Is Blue Care Network the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield

©1996- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We provide health insurance in Michigan.

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The Blue Care Network of Michigan is a non-profit HMO affiliate of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Since 1998 the organization has accumulated around 807,000 members.

Individual and family plans are available in all 4 metal tiers. There are several dental plans to choose from, some of which contain adult vision benefits.

The Blue Care Network comprises of many of the state’s leading hospitals. There are 22,000 doctors to choose from, and a selection of treatment programs that include high-risk pregnancy, neo-natal care, organ transplant, oncology, emergency room intervention, and serious illness.

Blue Care Network has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly organization.

In 1998, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan joined 4 health maintenance organizations together to form Blue Care Network of Michigan. This created the largest HMO in the state. By 2006, the organization had a network of 2,200 doctors and a 480,000-person membership. The coverage area was expanded in 2011. By 2013, the Blue Care Network market share was 39.3%.

Like many insurance companies, Blue Care Network of Michigan’s product offerings include HMO plans.

Explore the Blue Care Network of Michigan with HealthMarkets today!

There are two main types of health insurance plans: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). Both types of plans have a network of physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals that agree to provide medical services at pre-negotiated prices and rates for Blues members. Nearly 30,000 doctors and 158 hospitals work with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network.

So what's the difference between these two types of health plans? Here's a chart to break it down:

PPO HMO 
Overall costs Higher monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs Lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Flexibility and control over health choices Lots of flexibility: You can go to any health care professional you want, typically without a referral – inside or outside your network. Limited control: You pick one primary care physician who coordinates all your health care services. In order to see a specialist, you’ll need a referral from your primary care physician, except in an emergency.
Size of network Large Limited
Do you have to stay in network? No, but if you choose to go out-of network, you may pay more and some services might not be covered. Yes. Visits to health care professionals outside your network typically aren’t covered by insurance.
Things to remember Stay in network for smaller copays and full coverage. And, keep track of your deductible. Always get a referral to see a specialist. Without a referral, your insurance won’t cover the cost of care.

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Is Blue Care Network the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield

Personalized Healthcare, Nationwide

Since 1929, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) companies have provided healthcare coverage to members, allowing them to live free of worry, free of fear. In every ZIP code, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a personalized approach to healthcare based on the needs of the communities where their members live and work. They work closely with hospitals and doctors in the communities they serve to provide quality, affordable healthcare.

We understand and answer to the needs of local communities, while providing nationwide healthcare coverage that opens doors for 114.5 million members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Nationwide, more than 1.7 million doctors and hospitals contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield companies — more than any other insurer.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA)

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national association of 34 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies. The Association owns and manages the Blue Cross and Blue Shield trademarks and names in more than 170 countries around the world. The Association also grants licenses to independent companies to use the trademarks and names in exclusive geographic areas. 

Serving Our Federal Employees

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program® is the top choice of U.S. federal employees, retirees and their families. Enrolling more than half of all U.S. federal employees, the Federal Employee Program covers roughly 5.6 million members, making it the largest single health plan group in the world.

Federal Employee Program

Our Commitment to Labor

The BCBSA National Labor Office works hand in hand with organized labor to empower working Americans with health coverage that insures 1 in 3 Americans. Our 35 BCBS companies serve more than 17 million unionized workers, retirees and their families — more than any other insurer.

National Labor Office

Is Blue Care Network the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield

BCBS Global™

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global provides a full range of healthcare solutions for people who live, work and travel internationally.

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The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.

Is Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicaid?

Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is a managed care health plan contracted by the state of Michigan. We help Medicaid members get the health care they need in 32 Michigan counties across the state.

Does Blue Care Network of Michigan work in other states?

As a Blue Cross member, your health coverage goes with you when you travel. No matter what plan you have, you're covered for emergency care in Michigan, across the country or around the world.

What is the average cost of health insurance in Michigan?

Health Insurance Costs in Michigan The average benchmark premium in Michigan for 2021 is $347 a month compared to $452 for the U.S. average. The benchmark premium is based on the second-lowest-cost silver plan. Premiums fell slightly in 2021 among silver and gold plans.

Does BCN cover therapy?

For policyholders who have Medicare coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, mental health services are covered. There is no need for policy holders to get a referral for mental health care from their primary care providers if they have coverage under a BCN Advantage plan.