Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a group of insurance companies that provide health coverage in the United States. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is the organization that oversees the various independent BCBS companies.
BCBS plans are available to individuals, families, and employer groups, and they typically offer a wide range of health coverage options, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. Many BCBS plans also offer coverage for mental health and substance abuse services, as well as preventative care. Coverage and benefits can vary depending on the specific BCBS plan you choose and where you live.
Healthcare of America is a premier provider of affordable health insurance options. Through our platform, over 15 million individuals from diverse backgrounds - including small business owners, self-employed individuals, retirees, students, and those whose employment does not offer health insurance - have accessed information on health insurance, compared plans, obtained complimentary insurance quotes and ultimately, reduced their healthcare expenses.
At Healthcare of America, our network of insurance brokers provides a range of insurance options to suit the needs of our clients. Some of the plans we offer include:
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan is a type
of health insurance that offers a network of providers who have agreed to
provide services at a discounted rate. This allows members to receive care from
providers within the network at a lower cost than providers outside of the
network. PPO plans offer flexibility and choice in terms of healthcare options,
as members can see specialists without a referral from a primary care physician
and receive coverage for out-of-network care at a higher out-of-pocket cost.
- Short Term Medical Insurance
Short Term health insurance, also referred to as
temporary health insurance, is a type of insurance that provides coverage for
major hospital, medical and surgical expenses related to a covered illness or
injury. These plans are generally more affordable compared to major medical
plans, but they also offer limited coverage. Short-term plans are suitable for
individuals who are awaiting employer-provided insurance, transitioning between
jobs or who have recently lost coverage under their parents' plan.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are a
cost-effective alternative to Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). They
offer lower premiums but less flexibility in terms of healthcare options. HMO
members are required to receive care from providers within the HMO's network
and must select a Primary Care Physician (PCP) as their main point of contact
for all healthcare needs. To see a specialist, a referral from the PCP is
required. The main advantage of HMOs is their lower costs, but they also offer
less choice and flexibility compared to PPOs.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Plans
Health Savings Account (HSA) plans allow individuals
to save money on a tax-free basis to cover healthcare costs. These plans must
be paired with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), which has lower premiums
but a higher deductible. The funds deposited in an HSA can be used to pay for
the high deductible should an individual need expensive medical care. HSA plans
are regulated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and have features similar
to other investment vehicles, such as the ability for ownership to be
transferred tax-free to a spouse upon the account holder's death.
Navigating the world of health insurance can be
challenging and it's understandable that you may have many questions. That is
why we highly recommend consulting with a licensed health insurance agent prior
to enrolling in a plan. These agents are licensed by the state and are experts
in providing advice and assistance in selecting the most suitable plan for your
specific needs. Obtaining a complimentary health insurance quote is a
no-obligation service and there is no cost associated with using our service at
any point.
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