https://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/en-USTelligent Community 12https://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/3-reasons-why-you-should-choose-blueWed, 28 Jan 2026 15:33:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:9ec9f946-e989-474c-b13e-bca733454e23BCBSTX Connect TeamYour health is important. You need a health plan that will help you stay on top of it and take care of any illnesses right away. Here’s three reasons so many people choose BCBSTX. Reason No. 1: Your Choice of Doctors — Plus Coverage for Preventive Care No matter which BCBSTX health plan you select, you’ll have a large number of providers to choose from. This includes a trusted network of OB-GYN doctors, men’s health specialists and pediatricians. With so many participating doctors and hospitals, chances are very good that your current providers are part of one of our networks. Before choosing a plan, you can easily check to see if the doctor, medical group or individual practice association you use is a part of the health plan you’d like to buy. You can shop plans to find one that’s right for you. All plans have similar features. They all include essential health benefits and preventive care services for adults and children of all ages. They only differ in the way the costs of benefits are applied . Some examples of preventive care services covered by our plans are yearly wellness exams, recommended vaccines and screenings for things like diabetes, cancer or depression. Check the latest health guidelines so you know what to expect at your doctor visits: Adult Guidelines English Spanish Children’s Guidelines English Spanish Perinatal Guidelines English Spanish You can also access the latest guidelines any time on our website . Reason No. 2: Health Management Programs BCBSTX health plans offer educational tools and programs to support your health and wellness goals. Fitness Program Regular exercise is an important part of healthy living. Our health plans offer members and their covered dependents (age 18 and older) a Fitness Program . This flexible membership grants access to fitness centers nationwide. It’s available to members with an HMO, point of service or PPO plan. Well onTarget ® This points-based program is designed to reward you for making healthy choices. You’ll have access to a convenient, members-only website that includes a health assessment, educational articles and health tips. You’ll learn ways to eat healthier, manage weight, reduce stress, stop smoking and other strategies to improve your health. There are also interactive tracking tools to help you track your steps, sleep, nutrition and more. Well onTarget ® is available to members with an HMO, point of service or PPO plan. Reason No. 3: Member Support Tools and Resources With your membership, you have access to convenient member support services and a variety of discounts and products. Customer Advocates Our customer service centers offer a customized, personalized experience. Our service staff is truly empowered to serve as your advocates. They will help you understand the health insurance process and your benefits. Customer Advocates work to make each call fast and simple. Once you select a plan and receive your member ID card in the mail, you can call the customer service number on your card anytime you need help. Your Online Member Account Your account is a secure member portal that gives you confidential 24/7 access to information about your insurance plan. You can check to see if claims have been finalized, sign up for alerts, print a temporary ID card, view up to 18 months of claim history and more. We know you're often on the go. Access your account anywhere by downloading the BCBSTX App . It’s free and available in English and Spanish for iPhone and Android users. Or you can text* BCBSTXAPP to 33633. Blue365 ® Member Discount With the Blue365 discount program, members can save money on health and wellness products and services. Save on fitness gear, gym memberships, family activities and healthy eating options. Members can also enjoy savings on products and services for dental, vision and hearing. All products are offered by top national and local retailers. Looking for Coverage? Start shopping with BCBSTX today. Review plan options, get pricing and enroll in a plan that meets your needs. If you have any questions, call us at 1-888-731-0383. *Messaging data rates may apply. Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Blue365 is a discount program only for members of BCBSTX. This is NOT insurance. Some of the services offered through this program may be covered under your health plan. Please check your Benefit Book or call the Customer Service number on your member ID card for specific benefit facts. Use of Blue365 does not change your monthly payment, nor do costs of the services or products count toward any maximums and/or plan deductibles. Discounts are only given through vendors who take part in this program. BCBSTX does not guarantee or make any claims or recommendations about the program’s services or products. You may want to talk to your doctor before using these services and products. BCBSTX reserves the right to stop or change this program at any time without notice. Hearing services are provided by Start Hearing, Beltone TM , HearUSA and TruHearing ® . Vision services are provided by ContactsDirect ® , Croakies, Davis Vision SM , EyeMed Vision Care, Glasses.com, Jonathan Paul Fitovers, and LasikPlus ®.Getting Health InsuranceBlue Access for MembersCompare Health Coverage PlansHealth Insurance NetworkBuy Health Insurancehttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/how-do-i-buy-an-individual-health-insurance-planThu, 15 Jan 2026 13:17:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:e1d53fcc-2645-4a8f-88ac-6b0ada842c2aBCBSTX Connect TeamThere are two times when you can buy health insurance — during open enrollment and special enrollment. Open enrollment starts on Nov. 1 each year and runs for a limited time. This is when anyone can sign up for an individual and family plan. Outside of open enrollment, you may be able to sign up u nder special enrollment . To buy health insurance during special enrollment, you must have a qualifying "life event" within 60 days. Examples include losing your job , moving to a new area, getting married or adding a child to your family . Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas offers tools to help you find a plan that's right for you. Use Provider Finder ® and the our shopping site to see your choices. They make shopping for health insurance simpler. Visit bcbstx.com to view and compare the BCBSTX family and individual health insurance plans available to you — even plans offered on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Under Find Care on our website, you can look for in-network doctors who are with the plan you're thinking about buying . If you already have a doctor you want to stay with, use the tool to see if your current doctor or medical group is in-network for the plan you’re considering. A premium tax credit based on things like your income and family size is offered by the government. If you're eligible, it can help you pay less on your monthly bill. You can use our shopping site to learn if you qualify and apply your savings. If you take any prescription drugs, check the drug list to see if and how the plan covers your medications. After you choose a plan that fits your budget, medical and prescription drug needs, track your application status with application tracker . Visit our website to shop plans , or if online shopping isn’t your thing, give us a call instead at 888-731-0383.Getting Health InsuranceCompare Health Coverage PlansSpecial EnrollmentBuy Health InsuranceOpen EnrollmentPremium Tax CreditIndividual and Family Coveragehttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/what-are-subsidiesWed, 12 Nov 2025 17:15:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:fbff0001-2a56-4853-9a38-92399d341ff5BCBSTX Connect TeamSeeing your shopping total get lower at the cash register is a satisfying experience. From coupons to discount codes, many of us use what we can to manage our budget. The health care marketplace has a cost-reducing option too. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance subsidies are designed to lower the out-of-pocket cost for your monthly premium. What Are Subsidies? Subsidies are discounts that lower your monthly premium (the cost you pay each month) and your out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles and copays). The government offers two options – a Premium Tax Credit (PTC), which lowers your monthly bill and a Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR), which lowers what you pay when you get care on select plans. What Are Subsidies Based On? The ACA subsidies, or premium tax credits, depend on: Your income Your family size Where you live Whether you have access to other insurance options, like a plan offered by your employer Can I Qualify for Financial Help? You may qualify for financial help if your household income is between or above certain federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines. For example, you may qualify if your income is between $31,000 and $120,000 for a family of four. This can vary by state, as some states have higher health insurance costs than others. This also depends on how many people live in your household. How To Check When you apply on the health insurance marketplace and answer a series of questions, the website will tell you right away if you qualify for help. Will Financial Help Be Available Next Year? Even if you did not get a subsidy last year, you may qualify this year. Subsidy options may change but so do incomes and family situations. With these changes in mind, it’s important to check your health plan options each year. Always check during the Open Enrollment Period. Need Help? Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas will always keep an eye on marketplace changes. We’ll give you the best plan options we can. We’re here to help you navigate changes and find your ideal coverage for next year. To learn what help may be available to you, call 888-731-0383 or visit bcbstx.com . Or contact an independent, authorized agent for BCBSTX.Getting Health InsuranceOpen EnrollmentPremium Tax CreditIndividual and Family Coveragehttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/time-to-enroll-in-a-health-plan-again-alreadyMon, 27 Oct 2025 14:17:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:24b0b1dc-d728-4c98-ae98-690ec76e87e8BCBSTX Connect TeamMany of us aren’t big fans of deadlines. We’re busy. Finding time to knock out one more thing on our to-do list can be a hassle. With some deadlines, a little procrastination may not really matter. That’s not the case when it comes to enrolling in your annual health care plan. With rising costs, no one wants to be caught without quality health care. So, when open enrollment rolls around every year, it’s important to make it a priority. Here’s What You Need to Know Every year there is a set window of time when you can sign up for a health care plan. This special timeframe is called open enrollment, because anyone can (and should ) sign up for coverage for the next year. Outside open enrollment, you can’t sign up unless you have a “life event.” If you change jobs , get married or have a baby, you can get health insurance during a special enrollment period. Act quickly, though . You have 60 days from the date coverage ends to enroll. If you miss the open or special enrollment periods, you may be able to get a short-term plan with limited benefits. Short-term plans don’t offer the full scope of member benefits you get with a regular plan. Members of federally recognized Tribes and ANCSA shareholders qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This allows you to change plans any month for coverage this year Why the Strict Deadlines? Organizing and limiting enrollment periods to small windows of time help insurers optimize benefits for their members. They can negotiate the best possible prices for medications, supplies, services and care when they know how many people they are serving. Open enrollment helps make all this possible. What About Medicare ? Medicare has its own enrollment period. This year, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. In addition, there are different enrollment dates for all the different parts (Medicare Part A and Part B ), Medicare Advantage Plans ( Part C ), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans ( Part D ). Some dates apply to people who are new to Medicare. Others are for people who already have it. Some dates are tied to the date you turn 65. Some enrollment periods are annual. You can find all the details at bcbstx.com/medicare . Do Employers Have Open Enrollment? Yes! Open enrollment lets companies offer their best policies and services. It also gives employees a chance to change their plan. After the company’s open enrollment, employees must have a “life event” to change their coverage. Just Like Clockwork For many companies, annual open enrollment takes place from Nov. 1 through mid-December. Dates can change, so be sure to check. Put your dates on the calendar so it doesn’t sneak up on you. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) spends most of the year hard at work getting ready for open enrollment. Starting in early spring, we start to fine tune everything. We listen to your feedback. We adjust the benefits we offer. We go through the forms we ask you to fill out. We look at how and when to tell you about our plans. No detail is too small. We know details matter. Help Us Help You Get Ready Be sure you get and keep the health insurance that works best for you.Getting Health InsuranceCompare Health Coverage PlansSpecial EnrollmentOpen Enrollmenthttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/what-should-i-ask-when-seeking-a-planFri, 24 Oct 2025 11:35:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ba3dcfb5-392e-4bea-86e3-4959e1e0d608BCBSTX Connect TeamYou now have more choices than ever when it comes to health insurance plans. Whether you buy directly from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, the Health Insurance Marketplace or a licensed insurance agent, it’s easy to compare plans and choose one that meets your needs and fits your budget. Open enrollment for health