered, as well as your plan’s benefits. Remember to take your Blue Cross or Blue Care Network ID card with you when visiting your primary care doctor, urgent care, and other care providers for the first time. Finally, if you’re ever confused by the information you receive, call the number on the back of your member ID card.
- You have access to lots of helpful tools. BCBSM.com and the Blue Cross mobile app are two resources that will help you understand your plan. Ever need to quickly access your ID card, but forgot it at home? You can see a virtual ID card through the mobile app. Want to see exactly which services your plan covers? Log in to your member account at bcbsm.com.
- If you’re a Blue Care Network member, you need to choose a primary care doctor. As a member of an HMO, you need to select a primary care physician who will coordinate all of your care. That person will be able to submit any referrals or prior authorizations you may need. If you don’t get a referral first, you may end up paying more for your care. Don’t have a primary care physician? Simply log in to your Blue Cross member account or mobile app.
- We care about your wellness, too. Blue Cross Health & Wellness, powered by WebMD®, is here to help you stay fit and healthy. Log in to your member account at bcbsm.com or through the Blue Cross mobile app to access it. You’ll find tools like a health assessment and a fitness tracker that can help you stay on top of your step and calorie-intake goals. If you’d like qualified health and wellness advice from an actual person, you can also look no further than our 24-Hour Nurse Line.
- You can get care in a lot of different places. A visit to your primary care doctor is always the best bet when injured or feeling ill, but that may not always be possible. If your doctor’s office is closed, there are a variety of other care sites that can help you get better. Online care choices, like Blue Cross Online VisitsSM, connects you with a U.S. board-certified doctor who can assess your situation and come up with a treatment plan. And while life-threatening issues call for a visit to the emergency room, you can get care for minor illnesses and injuries by heading to an urgent care center.
Learn more about the care choices you have as a Blue Cross or Blue Care Network member by visiting bcbsm.com/findcare. For more information about your new coverage, visit these blogs:
- Newly Insured: How Much Do You Know About Your Coverage
- Everything You Need to Know About HMOs
- Exploring Blue Cross Health & Wellness on bcbsm.com
Photo Credit: lightpoet
