Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana

Comparing health insurance companies is one of the most difficult tasks of modern life. There are so many companies, each company has dozens of plans, and you basically have to learn a whole new language to understand them. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Louisiana tries to make the job of choosing new insurance easy for you. Their mission is simple and straightforward: to improve the lives of their members. The company operates under four basic values: collaboration with the insured and the medical community, excellence in healthcare, integrity of service, and respect for every member.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana offers several easy-to-understand health plans that are affordable and made for every type of person or situation. Specialty plans include those made for individuals, seniors, college students, families, and businesses. Health Savings Account (HAS) plans are also offered so income taxes need not be paid for money going to healthcare costs.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana began as the product of a merger between four smaller companies. Two of these companies were founded in 1934: Hospital Service Association of New Orleans and Mutual Hospital Service of Shreveport. The other two companies were founded in 1938: Hospital Service of Alexandria and Hospital Service of Baton Rouge. The first merger took place in 1948, and all four came together in 1975, setting up their headquarters in Baton Rouge.

BCBS Louisiana has several awards and accreditations. They have received 10 “A” ratings in a row from Standard and Poor, and hold 5 accreditations from URAC, an independent, non-profit healthcare promoter. Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana also ranks first among the BCBS family for provider satisfaction.

The following are some of the most popular BCBS Louisiana plans:

• BlueMAX – This is the most comprehensive plan offered.
• BlueSense – This plan combines many of the options of BlueMAX in a more affordable package.
• BlueSaver – This is an affordable, high-deductable plan often combined with an HSA.
• BlueSelect – BlueSelect offers basic coverage in the event of personal catastrophe.
• BlueValue – This value plan is for unplanned medical emergencies. A variety of deductibles are available.