insurance starts on Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2026. When you sign up by Dec. 15, your coverage will start on Jan. 1, 2026. Of course, you’ll need to decide if you want to keep your current plan, apply for a new individual or family plan, or choose a different type of plan. As with any big purchase, there are a few things you can do to prepare before buying. As you search for health insurance coverage, keep these questions in mind. What provider network does the plan use? Is your current doctor in the plan’s network and is this important to you? Are the specialists, hospitals or urgent care centers you use in network for the plan you want? Use the BCBSTX Provider Finder ® to check. How often do you visit the doctor? Do you only get sick two or three times during the year? Do you have a health condition that requires frequent visits to the doctor or hospital? Are you thinking about having a child? Do you take prescription drugs? Can you take a generic drug, or do you need a name-brand drug that may cost more? Drug coverage may differ by plan. You can review the formulary — or drug lists — for each plan we offer. Note the deductibles and copays for each drug plan. If you take a lot of medicine for a health issue, it may be better to pay a slightly higher monthly premium in exchange for lower drug costs. How much can you spend? Every plan is different, so before you shop, figure out your budget. How much will you be able to spend every month? Think about your monthly premium, but also keep in mind the deductible, copayments and other out-of-pocket costs . Doing so will help you figure out what you could pay during the year if you have unexpected medical bills. If you think you may be able to get financial assistance, use a premium tax credit calculator to check. You may qualify for a plan with a low premium. Do you need dental coverage? Some plans include dental coverage. With others, you can buy a separate dental plan. If you know you will need a lot of dental work next year, such as an implant or kid’s braces, you may want to add a Health Spending Account to cover out-of-pocket costs. What do the plans look like? There are many plans to choose from that can meet your needs and budget. Go to the Shop Our Plans page on our website to find one that’s just right for you. Now that you know what to ask, do you have any questions for us? Call us at 1-888-731-0383 or log in to ask.PrescriptionsGetting Health InsuranceCompare Health Coverage PlansHealth Insurance NetworkHealth Care CostsBuy Health InsuranceOpen EnrollmentPremium Tax Credithttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/health-insurance-options-for-college-studentsTue, 21 Oct 2025 16:48:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:0efbe582-92a0-4cf8-8b3e-9f9ae332fa1fBCBSTX Connect TeamThe semester is well underway, and college students are hitting the books to prepare for tests, papers and extra credit. If you're one of them, there is one thing you may not have thought to prepare for — what to do if you get sick. Even if you are fit and healthy, it’s always a good idea to have a health plan. It gives you access to care in case you are hurt or catch the flu , strep throat, mono or other nasty bugs that tend to make their way around campus. Getting insurance and learning how to use it while you are at school doesn’t have to be hard. Know Your Options Stay on your parents’ plan: If you are under age 26 , you may not have to worry about finding a health insurance plan. You may be able to stay on your parents’ plan. If you go to school in a different state, you’ll want to make sure there are doctors, hospitals and other health care providers near campus that are covered by your parents’ plan. Not having in-network providers nearby can make things tricky if you get sick or hurt. You may have to pay more to see an out-of-network provider or miss school to travel home to get care. Shop on the Health Insurance Marketplace: You also have the option of looking for a health plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace — the website created under the Affordable Care Act. Shopping on the Marketplace might be a good idea if your budget is tight. If you get a plan on the Marketplace, you may qualify for tax credits that can lower your monthly premium payments and provide other savings. We offer a number of plans on the Marketplace, but please note that you can only enroll in one during Open Enrollment or after certain life events . Consider a student health plan: Your school may offer its own health plan. These plans are often less costly than your parents’ family plan because they are designed and priced for students. They may even provide network care options on campus or nearby. We offer student health plans for a number of schools, called AcademicBlue SM . Our student health plans: Preventive care, such as immunizations and screenings Prescription drug coverage Low deductibles (the amount of money you have to pay before your health insurance plan starts to pay for services) Low office visit copays and waived deductibles in certain cases Up to 100% coverage at your student health center if available for eligible services Access to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield network of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies Are You Currently a BCBSTX Member? Finding a network doctor near school: If your school is far from home you’ll want to make sure there are doctors, hospitals and other health care providers in your plan’s network near campus. You can find in-network providers with Provider Finder ® . To access Provider Finder: Log in to your online member account Look for Find Care You won’t have to select your network or plan — it will automatically be displayed. All you have to do is enter the right ZIP Code and start your search. Use your benefits out of your service area: If your school is not in Texas (also known as your plan’s service area), you may still be able to use your benefits. BlueCard ® Program Traveling across the country or around the world? The BlueCard Program* helps students with an AcademicBlue plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas: Get health care when you travel or live outside your Blue Plan service area Enjoy the same benefits as your BCBSTX plan when you are away from home for an extended amount of time Find a doctor or hospital across the United States — more than 90% of all hospitals and doctors in the U.S. contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Locate a doctor or hospital outside the U.S. in more than 200 countries around the world through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core BlueCard coverage varies for each BCBS plan. It depends on if you choose a provider who contracts with BCBS. Call Customer Service at the number on your member ID card. Away From Home Care If you have a BCBSTX HMO plan, ask to become a guest of another Blue HMO participating in your school’s area. You will still be able to use your benefits when you visit providers in this HMO’s network. This program is only available to BCBSTX members who are away from home for at least 90 days. To find out if this program is available in your school’s area, call