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BlueCross BlueShield

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7.0

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: February 28th, 2025

Health insurance helps you control your medical expenses by giving your access to negotiated rates and cost-sharing for your out-of-pocket costs. Choosing a trusted insurer is important.

BlueCross BlueShield is a renowned and well-known insurance provider. With BlueCross BlueShield, customers can have access to great member resources. Customers can also purchase dental and vision coverage.

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BlueCross BlueShield is also a parent company of other health insurance companies that provide BlueCross BlueShield insurance in specific regions and states. BlueCross BlueShield companies include Anthem, CareFirst, Regence, Wellmark, Highmark, Capital, Empire, Independence, Horizon, and Premera.

It oversees 36 different insurance companies, all of which are locally operated. As a nationwide company in the health insurance marketplace, BlueCross BlueShield has helped millions of people with health insurance plans since its founding in 1929.

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The Good

  • Positive Customer Reviews
  • Health Plan Selection
  • Member Resources
  • Large Provider Network
  • Blue365 Rewards Program
  • Helpful Website and Customer Service
  • Availability and Acceptance

Positive Customer Reviews

BlueCross BlueSheild has earned many positive customer ratings and reviews on Best Company. These reviews mention satisfaction with claims, coverage, and customer service.

Issues with claims and coverage are common in the health insurance industry, so it's a good sign that BlueCross BlueSheild's positive reviews highlight satisfaction with these things.

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Customer Review: Nathan from Broomfield, Colorado

"I have always been impressed with the quality and quantity of coverage I have gotten from Blue Cross Blue Shield. They have helped me get through some very trying times and pay for my medication!"

Health Plan Selection

BlueCross BlueShield insurance plans are available nationwide and widely accepted at hospitals and doctor's offices.

Coverage options range in many types — from a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) to Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). These plan-types indicate the kind of provider network available with the health plan. PPO plans generally offer coverage for seeing out-of-network providers, though the coverage levels are not as high as for in-network providers. HMO plans only offer out-of-network coverage in emergency situations.

BlueCross BlueShield also offers plans with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). BlueCross BlueShield also offers indemnity, Point of Service (POS), and short-term health insurance plan options.

The coverage and details of each medical policy varies. The costs depend partially on your health situation (including age, number of group being insured, health status, etc.) and your location. When you initially search for a health plan to understand the benefits and costs of monthly payments, expect to put in your location and some personal information, as these points will help BlueCross BlueShield draw up a list of potential plans for you.

BlueCross BlueShield also offers Medicare and Medicaid plans. Its Medicare plans include Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap), Part D (prescription drug plans), and Medicare Advantage plans. 

A Medicare Advantage plan covers the same medical care as Original Medicare (Medicare Part B and Part A) in a single health plan. Most also include qualifying prescription drug coverage, which means you don't have to buy additional medical policies. Check your plan's drug formulary to understand what prescription drugs are covered. Medicare Advantage plans are also called Medicare Part C.

Medigap plans can be purchased to help pay for Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs (copayment and coinsurance). To qualify for Medicare benefits, individuals generally must be at least 65 years old.

In addition to health care coverage options, the some BlueCross BlueShield Plan offerings include dental insurance plans and vision insurance. Dental plans and vision plans may also vary by location, so it's important to work with the subsidiary in your area to get specific information. Those looking for vision or dental coverage can find good policies through BlueCross BlueShield.

As you evaluate your health insurance options, keep your health needs and budget in mind. The amount you pay for a health plan is not limited to the monthly premiums. In addition to considering the cost of premiums, you should also consider how expensive the out-of-pocket expenses will be. Sometimes paying a higher premium will mean having cheaper out-of-pocket expenses (copays and coinsurance) or lower out-of-pocket maximums.

Member Resources

BlueCross BlueShield keeps up its positive reputation with members with both basic and advanced tools. Some of these tools are specific to each of its subsidiaries, and include customer service numbers and mobile apps.

