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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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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%

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stanley hrincevich Littleton, CO

Very efficient claim service. Payment of claims have very few jokes. Customer service excellent would like to see accountability of doctors that provide poor service for problems with surgery that eventually cost Blue Cross tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars

4 years ago

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Kevin Ortiz

When I lived in the states this was the insurance plan I was offered at a particular job. I never had an issue with coverage. I however, found that the deductibles were a little high compared to previous insurances. I did notice, however, that the coverage was better and that more doctors excepted this insurance compared to previous insurances I had.

1 year ago

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Darrin Pelham Rincon, GA

BCBS has several layers of services for several different price points. The prescription service was very helpful for us giving more than one option. The customer service staff was very friendly and helpful whenever we had a question. The services and costs were spelled out with out coverage paperwork and we never had an issue with billing. Having the larger company helped with the costs and services covered as well as the range of doctors you can pick from.

3 years ago

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Mashawn Mickels Columbus, GA

While our company doesn't provide the best of information, you really have to research your benefits. Still, some how I missed these benefits. I was excited the nurse called and explained what I could have used and what I can still use as part of our benefits. The nurse has called twice since that initial day to check on me and sent some additional information.

6 years ago

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Emerald Scott West Jordan, UT

I really enjoyed having BlueCross BlueShield insurance, the one downside is that I had to pay more to get the hospital I typically use in network. Other than that they were great and paid for most of the visits I had. They paid for my prescriptions almost every time as well. Their customer service when I had to call was simple and easy to get through and the people I talked to were really nice.

7 years ago

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Lorna Johnston West Valley City, UT

We were insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield through my husband’s employment for nearly many years. My husband was hit by a truck while riding his bicycle and was severely injured. Everything was covered as per the policy. The only thing that was annoying was that every submission for the same accident which included many providers was first denied as out of network. I had to call for each one to explain that he had been taken by ambulance to the hospital that was designated and hospitals are rotated which is covered. They didn’t flag the file that this was the case which seemed like it should have been automatic.

5 years ago

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Adrianne murray Brigham City, UT

We’ve had this insurance company for an entire year. Because were a small business owners we pay quite a bit per month. It was one of the better costing insurances for our needs. We did have a really high deductible and this year it raised another $500 so that sucks. But considering I had a High risk pregnancy last year and babies Born more than nine weeks early we definitely got the better end of the deal with insurance. There are a few things that I felt like should’ve been covered that they kind of squeaked by and didn’t pay for. There’s a few prescriptions that I felt like when the doctor prescribes them they should pay for. But at the end we went back with them again This next year

5 years ago

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Amanda George IL

Blue cross blue shield is wonderful insurance! They have affordable and fair rates for their plans. They can custom fit a plan for you with a payment you can easily afford. I have used blue cross blue shield for about 4 years and I won't swap to anyone else unless my doctor stops taking it.

1 year ago

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Angelina Hamilton Gulfport, MS

Overall they have been a good provider. Some of the things I think they could do a better job. My child had to have an x-ray done and the doctor didn’t have the equipment in their office so we had to go to the hospital and do an outpatient one. And of course they didn’t cover it because of it.

5 years ago

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Matthew Driggs Salt Lake City, UT

My company has used Blue Cross as its health insurance provider. They are good to work with but we haven't gone with them lately because of price. overall good experience just a little to expensive compared with our current company (Select Health)

5 years ago

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Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT

BlueCross BlueShield has made it easy for me to take care of my health and the health of my family. They give you the information up front to make an informed decision and help you every step of the way. Top notch care from top notch doctors and nurses.

6 years ago

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Brindy

I have always had a wonderful experience with BCBS Fed, they have always had great customer service, great coverage, and great benefits. However, I gave them only a four rating because of how expensive they are. Unfortunately I will be switching insurance companies because of the spike in price every year.

7 years ago

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Caloway Salt Lake City, UT

The health insurance that I have received from BCBS is through an employer. Their health coverage covers a great deal more than other insurance companies I have used in the past, they are accepted many places, and somewhat easy to get in touch with should a situation arise. I have had some run-ins where I was charged more than I was supposed to be and it took a while to resolve with BCBS but it did get worked out.

4 years ago

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Dr. San Tosh Salt Lake City, UT

Nice mobile app, updates every day about claims, mostly good costumer care, detailed explanation of benefits. But very convoluted, will end up paying a lot out of pocket costs, as there would he no clarity given before the service. My service provider says speak to your insurance and regence says speak to your provider. In this game, we will end up paying out of frustration, lack of legal medical knowledge and busy work. Copays and deductibles are reasonable. 20% coinsurance and the things they don't cover make this sometimes ridiculous expensive. Specially in a year like 2020.

4 years ago

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Teri M. Logan, UT

I have been very satisfied with BLueCross BlueSHield as our health insurance. If I ever have any questions, they are quick to answer and help me with any issues. The biggest headache I had was trying to get a preauthorization, but the customer service representative helped walk me through the hang ups and even got on a three way call with the doctor to help solve the problem. Our coverage has been good and we have been extremely satisfied.