the Customer Service number on your member ID card. Be sure to bring your member ID card wherever you go. Still unsure about your insurance options? We can help! Send us your questions in a private message. * The BlueCard Program is not available for Medicaid, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan members. HMO plan members can use the BlueCard Program only for emergency or urgent care when traveling or away from home for less than 90 days. Also, the Away From Home Care Program is not available for Medicaid plan members or for HMO plan members on the Blue Precision HMO SM Network and BlueCare Direct SM , in collaboration with Advocate Health Care. This is only a brief description of some of the plan benefits. Not all benefits are offered by all Plans mentioned above. For more complete details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to your certificate of coverage.Getting Health InsurancePrepare to Buy Health InsuranceBlue Cross Blue Shield Global® Core programHealth Care CostsFind a DoctorOpen EnrollmentCollege Studentshttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/ways-to-make-health-insurance-work-for-small-businessThu, 09 Oct 2025 09:14:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:a2725d5b-8f18-43df-ada3-d7e7c8921f67BCBSTX Connect TeamSmall business owners have a lot of decisions to make. Some are fun and creative. Others affect the bottom line. Owners who offer health benefits to their employees enjoy a number of business advantages. Here are a few. More Productive Employees When it comes to success, a productive and healthy workplace is must. A MetLife study found that a majority of employees — 93% — view health insurance and well-being benefits just as important as their salary. Employers are in sync. Eighty-six percent said they feel “a responsibility for the health and well-being of their employees.” Of course, decades of data show health insurance is linked to higher work productivity. With health insurance, employers help protect employees and their families. Coverage for wellness visits, prescription drugs, chronic conditions, health emergencies, and mental health benefits help employees stay happy, healthy and working. Possible Tax Benefits Health insurance offers tax advantages for employers and employees. Businesses can often claim deductions and payroll tax benefits. Employees can use pre-tax dollars to help cover their part of health care premiums. To learn more about tax benefits, talk with a tax or legal advisor. Retain Top Talent A Clutch study reveals that more than half of all employees say health insurance is the benefit that most affects their job satisfaction. Offering coverage to employees helps businesses compete for the best employees and keep them. Wondering if Your Small Business Can Offer Health Coverage? In some cases, employers who want to offer coverage as a group, can do so with only one full-time employee (subject to eligibility rules). This allows employers to provide access to a broad network of health care providers. Employers providing group coverage may be able to offer more than one benefit plan and network option. Again, it may only take one employee. Some employers offer a large network with a smaller, local network. By doing so, they give employees a choice of providers and price options. Employees and their families can then access care when and where they need it. Owning and managing a small business can be tough. Making health insurance work for you and your employees shouldn’t be. As you make important decisions for your small business, consider health insurance to give you and your employees peace of mind. Learn more about small business health insurance options . Sources: Maximizing Employee Care , MetLife, 2024; A Quick Guide to Small Business Employee Health Insurance ; U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2025; Why Employers Should Offer Health Insurance and Other Employee Benefits , Clutch, 2025; Almost Half of Employers are Planning to Give Out Raises, but What Workers Really Want is Better Benefits , Fortune, 2024Benefits and CoverageSmall BusinessBuy Health InsuranceEmployer Coveragehttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/making-a-list-checking-it-twice-preparing-for-open-enrollmentMon, 06 Oct 2025 13:59:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d4b019a8-4752-433d-bad6-6c1bf55fb601BCBSTX Connect TeamThe open enrollment period can be confusing. Premiums. Deductibles. Coinsurance. Networks. We can help. What is Open Enrollment? Open Enrollment is the time each year when individuals and families can sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). You can enroll, change your plan or apply for financial help. This period usually runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. If you miss it, you may have to wait until next year, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Here are three important steps to help you prepare for this year’s open enrollment for 2026 health insurance coverage. Step 1: Make Note of the Deadline Mark your calendar and set a reminder on your phone: Apply by Dec. 15 for coverage that begins Jan. 1. Apply by Jan. 15 for coverage that begins Feb. 1. Step 2: Gather Your Personal Information Before you start shopping, you may want to have some personal information handy: Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency: That includes social security numbers or proof of legal residency for all family members. Current health insurance information: Gather policy numbers for any current health insurance you have and information about any available job-related insurance. State residency: You can use your driver’s license, housing lease or utility bills. Immigration status/legal residency status: If it applies to you, be sure to have your immigration document status numbers. Income information for all family members: This may include a copy of your last tax return, W-2 forms or pay stubs, and information about any unemployment, disability, social security, pension or retirement income. Method of payment: You can make your first (or “binder”) payment by personal check, cash or credit card. To make future payments automatically, you can sign up for Auto Bill Pay through your online member account. Step 3: Find Out If You Qualify for Help to Pay Health Insurance Costs Do you know that you may be able to get help paying for health care coverage? Depending on how big your family is and how much you earn, you may qualify for financial help, such as a subsidy. Enroll Now! There are three main options for signing up for coverage from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for 2026: 1. Call us directly at 888-731-0383 . Health plan specialists will work with you to determine the plan that fits your needs. 2. Visit bcbstx.com . You can view and compare all plans available to you and fill out an application online. 