Large Provider Network

BlueCross BlueShield's network of doctors and specialists is gigantic. BlueCross BlueShield insurance is accepted all over the United States. Because of the wide acceptance, it should be easy to find a network provider. Treatment and other medical services you receive from these providers will be covered in part by this company.

Blue365 Rewards Program

Another unique feature of the Blue365 program. Through Blue365, members can receive discounts on all sorts of health-related products and services. Some discounts and deals change from time to time. Blue365 saves you money and provides added motivation for you to get and stay healthy. Not every BlueCross BlueShield subsidiary may participate in Blue365, so check with your subsidiary to see if it does.

Helpful Website and Customer Service

The BlueCross BlueShield website offers general information on its website and makes it easy to find your local BlueCross BlueShield subsidiary. You can search for plans and get a quote, narrowing your search by location and the type of plan you're looking for.

BlueCross BlueShield answers frequently asked questions, have social media outlets to connect with clients more personally, and of course, provide mailing information for when you need to mail in a form or contact them via snail mail.

In short, BlueCross BlueShield takes lots of different steps to meet the needs of customers all over the US. It is available 24/7 to members and has set up its customer service tools to be convenient, immediate, and of course, helpful-even in the details.

Availability and Acceptance

BlueCross BlueShield is available in all 50 states, and is widely accepted by doctors and hospitals. Specific health care provider network access, however, does depend on the individual health plan.

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Customer Review: Rathan Kumar from Trabuco Canyon, California

"I had blue cross blue shield for 3 years when I was with my old job. They had a lot of providers in my area that worked great."

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The Bad

  • State-Specific Coverage

State-Specific Coverage

For better or worse, the coverage you receive through your health plan depends partially on the state you live in (the state in which you would use that insurance). In other words, you can't just look up a PPO plan at BlueCross BlueShield and expect the same coverage percentages, out-of-pocket costs, and deductibles for any state. The BlueCross BlueShield website will direct you to the company that serves your area before you can get information on plan options.

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The Bottom Line

In many ways, it's not surprising that there are inconsistencies in health insurance plan details at BlueCross BlueShield. After all, the health insurer is large and works though several subsidiaries. It provides coverage nationwide, and has an extensive history and reputation.

Its growth has brought both positive and negative consequences. For example, it's positive that BlueCross BlueShield is accepted at such a high percentages of hospitals, doctors, and urgent care centers because it is a well-known brand in the health insurance marketplace. But on the other hand, the office you work with locally could be one of those with a poor reputation since BlueCross BlueShield doesn't micromanage each subsidiary.

It's important to make sure any health plan you choose offers the medical coverage you need and is affordable. The best insurance plan for someone else may not necessarily be the best fit for your situation. Be sure to understand your health needs and what would fit into your budget. Choosing a reliable health insurer is also important. Reading health insurance reviews from customers can give you a sense of the general quality BlueCross BlueShield offers.

Long story short, BlueCross BlueShield is still a recommended insurance company. There are some regional differences with BlueCross BlueShield companies, so interested people should work with the insurer directly to learn more about coverage, benefits, premium rates, deductible, and out-of-pocket limit available with each health plan.

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Star Rating

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2.0

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856 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

42%

4 grade

22%

3 grade

8%

2 grade

6%

1 grade

21%

Sentiment Criteria

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Jasmin Mena

I highly doubt any medical insurance is perfect. That being said, it seems to depend where you get your insurance and what kind of service you get. For example, I had BCBS through Healthcare.gov so of course it was cheap and customer service wasn't the greatest. Usually slow to reply to anything. They also first refused to cover basic bloodwork for my husband and wanted almost $800 for it until he complained and it went all the way down to $30, thankfully. We were fortunate to get higher quality BCBS insurance through his employer later and I had a better experience getting a small procedure done.

2 years ago

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Bob K. Simi Valley, CA

Personally I have had no trouble with BCBS, but I rarely make use of my health insurance. On the other hand, my wife has had some pretty annoying experiences with them. They switched their preferred pharmacy coverage from RiteAid to Walgreens, and that has been the source of sporadic problems with timely refills and efficient service. The company managing prescriptions, Optum, has harangued her about her always responsible use of opioids for pain management, all the while having denied her ability to use Voltaren to soothe pain that was closer to skin level. My opinion is that BCBS is in the business of saving money, even when it lowers the quality of their services to users.

