The health insurance plans offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield differ from each state. The differences usually lie in terms of the available options for individual insurance, dental coverage, vision riders, and group health plans for small and large businesses. But in general, the procedure for buying health plans from Blue Cross are the same. The procedure involves: 1) compiling all documents pertaining to your health condition, 2) identifying the etent of benefits that you need, 3) checking your ability to pay the monthly premiums, 4) checking the accreditation of your doctors if they belong to Blue Cross's network of specialists, 5) determining the amount of your deductibles, 6) discussing with a Blue Cross agent, 7) submitting your application, 8 ) understanding the scope and guidelines of your insurance coverage, and 9) determining the mode of payment for your monthly premiums. Step 1 requires you to compile all records and documentation about your medical history, including drug prescriptions. You are also required to inform Blue Cross of any medications that you are currently taking, or any present illnesses. It might also be helpful if you can provide Blue Cross with a copy of any health insurance plan that you already have. This may help in your application. Step 2 involves a review of the medical epenses that you want Blue Cross to cover. Consider the amount of epenses for hospitalization, major medical coverage, general medical care, and drug prescription. Step 3 allows you to calculate and determine the premiums which you can afford to pay every month. You can compare the monthly premiums of the health plan options provided to you by Blue Cross. Choose the health plan that you think provides you with the best possible coverage at a price that is affordable to you. Step 4 enables you to check if your doctor belongs in the Blue Cross's network of specialists. If yes, then the services of your doctor can be covered by Blue Cross. If not, then Blue Cross will pay less, and you will end up paying for most of the doctor's services. Step 5 allows you to determine the maimum amount of deductibles in your health plan. Usually, the main components of Blue Cross health plans have many different levels of deductibles. You need to compare and check the maimum amount that you can afford to pay with the deductibles of your health plan. Step 6 is the stage when you need to speak to a Blue cross agent. Check the authorized Blue Cross agent in your state and set up an appointment. You can discuss your current situation with the agent. The agent can recommend which health plan is more suited to you. Step 7 involves the submission of your application form and necessary supporting documents to Blue Cross. Make sure that you have included all information and documentation about your medical history to help facilitate your application. If you have submitted your application online, Blue Cross will notify you via email. Step 8 allows you to review the scope and guidelines of your health insurance coverage. You must understand how Blue Cross will cover drug prescriptions, routine checkups and the corresponding level of deductibles, doctors' services, and major medical coverage. Check if the scope and guidelines of your health plan cover what you have requested in your application. Step 9 allows you to specify how you will pay for the monthly premiums of your Blue Cross health insurance. Modes of payment that are usually accepted by Blue Cross are monthly payments that are made directly to the Blue Cross office, check payments that are sent via mail, or automatic withdrawal from your savings or checking account. In some states, Blue Cross allows scheduled payments through credit cards. Identify which mode of payment works best for you. Answer by admin — May 23, 2009 @ 9:55 am