Blue Cross Blue Shield vs. Molina Insurance

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

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Blue Cross Blue Shield vs. Molina: 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.

Molina Healthcare was founded in 1980 by C. David Molina, an emergency room physician in Long Beach, CA. After seeing that patients were being turned away because the hospital would not accept Medi-Cal, he established his first primary care clinic in Wilmington, California in 1980. His goal was to treat the lowest-income patients. For 20 years, his son and fellow physician, J. Mario Molina, ran the company while he served as president and CEO. His younger son, John, was the CFO of Molina Healthcare. The two sons took over the company after their father’s death in 1996.

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

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

Comparison Blue Cross Blue Shield Molina
Year Founded 1929 1980
Medicare Star Rating   3.5 stars (out of 5)
BBB Rating A- F
Market Share Percentage 14.1%  
Financial Strength Excellent  
S&P Rating A+  

Pros & Cons of Blue Cross Blue Shield or Molina

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.
Molina
  • Affordable coverage for underserved communities, like Medicaid and Medicare recipients.
  • Affordable marketplace plans for people who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
  • Popular mobile app makes it easy to stay on top of your account.

Cons

Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Shields prices are slightly higher than the average.
Molina
  • Molina Healthcare only offers Medicaid plans in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Molina 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 Molina app allows users to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, view claims, and pay your bill.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Mobile App
Blue Cross Blue Shield mobile app varies by State.    
Molina Mobile App
iOS      4.6 1.6K users
Android      2.9 351 users

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Molina 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.

Molina

Molina offers plans through the health insurance marketplace. You can begin 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/. You can also schedule a personal appointment with a local Kaiser Permanente Medicare specialist: 1-866-973-4588.

How to File a Claim with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Molina 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.

Molina

To submit claims for reimbursement, contact member services at 1-888-898-7969. You can only inquire about 3 or fewer claims per call. You can also submit a claim to: Molina Healthcare, P.O. Box 22668, Long Beach, CA 90801. You must make timely submissions of your claims or else you may forfeit your right to payment. For filing limits and instructions about electronic claims submissions with Molina Healthcare visit here.

Common Questions About Molina and Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance

Blue Cross Blue Shield

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.

How to change Blue Cross coverage:

You can make changes to your Blue Cross coverage during 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.

Molina

Is health insurance from Molina healthcare good?

While complaints are common on BBB, Molina offers a competitive managed care option for Medicaid and Medicare recipients. It is generally well regarded by the underserved and lower-income communities who use it.

What are Molina’s dual options?

Molina Dual Options is a health plan that contracts with both Medicare and Medi-Cal to provide benefits of both programs to members. This plan is also called Cal MediConnect in California.

Does Walgreens accept Molina’s insurance?

As of January 1, 2017, Molina’s Medicaid pharmacy network no longer accepts Walgreens. Molina Medicare members, however, may continue using Walgreens. Walgreens does not participate in the Molina Marketplace pharmacy network.

Which dentists take Molina insurance?

Molina Healthcare covers dental services including oral surgery, x-rays, sealants, fillings, crowns (caps), root canals, dentures and extractions. It also covers a dental exam and one cleaning every six months. To find a provider, visit here and at the top of the page pick your state. At the bottom of the page you’ll be directed to an online provider directory.

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Molina 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/
Molina Contact Info
Address 200 Oceangate, Suite 100, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone 1 (562) 435-3666
Website https://www.molinahealthcare.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/Molinaheathcare/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/MolinaHealthcare
Twitter https://twitter.com/molinahealth
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/molina-healthcare/

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