4 years ago

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Amanda Stephan Knoxville, TN

Warning to women out there, I had not experienced this problem until I had BCBS, if are on birth control and lose it, going on a trip and need to refill before you go to take it with you, a patch comes off in the bath and you have to replace it early, are taking it the full month to skip periods, etc, BCBS has a limit on how early you can refill the prescription. You could find yourself without ability to get your prescription for a couple of weeks if you cannot afford it yourself. If this happens on a weekend you are SOL getting a hold of anyone at the company in my experience.

3 years ago

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Lymarie Lebron Arlington, TX

It is not affordable for a single mother as me, with only one salary. The deductible are very expensive. Unfortunately, it is the insurance provide for my company. And I need a health insurance because I have health conditions and I take medications every day. So, I am scare that I can't be able of receive a good treatment without an insurance. I have to recognize that it take some advantage: you have a long list of doctors and specialists with this plan and you don't need authorization of the plan to go with a specialist and to make laboratories or procedures as endoscopy, etc.

4 years ago

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julie roberts

They’re the largest provider in the country and yet policy terms are stingy and expensive. Their networks are large and options for care plentiful. Their website is also clunky, but not as clunky as other insurance websites I’ve interacted with. Their claims dept has been slow or non responsive in the past, though not every time.

2 years ago

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M Schwartz Sicklerville, NJ

I was told that because im HMO, if i go on vacation they wont pay any medical unless life threatening. My son had blood in urine which scared him while on vacation and his claim was denied at urgent care because it wasnt life threatening

5 years ago

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Dr Pinder Lake Worth, FL

The insurance is really good (10 years). However, if you are looking for customer service, you will always be frustrated. After waiting on hold for 1 hour plus, I was transferred to wait again. Only to receive another phone number to contact for my answer.

5 years ago

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Brent Thurgood Spanish Fork, UT

For the most part I have been satisfied with BlueCross BlueShield. However it does get frustrating when insurance agents not doctors decide what medical procedures are necessary. My wife was suffering from frozen shoulder and needed a manipulation. The amount of hoops we had to go through to get that approved was frustrating but once it was approved they covered everything they said they would.

3 years ago

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Jason Burt Riverton, UT

Very expensive compared to health insurance company that my employer used. Have also had some issues with the company's practices: telling us we need physical therapy before surgery that the doctor did not say was needed, and telling us that therapists at our local hospital were not covered by our insurance, only to find out later that they were.

4 years ago

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TPat Cottage Grove, OR

I have been with this company over 20 years. It started when I was working. until then I had no problem with them other than the fact they tried to give me a hard time about a medical condition. that was caused by my job. The problem is now, they have become secondary telling me Medicare is now Primary. so I am paying the same rate I always have, and they want Medicare to pay for my treatments? This is unfair to me.

4 years ago

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AF ,

For the most part we've been happy with BCBS. However, I did have a recent experience when I had found a doctor in network (on their website) and then 2 weeks later at the appointment, he was no longer in network! Somehow, the doctor was no longer on their website. I'm not sure if this is something that BCBS could even control, but it would have been nice if they would alert or let me know that it had changed.

4 years ago

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peanutbutter424 Manhattan Beach, CA

They dropped me twice because they failed to do AutoPay on Multiple Occasions. They probably would have dropped me a THIRD time, but I called them to say, "Are you taking the AutoPay this Month?" They said, "No."....What??? I had to check on them to make sure they were doing their job of GETTING PAID. They put my health and well being in jeopardy over something as simple as withdrawing their money every month.

4 years ago

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take7 Sandy, UT

We didn't last long with blue cross blue shield. It was hard because the doctors and hospitals close to us we had always used didn't take them. I had to find new pediatrician. When I called customer service a couple times because I was trying to find details on coverage and places to go they kept referring me to my policy. Isn't that what they're there for? to help with that?

