Blue Cross Blue Shield vs. CareSource Insurance

Blue Cross Blue Shield vs. CareSource: What You Need to Know

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 lead to enrollment by employees in other professions across Dallas.

In 1989, CareSource was founded on the premise of providing quality health care coverage for Medicaid consumers. Today it offers one of the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care plans. CareSource also offers private health insurance plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, including Medicare Advantage and MyCare Ohio plans. CareSource has more than 1.9 million members across five states. The company employs about 3,800 people and is considered a nonprofit organization.

To learn more about each company, you can check out the Blue Cross Blue Shield Overview and CareSource Overview.

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield and CareSource Insurance Rating?

Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how Blue Cross Blue Shield and CareSource ranked among the industry ratings.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield and CareSource Mobile Apps Options

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.

The CareSource app allows you to view your digial ID Card, find a doctor, file claims, make payments and more.

Blue Cross Blue Shield and CareSource Enrollment Process

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.

CareSource

CareSource is available through the health insurance marketplace by searching plans here or you can get several free health insurance quotes here. 

Each state has their own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/. Also, remember that CareSource only covers Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Georgia and West Virginia.

How to File a Claim with Blue Cross Blue Shield and CareSource Insurance

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.

CareSource

CareSource accepts claims in various formats, including paper and electronic claims. Reimbursement is based on the prevailing state Medicaid or Medicare fee schedule. With Marketplace Plans, you can make claims inquiries at (866) 286-9949 (Indiana), (855) 852-5558 (Kentucky), (937) 224-3300 (Ohio), (678) 214 7500, (Georgia) and (855) 202-1091 (West Virginia). Visit your app or www.caresource.com to find the right claim forms for the state in which you live.

Common Questions About CareSource and Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance

Blue Cross Blue Shield

CareSource

Blue Cross Blue Shield and CareSource Insurance Contact Info