HCSC vs. Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance

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

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

HCSC serves over 15 million members with a variety of group and individual health care plans, services and life insurance products. As a pioneer in many states, HSBC was the first to do many things. In Illinois, HCSC was the first to provide coverage for bone marrow transplants, heart transplants and to provide group health insurance to rural and small communities as well as the first CareVan as a mobile immunization program. In Texas, they were the first to provide coverage for cancer treatment, catastrophic diseases like polio, leukemia and diptheria, and they provided healthcare starting at birth. They also provided coverage to migrant farmworkers in Texas. In New Mexico, HCSC was the first to offer PPO coverage, point-of-service coverage, electronics claims exchange with providers, customer service for large group accounts and in-hospital medical coverage on a per-visit basis. In Oklahoma, HCSC was the first to create a mobile health screening unit and free screenings for vision, hearing, glaucoma, blood, and blood pressure.

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 HCSC Overview and Blue Cross Blue Shield Overview.

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

Comparison HCSC Blue Cross Blue Shield
Year Founded 1929 1929
Medicare Star Rating 3 stars (out of 5)  
BBB Rating A+ A-
NAIC Complaint Index 0.40% for individual health  
Market Share Percentage   14.1%
Financial Strength   Excellent
S&P Rating   A+

Pros & Cons of HCSC or Blue Cross Blue Shield

Pros

HCSC
  • Affordable marketplace plans with different tiers of coverage.
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

HCSC
  • HCSC only operates in 5 states: Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Shields prices are slightly higher than the average.

HCSC and Blue Cross Blue Shield Mobile Apps Options

Each state has its own HCSC app on iTunes and GooglePlay. The app allows users to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, view claims, pay bill, and manage prescriptions.

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.

HCSC Mobile App
HCSC mobile app varies by State    
Blue Cross Blue Shield Mobile App
Blue Cross Blue Shield mobile app varies by state    

HCSC and Blue Cross Blue Shield Enrollment Process

HCSC

HCSC offers plans through the health insurance marketplace. You can begin searching plans here or you can get several free health insurance quotes.

Each state has its own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit Healthcare.gov. Remember that HCSC only operates in 5 states: Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

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.

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 https://www.bcbs.com/bcbs-companies-and-licensees.

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

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.

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 HCSC Insurance

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 are some HCSC subsidiaries?

Dearborn Group, Dental Network of America, Inc (DNoA), Medecision, Inc., Availity, LLC, Prime Therapeutics, LLC and TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

Is HCSC a publicly-traded company?

HCSC is a mutual insurance company, which means that it is customer-owned.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Is Blue Cross the same as Blue Shield?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield took their partnership a step farther, by consolidating staff and operations, forming the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in 1982. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

How does Blue Cross Blue Shield work?

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers employer-provided health insurance or group health insurance. BCBS also offers individual and family health plans.

What is the Blue365® program?

Blue365 is a free health and wellness discount program offered to members. It includes discounts on gym memberships, fitness gear, healthy eating options and more.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover outside the US?

For people living or working abroad for an extended period of time, there are GeoBlue plans available through BCBS.

HCSC and Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Contact Info

HCSC Contact Info
Address 300 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601
Phone 1 (800) 654-7385
Website https://www.hcsc.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/healthcareservicecorporation/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/HealthCareService
Twitter https://twitter.com/HCSC
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-illinois-new-mexico-oklahoma-&-texas/life/4548c167-e254-4ffd-a356-7892967212c3/
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/

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