- About us
- Agent Login
- 855.214.2291
CareSource vs. HCSC Insurance
Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare CareSource and HCSC side by side.
Compare Health Insurance Rates in Your Area
 Written & Edited by Fran Majidi Fran MajidiFran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about i... Read more |
Editorial Standards SmartFinancial Offers Unbiased, Fact-based Information. Our fact-checked articles are intended to educate insurance shoppers so they can make the right buying decisions. Learn More
CareSource vs. HCSC: What You Need to Know
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.
Health Care Service Corporation began with the first hospital care prepayment plan which was developed by Justin Ford Kimball, a vice president at the Baylor University School of Medicine in Texas. He as well as health care professionals and officials met during the Great Depression to solve the problem of affordable health care. In 1936, they launched the Chicago Plan for Hospital Care by pooling their resources, creating the first insurance policy effective January 21, 1937. The company grew quickly, enrolling 36,000 members in its first six months. It adopted the Blue Cross symbol in 1939 and the Blue Shield symbol in 1947.
To learn more about each company, you can check out the CareSource Overview and HCSC Overview.
What is CareSource and HCSC Insurance Rating?
Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how CareSource and HCSC ranked among the industry ratings.
| Comparison | CareSource | HCSC |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 1929 |
| Medicare Star Rating | 2.5 stars (out of 5) | 3 stars (out of 5) |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 7.17% | 0.40% for individual health |
Get Personalized Health Insurance Quotes Here
Pros & Cons of CareSource or HCSC
Pros
CareSource
- CareSource is one of a few options that lower-income, underserved communities have for a managed health plan.
- Affordable marketplace plans with different tiers of coverage.
HCSC
- Affordable marketplace plans with different tiers of coverage.
Cons
CareSource
- CareSource has a high number of complaints.
HCSC
- HCSC only operates in 5 states: Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
CareSource and HCSC Mobile Apps Options
The CareSource app allows you to view your digital ID Card, find a doctor, file claims, make payments and more.
Each state has its own HCSC / 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.
| CareSource Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 4 | 1K users |
| Android | 3.3 | 397 users |
| HCSC Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| HCSC mobile app varies by State. | ||
CareSource and HCSC Enrollment Process
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 its 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.
HCSC
HCSC 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 its own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/. Remember that HCSC only operates in 5 states: Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
How to File a Claim with CareSource and HCSC Insurance
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.
HCSC
To submit electronic claims, you or your billing agent need to use a third-party claims clearinghouse vendor, like Availity. For paper claims, you need to complete the right claim forms.
Common Questions About HCSC and CareSource Insurance
CareSource
Does CareSource cover CT scans?
CareSource covers CT scans if you have prior authorization from your network healthcare provider, like a primary care physician or specialist.
Is CareSource a PPO or HMO?
CareSource offers both PPO and HMO health plans.
Does CareSource pay for glasses?
If you choose to add on the optional CareSource Dental, Vision and Fitness Plan, your annual eye exam and eyeglasses are covered, up to a maximum amount each year.
What is covered by CareSource?
Medicaid-covered services are offered at no cost, with no copays for visits and prescriptions. Transportation to and from appointments are covered if you must travel 30 miles or more from your home to a health care service. You will have CareSource24, which is a 24/7 access to a registered nurse. You will also be covered for behavioral health, disease management programs.
HCSC
Is HCSC a good health insurance company?
HCSC is one of the oldest health insurance companies. They invented the prepaid hospital care plan. Today, they are one of the largest companies. They have a relatively low complaint ratio, which means that members are probably satisfied with claims processes and service.
Is HCSC and Blue Cross Blue Shield the same?
BCBS stands for Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is a federation of 36 separate health insurance companies. It was formed in 1982. Blue Cross (hospital services) and Blue Shield (physician services) operated separately until 1975, when they became one as Health Care Service (HCSC) Corporation. HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
What is the difference between HCSC and BCBS?
BCBS stands for Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is a federation of 36 separate health insurance companies. It was formed in 1982. Blue Cross (hospital services) and Blue Shield (physician services) operated separately until 1975, when they became one as Health Care Service (HCSC) Corporation. HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
What are some HCSC subsidiaries?
Dearborn Group, Dental Network of America, Inc (DNoA), Medecision, Inc., Availity, LLC, Prime Therapeutics, LLC and TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
Get Personalized Health Insurance Quotes Here
CareSource and HCSC Insurance Contact Info
| CareSource Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 230 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402 |
| Phone | 1 (937) 224-3300 |
| Website | https://www.caresource.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/CareSource/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU8XjYqtJ-0 |
| https://twitter.com/caresource | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/caresource/ | |
| HCSC Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601 |
| Phone | 1 (800) 654-7385 |
| Website | https://www.hcsc.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/healthcareservicecorporation/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/user/HealthCareService |
| https://twitter.com/HCSC | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-illinois-new-mexico-oklahoma-&-texas/life/4548c167-e254-4ffd-a356-7892967212c3/ | |
Fran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about insurance-related topics. Prior, she was an arts and entertainment editor in New York City. She has a B.A. from Barnard College and an M.F.A. in writing from The New School. She writes books under her given name, Afarin Majidi.
Compare Health Insurance Rates for Free
Answer a few questions and let Penny find the best rates in your area.