Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
As
one of the most trusted names in health insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield
of Tennessee works with more hospitals and physicians than any other insurer
in the nation. BCBS of Tennessee is actually an association of
insurance companies that represent Blue Cross locally. Members in the
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association provide coverage for one of every three
Americans - that is more than 88 million people.
As
a non-profit health care provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
offers health care to meet the financial and medical needs of Tennessee residents.
With both HMO and PPO plans, you can choose the health care you want at a
price that is affordable. Our instant
quote system will show you complete plan details and rates in your
area.
HMO
plans tend to offer lower prices for medical services such as lower out-of-pocket
expenses, no lifetime maximums, lower office visit copays, and lower deductibles.
You'll also have access to dental care providers.
PPO
plans give you the freedom to visit any preferred or non-preferred doctor,
and any network specialist without a referral. When you use network-sponsored
providers, costs are lowered by in-network rates. You can also set up
the Shield Spectrum PPO Savings Plan to work with a health savings account.
That helps you control your health care dollars by allowing you to lower your
premium, reduce your income taxes, and build a tax-deferred investment account.
Rate
Information:
Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee rates vary based upon zip code, age,
and effective date. Please run an instant
quote to see available BCBS plans and rates in your area.
Network:
BlueCross
BlueShield of Tennessee's Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a
select network of health care professionals, including many of the area's
most respected doctors and hospitals.
Having access to the PPO network can mean substantial discounts in what
you pay for your health care, even before you meet your deductible.
The
preferred providers in BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's Network have
agreed to special pricing for patients with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
health coverage - lowering your out-of-pocket costs. You may use any
licensed doctor or hospital in the PPO Network or out, but you receive the
benefit of their special negotiated rates only when you use a Blue Network
preferred provider.
If
you should ever want to consult a doctor or visit a hospital outside the
network, you're still covered. It simply means that the doctor or
hospital will be allowed to bill you - and you will be financially responsible
for - the difference between BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's in-network
negotiated payment rate and the amount charged by the out-of-network doctor
or hospital. Plus, your out-of-pocket expenses for non-network providers
are applied to a separate, higher out-of-pocket maximum.
Blue
Network was built around medical centers in major metropolitan areas and
members may be required to travel greater distances to receive in-network
care. For example, Blue Network members who live in rural areas of
middle Tennessee may be required to travel to Nashville to receive in-network
services. Or, Blue Network may only include certain highly-specialized
providers in one urban center, requiring a member to travel from Chattanooga
to Nashville. So make sure that you are comfortable with Blue Network's
providers, as well as the distance you may have to travel to receive in-network
care.
You
can see if your doctor is a preferred provider by checking the Directory
of Participating Providers.
Underwriting:
Underwriting
of your application with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee normally takes
7-10 working days, though if medical records are ordered it could take longer.
The
effective date will be the first day of the month following the date we
receive the application if no effective date is requested, or you may request
a specific effective date. The requested date must be noted on the
application and must be after the date the application is received by BlueCross
BlueShield of Tennessee.
Effective
dates will not be moved forward without proof of other insurance coverage.
This information must be received during the 10-day free look period of
the policy.
It
is standard practice to request a Blood Pressure Inquiry on all applicants
who are currently being treated for or who have recently discontinued treatment
for high blood pressure. Certain conditions may be waivered with a
temporary rider (usually for one to two years), or an indefinite rider.
Please
note, if you are requesting an effective date of less than 21 days from
the time you complete the application, you may not receive notification
of your approval until after your effective date. If you have claims
during this period, they will be eligible for coverage if submitted after
you have been approved. Also note that you will be billed starting
on your requested effective date, even if you have not yet been notified
that you have been approved. This is very good for someone who does
not have any present coverage and would like for their benefits to begin
right away. For those who are already covered, it is suggested that
you maintain your current coverage in force until you have received notice
from either eTNHealthInsurance
or directly from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
that your coverage has been approved and is in force.
Effective
dates:
The coverage can go into effect in as quickly as 24 hours, though you risk being declined if claims are submitted before the underwriting process is completed. You may request an effective date any time the date after you sign the application and 60 days later. This is very good for someone who does not have any present coverage and would like for benefits to begin right away. For those who are already covered, it is suggested that you maintain your current coverage in force until you have received notice from either eTNHealthInsurance or directly from Anthem Blue Cross that your coverage has been approved and is in force.
Your earliest possible effective date will be the day after Anthem Blue Cross has received all the necessary documents and information needed to process your application. Please note that you will be billed starting on your requested effective date, even if you have not yet been notified that you have been approved. Only the initial premium payment may be charged to a credit card. You may call Anthem’s customer service unit to make that one-time credit card payment. Subsequent payments may be made by choosing online bill payment through the Anthem member portal, or by automatic withdrawals from your checking account. There are no fees associated with these payment options.
How
to Apply:
Simply run
an instant quote
and select the plan you are interested in. Then select to apply
online or download the application, fill it out and fax it in to
us. We will then stay in touch with your during the underwritting
process to keep you informed of the progress.
About
Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Tennessee:
BlueCross
BlueShield of Tennessee is the largest health benefits company
in the state, an independent, not-for-profit organization governed by its
own board of directors. But it is also part of a nationwide association
of health care plans - the BlueCross BlueShield Association - which licenses
the company to offer certain products and services under the BlueCross and
BlueShield names.
Because
of this affiliation, which includes more than 40 other member organizations,
BlueCross BlueShield customers have access to the same network of doctors
and hospitals while traveling or living out of state that they have while
in Tennessee.
With
more than 2 million members, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is 11th in
size when compared to other BlueCross plans. Compared to others financially,
the company is one of the strongest in relation to its membership base.
From
what we can see, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is committed to remaining
an independent, not-for-profit, locally governed health plan company.
This format allows the company to do a good job serving the needs of local
businesses, families and individuals throughout Tennessee.
BlueCross
BlueShield of Tennessee
has been assigned an Standard and Poor's rating of A+ (Strong).
BlueCross
BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the BlueCross
BlueShield Association. ® Registered marks of the BlueCross BlueShield
Association, an Association of Independent BlueCross BlueShield Plans.
eTNHealthInsurance
is an independent authorized
Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN agency.
