Optum does not offer Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services. Blue Cross NC reserves the right to discontinue or change our wellness programs at any time. These programs are educational in nature. They are intended to help members make informed decisions about their health and comply with their doctor’s plan of care. You may also have a copay after you pay your deductible, and when you owe coinsurance. Your Blue Cross ID card may list copays for some visits. You can also log in to your account, or register for one, on our website or using the mobile app to see your plan’s copays.
Dear Kansas City Community,
The recent coronavirus developments have been a whirlwind for our community and our country at large. The rapid changes with COVID-19 have made it difficult to keep up with the news and latest developments. Many of you are feeling the direct impact with changes at work, home, school and other communities. These are extraordinary times, and Blue KC is here to help. We are committed to keeping our members informed and providing support during this national public health pandemic.
The physical and mental health of our employees, members and community is always our top priority. Blue KC has already put measures in place to protect our workforce while ensuring our business operates as usual and members get the critical care they need. This includes taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Blue KC has facilitated remote workspaces for our employees and has waived fees for 24/7 access to virtual care for our members. By taking these steps, we are helping our members stay home with the goal of keeping them and others well.
We are in communication with many of our partners across the healthcare industry. In times like these, collaboration across the healthcare community is critical to providing better information and care for the people who live and work in our region.
If you are a Blue KC member and worry you might have COVID-19, you should contact your primary care physician or healthcare provider to discuss criteria and availability of COVID-19 testing before visiting a healthcare facility. Members should also reference the CDC website for best practices if they are experiencing symptoms.
I encourage you and your families to do what is necessary to safeguard your own health and the health of others. We know, for some, drastic changes especially in a short amount of time can be unsettling. It’s important everyone be mindful of their mental health and take steps to reduce stress and anxiety.
We will continue to actively monitor the development of COVID-19, especially in the Kansas City metro area. For information about symptoms, precautions and testing, please visit https://www.bluekc.com/consumer/covid/index.html.
Sincerely,
Erin Stucky
President and CEO, Blue KC
Not all health care services are created equal. A routine visit to your family doctor’s office is much different than a trip to a specialist, so it makes sense that they wouldn’t cost the same. Our plans with tiered copays connect the amount you pay to the type of care you receive.
What does this mean for me?
If your plan offers tiered copays, you’ll find a few kinds of payments when you pay for your health care. The lowest copays will be for office visits to a primary care physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. If you need to visit urgent care or see a specialist like a cardiologist or an immunologist, your copay will be a little higher. The most expensive copays will come when you visit the emergency room.
What primary care physicians and practitioners are in the lowest tier of copays?
There are many doctors and practitioners with a primary care specialty. An office visit to any of the following kinds of health care professionals will be in the lowest tier of copays:
Family practice
- Adolescent medicine
- Family practice
- Geriatric medicine – Family practice
- General practice
- Family nurse practitioner
- Preventive medicine
General practice
- Adolescent medicine
- Family practice
- General practice
- Public health / General preventive medicine
- Preventive medicine
Geriatric medicine
- Geriatric medicine – Family practice
- Geriatric medicine – Internal medicine
Internal medicine
- Adolescent medicine
- Geriatric medicine – Internal medicine
- Internal medicine
- Internal medicine – Pediatrics
Obstetrics and gynecology
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- OB/GYN nurse practitioner
Pediatrics
- Adolescent medicine
- Pediatrics
- Pediatric nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioner
Blue Cross Blue Shield Copay
- Certified nurse practitioner
- Family nurse practitioner
- OB/GYN nurse practitioner
- Pediatric nurse practitioner
Physician assistant
- All provider specialties
Blue Cross Blue Shield Specialist Copay
Tiered copays are not available for all Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan health plans. Check your plan riders or call the phone number on the back of your member ID card to find out if your plan has tiered copays.