4 years ago

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Norma Grove Iowa City, IA

We have been customers with BC/BS off and in through our employer as teachers. We have since retired and have chosen them for our supplemental insurance as well due to their reputation and coverage. We feel they do a good job covering most of our medical needs. Our only disappointment is that our chiropractic care under our BCBS when employed was covered and now as a supplement it is not covered. But we find them fairly cooperative and friendly to deal with and their networks extend to most places in the US and abroad.

4 years ago

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NG ,

I really liked my plan, I was really mad when the "affordable" care act forced BCBS to discontinue the one I was on. My only complaints are related to the online explanation of benefits. I was mislead about how long online explanations of benefits are available, I was told 6 years but really it is/was 18 months. Also, when I got emails that a new explanations of benefits was available I had no way of knowing which one it was since the email had no date reference nor was there a "published date" or something like that online.

4 years ago

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MARIE-NOELLE MARQUIS Los Angeles, CA

Well...it’s an insurance company so we set the bar low but, I’m grateful I have been able to keep my plans which they grand fathered in after all those years. I’ve only had one major surgery and BlueShield did take forever to pay the hospital (like over a year) but otherwise they have been easy to deal with when it comes to other basic payments. Their customer service is hit and miss. If you get someone who is giving you the run around, try calling back, you might get someone excellent right after.

4 years ago

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Beth Farmer Pleasant Grove, UT

We've had BlueCross BlueShield in the past. They were easy to work when we had a baby at the hospital and we had lots of hospital bills to go through. They were accepted at any of our local hospitals in Utah, where we live. We've had other insurance companies where we'd have to go to a specific hospital or Dr's office because our insurance wouldn't be accepted. But, with BCBS it seems almost anyone accepted them. That was the biggest plus in being their costumer.

5 years ago

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Helen Thompson Bountiful, UT

we have been with Blue Cross Blue Shield for many years. during the many years we have been on their programs we have also checked out many other service carriers and always stayed with them. We love the doctors that will take our insurance. My husband is a retired doctor and has referred many of the doctors under this plan because he worked for them many years and felt they were very honest doctors and that the company did care about their clients.It is easy to talk to them in the billing department if there is ever a problem.

6 years ago

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Tori Miller Draper, UT

The price for our familys health insurance was very reasonable. They were always very helpful and easy to work with. It was very hard to find many providers in our area, that were reputable and ones that we wanted to use. The network of providers needs to be increased for us to use this insurance again. But no complaints on price or customer service.

6 years ago

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James Winnie Gilbert, AZ

Health insurance is really confusing, but that said these guys make it as easy as possible. My plan is free for employee and starts covering after $5,000 is spent. They don't require a PCP, only that who you see is in-network. The discounts for being insured apply, then after the $5,000 is spent it splits 80/20. Good service when I call, quicker than you'd expect, and very helpful.

6 years ago

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L. Fowler Pleasant Grove, UT

We have liked the overall experience we've had with BlueCross BlueShield. The on line program is a little out of the ordinary. I have a hard time being able to view my children's health care because each individual has their own account. I feel as a parent or legal guardian our accounts should all be link so that I can manage my children's accounts along with my own.

6 years ago

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Elizabeth Spunar

I have been with BC/BS for as long as I can remember. I have always had good medical care. Recently the company has changed. It's become more complicated and more expensive.

6 years ago

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Tina

They have been pretty good until the ACA screwed up the ins system. Now we have multiple appeals for meds that were previously covered but now are not, but BS did not inform us of these changes for 6+ months.

6 years ago

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Mitchell S Deerfield Beach, FL

I am on MyBlue. It is very difficult to find a Primary Provider, but I did a lot of research and he is working out well. It all depends on your main doctor whether this is a good choice for you.

7 years ago

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Gaju Shrestha Herriman, UT

I was with Blue Cross and Blue Shield couple of years ago and we recently switched again through my spouses job. It is a reasonable price for insurance of our family. Co-pays are reasonable price and most services are covered under our insurance.

3 years ago

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Tate Huber Phoenix, AZ

This is my current health insurance provider. Their customer service is usually really helpful. I don't have to contact them often for myself, but by wife has several health issues and reaches out to BCBS at least every month or so and they are always knowledgeable and friendly.

3 years ago

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Nashali Vescovacci FL

BlueCross BlueShield's health insurance is not the best. It did not cover a lot of services that I needed. They have a limited variety of doctors that are in network with them so it was hard for me to find services that were covered by this insurance. However, they had good customer service.

3 years ago

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Alicia Turner Denver, CO

Blue cross blue shield has good coverage and has to be accepted everywhere that accepts blue cross for the specific state. They can be hard to talk to and actually get answers. It can be hard to get things approved but the more information sent to them the better.

