Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023 - For residents of Washington, D.C. who buy their own insurance - CareFirst
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Consumer Health Insurance
Plans 2023
For residents of Washington, D.C. who buy their own insuranceWelcome
Thank you for considering CareFirst BlueCross
BlueShield and CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc. (CareFirst)
for your healthcare coverage. As the largest
healthcare insurer in the Mid-Atlantic region, we
know how much you and your family depend on
us for your health coverage. It’s a responsibility we
take very seriously, as we have with your parents,
grandparents, friends and neighbors.
We created this book to help you choose the
plan that best suits your specific needs. For 2023,
CareFirst offers the following plans:
■ BlueChoice HMO Young Adult $9,100*
■ BlueChoice HMO Standard Bronze $7,500
■ BluePreferred PPO Standard Bronze $7,500
■ BlueChoice HMO HSA Standard Bronze $6,350
■ BluePreferred PPO HSA Standard Bronze $6,350
■ BlueChoice HMO Standard Silver $4,850
■ BluePreferred PPO Standard Silver $4,850
■ BlueChoice HMO HSA Gold $1,500
■ BluePreferred PPO HSA Gold $1,500
■ BlueChoice HMO Standard Gold $500
■ BluePreferred PPO Standard Gold $500
■ BlueChoice HMO Standard Platinum $0
■ BluePreferred PPO Standard Platinum $0
CareFirst is an affiliate of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. When you choose us as your health insurer,
you are protected by the nation’s oldest and largest family of independent health benefits companies. For
over 80 years, we have provided our community with healthcare coverage and are committed to being there
when you need us for many years to come.
If you have any questions as you read through this book, visit us at carefirst.com/individual or give us a call
at 800-544-8703, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.
Sincerely,
Brad Warren
Director, New Business Sales
Commercial Individual, Small Group & Specialty
*Available to individuals under the age of 30 and those who qualify for a hardship exemption. Visit your state’s Exchange for more details.
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 1Contents Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Before You Choose a Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 How Health Insurance Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Included With Every CareFirst Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Dental Plans for Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Know Before You Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Choosing Your Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 How to Enroll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Our Commitment to You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Rights and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Defending Access to Women’s Health Care Services Revision Act of 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The policies may have exclusions, limitations or terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call your insurance agent or CareFirst. 2 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.
Before You Choose a Plan
To choose the best plan for your needs, you should:
Understand metal levels Look into financial assistance
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) there are There are two types of financial assistance (also
four categories of health coverage—Bronze, Silver, called subsidies) available:
Gold and Platinum—called metal levels. All health
A tax credit to help pay your monthly premium—
plans fall into a metal level depending on the share
This subsidy helps reduce your monthly premium.
of healthcare expenses they cover. For example,
Once you qualify, your tax credit will be sent to
bronze plans have higher deductibles than other
CareFirst and applied to your bill, reducing your
metal level plans.
premium. If you qualify for this type of assistance,
In Washington, D.C., CareFirst offers plans in the you can use it toward the purchase of any plan—
following metal levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum (excludes the
BlueChoice Young Adult plan).
■ Bronze ■ Gold
■ Silver ■ Platinum A subsidy to lower your out-of-pocket expenses—
This subsidy helps limit how much you spend on
CareFirst also offers a Catastrophic plan out-of-pocket expenses like copays, coinsurance
(BlueChoice Young Adult) for individuals under age and deductibles. By lowering these out-of-pocket
30, or individuals with a hardship exemption. costs, your health plan begins paying 100% of
What is a standard plan? your costs sooner than it would have without the
subsidy. If you qualify and want to take advantage
Standard plans are plan designs that have of this type of financial assistance, you must
standardized cost-sharing (i.e., deductible, out- purchase a Silver metal level plan.
of-pocket maximum, copays and coinsurance)
for covered health services. All insurance carriers All Washington, D.C. plans must be purchased
are required to sell standard plans on the DC through the DC Health Link, but you can use this
Exchange. With standard plans, the main difference brochure to examine your choices and determine
is the provider network offered by each insurer. your best options.
