Now it's easy to get access to care from your HMO whenever you're away from home. Your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City HMO gives you the comforts of far-reaching coverage when you or your family travel outside our service area. This easy-to-use guide explains how to get the most from your HMO coverage.
Urgent Care
Whether you're away with an upset stomach or your child has the flu, just call. With no out-of-pocket cost at the time of service. Here's all you do:
> Call 1-800-810-BLUE to locate a provider in the area you are traveling, or visit the online BlueCard doctor and hospital finder at www.bcbs.com. Once a provider is selected, simply contact the provider to schedule an appointment for care. > Urgent Care is intended for any unexpected illness or injury that occurs while traveling that should be treated before you return home. In a life-threatening emergency, you should go to a hospital immediately and notify us according to your HMO membership instructions.
Guest Membership
Extended out-of-town business. Kids away at school. Dependent children in another city. Anytime you or your family is away from home for an extended period of time.
> Call your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Away From Home Care Coordinator at (816) 395-3320 or 1-800-892-6048 before you leave and explain that you or a family member will be living away from home. Your Home Coordinator will find the HMO near your travel destination and have you complete a Guest Membership application.
> After you arrive at your Host HMO service area, you will be sent important information about your Host HMO. The information will include a list of physicians and benefits you are entitled to as a guest member.
To receive coverage, member must reside in a participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO covered county, where Guest Membership is available.
Follow-Up Care
You can receive the Follow-Up Care your home doctor recommends, even when you're away, at the participating HMO near your travel destination. Here's all you do:
> Call a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Away From Home Care Coordinator at (816) 395-3320 or
1-800-892-6048 with your travel dates. The Coordinator will find the HMO near your travel destination and have you complete a Follow-Up Care application. If you do not complete a Follow-Up Care application or your application is not approved, your claim for benefits may be denied.
> After your application is approved, call 1-800-810-BLUE to locate a provider in the area you are traveling, or visit the online BlueCard doctor and hospital finder at www.bcbs.com. Once a provider is selected, simply contact the provider to schedule an appointment for care.
