Using your Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plan on Headway

Updated

Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) members with specific plans have the ability to access coverage and receive care while traveling or living out of state, in another BCBS service area outside of their BCBS plan's home state (i.e. the state listed on your plan).

For example, if a BCBS of Massachusetts member has one of these plans, but lives in New York, they will be able to see a provider in NY with their BCBS MA plan.

 

Determining the type of plan you have

The best way to tell if you have a BCBS plan that allows you to see providers outside of your BCBS plan's home state is by looking at your insurance card. If you have this type of plan, your card will include the following elements:

  • A three character prefix at the beginning of the member ID. This can be 3 letters, or it may be alphanumeric – a mix of numbers and letters (e.g. 1AA, A1A, AA1).
  • A suitcase logo. This may be empty, or have letters written inside of it.

If your insurance card does not include the elements listed above, you may not be eligible to see a provider outside of your your BCBS plan's home state when traveling or living out of state. 

Still unsure? Call your insurance carrier directly using the number on the back of your insurance card, or reach out to us, to verify.

 

Getting care on Headway with a BCBS plan

If you have a plan that allows you to see providers outside of your BCBS plan's home state

You can find and see a provider through Headway wherever you are currently living or traveling, as long as you are physically located in the same state as your provider at the time of the session.

If you don’t have a plan that allows you to see providers outside of your BCBS plan's home state

You can still use Headway to see a provider! If this is the case, and we can accept your BCBS plan, you must: 

  • Reside in the state in which your BCBS plan is administered out of, and
  • See a provider within that state.

For example, if you have Anthem BCBS NY, you must live in NY and see a provider in NY. 

 

If you have an Excellus BCBS plan

Headway is not directly contracted with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, which means your coverage options depend on the type of Excellus plan you have.

If you have an Excellus HMO plan, Headway providers are considered out-of-network and we are unable to accept your insurance at this time.

If you have a non-HMO Excellus plan (such as a PPO plan), that allows you to see providers outisde of your BCBS plan's home state, you can be seen by a Headway provider that is credentialed with another BCBS plan. If your provider's office is located outside of the Excellus exclusive service area you may have the option to see them via telehealth and in-person. If your provider’s office is located in the Excellus exclusive service area, you can only see them via telehealth. 

If you're not sure what type of plan you have, check your insurance card or call the number on the back of your card to confirm.

Disclaimer: This document is for educational purposes only and is not intended as professional or legal advice. It may contain errors or missing information, and recent changes in policies, regulations, or payer requirements may not be reflected. Because requirements vary by organization and jurisdiction, please consult legal counsel, the appropriate regulatory or licensing authority or your designated Headway contact for guidance specific to your situation.

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