Note: If you are an existing member and you qualified
Consider a Health Savings Account for financial assistance in 2022 and did not elect
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-exempt automatic reassessment, you need to contact the
medical savings account that can be used to pay DC Health Link. You will be re-evaluated for financial
for your own, and your dependents’, eligible health assistance for 2023 during Open Enrollment from
expenses. HSAs enable you to pay for eligible November 1, 2022–January 31, 2023.
health expenses and save for future qualified
health expenses on a tax-free basis. We offer four
health insurance plans that coordinate with an
HSA. Look for HSA in the plan name.
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 3How Health Insurance Works
To help you understand your health plan options, it’s important to understand a bit about health insurance.
The graphic below explains how health insurance works and defines some key terms.
Let’s Begin paying Receive your
Select a plan
get your monthly member
for 2023
started! premium ID card
Here are some key things
that you get at no charge:
■ Adult physicals Meet your deductible
■ Well-child exams and Your DEDUCTIBLE is the
amount of money you must
immunizations
pay for healthcare services
Get your ■ OB/GYN visits and pap tests each year before the plan
preventive ■ Mammograms will start paying for all or
care ■ Prostate and colorectal part of the services.1 Many of our
plans do not
screenings YOU PAY 100%
until you meet your deductible require you
■ Routine prenatal maternity to meet a
services deductible for
primary care and
specialist office
visits, urgent care
Need additional care?
and preventive
screenings.
Pay your share
After you meet your Your premium
deductible, you’ll pay a does not count
COPAY or COINSURANCE toward your
for covered services. deductible or
out-of-pocket
YOU PAY PLAN PAYS Reach your annual maximum.
out-of-pocket maximum
If you reach your OUT-OF-POCKET
MAXIMUM, you will pay nothing for your
care for the remainder of the plan year.
The plan will pay 100% of your covered
medical expenses.
PLAN PAYS 100%
Plan year
ends
Commonly used insurance terms are
BOLDED throughout this book and
defined in the glossary on page 19.
1
Certain charges, such as charges in excess of the
allowed benefit, may not be used to satisfy the
deductible. Please see your contract for more
information.
4 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.Included With Every CareFirst Plan
CareFirst health plans are designed with Prescription drug coverage
your health in mind. All individual and family
As a CareFirst member, your prescription
plans include:
coverage includes:
■ Prescription drug coverage ■ A nationwide network of more than 66,000
■ Vision examination for members participating pharmacies.
over age 19 ■ Access to thousands of covered prescription
■ Dental and vision coverage for members drugs on our formulary (drug list), divided into
under age 19 tiers. The price you pay for a drug is determined
■ Enhanced Diabetes Benefit by the tier it falls into.
■ Generic Drugs (Tier 1)—Generic drugs are
Enhanced Diabetes Benefit equally safe and effective as brand-name
CareFirst has proactively taken steps to remove drugs, but generics cost up to 85% less.* Ask
financial barriers to diabetes medications and your doctor if your prescription medication
supplies. can be filled with a generic alternative.
■ Insulin—CareFirst covers Preferred Brand ■ Preferred Brand-Name Drugs (Tier 2)—
Insulin at $0 with no deductible requirement Brand-name drugs that may not yet be
for all plans, including Health Savings available in generic form, but have been
Accounts (HSAs). In addition, we’re covering reviewed for quality, effectiveness, safety and
Non-Preferred Insulin, capped at $30 for a 30- cost effectiveness by an independent national
day supply and $60 for a 90-day supply. committee of healthcare professionals.
