2024 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan - Standard and Basic Option
Section 5. Benefits
Section 5(c). Services Provided by a Hospital or Other Facility, and Ambulance Services
Blue Distinction® Specialty Care
Section 5. Benefits
Section 5(c). Services Provided by a Hospital or Other Facility, and Ambulance Services
Blue Distinction® Specialty Care
Note: For Standard Option, we state whether or not the calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this Section. There is no calendar year deductible under Basic Option.
Benefit Description
Blue Distinction® Specialty Care
We provide enhanced benefits for covered inpatient facility services related to the surgical procedures listed below, when the surgery is performed at a facility designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery, or Blue Distinction Center for Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery.
Note: You must precertify your hospital stay and verify your facility’s designation as a Blue Distinction Center for the type of surgery being scheduled. Contact us prior to your admission at the customer service phone number listed on the back of your ID card for assistance.
Note: Members are responsible for regular cost-sharing amounts for the surgery and related professional services as described in Section 5(b).
Note: These benefit levels do not apply to inpatient facility care related to other services or procedures, or to outpatient facility care, even if the services are performed at a Blue Distinction Center.
Note: See Section 3 for more information about Blue Distinction Centers.
Standard Option - You Pay
Blue Distinction Center: $150 per admission copayment for unlimited days (no deductible)
Basic Option - You Pay
Blue Distinction Center: $100 per day copayment up to $500 per admission for unlimited days
Benefit Description
Blue Distinction® Specialty Care
We provide enhanced benefits for covered inpatient facility services related to the surgical procedures listed below, when the surgery is performed at a facility designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery, or Blue Distinction Center for Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery.
- Bariatric surgeries covered are:
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Total hip replacement or revision
- Total knee replacement or revision
- Spine surgery, limited to:
- Cervical discectomy
- Thoracic discectomy
- Laminectomy
- Laminoplasty
- Spinal fusion
- Cervical discectomy
Note: You must precertify your hospital stay and verify your facility’s designation as a Blue Distinction Center for the type of surgery being scheduled. Contact us prior to your admission at the customer service phone number listed on the back of your ID card for assistance.
Note: Members are responsible for regular cost-sharing amounts for the surgery and related professional services as described in Section 5(b).
Note: These benefit levels do not apply to inpatient facility care related to other services or procedures, or to outpatient facility care, even if the services are performed at a Blue Distinction Center.
Note: See Section 3 for more information about Blue Distinction Centers.
Standard Option - You Pay
Blue Distinction Center: $150 per admission copayment for unlimited days (no deductible)
Basic Option - You Pay
Blue Distinction Center: $100 per day copayment up to $500 per admission for unlimited days
Benefit Description
Outpatient facility services related to specific covered bariatric surgical procedures, when the surgery is performed at a designated Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery.
Outpatient facility services related to specific covered hip and knee replacement or revision surgeries and certain spine surgery procedures, when performed at a designated Blue Distinction Center for hip/knee/spine surgery.
Note: You must meet the pre-surgical requirements listed in our medical policies for bariatric surgeries.
Note: In addition, you must obtain prior approval and verify the facility’s designation as a Blue Distinction Center for the type of surgery being scheduled. Contact us prior to the procedure at the customer service phone number listed on the back of your ID card for assistance.
Note: Members are responsible for regular cost-sharing amounts for the surgery and related professional services as described in Section 5(b).
Note: These benefits do not apply to other types of outpatient surgical services, even when performed at a Blue Distinction Center.
Note: See Section 3 for more information about Blue Distinction Centers.
Standard Option - You Pay
Blue Distinction Center: $100 per day per facility (no deductible)
Basic Option - You Pay
Blue Distinction Center: $25 per day per facility
Outpatient facility services related to specific covered bariatric surgical procedures, when the surgery is performed at a designated Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery.
Outpatient facility services related to specific covered hip and knee replacement or revision surgeries and certain spine surgery procedures, when performed at a designated Blue Distinction Center for hip/knee/spine surgery.
Note: You must meet the pre-surgical requirements listed in our medical policies for bariatric surgeries.
Note: In addition, you must obtain prior approval and verify the facility’s designation as a Blue Distinction Center for the type of surgery being scheduled. Contact us prior to the procedure at the customer service phone number listed on the back of your ID card for assistance.
Note: Members are responsible for regular cost-sharing amounts for the surgery and related professional services as described in Section 5(b).
Note: These benefits do not apply to other types of outpatient surgical services, even when performed at a Blue Distinction Center.
Note: See Section 3 for more information about Blue Distinction Centers.
Standard Option - You Pay
Blue Distinction Center: $100 per day per facility (no deductible)
Basic Option - You Pay
Blue Distinction Center: $25 per day per facility