New Member? 3 Steps to Using Your Health Insurance

Did you recently sign up for one of our health insurance plans? If so, you may be thinking, “So what happens now?”

We want to make sure using your new health insurance plan is as easy as possible. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you start using all the benefits of being a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) member.

 Step 1: Look out for new member information

After you enroll in a health insurance plan you should receive the following:

• Welcome Letter – You will get a letter from us soon after you enroll with proof that your application is complete. Keep it handy until you get your benefit information from us.
• Phone call – You will get a call to confirm your information and welcome you to BCBSTX.
• Member ID Card – Your member ID card  will be mailed to your home not long after your application is approved. It will have your member number, information on your plan, copays and how to contact us. Make sure you keep it on hand and show it to your doctor and pharmacist so they can update their records.
• Policy Kit – You will get your policy kit either by mail or email, depending on what you asked for in your application. Your policy kit will outline your plan’s benefits so you know what is covered.

Step 2: Activate your coverage

• Pay your first bill - Your benefits will not be active until you make your first premium payment. Once you’ve paid, you can start using your insurance benefits on the first effective date of your plan printed on your member ID card. Learn about the many ways you can make a payment.
• Set up your online account – Once you have your member ID card, you can register for Blue Access for Members^SM -our secure website  where you can access claims information and coverage details, order a replacement ID card, find a doctor in your network and more. You can also access Blue Access for Members on the go through our BCBSTX app. Download the app here!

Step 3: Use your benefits!

• Find a doctor in your network – Be sure to check that a hospital or doctor you want to use is in your plan’s network.  A network consists of select doctors, hospitals and other providers that we have contracted with to provide you with health care services. If you go to a provider who is not in your plan’s network, it will cost you more. To find out if your doctor is in-network or if you want to find a new one, use our online Provider Finder ®.
• Choose a primary care physician(PCP) – If you have chosen an HMO plan, you will need to select a PCP. PCPs usually focus on general practice, internal medicine and family practice. An OB-GYN can serve as a woman’s PCP, and a pediatrician can be your child’s PCP. He or she will direct all your health care, and you must get a referral from them before seeing an in-network specialist. To choose an in-network PCP, use Provider Finder .
• Know where to get care – Now that you have health insurance, you have a number of options of where you can get care. Your doctor’s office is generally the best place to go for non-emergency care such as health exams, colds, flu, sore throats and minor injuries. You can also consider using a walk-in retail health clinic or urgent care center  near you. The ER should be for emergencies only.  

Have questions?

• Call the number on the back of your member ID card
• Send us a secure message through Blue Access for Members
• Send us a private message through Connect
• Send us private message on Facebook  or tweet @bcbstx

Comment below! Just remember: never share your private info in a public comment.

Most recent update: 1/22/2018