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Several members of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBS) are now offering mobile apps to help members with their health care needs. With one in three Americans insured under a “Blues” plan, and 26 million insureds nationwide, the apps are helpful to members in making the most of their coverage.
Anthem, the country’s largest BCBS affiliate, offers coverage to members in a dozen states, including California. Its mobile app, Anthem Anywhere, was updated this month (November 2016) to increase its functionality for members. The redesigned application is intended to “help you make healthy happen – wherever you go” according to its website. It offers a mobile ID Card, estimated medical costs, a provider search function (including ratings and reviews on doctors and urgent care facilities), info on co-pays, deductibles, and claims, and the ability to send and receive secure messages about a member’s plan.
Meanwhile, the other Blues affiliate in the Golden State, Blue Shield of California has its own online and mobile app. It offers similar advantages, including a mobile ID, deductible and copayment year-to-date totals, claims data, benefits info, NurseHelp 24/7, Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account balances (when linked to a Health Equity account), provider info, and more.
Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), which offers health insurance products and services through five BCBS affiliates (in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) has also launched an online mobile app for members. The mobile assistance center is staffed by Community Outreach Specialists and Customer Service Advocates who provide answers to questions from current members as well as individuals not currently enrolled who are shopping for coverage.
On the agency front, the Word & Brown General Agency launched its WBMedID mobile app this quarter to help brokers and individuals enrolled in group coverage through Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, and Health Net. The Word & Brown app gives small groups’ employees immediate access to their Medical ID Cards as soon as their coverage is approved. Employees and enrolled dependents no longer have to wait for proof of insurance from their health plan. Employees can download WBMedID and securely access their Medical ID Cards on their smartphones – and add family members’ and other insurance ID Cards, too. For more information about offering WBMedID to your groups, contact your Word & Brown representative or one of Word & Brown’s five regional offices across California.