■ Diabetic supplies—for members in HSA ■ Non-Preferred Brand-Name Drugs
plans, you’ll no longer have to meet your (Tier 3)—These drugs often have a generic
deductible first to get these supplies at no or preferred brand drug option where your
cost. Diabetic supplies will continue to be no cost-share will be lower. You will pay more
charge for all plans.† for drugs in this tier. If you choose a non-
preferred drug when a generic is available,
New for 2023, DC Standard plans include select you will pay the non-preferred copay along
services covered at no cost in-network for a person with the difference in price between the
with a primary diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. generic and non-preferred drug.
■ Preferred Specialty Drugs (Tier 4)**—Consist
of drugs used to treat chronic, complex and/
or rare health conditions.These drugs may
have a lower cost-share than non-preferred
specialty drugs.
■ Non-Preferred Specialty Drugs (Tier 5)**—
These drugs often have a specialty drug
option where your cost-share will be lower.
* www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/GenericDrugs/ucm167991.htm
**
Specialty drugs must be obtained through mail order at CVS Specialty Pharmacy.
†
Diabetic equipment (such as glucometers and insulin pumps) will follow the normal cost share of each plan.
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 5■ Mail Service Pharmacy, our convenient and fast ■ Personalized care management notices
mail order drug program. detailing cost savings opportunities, safety
■ Save money on your maintenance alerts and important drug information.
medications—those drugs taken daily to treat
a chronic condition like high cholesterol—by
having them delivered right to your home. We’ve included more information on
You can get up to a 90-day supply of your prescription benefits by health plan in
maintenance medications for the cost of the fold-out chart included with this
two copays. book. Our drug list formulary can be
■ Coordinated medical and pharmacy programs found at carefirst.com/rx.
to help improve your overall health and
reduce costs.
Personalized newsfeed: Receive content
Health & wellness ■
based on your health and well-being goals, as
Ready to take charge of your health? CareFirst well as your motivation and interests.
WellBeingSM puts the power of health in your
■ Trackers: Connect your wearable devices to
hands.1
monitor daily habits like stress, sleep, steps,
Blue Rewards incentives nutrition and more.
Both you and your spouse/domestic partner can ■ Challenges: Stay motivated to achieve your
each earn up to $150 in your Blue Rewards account health goals by joining a challenge.
for completing one or all of the following activities: ■ Health profile: Access your health data,
■ Earn $50—Consent to receive wellness including biometric and lab results, vaccine
emails and take the RealAge® test The information and medications, all in one place.
RealAge test is a simple questionnaire that You also have access to additional support
will help you determine the physical age to help you take on your wellness goals with
of your body compared to your calendar confidence, including tobacco cessation and
age. Must complete within 180 days of your financial well-being programs.
effective date.
■ Earn $100—Select a primary care provider
(PCP) and complete a health screening You
Members can visit carefirst.com/sharecare
can visit your PCP or a CVS MinuteClinic®2
for a personalized experience.
to complete your screening. Must complete
within 180 days of your effective date.
Your well-being program provides a wealth of
tools and resources, as well as easy-to-understand
recommendations and insights that reflect your
individual interests and needs.
1
This well-being program is administered by Sharecare, Inc., an independent company that provides health improvement management
services to CareFirst members.
2
CVS MinuteClinic is an independent company that provides medical services to CareFirst members. CVS MinuteClinic does not provide
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield products or services and is solely responsible for the medical services it provides.
6 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.Vision coverage
Every CareFirst health plan includes an annual vision examination for everyone covered by your plan.
In-network benefits are offered to you through Davis Vision,1 our administrator for the plans. Out-of-network
benefits are also available.
