BlueCross BlueShield of FloridaFlorida Blue
 Florida Blue Home PageContact the EditorPast Issues Archive
Photo of family in SUV
How Well Do You Know Your Health Plan?
 Your health plan is packed with benefits. But to get true value, you need to take advantage of those benefits to geth the most from your premium dollar and avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs. Take this quick quiz to see how well you know your plan.

Questions

  1. If you need to have laboratory testing done, e.g., blood tests for cholesterol, you can go to any laboratory.
    True   False
     
  2. Immunizations are covered for children and adults.
    True   False
     
  3. There is always a copayment for diagnostic testing.
    True   False
     
  4. You need referrals to see gynecologists, dermatologists, chiropractors and podiatrists.
    True   False

Answers

  1. False. You can go to any LabCorp facility to have routine clinical testing done. LabCorp is the only participating provider of laboratory services covered under your HMO. You are responsible to pay for services rendered by any other laboratory, even if your physician sends you there. For the nearest LabCorp facility, call 1-888-LABCORP (1-888-522-2677) and enter your zip code to hear a listing of locations nearest you.
     
  2. True. Your children are covered from birth to age 16 for the full range of immunizations, including diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; chicken pox; hepatitis A and B; haemophilus influenzae; and measles, mumps and rubella. Flu shots are a covered benefit for adults 50 and older, as well as all adults and children with asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
     
  3. False. Plans vary. Some HMO plans have no copayment for any diagnostic test. Our new BlueCare product has no copayment for X-rays when you go to a diagnostic center but requires a specialist copayment for non-radiology diagnostic tests, such as an EKG.
     
  4. False. Women may visit an in-network gynecologist for a well woman exam once a year without a referral. A well woman exam includes a Pap smear, pelvic exam, breast exam and mammogram. You also may visit a Health Options participating dermatologist up to five times a year without a referral. And as long as chiropractors and podiatrists participate in the Health Options network, members may see these specialists without referrals.
     
 Fall 2000: Smart Health

Surfing for Cybermedicine

Keeping Kids Safe in Cyberspace

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Ask Your Doctor the Right Questions

1999 Annual Report Available

The Long-Term Care Policy: Is It for You?

My Health Plan
For plan-specific articles, choose your health plan:

BlueCare (HMO)
BlueChoice (PPO)
State of Florida Employees
Medicare Supplement
Medicare & More


Top of Page
Florida Blue Front Page | Contact the Editor | Past Issues Archive