Question

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield an HMO? If it is why?

Answer 1

Ans) HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. It's a type of health plan that is designed to keep costs low and predictable. An HMO health plan may be a good choice for you because:

- Monthly premiums, copays and deductibles are often lower than other types of plans.
You have access to certain doctors and hospitals, called your HMO provider network. This helps control how much you pay for health care.
Your care is managed by one primary care physician — your personal doctor — who helps make sure you get the right care at the right time and at the right place.

- An HMO health plan is designed so that you have care personalized to you. Your care is coordinated by one doctor who knows you — your health history, current issues and medication, lifestyle and how your family's health history may affect your health.

- When you first sign up for an HMO health plan, you choose, or are assigned, a primary care physician (PCP) who's part of a medical group/independent practice association (MG/IPA).

- Each person on your plan can pick their own PCP. PCPs typically focus on general internal medicine or family medicine. Women and girls can choose an OB/GYN or a WPHCP as their PCP. Older adults can choose a geriatric doctor. Children can have a pediatrician as their PCP.

- If you're a member, you can find your PCP or your medical group listed on the front of your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) member ID card or by logging in to Blue Access for Members.

- HMO health plans are designed to help you stay healthy. Having one health care expert coordinate all your health care needs keeps your costs and your health on track. An early diagnosis and treatment can keep many common health issues from getting worse.

- Year after year, BCBSIL HMO health plans have proven to help improve member health results and lowered their overall cost of care because health issues are managed before they get serious. People with chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes have seen the greatest results.