Pediatric coverage (up to age 19) includes:
■ Silver, Gold and Platinum ■ No copay for frames and basic ■ No claims to file when you use
standard plans—one lenses for glasses or contact lenses a provider who contracts with
no-charge in-network routine in the Davis Vision collection Davis Vision
exam per calendar year
■ Bronze Standard Plans—one ■ No copay for frames and basic ■ No claims to file when you use
$50 in-network routine exam lenses for glasses or contact lenses a provider who contracts with
per calendar year in the Davis Vision collection Davis Vision
■ For BlueChoice Young Adult ■ No copay for frames and basic ■ No claims to file when you use
plans—one no-charge lenses for glasses or contact lenses a provider who contract with
in-network routine exam per in the Davis Vision collection Davis Vision
calendar year (subject to the medical deductible)
Adult coverage (age 19 and over) includes:
■ One no-charge in-network ■ Discounts2 of approximately 30% ■ No claims to file when you use
routine exam per calendar on eyeglass lenses, frames and a provider who contracts with
year contacts, laser vision correction, Davis Vision
scratch-resistant lens coating and
progressive lenses
To locate a vision provider near you, call Davis Vision at 800-783-5602 or visit carefirst.com/doctor.
1
Davis Vision is an independent company.
2
Provider participation varies from year-to-year. Make sure to call in advance to confirm discounts.
Download our mobile app by searching CareFirst in your app store.
Using any mobile device, you can:
■ Search for providers and urgent care centers ■ Receive a notification when your new
■ Download ID cards to your device Explanation of Benefits (EOB) information is
ready to view
■ Save provider information directly to your
contacts list ■ View claims and deductible information
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 7Dental coverage for children up to age 19
Did you know that comprehensive dental care can help detect other health problems before they become
more serious? The health of your child’s teeth also has a major impact on digestion, growth rate and many
other aspects of overall health. That’s why all CareFirst medical plans provide kids under age 19 with dental
benefits at no extra charge.
Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum Plans BlueChoice Young Adult Plan
Pediatric Dental
(under 19) In-network Out-of-network In-network Out-of-network
You Pay You Pay You Pay You Pay
Cost Included in your medical plan premium
Subject to medical deductible
Deductible Not Subject to Deductible
(applies to Classes II, III, IV & V)
Over 4,500 providers in MD, DC and Northern VA;
Network
130,000 dental providers nationally
Preventive & Diagnostic
Services (Class I)—Exams
(2 per year), cleanings (2 per 20% of Allowed
year), fluoride treatments No charge No charge
No charge Pediatric Dental
(2 per year), sealants, bitewing (no deducible) (no deductible)
Benefit*
X-rays (2 per year), full mouth
X-ray (one every 3 years)
Basic Services (Class II)—
Fillings (amalgam or 20% of Allowed 40% of Allowed
No charge (after No charge (after
composite), simple Pediatric Dental Pediatric Dental
medical deductible) medical deductible)
extractions, non-surgical Benefit* Benefit*
periodontics
Major Services—Surgical
20% of Allowed 40% of Allowed
(Class III)—Surgical No charge (after No charge (after
Pediatric Dental Pediatric Dental
periodontics, endodontics, medical deductible) medical deductible)
Benefit* Benefit*
oral surgery
Major Services—
50% of Allowed 65% of Allowed
Restorative No charge (after No charge (after
Pediatric Dental Pediatric Dental
(Class IV)—Crowns, dentures, medical deductible) medical deductible)
Benefit* Benefit*
inlays and onlays
Orthodontic Services
(Class V)—when medically 50% of Allowed 65% of Allowed
No charge (after No charge (after
necessary Pediatric Dental Pediatric Dental
medical deductible) medical deductible)
Benefit* Benefit*
Not all services and procedures are covered by your benefits contract. This plan summary is for comparison purposes only and does not
create rights not given through the benefit plan. Some procedures may require a different copay.
* CareFirst payments are based on the CareFirst Dental Allowed Benefit. Participating dentists accept 100% of the CareFirst Dental Allowed
Benefit as payment in full for covered services. Non-participating dentists may bill the member for any amount over the Dental Allowed
Benefit. Providers are not required to accept CareFirst’s Dental Allowed Benefit on non-covered services. This means you may have to pay
your dentist’s entire billed amount for these non-covered services. At your dentist’s discretion, they may choose to accept the CareFirst
Dental Allowed Benefit, but are not required to do so. Please talk with your dentist about your cost for any dental services.
