BlueCard ↦ Global Core | CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

BlueCard & global core

BlueCard

If you choose a CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield PPO or Advantage plan, you are automatically enrolled in the BlueCard program, which offers you access to providers and hospitals nationwide.

With 91% of national providers and 99% of local providers being within our Blues network, you have the broadest access to care.

Within the United States:

  1. Always carry your current member ID card for access to service. You can also access a digital version of your ID card through My Account.
  2. Locate providers near you here or call BlueCard Access at 800-810-2583.
  3. To obtain prior authorization or pre-certification when needed, call Member Services at the phone number on your ID card (it’s different from the BlueCard Access number listed in Step 2).
  4. Present your member ID card when you arrive at the participating provider’s office so the provider can identify your benefits:
    • Traditional Benefits
    • Preferred Provider Organization Benefits
  5. You should not have to complete any claim forms or pay up front for medical services other than the usual out-of-pocket expenses. CareFirst will send you a complete Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

Global® Core

Just like your passport, you should always carry your CareFirst member ID card when you travel outside the United States. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core (Global Core) program is included in every CareFirst plan and ensures you can get medical assistance services and access to providers, hospitals and other healthcare professionals in nearly 200 countries.

The process is the same as if you were in the United States, with the following exceptions:

  1. In most cases, at Global Core hospitals, you shouldn’t have to pay upfront for inpatient care and the hospital should submit your claim. You are responsible for the usual out-of-pocket expenses.
  2. At non-Global Core hospitals, you pay the provider or hospital for inpatient care, outpatient hospital care and other medical services. To be reimbursed, you'll need to complete an international claim form (PDF) and send it to the Global Core Service Center.
  3. To find a Global Core provider outside the United States, visit BlueCross BlueShield and click on "Members" in the main menu. Then, select "Find a Doctor" in the drop-down menu.

Medical assistance when outside the United States

Call 800-810-2583 for information on doctors, hospitals, other healthcare professionals, or to schedule an appointment or arrange hospitalization if necessary. Available 24/7.

Mobile App

Online tools icon

With the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core mobile app, world travelers have convenient access to doctors, hospitals and resources around the world. At a glance, you can find doctors, translate medical terms and access local emergency information.

BlueCard Worldwide App available on iTunes BlueCard Worldwide App available on Google Play

CloseKnit is the shared business name of Atlas Health, LLC, Comprehensive Primary Care and Associates, LLC, and CKNMG, LLC. Atlas Health, LLC and Comprehensive Primary Care and Associates, LLC provide in person and telehealth services to CareFirst members and are corporate affiliates within the CareFirst, Inc. corporate umbrella of companies. CKNMG, LLC is an independent company providing in person and telehealth services to CareFirst members.

Serving Maryland, the District of Columbia, and portions of Virginia, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is the shared business name of CareFirst of Maryland, Inc. and Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Medicare Advantage is the shared business name of CareFirst Advantage, Inc., CareFirst Advantage PPO, Inc. and CareFirst Advantage DSNP, Inc. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland is the business name of CareFirst Community Partners, Inc. In the District of Columbia and Maryland, CareFirst MedPlus is the business name of First Care, Inc. In Virginia, CareFirst MedPlus is the business name of First Care, Inc. of Maryland (used in VA by: First Care, Inc.). CareFirst of Maryland, Inc., Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc., CareFirst Advantage, Inc., CareFirst Advantage PPO, Inc., CareFirst Advantage DSNP, Inc., CareFirst Community Partners, Inc., CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan District of Columbia, CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc., First Care, Inc., and The Dental Network, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

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BlueCard & global core

BlueCard

If you choose a CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield PPO or POS plan, you are automatically enrolled in the BlueCard program, which offers you access to providers and hospitals nationwide.

With your BlueCross and BlueShield member ID card, you have access to the more than 95% of national providers and hospitals throughout the United States contract with BCBS association plans.

Within the United States:

  1. Always carry your current member ID card for access to service.
  2. To find names and addresses of nearby providers and hospitals, visit carefirst.com/doctor
  3. Call Member Services for precertification or prior authorization, if necessary. Refer to the phone number on your member ID card (it’s different from the BlueCard Access number listed in Step 2).
  4. Present your member ID card when you arrive at the participating provider’s office so the provider can identify your benefits:
    Picture of suitcase

    Traditional Benefits

    Picture of suitcase with PPO inside

    Preferred Provider Organization Benefits

  5. You should not have to complete any claim forms or pay upfront for medical services other than the usual out-of-pocket expenses. CareFirst will send you a complete Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

Global Core

Just like your passport, you should always carry your CareFirst member ID card when you travel outside the United States. The BlueCross BlueShield Global Core (Global Core) program provides medical assistance services and access to providers, hospitals and other healthcare professionals in nearly 200 countries.

The process is the same as if you were in the United States, with the following exceptions:

  1. In most cases, at Global Core hospitals, you shouldn’t have to pay up front for inpatient care and the hospital should submit your claim. You are responsible for the usual out-of-pocket expenses.
  2. At non-Global Core hospitals, you pay the provider or hospital for inpatient care, outpatient hospital care and other medical services. To be reimbursed, you'll need to complete an international claim form (PDF) and send it to the Global Core Service Center.
  3. To find a Global Core provider outside the United States, visit BlueCross BlueShield and click on "Find a Doctor or Hospital."

Medical assistance when outside the United States

Call 800-810-2583 for information on doctors, hospitals, other healthcare professionals, or to schedule an appointment or arrange hospitalization if necessary. Available 24/7.

Mobile App

Online tools icon

With the BlueCross BlueShield Global Core mobile app, world travelers have convenient access to doctors, hospitals and resources around the world. At a glance, you can find doctors, translate medical terms, and access local emergency information.

BlueCard Worldwide App available on iTunes BlueCard Worldwide App available on Google Play

*Source : https://bcbsglobalsolutions.com/about-us/why-us/global-network/