BlueCard Benefits for PPO and EPO 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:
Here are some key points to remember about using BlueCard benefits when traveling or living outside your service area.
National Coverage (In the United States)
- Always carry your BCBSNM member ID card; it contains important information your health care providers need.
- In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
- If not an emergency, call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) (or collect at 1-804-673-1177) to find a participating physician. Or search the BlueCard Doctor and Hospital Finder on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Web site to locate nearby participating physicians and hospitals.
- You are responsible for getting prior approval from BCBSNM for certain procedures or admission. Call the Customer Service number on the back of your ID card if you have questions.
- When you arrive at the participating doctor's office or hospital, present your BCBSNM member ID card. If the physician, hospital, or other provider is a participating provider with a BCBS Plan, they are considered "in-network" providers (also referred to as self-coordinated or preferred providers). You will be responsible for paying the usual out-of-pocket expenses (noncovered services, deductible, copayment, and coinsurance), but you should not have to file a claim.
- Remember to use a preferred provider (in-network provider) to receive the PPO level of benefits.
International Coverage (Outside the United States)
- When you travel or live outside the U.S., you should always carry your passport and your BCBSNM member ID card. Your BCBSNM ID card contains important information your health care providers need.
- In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
- If not an emergency, call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) (or collect at 1-804-673-1177) to find a participating physician. Or search for providers at BlueCard WorldWide® on the BCBS Association Web site to locate nearby participating physicians and hospitals.
- In most cases, if you receive care from a participating physician or hospital, you will not have to pay up-front for the services. You will be responsible for the usual out-of-pocket expenses such as deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or noncovered services.
- If you receive care from nonparticipating physicians or hospitals, you will pay the provider up-front. Later, complete an international claim form and send it to the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center.
- Medical assistance services are also available by calling 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or collect at 1-804-673-1177, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, around the world. A medical assistance coordinator, along with a medical professional, will make an appointment with a physician or arrange hospitalization, if necessary.
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 names and addresses of providers in the area
where you need care, call BlueCard at:
1-800-810-BLUE (2583)
