Health Insurance Glossary
View a listing of health care abbreviations and acronyms.
Balance Billing
Billing a member for the difference between the allowed charge and the actual charge. See Allowed Benefit.
Basic Coverage
Hospital and medical coverage only -- does not include extended medical, major medical, dental and rider coverage. Also includes Medicare Part A and B coverage, exclusive of supplementary coverage.
Behavioral Health Services
Benefit
Any service or supply covered by the member's health insurance plan or contract.
Benefit Period
A period of time for which covered services (or benefits) are eligible for payment.
Benefits Administrator
Individual responsible for handling employee health benefits for the employer. See Group Administrator.
BlueChoice
An HMO plan offered by CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc., an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.
Brand-name Drug
A prescription drug that has been patented and is only available through one manufacturer.