The BlueCard program 

Types of BlueCard programs: 

BlueCard PPO 

BlueCard PPO connects Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) providers and hospitals across the country. Services you receive outside your home state are processed as in-network, just as if you received care in your plan's service area.  

Traditional BlueCard  

With Traditional BlueCard, services received outside your plan's area are processed as in-network only for services deemed a medical emergency*. 

To find out which type of BlueCard coverage you have, look at your member ID card. You'll see "PPO" or "TRAD" in the bottom-right corner of the card.

How the BlueCard program works

1. Always carry your most current member ID card. 
2. When you're outside your plan's area, sign in to Blueprint Portal to search for covered providers where you are traveling. 
3. For pre-certification or pre-notification requirements of your plan, call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card. 
4. When you arrive at the provider’s office or hospital, present your member ID card. The provider will use it to verify your membership and coverage.  
5. After you receive medical attention, your claim is routed to the Host Plan (the Blue plan of the state where services were rendered), which, in turn, submits to the Home Plan (the Blue plan that handles claim processing for your group). 
6. All participating providers are paid directly by the plan, relieving you of any hassle or worry. You usually will need to pay only for out-of-pocket expenses (non-covered services, deductibles, copayments or coinsurance). 
7. After claims are processed, you will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) which provides further details on the services provided.

Finding a provider

To search for a provider that is part of the BlueCard network, sign in or register for Blueprint Portal. Navigate to the Find Care tool and search for the provider or clinic by name or location.  

You do have the option of using a nonparticipating provider, but you may have to pay that provider directly and then file a claim with your health plan for reimbursement of covered expenses. The nonparticipating provider may not accept usual and customary charges, therefore, you’d be responsible for any amount over the allowance. For coverage questions, call the number on the back of your member ID card.  

Receive coverage worldwide

BlueCard PPO and Traditional BlueCard programs also provide healthcare coverage outside of the United States through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core. This benefit allows you to receive covered inpatient, emergency care at participating providers in many countries around the world. If you are traveling or living outside the United States and need urgent care, you can find providers by visiting bcbsglobalcore.com. You’ll want to reach out to the Service Center (800-810-2583) to arrange direct billing before you receive care. If your care was not arranged through the BCBS Global Core customer service number first, you may be required to pay the provider up front and supply your bills and claim details after. 

To file an international claim, you must submit it directly through BCBS Global Core rather than your health plan. Start by completing a BCBS Global Core International Claim Form, available at bcbsglobalcore.com. Send the completed form and your itemized bills to the address listed on the form or submit your claim online.