8 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.Dental Plans for Adults
Three optional dental plans
For adults age 19 and older, you may want to consider
purchasing one of our three dental plans:
■ BlueDental Preferred Low Option
■ Blue Dental Preferred High Option
■ Select Preferred Dental
BlueDental Preferred BlueDental Preferred
Low Option High Option
In-network You Pay (Out-of-network coverage available)
Deductible $100 Individual/$300 Family $50 Individual/$150 Family
(applies to Classes I-IV) (applies to Classes II, III, IV) per
per calendar year calendar year
Annual Maximum Plan pays $1,250 maximum Plan pays $1,750 maximum
(for members age 19 and older) (for members age 19 and over)
Network Over 4,500 providers in MD, DC and Northern VA; 130,000 dentists nationally
Preventive & Diagnostic Services
No charge after deductible No charge
(Class I)
Basic Services (Class II)—
20% of Allowed Benefit**
Fillings, simple extractions, non-surgical
after deductible
periodontics
Major Services—Surgical (Class III)1
40% of Allowed Benefit**
Surgical periodontics,
after deductible
endodontics, oral surgery
Major Services—Restorative
65% of Allowed Benefit** after 50% of Allowed Benefit** after
(Class IV)1 Inlays, onlays, dentures,
deductible deductible
crowns
Orthodontic Services (Class V)
(up to age 19) 50% of Allowed Benefit** (no deductible) when medically necessary
Please note: The benefit summary above is condensed and does not provide full benefit details.
Not all services and procedures are covered by your benefits contract. This plan summary is for comparison purposes only and does not
create rights not given through the benefit plan.
* Visit carefirst.com/shopdental for a rate quote based on your age and residential location.
**CareFirst payments are based on the CareFirst Allowed Benefit. Participating dentists accept 100% of the CareFirst Allowed Benefit as
payment in full for covered services. Non-participating dentists may bill the member for any amount over the Allowed Benefit. Providers
are not required to accept CareFirst’s Allowed Benefit on non-covered services. This means you may have to pay your dentist’s entire billed
amount for these non-covered services. At your dentist’s discretion, they may choose to accept the CareFirst Allowed Benefit, but are not
required to do so. Please talk with your dentist about your cost for any dental services.
1
For Over 19 members there is a 12-month waiting period on Class III and Class IV benefits.
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 9Select Preferred Dental
In-network You Pay
(Out-of-network coverage available)
Deductible None
Annual Maximum No maximum
Network Over 4,500 providers in MD, DC and Northern VA
Preventive & Diagnostic Services (Class I) No charge
Basic Services (Class II)—
Fillings, simple extractions, non-surgical periodontics Not covered
Major Services—Surgical (Class III) Surgical periodontics,
Not covered
endodontics, oral surgery
Major Services—Restorative (Class IV) Inlays, onlays,
dentures, crowns Not covered
Orthodontic Services (Class V)
(up to age 19) Not covered
Please note: The benefit summary above is condensed and does not provide full benefit details.
Not all services and procedures are covered by your benefits contract. This plan summary is for comparison purposes only and does not
create rights not given through the benefit plan.
CareFirst payments are based on the CareFirst Allowed Benefit. Participating dentists accept 100% of the CareFirst Allowed Benefit as
payment in full for covered services. Non-participating dentists may bill the member for any amount over the Allowed Benefit. Providers
are not required to accept CareFirst’s Allowed Benefit on non-covered services. This means you may have to pay your dentist’s entire billed
amount for these non-covered services. At your dentist’s discretion, they may choose to accept the CareFirst Allowed Benefit, but are not
required to do so. Please talk with your dentist about your cost for any dental services.
