CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Introduces New Lower Cost Option to National Accounts
Employers with workers outside area can benefit from Blue Precision
OWINGS MILLS, MD (November 13, 2006) – CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), in conjunction with Blues plans across the country, has developed a new health plan that will provide a lower-cost option for national accounts – employers with multiple business locations or employees around the United States. Blue Precision will give national account members access to custom networks of health care providers assembled by local Blues plans and result in lower costs for employers and reduced out-of-pocket costs for members.
National account members currently have access to care through the national BlueCard network of providers. Beginning in January 2007, Blue Precision will offer custom local networks in 26 states and the District of Columbia. Blue Precision members using the local network will have the least out-of pocket costs, with most benefits subject to a copay only. Members will be responsible for a greater share of costs if they choose to use BlueCard or out-of-network providers. By making available local networks of high-quality, cost-effective health care providers, employers and members will be better able to control health care costs.
“Blue Precision allows our national account members to take advantage of perhaps the biggest benefit of the Blue Cross Blue Shield family – unmatched local and regional health care networks around the country,” said Gregory A. Devou, CareFirst Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Employers and the employees and families they cover are looking for ways to control health care costs, and Blue Precision will give national accounts and their members a new and effective way to do just that.”
In the CareFirst service area (Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia), Blue Precision members will have access to the company’s CareFirst BlueChoice health maintenance organization (HMO) network along with the broad networks already available to national accounts through BlueCard. BlueCard allows Blue Cross Blue Shield members to seek treatment from health care providers in Blues plans’ networks around the country.
Blue Precision has an open access format, so members do not have to obtain referrals to get coverage from specialists. Members do not have to choose a primary care physician, but are encouraged to use providers in the custom network, or first tier, to keep out-of-pocket costs to a minimum.
National accounts with 200 or more enrolled members must have a physical location in at least one other Blues plan’s service area, and at least 20 enrolled employees living in another plan’s service area are eligible to opt for Blue Precision.
In its 71st year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to nearly 3 million individuals and groups in Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland. Through its CareFirst Commitment initiative and other public mission activities, CareFirst supports efforts to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas.