Blue Cross Blue Shield vs. Cigna Insurance

Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna side by side.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield vs. Cigna: 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 1792, a group of citizens formed the Insurance Company of North America (INA), the first marine insurance company in the U.S, the country’s oldest stockholder-owned insurer. The first insured hull and cargo was for a ship called America, which sailed from Philadelphia to Northern Ireland. In 1794, INA issued its first insurance policy, for a sea captain, to mitigate the risk of death. In 1865, the Governor of Connecticut signed a special at of the General Assembly incorporating the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, which helped make Hartford, CT, “the insurance capital of the world.”

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

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna 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 Cigna ranked among the industry ratings.

Comparison Blue Cross Blue Shield Cigna
Year Founded 1929 1792
Medicare Star Rating   3.5 stars (out of 5)
BBB Rating A- A+
NAIC Complaint Index   1.15% for individual health
Market Share Percentage 14.1%  
Financial Strength Excellent  
S&P Rating A+  

Pros & Cons of Blue Cross Blue Shield or Cigna

Pros

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.
Cigna
  • Cigna ranks as one of the largest and oldest insurance institutions in the country.
  • Cigna offers individual health insurance and group health insurance.

Cons

Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Shields prices are slightly higher than the average.
Cigna
  • Cigna only provides full coverage in 12 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna 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 Cigna app allows you to view your digial ID Card, find a doctor, file claims, make payments and more.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Mobile App
Blue Cross Blue Shield mobile app varies by State.    
Cigna Mobile App
iOS      4.8/5 97,854 users
Android      4.5/5 10,534 users

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna 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.

Cigna

Cigna 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 Cigna 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.

Cigna

To file a claim with Cigna Health Insurance, use this form. Follow instructions on page 2 of the form. Mail your completed claim form with original itemized bills, to the Cigna HealthCare Claims Office, which is printed on your Cigna HealthCare ID card. For questions, you may call 1 (800) 997-1654.

Common Questions About Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance

Blue Cross Blue Shield

How to change Blue Cross coverage:

You can make changes to your Blue Cross coverage during the open enrollment, which usually runs Nov 1 through Dec 15th. It’s best to speak with an agent if you’ve had a qualifying event, which makes you eligible to change, drop or add coverage at any time.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover dental?

Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers dental plans. BCBS also offers dental + vision plans.

What are Blue Cross out-of-pocket maximums?

When your deductible, coinsurance and copays reach the individual maximum, the plan pays 100 percent of the allowed amount for that person.

How to cancel Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance?

To cancel your Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, speak with an agent or call.

Cigna

Is Cigna good insurance?

Cigna is a trusted name when it comes to health care. They have a relatively low complaint ratio considering the size of the company. They also offer health insurance to U.S. expatriates living abroad.

What are Cigna Health Benefits?

Cigna offers health benefits for individuals and families. They also offer dental insurance, Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, other supplemental insurance plans and international health insurance. You can also get Cigna group health insurance if you buy it from your employer.

What insurance plans does Cigna offer?

Cigna offers health benefits for individuals and families. They also offer dental insurance, Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, other supplemental insurance plans and international health insurance. You can also get Cigna health insurance if you buy it from your employer.

Does Cigna offer a life insurance plan?

Yes, Cigna offers term life insurance, group life insurance and final expense whole life insurance. You can buy a plan for individuals or through employers that offer it.

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna Insurance Contact Info

Blue Cross Blue Shield Contact Info
Address 225 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone 1 (888) 630 - 2583
Website https://www.bcbs.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/bluecrossblueshield
Twitter https://twitter.com/BCBSAssociation
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-association/
Cigna Contact Info
Address 900 Cottage Grove Rd, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone 1 (800) 997-1654
Website https://www.cigna.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CIGNA/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/cigna
Twitter https://twitter.com/Cigna
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/cigna/

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