For more information, including an application, just mail in the postage-paid card attached
here. If you’d like to talk to a dental product consultant, please call 855-503-4862.
10 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.Mail this card for more information
YES, please rush me more information about
the plan(s) that I’ve checked below. I understand this
information is free and I am under no obligation.
Dental Plan Options
■ BlueDental Preferred Low Option
■ BlueDental Preferred High Option
■ Select Preferred Dental
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE: ZIP:
U65DENKnow Before You Go
Knowing where to go when you need medical care is key to getting treatment with the
lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Primary care provider (PCP)
Establishing a relationship with a primary care
provider is the best way to receive consistent,
quality care. Except for emergencies, your PCP
should be your first call when you require medical
attention. Your PCP may be able to provide advice
over the phone or fit you in for a visit right away.
CloseKnit (virtual-first primary care practice)
Receive the care you need, 24/7/365, without
leaving home with our virtual practice. Same
scheduled appointments are available for
preventive, urgent behavioral/mental health
services, chronic condition prevention, medication
management and more. Visit closeknithealth.com.
24-Hour Nurse Advice Line
With our free nurse advice line, members can
call anytime to speak with a registered nurse.
Nurses will discuss your symptoms with you and
recommend the most appropriate care.
CareFirst Video Visit
See a doctor 24/7/365 without an appointment!
Urgent care centers
You can consult with a board-certified doctor on
your smartphone, tablet or computer. Doctors can Urgent care centers have a doctor on staff and are
treat a number of common health issues, such as another option when you need care on weekends
flu and pink eye. Visit carefirstvideovisit.com for or after hours.
more information. Emergency room (ER)
Convenience care centers An emergency room provides treatment for acute
(retail health clinics) illnesses and trauma. You should call 911 or go
These are typically located inside a pharmacy or straight to the ER if you have a life-threatening
retail store and offer accessible care with extended injury, illness or emergency. Prior authorization is
hours. Visit a convenience care center for help not needed for ER services.
with minor concerns like cold symptoms and
ear infections.
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 13When your PCP isn’t available, being familiar with your options will help you locate the most appropriate and cost-
effective medical care. This chart shows how costs* (copays) vary for a sample health plan depending on where
you choose to get care. Visit carefirst.com/needcare for more information.
When your PCP isn’t available Cost Sample symptoms 24/7 Prescriptions
■ Cough, cold and flu
CloseKnit Virtual Urgent care needs
✔ ✔
■
$
Primary Care ■ Illness while traveling
■ Therapy
■ Cough, cold and flu
Video visit $$ ■ Pink eye ✔ ✔
■ Ear pain
■ Cough, cold and flu
Convenience care $$ ■ Pink eye ✘ ✔
■ Ear pain
■ Sprains
Urgent care $$$ ■ Cut requiring stitches ✘ ✔
■ Minor burns
■ Chest pain
Emergency room $$$$ ■ Difficulty breathing ✔ ✔
■ Abdominal pain
* The cost representations in this chart are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent your specific benefits or costs.
14 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.Choosing Your Plan
See accompanying plan comparison
chart to help you select the coverage
option that best fits your needs.
Calculating your total monthly
premium
Before you decide on the plan that best fits your
needs, you’ll likely want to take a look at the cost.
Buying an individual plan
Using the chart, find the plan(s) you are considering
and circle the dollar amount that corresponds with
how old you will be when your coverage begins
(i.e., your age on January 1, 2023). That’s your rate.
Buying a family plan
If you are interested in a family plan, each family
member is rated individually and your rates are
combined to calculate your family premium. To
calculate your family premium:
■ Circle the rate for you.
■ Circle the rate for your spouse (if applicable).
■ Circle the rates for your oldest three children
under age 21.
If you have more than three children under age 21,
all will be covered on your plan but only the three
oldest count toward your overall premium.
■ Circle the rate for each child age 21-25.
Note: Children over age 25 must purchase
their own health insurance.
