Blue
Shield of California, a division of Anthem, was founded in 1938
and is a non-profit health care provider that serves over 3.2 million members
across the state. They offer health care to meet both the financial
and the medical needs of Californians. With a network of nearly 60,000
physicians, Blue Shield gives Californians the ability to choose the health
care they want at a price they can afford.
Blue
Shield of California offers two types of plans: HMO plans and PPO
plans. HMO plans tend to offer lower prices for medical services such as lower
out-of-pocket expenses, no lifetime maximums, lower office visit copays, and
lower deductibles. You get all of this with access to over 8,600 dental
care providers. With Blue Shield PPO plans, members have the freedom
to visit any preferred or non-preferred doctors and to visit any network specialist
without a referral. When members use network-sponsored providers, costs
are lowered by in-network rates offered by the PPO plans. You also have
the ability to set up the Shield Spectrum PPO Savings Plan that works with
a Health Savings Account
so that you have more control over your health care dollars. Run an
instant quote for complete plan details and rates in your area.
Rate
Information:
Rates vary
based upon zip code, age, and effective date. Please run an instant
quote to see available plans and rates in your area.
Network:
Blue Shield
of California gives you access to one of the largest networks in California,
with thousands of health care providers throughout the state. Having
access to the PPO network can mean substantial discounts in what you pay
for your health care, even before you meet your deductible.
The large list of doctors and hospitals can be viewed at their online
directory.
Underwriting:
Blue Shield
has one of the easiest, most efficient underwriting teams in the industry.
The process is very fast if no medical records are needed. While
it is always a good idea to apply at least three weeks prior to the time
you need your new coverage to take effect, some applications that are done
online are approved by Blue Shield within 24 hours.
The
company does have the right to accept or decline any individual or family
application. Certain conditions may be waivered with a temporary rider
(usually for one to two years), or an indefinite rider. If you are
currently being treated for depression, anxiety, or high cholesterol, please
let us know before you apply so we can make sure there are no delays in
getting you covered.
Effective
dates:
The coverage
can go into effect in as quickly as 24 hours, though you risk being declined
if claims are submitted before the underwriting process is completed. You
may request an effective date any time the date after you sign the application
and 60 days later. Please note that you will be billed starting on
your requested effective date, even if you have not yet been notified that
you have been approved. This is very good for someone who does not
have any present coverage and would like for their benefits to begin right
away. For those who are already covered, it is suggested that you
maintain your current coverage in force until you have received notice from
either eCAHealthinsurance
or directly from
Blue Shield that your coverage has been approved and is in force.
Your
earliest possible effective date will be the day after Blue Shield has received
all the necessary documents and information needed to process your application.
How
to Apply:
Simply run
an instant quote
and select the plan you are interested in. Then select to apply
online or download the application, fill it out and fax it in to
us. We will then stay in touch with your during the underwritting
process to keep you informed of the progress.
About
Blue Shield of
California:
With 3.3
million members and $7.5 billion in annual revenue, Blue Shield of California
is the state's third largest health plan. Founded in 1939 and headquartered
in San Francisco, Blue Shield is a not-for-profit corporation with approximately
4,500 employees and more than 20 offices throughout California.
Blue
Shield of California has been assigned a rating of "A-"
(Excellent) from the A.M.
Best Company, an independent insurance rating organization.
eCAHealthinsurance
is an independent authorized Blue Shield of CAA agent.