5 years ago

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Michael Calabasas, CA

My work insurance runs through Blue Cross. Have an HMO plan. I can’t complain too much as my premiums are fully covered through my work but the doctor selection and level of care could be better. Long wait times for referrals on occasion and finding specialty doctors is sometimes limited with selection. Overall fairly happy though with Blue Cross

6 years ago

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NT Pleasant Grove, UT

we had this insurance through my husband work for 3 years and when my son was diagnosed with cancer we couldn't add him on our insurance because of his new diagnoses. agents were very apologetic and tried everything they could to help us. they went over and beyond. prior to this we had no issue with BCBS. customer service was always a long wait time to speak too but at the end we always got our questions answered. monthly payments was expensive, for a family of 4 we were paying almost $650/family.

6 years ago

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Sarah Bosko Estes Park, CO

Very high deductibles with limited covered services, but it seems to be mostly in line with insurance companies right now. It would be great if they could give perks to stand out.

2 years ago

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Amena Schultz Seattle, WA

The claims department is scared to do the right things and the customer service agents are lying and being rude to people. This comes from a specific person it seems, that doesn’t cater to people! Done!

3 years ago

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Alexander Johnson Burbank, CA

I had an hmo plan and that bad boy didn’t really serve me well. Had the hardest time finding coverage for simple things. Way too many referrals and lots of waiting for tests to be cleared

4 years ago

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upnorthwi Bellevue, WA

BlueCross BlueShield is my current insurance. I haven't had any issues with them. Even living in a tri-state area it is not a problem using services in 3 states. Customer service is OK. I wish they were cheaper, and my deductible was lower, but overall, they're pretty good company.

3 years ago

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Leonard Thompson Show Low, AZ

I am not a big fan of any insurance companies. BlieCross BlueShield is just “okay.” I feel that every time I have had to use my card, it’s just a long, drawn out process. The process of deductibles is very inconvenient and customer service seems like days when I have to call for a question to be answered.

4 years ago

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Vic Omaha, NE

Been with them for over 16 years, and all I can say is, they're a necessary evil. I'm glad I have insurance, because I'm sure I've saved some money over the years. But man, some of the idiocy you get when they DON'T cover something, can be very annoying.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Jungle55 Coeur d'Alene, ID

BlueCross offers decent coverage, but it is expensive! We pay over $1400 a month and still have a $5k deductible. Their customer service is very kind when you can finally talk to someone. It will take days for them to respond via the email option on their website. Overall, for an insurance company, a solid 3.5 or so.

4 years ago

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Diana Ploeger Oakley, UT

Company provided good information regarding areas covered and not covered along with co-pay and documentation requirements. Customer service personnel tried their best though sometimes required additional help from a supervisor and then would call me back with the updated information. They were responsive to my inquiries.

4 years ago

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Jon Scoresby Saratoga Springs, UT

The coverage from Bluecross blueshield was good. The only problem is that they do not cross state lines very well. We traveled to another state and needed some medical attention and there was difficulty getting things ironed out over that claim.

5 years ago

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Cristiana Orem, UT

That's my insurance company. Overall I do not have any complain about it. All the doctors I need I can schedule a consultation easily and I never had issues. Customer service is great, I had to call BlueCross 2 times and I had a good experience.

6 years ago

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Mildred Carter Woodbridge, VA

I had this as my health insurance for one of my former employers. They covered pretty much everything I needed, but then again I didn't need anything MAJOR. The prices were okay - but I got discounted employee pricing through my job, so I'm not sure what their typical pricing scheme is.

6 years ago

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Katie Howard Pleasant Grove, UT

We had this insurance for a while, and found that it was widely accepted, but had fairly high premiums and not as great coverage as some others we've had. Still, it was reliable and paid for reasonable health care without too many problems.

6 years ago

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Tualagi Saint George, UT

we had BCBS through my husband insurance and it was quite expensive. on top of that we still had to pay a deductible and co insurance. office copay was $45 and specialty was $50. Prescriptions was anywhere from $25 - $45. If it wasn't for the FSA plan i wouldn't be able to afford the copays and prescriptions. customer service was friendly.