3 years ago

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Dave Spokane, WA

The best thing about Blue Cross Blue Shield is that they have such a large network. I've never had an issue with a provider being out of network. Even my college kids in another state generally have no problem with the provider they choose being in our network.

3 years ago

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Rhona Leffler Olney, MD

The number of providers that take Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance is great. Plan documents and EOBs are very easy to understand. Depending on the plan you select, benefits/coverage is good. I also like the ability to get paperless billing and submit payment and claims online.

3 years ago

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Jun Chen Rockville, MD

We are custom for bluecross blueShield more than ten years. The health insurance cover all we need and we are very happy about its customers service. However, recent years its price increases a lot , the service is almost the same.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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McKenzie Logan, UT

I have spent a lot of time on the phone with Blue Cross as we have a son being treated for leukemia. They have been so helpful and answered every question that has come up as we have navigated through this new diagnosis. They have well trained staff that have taken time to dig through our records and find the answers we are looking for.

4 years ago

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Amy Barrus Sandy, UT

Blue cross blue shield has taken care of our medical needs for the most part. I would like to see insurance companies, on the whole, care more about their customers and take care of them rather than having a nickel and dime approach. I like that BCBS pays 100% for immunizations.

4 years ago

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Michael Lait Enterprise, AL

I have to say that overall Blue Cross Blue Shield is a good company to work with sometimes they’re aggravating but what health insurance companies easy all the time. I feel safe with them being my insurance company as they usually have decent coverage for my wife and I.

4 years ago

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BrooklynWriter Brooklyn, NY

As a long-time customer of BlueCross BlueShield, I've had multiple interactions. The upside is that the network is extensive, especially on a PPO plan. The downside [and maybe this is managed by CVS Caremark] is that it's been so hard to get approval for certain drugs -- especially related to cancer.

4 years ago

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Dwhoush Theodore, AL

Any questions I have about my insurance are always answers very quickly. Everyone on the phone is nice and all the literature Blue cross gives out is helpful. The biggest concern I have with BCBS is a lot of the providers in my area don’t take it.

5 years ago

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Julie Taylor Ogden, UT

The coverage we had with BlueCross BlueShield was great. The only difficulty we have had is that they are somewhat slow to pay benefits. We received some bills that were a couple of years old. Super hard if you are on a tight budget.

5 years ago

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Lindsay Norcross, GA

I called bcbs recently to inquire about how much they would pay for a procedure. The man was patient but not very helpful in that I couldn’t get the answer I needed. I usually have had a good experience with them , however, it was just that one time.

5 years ago

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Tony Gibson American Fork, UT

I had BlueCross BlueShield for a couple of years and thought they did a great job supporting us as we needed to use them. They were responsive and quick to pay. They didn't have as large of a network in my area as I would have liked but we were able to make it work.

5 years ago

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Rosann Stanko Logan, UT

We have enjoyed working with BlueCross BlueShield in the past. We did think that the cost to add a family was too much though. I did appreciate the patience the customer service department showed when I would call in and I had a question. They always treated me with dignity and made me feel that my questions were important.

5 years ago

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Scott Orem, UT

If I had to describe my time with BlueCross BlueShield insurance I would say its just alright. The price is fairly high on monthly premiums and the deductible I had was quite high. The best part was the large network of physicians.

5 years ago

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Dean Ogden, UT

We have enjoyed our BlueCross BlueShield health insurance provided through work. We have great options for doctors and clinics and they seem to cover a good portion of the visits. The price is great and we have always been happy with them.

5 years ago

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Tammy Brady Gilbert, AZ

Been a customer for six years. Like the flexibility in choice of plans. Coverage is good and doctor choice is also expansive. Have had a couple of problems submitting claims for reimbursement. Had to submit numerous class multiple times.

6 years ago

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Larry Elliott Aberdeen, ID

Blue Cross has been very helpful especially when there has been a problem with an account. I would recommend Blue Cross to anyone looking for a health plan. I do not like when they have canceled a plan for the following year, then I have to find a new plan.

6 years ago

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Ron Durfey Pleasant Grove, UT

I really enjoyed have Health Insurance through BCBS. I had to switch over to Aetna has my employer switched. I wish I could go back to BCBS. I never had to wonder if BCBS would cover my health procedures and felt like the customer service was great.

6 years ago

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Reagan Durfey Pleasant Grove, UT

We have been with BlueCross/Blue Shield for many years. They have more than enough participating Dr's and providers and their coverage plans work for us. High deductible plans are the worst. We have never had any real problems with them not paying claims in a timely matter so that is a bonus for us.

6 years ago

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Lesa Burgess Pleasant Grove, UT

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a great insurance company. I really thought they did their best with customer service and I felt my coverage was quite good. It was soooo expensive, but I feel like that's about normal for private health insurance anyway. Overall I would give them a good rating.

6 years ago

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Rob Whipple Mesa, AZ

This company still provides more options than most. Good options for physician choice. Cost keeps going up, but that is universal. Generally good about responding to customer service inquiries. Sometimes have to wait on the phone a while.

6 years ago