Some BlueCross BlueShield plan members are starting to carry their new healthcare debit card, a new medical ID card that’s easy to recognize and simple to use.

Beginning January 1, 2005, some Blue members have a new BlueCross and/or BlueShield healthcare debit card – a new card with value-added features to help providers collect the amount members owe. 

Using the new cards can help you:

• Reduce bad debt
• Reduce paperwork for billing statements
• Minimize bookkeeping and patient-account functions for handling cash and checks 
• Avoid unnecessary claim payment delays
  

The card allows members to pay for out-of-pocket costs using funds from their Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Some cards are "stand-alone" debit cards to cover out-of-pocket costs, while others also serve as a member ID card with the member ID number.

Easy to Recognize

The card will have the nationally recognized BlueCross and/or BlueShield logos, along with the logo from a major debit card company such as MasterCard^®††  or Visa^®††† . 

Sample Stand-alone Debit Card

  

Sample Stand-alone Debit Card and Member ID Card

   

Easy to Use

The cards include a magnetic strip so providers can swipe the card at the point of service to collect what the member will owe.  With the health debit cards, members can pay for copayments and other out-of-pocket expenses by swiping the card through any debit card swipe terminal. The funds will be deducted automatically from the member’s appropriate HRA, HSA or FSA account.

Easy to Save
Combining a health insurance ID card with a source of payment is an added convenience to members and providers.  Members can use their cards to pay outstanding balances on billing statements. They can also use their cards via phone in order to process payments. In addition, members are more likely to carry their current ID cards because of the payment capabilities. If your office currently accepts credit card payments, there is no additional cost or equipment necessary.  The cost to you is the same as the current cost you pay to swipe any other signature debit card.

Helpful Tips

• Ask members for their current member ID card and regularly make new photocopies of it front and back. By keeping a copy of the current card, you can submit claims with the appropriate member information (including alpha prefix) and avoid unnecessary claims payment delays. 
• Check eligibility and benefits by calling 1-800-676-BLUE (2583) and provide the alpha prefix, or use My Insurance Manager. 
• If the member presents a debit card (stand-alone or combined), be sure to verify the copayment amounts before processing payment.  
• Please do not use the card to process full payment up front. If you have any questions about the member’s benefits, please contact 1-800-676-BLUE (2583). For questions about the debit card processing instructions or payment issues, please contact the toll-free debit card administrator’s number on the back of the card.

®†† is a registered mark of MasterCard

®††† is a registered mark of Visa