Your BCBS ID card contains vital health insurance information.
Some items go everywhere with us. Our phones, keys, driver’s licenses and credit cards are kept at our fingertips at all times. When it comes to healthcare services, that item is your Blue Cross aand Blue Shield (BCBS) ID card.
Keep it in a safe, easily accessible place like your wallet. Your card contains key information about your health insurance coverage that is required when you need care or pick up a prescription at the pharmacy. Keeping your card in a secure location will also help protect you from medical identity theft.
If you have misplaced or haven’t yet received your BCBS ID card, a temporary ID card may be available online. Visit your local BCBS company’s website for details.
When your BCBS ID card arrives in the mail, take a moment to look for these five things:
Check your new card to ensure details like the spelling of your name and the type of plan you selected are correct. (See item #2 below to learn how to contact your BCBS company to address any errors.)
Your BCBS ID card has important contact information to help you reach your BCBS company. Look on the back of your card to find the phone numbers for customer service and eligibility questions.
Your BCBS ID card has your member number, and in some cases, your employer group number. Your member number, also known as your identification number, is listed directly below your name. You’ll need this information when receiving medical services at the doctor or pharmacy, or when calling customer service for assistance. If your group number is available, you'll find it directly below your member number.
If you forget or aren’t sure what type of health insurance plan you have (like an HMO or PPO), you can find out on your BCBS ID card. If you have an HMO, your card may also list the physician or group you’ve selected for primary care. Determining whether a provider is in-network is an important part of choosing a primary care physician.
Your BCBS ID card may include a list of the co-pay amounts you can expect to pay for common services, like a doctor’s visit or trip to the emergency room.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.