3. Contact an independent, authorized agent for BCBSTX. This is another way to speak directly to someone who can help you choose a plan that meets your needs.Benefits and CoverageGetting Health InsuranceCompare Health Coverage PlansBuy Health InsuranceOpen EnrollmentIndividual and Family Coveragehttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/why-buying-health-insurance-is-a-good-ideaThu, 02 Oct 2025 11:20:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:be66ea15-85b3-44c2-b65b-80638d7518aeBCBSTX Connect TeamYou may think, "I never go to the doctor, so I don’t need health insurance." Think again. Health Insurance protects your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. The cost for care can be significant and cause real pain to your wallet,according to Healthcare.gov . For examle: A broken leg could cost $7,500. A three-day hospital stay averages $30,000. Comprehensive treatment for cancer may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The right health insurance plan helps protect you from most of those and other types of medical bills. Without insurance, you could wipe out your savings and even go into debt. Get the Care You Need Most health plans cover preventive care (such as cancer screenings and shots) and yearly wellness exams with no out-of-pocket costs when you go to a doctor in your health plan's network. So, you wouldn’t need to put off going to the doctor because you’re worried about the cost. Plus, keeping up with wellness exams and other preventive care means your doctor is more likely to catch health problems earlier when treatment may be more effective. With health insurance, you have a network of doctors and hospitals who can care for you. There’s no need to ignore warning signs that something might be wrong or simply hope a health condition will go away on its own. Ready to get started? Search our health plans to find one that’s right for you. Sources: Why health insurance is important , Healthcare.govEmergency CareGetting Health InsuranceAffordable Care ActPreventive Care ServicesMedical BillsBuy Health Insurancehttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/medical-dental-vision-choosing-plan-typeWed, 01 Oct 2025 16:31:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:e10ea677-6110-48d9-90c1-56db5645fda5BCBSTX Connect TeamRegular medical and dental care is important for your total health. That’s why it’s good to have both kinds of insurance. Many people buy medical coverage on their own. You may want to consider getting dental coverage as well as health care coverage. What Does a Dental Plan Cover? Have you signed up for a health plan through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, but not through your work? You may recall you can add dental coverage right there on the application. Dental benefits for BCBSTX individual members who choose a dental plan may include savings on preventive checkups, cleanings and basic x-rays. You can also save on fillings, bridges, crowns and other dental work. Check coverage details to see about savings on dental services. You make the most of your health care benefits when you use providers who are in network. The same is true for dental coverage. Try to use in-network dentists. Members can look up dentists who contract with BCBSTX in Provider Finder ® . Log in to your online member account and click on Find Care. Also be sure to check your plan for details about what is and isn’t covered. That's good to know whether you see a network dentist or one who is out of the network. Did You Know? Your health plan covers a routine eye exam and eyeglasses for children. Check “Find Care” for in-network vision providers. What’s the Deal with Discounts? Don’t forget your BCBSTX membership may also offer dental, vision and hearing discounts through Blue365 SM . This health and wellness discount program for members gives you lots of chances to save big. Blue365 is a discount program only for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas members. This is NOT insurance. Some of the services offered through this program may be covered under your health plan. You should check your benefit booklet or call the Customer Service number on your member ID card for specific benefit facts. Use of Blue365 does not change monthly payments, nor do costs of the services or products count toward any maximums and/or plan deductibles. Discounts are only given through vendors that take part in this program. BCBSTX does not guarantee or make any claims or recommendations about the program’s services or products. You should consult your doctor before using these services and products. BCBSTX reserves the right to stop or change this program at any time without notice. Hearing services are provided by Start Hearing, Beltone TM , HearUSA and TruHearing ® . Vision services are provided by ContactsDirect ® , Croakies, Davis Vision SM , EyeMed Vision Care, Glasses.com, Jonathan Paul Fitovers, and LasikPlus ® . The relationship between these vendors and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is that of independent contractors.Eye HealthHealth Care CoverageGetting Health InsuranceDental HealthOpen Enrollmenthttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/check-provider-networks-before-you-buyWed, 01 Oct 2025 14:27:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:813cd156-30c7-4df4-9caa-f6ab3a80f913BCBSTX Connect TeamWhat Is a Provider Network? Premiums, copays and deductibles are all things you need to consider when choosing the best health plan for you or your family. Did you know you should also think about the plan’s provider network? Here's why: Health plans save you money by negotiating discounts on health care charges with doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. When a provider agrees to take patients with a health plan, they agree to accept a lower fee for their care. The provider networks of some plans may have fewer doctors and hospitals than others. The plan offers lower costs to the member because they pay less to providers who see plan members. That means fewer providers agree to be in the plan’s network. A smaller network offers fewer choices of doctors you can use when you need care. By using doctors and other health care providers in your plan’s network, you can lower your out-of-pocket costs. If you visit a doctor outside your plan’s network, you may pay more for your care. In some cases (for example, if you have an HMO plan), you may have to pay the full cost when you go out of network. If your family would like to use certain doctors, specialists, hospitals or urgent care centers, make sure they are in the network of any health plan you consider. Provider Networks: HMO vs. PPO While there are many types of health plans, the two most common are HMO and PPO. An HMO may have lower monthly premiums. With an HMO, you'll choose a primary care provider (PCP) to direct your care within the network. You'll need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist. With a PPO plan, you may pay a higher premium, but have more freedom to choose doctors and hospitals without a referral. Because this can be a big factor in your medical visits, here are some questions to consider as you choose your health plan: Is it important to have a lot of doctors and hospitals I can choose from? Is it worth paying a higher monthly premium to have more provider choices? Are the providers I often go to in my chosen plan’s network? Insider’s tip: Search online to see if doctors, hospitals and urgent care centers are in network for