855.214.2291 Aetna vs. Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance
Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield side by side.
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Aetna vs. Blue Cross Blue Shield: What You Need to Know
In 1850, Aetna Insurance Company created a fund to sell life insurance. In 1953 the life and health divisions of Aetna separated. The company’s first president was Eliphalet A. Bulkeley. The name “Aetna” was taken from an 11,000-foot volcano in Sicily, Italy, which was also the most active volcano in Europe.
Blue Cross was formed in 1929 as a partnership between Baylor University Hospital and its patients who were struggling financially. The administrators of the hospital wanted to make healthcare more affordable for some patients, many of whom were Dallas public school educators on restricted budgets. The initial payment plan set up by Baylor University Hospital consisted of a 50-cent prepay each month for up to 21 days of hospitalization per year. The success of the program leads to enrollment by employees in other professions across Dallas.
To learn more about each company, you can check out the Aetna Overview and Blue Cross Blue Shield Overview.
What is Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Rating?
Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield ranked among the industry ratings.
| Comparison | Aetna | Blue Cross Blue Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1853 | 1929 |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A- |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 6.27 for individual health insurance | |
| Market Share Percentage | 4.53% | 14.1% |
| Financial Strength | Excellent | Excellent |
| S&P Rating | A+ |
Pros & Cons of Aetna or Blue Cross Blue Shield
Pros
Aetna
- Aetna is one of the largest insurance carriers and has a vast network of providers.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield is financially strong and stable
- As a subsidiary of Anthem Inc. BCBS is one of the most prominent health insurers.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield offers global coverage and a global coverage app on iTunes and GooglePlay.
- BCBS is available in 50 states and is accepted by 90% of doctors and specialists.
Cons
Aetna
- It’s not very easy to buy Aetna Insurance unless it’s offered by an employer.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Shields prices are slightly higher than the average.
Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield Mobile Apps Options
The Aetna Health app allows you to find a doctor in your area and see estimates of what certain procedures may cost. You can also view your benefits, review account balances, and manage your claims. The App is available on ios and Android.
Each state has its own Blue Cross Blue Shield app on iTunes and GooglePlay. The app allows users to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, view claims, pay bill, and manage prescriptions.
| Aetna Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 4.5 | 29.3K users |
| Android | 3.4 | 2,316 users |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield mobile app varies by state | ||
Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield Enrollment Process
Aetna
Aetna is available through participating employers. You can also buy an individual or family plan directly from Aetna, the health insurance marketplace or you can get several free quotes here.
At this time, Aetna offers Medicare, Medicaid, student health insurance and international insurance. For individual and family plans, they offer plans through eHealth, which compares rates from several companies for the Affordable Care Act plans, short-term plans, and medical indemnity plans.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield is available through participating employers for group insurance. You can also buy an individual or family plan directly from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the health insurance marketplace or you can get several free quotes here.
You can also contact 888.630.2583 to learn more about Blue Cross Blue Shield options for individuals and families or find a local BCBS company by visiting here.
How to File a Claim with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance
Aetna
If you use a network doctor or hospital, your claims will be submitted by that provider. If you see an out-of-network provider, you need to submit the claim yourself. You must submit a completed claim form or alternative documentation via fax or mailing address. As an alternative to sending a claim form, supply a description of services, a bill of charges from the provider and any medical documents you received from your provider.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
If you use a network doctor or hospital, your claims will be submitted by that provider. If you see an out-of-network provider, you need to submit the claim yourself. You must submit a completed claim form or alternative documentation via fax or mailing address. As an alternative to sending a claim form, supply a description of services, a bill of charges from the provider and any medical documents you received from your provider.
For medical and/or dental services in the U.S. Puerto Rico or the U.S Virgin Islands, Use these claim forms. For anywhere else or on a cruise ship outside the U.S. use the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core international claim forms. For prescriptions inside or outside the U.S. or U.S. territories: Use these claim forms.
Common Questions About Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna Insurance
Aetna
What type of health plans does Aetna offer?
Aetna offers Aetna Medicare, Aetna Medicaid, student health insurance and international insurance. They offer the Affordable Care Act plans, short-term plans, and medical indemnity plans through e-Health, which compares insurance partners’ rates for you. Or, you can just visit here for free health insurance quotes.
What pharmacy accepts Aetna insurance?
Medicare Part D plans have a network of participating pharmacies you can find here. For all other types of plans, visit here to find a pharmacy.
Does Aetna insurance cover hearing aids?
Most Aetna plans exclude coverage for hearing aids. Any applicable benefit plan exclusions and limitations for coverage of hearing aids would apply to air conduction hearing aids, implantable hearing aids, and semi-implantable hearing aids.
Is Aetna insurance Medicaid?
Aetna offers Medicaid plans, which vary according to individual state Medicaid programs and have a different name in each state.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
What is Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare?
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offer a Medicare Supplement Plan, also called “Medigap” which pays for out-of-pocket expenses you’ll have with Original Medicare. Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C. This is Medicare coverage through private health insurance companies approved to participate in the Medicare program.
Does Blue Cross have good supplemental insurance reviews?
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has an award-winning Medigap plan.
How to replace the Blue Cross member ID card:
If your Blue Cross ID card is lost or damaged, you can get a replacement ID card by logging into your Blue Cross Account. After signing in, go to the right-hand column and select “order new cards.”
What is the BlueCard® program?
BlueCard® is a national program that allows Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan members to get health care services while traveling or living in another Blue Plan’s service area.
Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Contact Info
| Aetna Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 151 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06156 |
| Phone | 1 (800)-872-3862 |
| Website | https://www.aetna.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/aetna/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/aetna |
| https://twitter.com/Aetna | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/aetna/ | |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 225 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601 |
| Phone | 1 (888) 630 - 2583 |
| Website | https://www.bcbs.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/user/bluecrossblueshield |
| https://twitter.com/BCBSAssociation | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-association/ | |
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