6 years ago

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James B nelson Las Vegas, NV

I have not been very happy with any insurer but BlueCross has come through when they had to. I have 33K of hospital bills that we argued about for 9 months and they finally paid. They don't cheat, but they try hard to minimize what they have to pay.

6 years ago

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Madison , GA

BCBS is a monopoly. I am sad that we have no choice but to use them. The cost of the plans raises every year, so we have to go to lower and lower plans - getting less and paying more :(

4 years ago

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Matters Norfolk, VA

Not a bad experience. They cover what you pay for. I only had difficulty with talking to their representatives. It’s difficult to reach anyone by phone. Wish they made this process more user friendly

4 years ago

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Daphne Brown Riverton, UT

Not my favorite health insurance. They were better towards the end but earlier they had issues calculating my yearly total and not sure it was all their fault. I wish more people would accept their fees.

5 years ago

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Garn L. Arnold Alpine, UT

This is my new health insurance from my company. WE had a different health carrier for the past few years but the company switched to BCBS because they offer more for the premium. So far so good.

5 years ago

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Kendyq Cambridge, MA

Not sure if it is the fault of the hospital or of blue cross, but we have gotten duplicate bills after a treatment from two separate hospitals in different parts of the state (we were only at one).

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Kristiane R Durfey Pleasant Grove, UT

We had Blue Cross insurance before and had some good and some bad experiences with them. Overall, we were pleased but sometimes they denied claims and we had to resubmit them again.

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Donna St Louis, MO

average insurance company, nothing stands out but waiting on the phone and listening to recordings before you get what you need

1 year ago

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David Adrian Morales Weslaco, TX

Too expensive for what it provides. Customer Service is nothing to brag about. Service providers options werent that great in my area.

1 year ago

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RHWofPA Mohnton, PA

Thankfully covered by my employer but expensive, and I wish they covered more natural healing, such as accupuncture, etc.

4 years ago

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Bruce Peterson Riverton, UT

Carried Blue Cross for several years through work. At first cost was moderate. Rates kept climbing and I found better coverage through another company at a reduced cost.

3 years ago

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Rog Los Angeles, CA

I have worked with a ton of insurance companies and BCBS is pretty good. Their customer service is below average, but their insurance plans are actually pretty decent

4 years ago

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Valarie Heaps Lehi, UT

we had bluecross blueshield several years ago but the rates were too high. we had to switch insurance companies but when we were with them they were easy to work with

6 years ago

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Mark Evers Lehi, UT

Very good insurance in network.., but if you need to use it out of network. Please be careful! They have good rates and have a great selection of doctors available!

6 years ago

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Tony's Babygirl Staton MO

I had this and it does not cover the unexpected medical things. I got left paying more than half of my bill

1 year ago Edited August 24, 2023

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Sandra Kojic Jacksonville, FL

Doesn't cover my meds! Always have a hard time at CVS because they keep on saying this insurance doesn’t cover what I’m getting.

3 years ago

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Kathleen Miller Salem, UT

It's an insurance company. If they don't have to pay they will find a way out of paying. A little bit of a runaround trying to talk to a human.

3 years ago

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russbayles West Valley City, UT

Have Blue Cross and I love having them as an insurance it can be difficult to keep track of actual bills and just statements.

5 years ago

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Madison Scott Pleasant Grove, UT

I never felt a strong connection to anyone from BC/BS. It was just a bill we paid every month. Very little costumer service.

5 years ago

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Randal hyde Springfield, MO

I have been fairly impressed with the service from BlueCross BlueShield. The price is competitive and there are a lot of providers within network.

6 years ago

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Eric Annandale, NJ

Good coverage with most doctors. Reasonable payment terms. As with other health insurance providers costs are high for healthcare coverage.

6 years ago

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Matt K

Need to improve on their test approvals timetable and not immediately reject a request.

5 years ago