the plan you are considering. Once you're a member, you can get a more personalized search based on your coverage. Ready to choose your plan? Make sure you’re ready for Open Enrollment.Getting Health InsuranceCompare Health Coverage PlansHealth Insurance NetworkProvider FinderUnderstanding InsuranceBuy Health Insurancehttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/how-to-sign-up-for-health-insuranceTue, 30 Sep 2025 08:52:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:8951c012-e43e-4dba-b003-6da80dee6735BCBSTX Connect TeamDo you need health coverage, but don’t know where to start? Visit bcbstx.com to view and compare all our Family and Individual health plans. You can also view the plans we offer on the Health Insurance Marketplace. In most cases, you can only sign up for a health insurance plan during the Open Enrollment period from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. To be covered starting on Jan. 1, sign up by Dec. 15. When you’re ready to enroll, you’ll have three options: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas: Shop Online or Call You can sign up for health insurance online using our shopping site . You can also call us at 888-731-0383. You’ll be able to compare all BCBSTX plans, including the plans we offer on the Health Insurance Marketplace. A Licensed Insurance Agent An agent can help you find the plan that's best for you. Agents are paid by insurers based on the plans they sell, so there is no charge to you for their help. The Health Insurance Marketplace If you think you may qualify for aid to help cover the costs of your health insurance, shop on the federal government website — the Health Insurance Marketplace . The Marketplace allows you to shop, compare and buy plans offered by participating health insurance companies that offer plans in your area. You can apply for a subsidy to help pay your premiums. You can also see if you qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP through the Marketplace. Before you sign up for health insurance, search our site for articles to help you prepare to buy a plan. Look for these topics and others based on your needs: Get tips on comparing all your health insurance choices by price, benefits and other features that may be important to you. Learn why it’s important to make sure your doctors are in-network for the plans you are exploring. You can search for providers under Find Care . Find out what information you’ll need before you can start the process. Check the key dates, so you don’t miss any deadlines. Outside open enrollment, you can’t sign up unless you have a “life event.” If you change jobs , get married or have a baby , you can get health insurance during a special enrollment period. Act quickly , though. You only have 60 days after your life event to enroll. During this time, you can apply for a BCBSTX Individual health plan for yourself or your family. If you have questions, we can help. Call 888-731-0383 or scroll through our enrollment guide .Getting Health InsuranceCompare Health Coverage PlansAffordable Care ActBuy Health InsuranceOpen Enrollmenthttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/everything-you-need-prepare-buy-health-insuranceMon, 25 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d40034d2-851a-4646-a6a0-86a20affb0c7BCBSTX Connect TeamIf you want to buy a new individual and family health plan or choose a different one, get the details you need before open enrollment starts on Nov. 1. Break the task into easy-to-handle steps. Keep the Deadlines in Mind Open enrollment ends Jan. 15 . If you want new health care coverage to start Jan. 1, the last day to enroll is Dec. 15 . If your current Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas health plan will be available for 2026, we’ll automatically re-enroll you so you won’t have a gap in coverage. Compare Health Plans Compare each health plan’s coverage and costs, such as premiums, copays, coinsurance and deductibles, especially for services you know you may need. These costs can change from year to year. Make a list of your doctors so you can find out if they are in network for your choice of plan. Check the plan’s drug list for the prescription drugs you and your dependents take. Personal Information For a Marketplace plan, proof of U.S. citizenship is needed to enroll. Have Social Security card numbers or U.S. passports handy for yourself and your family members. You’ll need a driver’s license, housing lease or utility bill to show the state you live in. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need proof of immigration status, like a permanent resident card. You can also use a work authorization or an immigrant visa. See healthcare.gov for the full list. Financial Information If you want subsidies for a Marketplace plan, you’ll need to provide earning records from all family members to be covered. These records may include: W-2 forms, pay stubs and your most recent tax return Any unemployment or disability payments Earnings records from Social Security, pension or retirement income You’ll most likely make payments to the health insurance company through a bank draft. You’ll need that account number to enroll. How to Buy You can buy health care coverage: Directly from the insurance company Through an independent, authorized agent at no cost to you On the Health Insurance Marketplace Through an online insurance seller Planning now will help you make a health care coverage choice that works for you and any dependents you cover. Original publish date: 10/20/2016, Revised 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023,2024Getting Health InsuranceCompare Health Coverage PlansPrepare to Buy Health InsuranceBuy Health InsuranceOpen Enrollmenthttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/can-you-get-health-insurance-nowThu, 07 Aug 2025 11:40:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ae7cd30b-ee96-4c50-a326-795ba5017b57BCBSTX Connect TeamLife happens. Things change. Some changes may affect your health insurance. They’re called a “qualifying life event.” What does the term mean? What Is a Qualifying Life Event? In most cases, you can sign up for a health insurance plan only during the open enrollment period that begins November 1 . There is an exception, though. If you’ve had a major life change, you may qualify for the Special Enrollment Period . Some qualifying life events include: Job loss or reduction of hours that leaves you without health insurance Change in earnings or number of members in your household A move outside of your current plan network's service area Marriage , divorce or separation Death of a spouse who was the policy holder Having a baby or adopting a child Becoming a U.S. citizen Turning 26 and losing coverage on a family member’s policy Don't Wait If you are losing insurance through your job, you have only 30 days to sign up for COBRA. Or you can sign up for an individual and family plan within 60 days of the date you lost coverage due to a qualifying life event. Give us a call at 888-731-0383 or contact your independent authorized agent to learn more.Getting Health InsuranceSpecial EnrollmentAffordable Care ActBuy Health Insurancehttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/i-am-under-26-should-i-stay-on-my-parents-health-insurance-planTue, 01 Apr 2025 11:49:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d0896acb-fb3e-4d65-a8ea-e92b880c0118BCBSTX Connect TeamYoung adults have more health insurance options than ever before. Having lots of choices is awesome, but it can also be overwhelming. This is especially true if you don’t have that much experience dealing with health insurance. As you probably know, you can join or stay on your parent’s health insurance plan until you turn 26, even if you: Are married Don’t live with your parents or count on them for money Are going to school Can sign up for your employer’s plan This last bullet is an important one. Even if your job offers health insurance, you don’t have to take it. You can stay on your parent’s health insurance plan if you think it makes more sense for you. When I graduated college and got my first job, I went back and forth as to whether I should stay on my mom’s health insurance plan or switch over to a plan that my job was offering. I found that many of my friends were facing the same dilemma. Many of us didn’t know what questions or issues to consider as we tried to make the right decision. If you are also struggling with what to do about health insurance, here are some things you should keep in mind as you decide whether or not to stay on your parent’s health insurance plan: Are you about to turn 26? If your 26th birthday is right around the corner, you may want to consider going with your own health plan. This way you don’t have go through the process of choosing a health insurance plan again when you turn 26. If you do decide to stay on your parent’s plan until you turn 26, you will be able to enroll in another health plan even if open enrollment is over. Turning 26 allows you to change health insurance plans during a special enrollment period. You can find more information about your health insurance options when you turn 26 on our website. Will it cost more for your parents to keep you on their plan? In many cases, if your parent already has other dependents on their plan (such as your other parent or siblings) it won’t cost them extra to keep you on. In this instance it might make more financial sense to stay with your parent’s plan, since you won’t have to pay for your own premium on a plan you got through a job or on your own. If you decide to go this route, it might be a good idea to work out a system with your parents of how you can help pay for your health care costs such as copays and the deductible. If it does cost extra to stay on your parent’s plan, you might need to do a little bit more digging. Find out how much extra it will be to stay on their plan and see how that compares to what your costs would be if you got your own plan. Are there doctors and hospitals in your parent’s plan’s network near you? Do you live close to your parents? If so, it should be pretty easy to find doctors and hospitals in their plan’s network near where you live. This is important to take into account, because if you go to an out-of-network doctor you may have to pay more for your care. If you do live far away (such as in a different state), it could be more difficult to find a network doctor nearby. In this case, it might be a better idea to consider buying a health insurance plan on your own or going with one through your employer. This way you can avoid higher out-of-pocket costs if you are unable to find a network provider. Depending on your income, you may be able to get help paying for your own health insurance plan by enrolling through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Make sure you talk to your parents before you make your decision. This affects them as well, so it’s important that you are all on the same page before you do anything. What are my options if I can’t get health insurance through my job or my parents? If your job doesn’t offer health insurance but you decide that staying with your parent’s plan isn’t right for you, here are your other health insurance options: Buy a plan on the Marketplace (where you might get help paying your monthly premiums) or directly through us . Enroll in a student health plan if you are in college. See if you qualify for Medicaid . Still have questions? Check out our FAQs . Originally published November 18, 2015; Revised 2017, 2020, 2022, 2025Getting Health InsuranceCompare Health Coverage PlansPrepare to Buy Health InsuranceSpecial EnrollmentHealth Care CostsFamilyBuy Health InsuranceOpen Enrollmenthttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/how-to-change-your-health-insurance-planThu, 06 Mar 2025 11:23:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:371a57f4-e0ca-4b7a-a76c-d2d391a026b8BCBSTX Connect TeamThings in life are always changing. No worries. We’re here to make things easier. Nothing is set in stone, including your insurance needs. So what happens if you’re enrolled in a health plan, but then realize your needs — or the needs of your family — have changed? Here are a few things you need to know. How can you change your health insurance plan? There are two periods of time when you can change your health insurance plan: open enrollment and special enrollment . Open enrollment is when you can sign up for health insurance plans — usually once a year. Special enrollment is a period outside of open enrollment when you can sign up for a health insurance plan. To be eligible, you must have had a qualifying life event. Examples include: Turning 26 while on a family member’s policy Loss of a job Loss of medical coverage Marriage or divorce Birth or adoption How did you enroll in your health insurance plan? The way you originally enrolled in your health insurance plan will affect the way you change it. Did you enroll through your employer? Did you enroll through the Health Insurance Marketplace? Did you enroll directly with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas? If you enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly with BCBSTX, you have an individual or family plan. Open enrollment for individual and family plans begins Nov. 1 every year. If you’ve experienced a qualifying life event, you may be able to change your health insurance plan during the special enrollment period. If you enrolled in your Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan on the Marketplace , go to Healthcare.gov or call them at 800-318-2596. If you signed up directly through BCBSTX , go to bcbstx.com or call our enrollment team at 888-731-0383 to learn your options for special enrollment. If you enrolled through your employer , you have a group plan or group coverage. Group plans set their own schedule for open enrollment and special enrollment. To change your health insurance plan, you’ll have to call your company’s human resource department or the number on your member ID card. They can give you specific details about your open enrollment and special enrollment periods. Originally published 6/8/2015; Revised 2018, 2023, 2025Getting Health InsuranceSpecial EnrollmentBuy Health InsuranceOpen Enrollmenthttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/plan-a-move-like-a-pro-with-these-5-moving-tips-to-keep-you-sane-and-healthyMon, 