As the new year begins, take a few minutes to ensure you get the most value from your Blue Choice Options PPO option. Regardless of which PPO plan you have this year, there are now three tiers of healthcare providers within the PPO options.

Before you schedule your next appointment, check to see if your doctor is part of the Blue Choice Options (BCO) PPO network (Tier 1). This group of preferred providers offers the best value at the highest benefit level. There’s also a larger group PPO (Tier 2) of in-network providers with a coinsurance 5-percent less than BCO. And, of course, you still have the option to see out-of-network providers (Tier 3) at the lowest benefit level.

How to Find a Tier 1 Provider

The complete and most accurate list of in-network providers is available online once you register your account using your member identification number. Here’s how to get there:

1. Log in to Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM).
2. Click Find Care from the menu.
3. Choose Blue Choice Options (to get a list of Tier 1 providers).
4. Browse by Category or search for Names and Specialties if you prefer.

How to Find a Tier 2 Provider

1. Visit Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. (Do not log into your BAM account, as it only provides BCO/Tier 1 providers.)
2. Click Find Care and then Search as a Guest.
3. Choose Participating Provider Organization (PPO) to get a list of Tier 2 providers.
4. Browse by Category or search for Names and Specialties if you prefer.

It pays to see if your favorite doctor or hospital is a Tier 1 preferred provider. You’ll save money and know in advance that you’re getting the best value for your healthcare dollar!

Click here to learn more about BCBSIL’s Blue Choice Options.