BlueCard Benefits for HMO Plan Members
Whether you're traveling across the country or around the world, our unique BlueCard program helps members access physicians, hospitals, and health services across the nation and around the world.* More than 90 percent of all hospitals and 80 percent of physicians in the United States contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Plans.
Need a quick way to know if your plan includes BlueCard benefits? Look for the little suitcase logo on your member ID card:
The BlueCard® Program: Access outside New Mexico for short trips
BlueCard covers HMO members when they are traveling and need urgent or emergency care. Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO participating providers will file the claim and accept payment from the local Plan as payment in full. Members make the same payment (copayment or coinsurance) as they would make at home.
Short Trips – If you need emergency or urgent care when traveling or away from home for less than 90 consecutive days, follow these easy steps:
- Always carry your BCBSNM member ID card; it contains important information your health care providers need.
- In an emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital. Notify your PCP or BCBSNM about your visit within 48 hours if possible.
- For urgent care that is not an emergency, search the BlueCard Doctor and Hospital Finder on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Web site, or call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) to find participating physicians and hospitals in or near your location. Remember to call your PCP or BCBSNM for prior authorization, if necessary.
- When you receive urgent care, present your member ID card. You'll pay your usual out-of-pocket expenses (deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or noncovered services).
Away From Home Care® Program: Access when temporarily residing outside New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico HMO members may also become guests of an affiliated HMO when they are away from home for at least 90 consecutive days through the Away From Home Care® program. This is ideal for members who have dependent children living in other states (attending school, for example). This guest membership benefit ensures ongoing access to medical care.
Extended Stays – If you need ongoing access to medical care when away from home for more than 90 consecutive days, follow these easy steps:
- Always carry your member ID card; it contains important information your health care providers need.
- Contact BCBSNM Customer Service at the number on the back of your ID card and let them know that you will be away from home for at least 90 consecutive days. BCBSNM will let you know if there is a participating HMO in the area where you'll be staying.
- BCBSNM will work with you to complete a guest membership application and will forward the application to the participating HMO (the "Host") in your destination location.
- The Host HMO will provide you with a membership ID, a PCP, and information on your benefits. Please note that your copayments for services may be different than those required by BCBSNM.
- Learn more about the Away From Home Care Program.
BlueCard Resources
Coverage may vary for each Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan. For more information about your coverage, before traveling check your benefit booklet or call the Customer Service number on the back of your ID card.
*BlueCard benefits do not apply to Medicare Supplement Plans A and B, Medicare Carveout, Blue Medicare PPO Value Plan, Blue Medicare PPO Advantage Plan, or Medicaid BlueSalud members.
For the names and addresses of providers in the area
where you need care, call BlueCard at:
1-800-810-BLUE (2583)