10 Jun 2024 12:10:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ee6947e4-6e3e-413f-b7be-269c9d1ed809BCBSTX Connect TeamMoving can be exciting — whatever your reason. You might relocate for a new job. Maybe you want to be closer to family. Perhaps you’re pulling up roots just for the thrill of living in a different place. Still, moving can also be stressful. There are a lot of details to coordinate. Finding a new place to live, boxing up your belongings, and getting everything from point A to point B are just a few. Some important things can fall through the cracks. While you’ll probably remember to forward your mail, what about your health insurance? Take steps early on to make sure you don’t have a gap in health insurance during and after your move. Here’s how you can start. See If You’re Eligible for a Special Enrollment Period The insurance you trusted to meet your needs in Chicago may not be available in Dallas — or wherever you move. You could find yourself outside your health plan network. Don’t worry. Moving is considered a “qualifying event” that allows you to sign up for another health plan during a special enrollment period (SEP). You may qualify for special enrollment if you move: Out of state Within state, but your health plan network isn’t available in your new town Within the city, if your plan has a small, regional network Be Aware of the 60-Day Deadline If your move falls into a SEP category, you’ll have 60 days to change your plan or enroll in a new one after moving. If you don’t qualify for special enrollment, you may be eligible for temporary or short-term coverage to help you get by until the next annual open enrollment period (OEP). To make your move less stressful, try these tips: Forward Your Mail to Your New Address You may remember to change your address for your Internet and banking statements, but what about your online shopping and streaming accounts? You can easily take care of forwarding everything online at USPS . Pack an Essentials Box There’s nothing worse than trying to settle in and having no idea which box your toothbrush or toilet paper is in. Pack essential items you’ll need your first night together in clear or well-labeled boxes. Clearly Label All Boxes Mark every box with the room it belongs in. Doing so ensures they are placed in the correct room and makes unpacking easier. Turn On Your Utilities Electric, gas, internet and cable services may require a day or two to get set up. Plan to have them activated before your arrival so you aren’t left in the dark or the cold. While moving can be a hectic, it will go a lot more smoothly with a little advance planning and preparation. Source: How to Make Moving Less Stressful , Realtor.com, 2019 Originally published 9/2/2015; Revised 2022, 2024Getting Health InsuranceSpecial EnrollmentBuy Health InsuranceOpen Enrollmenthttps://connect.bcbstx.com/getting-health-insurance/b/weblog/posts/how-to-protect-yourself-from-health-insurance-scamsThu, 30 Nov 2023 12:30:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:4db6a41b-85c3-4281-aef7-1cd73b1a9ed1BCBSTX Connect TeamYou might be sleeping or taking your dog for a walk. You could be at work, at your kid’s soccer game, or meeting friends for dinner. Life is good, right? You have no idea that scammers down the street, one state over or half a world away are doing their darndest to steal your personal info. Most often, scammers want to clean out your bank account or go on a shopping spree with your credit card. But mortgage title theft and health insurance scams are becoming more and more common. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) gives more people access to health care, it also makes more people vulnerable to fraud. Protect Yourself Guard your digits. Don’t give your Social Security, credit card, bank account or phone numbers to anyone offering an “ACA card.” There’s no such thing as an “ACA card.” Beware of people pushing an ACA health plan . Yes, the Affordable Care Act calls for most people to have health insurance. But you don’t have to buy a new plan. If you already have health insurance through your job, Medicare or Medicaid, you can keep it or look at other plans offered by your insurer. Shut the door on con artists. Health insurance companies don’t send reps to make door-to-door sales calls. If someone shows up at your home, tell them to mail information to you. If you get something in the mail, carefully check out the company before you add your private data to any enrollment form. Ask a trusted family member or friend to also look at the information. Watch out for fake government workers. Scammers often use this ruse to steal your health information by saying they need to update it in the system. No such workers exist. If you need to change your information, call your insurance carrier directly. Watch Out for These Tricks What other tricks do health insurance fraudsters use? Here are some common schemes. Fake health insurance policies. Con artists promise low prices, no medical exams and guaranteed acceptance. Any too-good-to-be-true promises should raise a red flag. High-pressure sales. Con artists know the faster they get you to make a decision, the more likely they are to walk away with your private information. Be leery of anyone who says you must act now. Bogus websites for insurance companies. These fake sites mimic sites for legitimate health insurance companies. Make sure you’re interacting with a company’s real website before giving any personal information — especially before sharing your debit or credit card number. If you’re not sure, call the insurance company to confirm their official web address. Phony state health exchanges. Some states let the federal government set up their health care exchange rather than create their own. In these states, con artists often set up fake state exchange websites. Unsuspecting health care consumers hand over their personal information, financial data and money only to get nothing. Check to see if your state has a state-run health exchange. ACA navigators who charge for advice. The government provides trained navigators to help people who don’t know much about health insurance. Con artists posing as navigators ask customers to pay for their advice. Official ACA navigators never charge for their services. Discount cards called insurance plans. These cheap “insurance plans” usually boast a phony list of doctors, high fees hidden in the fine print and zero benefits. Remember, it’s important to think about many factors — not just price — when choosing a health plan. Buy from an insurance company you trust. Beware of any company you’ve never heard of before. They may not exist. You could end up without health insurance and without the money you set aside to pay for it. Search for reviews about any insurance company you’re considering. Visit our article library to learn more about health insurance scams . Source: Spot Health Insurance Scams , Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information, 2021 Original publish date: September 24, 2014; Revised 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023Getting Health InsuranceHealth Insurance ScamsAffordable Care ActScamsBuy Health InsuranceOpen Enrollment