Use these steps and make the most of your health care coverage.
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Log in to your secure member account and learn how it works.
Helpful Information
Stay informed and use these tools for cost-effective options.
Take Us With You
Wherever you are, get the care that
works for you.
Know Your Health Plan
Here are some details to know about your health plan. Remember, when you visit a doctor outside of your plan’s network, you may pay more or all of your bill.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Primary Care Provider (PCP)
You’ll need to select a PCP for your care. This is the one doctor who arranges your care and refers you to specialists. Find an in-network doctor.
Prior Authorization
Some services may require prior authorization (pre-approval).1 Ask your doctor about this so you’re sure who handles this step. Get details on prior authorization.
Plan Network
It's best to visit health care providers in your plan’s network. If you don’t, you’ll pay for most of or the full cost of your care. Review cost examples.
Preventive Care Services
Some screenings, like your Annual Exam, are included with your health plan at no additional cost. Schedule your annual exam.
Participating Provider Option (PPO)
Primary Care Provider (PCP)
You don’t need to select a primary care provider for your care, but it’s recommended. Your primary care provider can coordinate your care and refer you to specialists. Find an in-network doctor.
Prior Authorization
You don’t need referrals to meet with specialists, but you may need prior authorization (pre-approval).1 Always talk with your doctor about your care. Get details on prior authorization.
Plan Network
You can visit any health care provider in your plan’s network. But, if you get care from an out-of-network doctor, you may spend more. Review cost examples.
Preventive Care Services
Check your Plan Benefit Book for screenings and services you can get at no additional cost to you, like your Annual Exam. Schedule your annual exam.
Visit With Your Doctor
- Be your own advocate
- Ask your doctor important questions
- Learn when you need prior authorization (pre-approval)
Focus on Care
Keep Yourself Organized
Find the Right Care When You Need It
Your primary care provider (PCP) should be your first call when you don't feel well. But, based on your symptoms, you have options for where to get care.
Your Doctor
Your doctor can help when you need regular checkups or minor sickness.
Examples: Fever, colds and flu
24/7 Nurseline
The 24/7 Nurseline is a toll-free number to call for general health-related questions and advice on care options.2
Examples: Headaches, dizziness or what to do if your child is sick
Virtual Visits
Virtual visits connect you with a doctor for live, non-emergency medical or behavioral health help by phone, online video or mobile app.3
Examples: Allergies, depression or pink eye
Retail Clinic
If your doctor isn't available and you want to get walk-in, non-emergency care for common symptoms, you can visit a retail clinic.4
Examples: Minor injuries, pain or sore throat
Urgent Care
When you visit an urgent care, you can get quick medical attention when your life or health isn't at risk.
Examples: Cuts that need stitches, sprains or animal bites
Emergency Room (ER)
Emergency rooms should be visited for emergency care if your life or health is at risk.
Examples: Heart attack, heavy bleeding or broken bones
Get Annual Preventive Care
Know how to find problems early, set goals and track your progress.
Preventive Screenings
Keep your health information up-to-date each year with screens for:
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
Some screenings, like your annual exam, may be offered at no cost to you if you stay in-network.
Preventive Services
Other preventive services that may have no out-of-pocket costs are:
- Immunizations and vaccines
- Weight loss programs
- Ways to stop smoking
- Maternity and well-child visits
Remember, its important to talk with your doctor about your lifestyle and any life changes.
Seeking Emotional Care
Log in to check your Plan Benefit Book to see covered mental health services with your health plan.
Finding Helpful Providers
There are many kinds of mental health experts you can get help from.
Review Covered Drugs
Check to see if your drug is on the 2024 Drug Lists. Review drug lists.
You may be able to save with generic drug options. Learn more about saving with generics.
Ways to Save
Generally, you’ll pay less if you go to an in-network pharmacy. Find an in-network pharmacy.
Visit a Preferred Pharmacy Network (PPN) for your lowest costs. Learn more about PPNs and how to find them.
More Pharmacy Tips
Learn more about prior authorization or step therapy programs.
Review your prescription plan materials. Check out other pharmacy benefit information.
1 Prior Authorization not required in certain circumstances, such as emergency or urgent situations.
2 The 24/7 Bilingual Nurseline may not be available with all plans. Check your benefits booklet for details.
3 Internet/Wi-Fi connection is needed for computer access. Data charges may apply. Check your cellular data or internet service provider’s plan for details. Non-emergency medical service in Idaho, Montana and New Mexico is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe. Non-emergency medical service in Arkansas is limited to interactive audio/video (video only) for initial consultation, along with the ability to prescribe. Behavioral Health service is limited to interactive audio/video (video only), along with the ability to prescribe in all states. Service availability depends on location at the time of consultation.
4 Visiting a Retail Clinic may not be covered with all plans. Check your benefits booklet for details.
5 Blue365 is only available to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) members with active health plan coverage. Members who do not have an active health plan with BCBSIL will not be able to register on the Blue365 website.
The relationship between Blue365, its vendors and BCBSIL is that of independent contractors. Blue365 is a discount program available to BCBSIL members who have medical coverage with BCBSIL. This is NOT insurance. Some of the services offered through Blue365 may be covered under your health plan. Please refer to your benefit booklet or call the customer service number on the back of your ID card for specific benefit information under your health plan. Use of Blue365 does not affect your premium nor do costs of Blue365 services or products count toward your plan deductible, calendar year or lifetime maximums. Discounts are only available through participating vendors.
BCBSIL does not guarantee or make any claims or recommendations regarding the services or products offered by Blue365 and its vendors. You may want to consult with your physician prior to use of these services and products. Services and products are subject to availability by location. BCBSIL reserves the right to discontinue or change this discount program at any time without notice.