■ Add all individual rates together to determine
your family premium.
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 152023 Washington, D.C. Rates
Age Bronze Level Plans Silver Level Plans
BlueChoice HMO BluePreferred BlueChoice HMO BluePreferred PPO BlueChoice HMO BluePreferred PPO
HSA Standard PPO HSA Standard Standard Bronze Standard Bronze Standard Silver Standard Silver
Bronze $6,350 Bronze $6,350 $7,500 $7,500 $4,850 $4,850
0–20 $291.70 $317.90 $300.36 $321.19 $341.85 $363.59
21 $324.26 $353.39 $333.88 $357.04 $380.01 $404.18
22 $324.26 $353.39 $333.88 $357.04 $380.01 $404.18
23 $324.26 $353.39 $333.88 $357.04 $380.01 $404.18
24 $324.26 $353.39 $333.88 $357.04 $380.01 $404.18
25 $324.26 $353.39 $333.88 $357.04 $380.01 $404.18
26 $324.26 $353.39 $333.88 $357.04 $380.01 $404.18
27 $324.26 $353.39 $333.88 $357.04 $380.01 $404.18
28 $331.84 $361.65 $341.69 $365.39 $388.90 $413.63
29 $338.98 $369.43 $349.04 $373.24 $397.26 $422.52
30 $347.45 $378.66 $357.76 $382.57 $407.19 $433.09
31 $356.37 $388.39 $366.95 $392.40 $417.65 $444.20
32 $364.40 $397.14 $375.22 $401.24 $427.05 $454.21
33 $372.87 $406.37 $383.94 $410.57 $436.99 $464.77
34 $381.79 $416.09 $393.13 $420.39 $447.44 $475.89
35 $390.71 $425.81 $402.31 $430.21 $457.89 $487.01
36 $399.63 $435.54 $411.50 $440.03 $468.35 $498.13
37 $408.55 $445.26 $420.68 $449.86 $478.80 $509.25
38 $413.46 $450.61 $425.73 $455.26 $484.55 $515.37
39 $418.37 $455.95 $430.79 $460.66 $490.30 $521.48
40 $434.87 $473.94 $447.78 $478.83 $509.64 $542.05
41 $451.82 $492.41 $465.23 $497.49 $529.51 $563.18
42 $469.66 $511.85 $483.60 $517.14 $550.41 $585.42
43 $487.95 $531.78 $502.43 $537.27 $571.84 $608.21
44 $507.12 $552.68 $522.18 $558.39 $594.32 $632.12
45 $526.75 $574.07 $542.39 $580.00 $617.32 $656.58
46 $547.27 $596.43 $563.51 $602.59 $641.37 $682.15
47 $568.68 $619.76 $585.56 $626.17 $666.46 $708.84
48 $590.98 $644.07 $608.52 $650.72 $692.59 $736.63
49 $614.17 $669.35 $632.40 $676.26 $719.77 $765.54
50 $638.25 $695.59 $657.20 $702.78 $748.00 $795.56
51 $663.23 $722.82 $682.92 $730.28 $777.27 $826.70
52 $689.10 $751.01 $709.56 $758.76 $807.59 $858.94
53 $715.86 $780.17 $737.11 $788.23 $838.95 $892.30
54 $743.96 $810.80 $766.05 $819.17 $871.88 $927.32
55 $772.95 $842.39 $795.90 $851.09 $905.86 $963.46
56 $803.28 $875.45 $827.13 $884.49 $941.40 $1,001.27
57 $834.50 $909.47 $859.28 $918.87 $977.99 $1,040.18
58 $867.06 $944.96 $892.80 $954.72 $1,016.15 $1,080.77
59 $900.96 $981.90 $927.71 $992.04 $1,055.87 $1,123.02
60 $936.20 $1,020.30 $963.99 $1,030.84 $1,097.17 $1,166.94
61 $972.75 $1,060.14 $1,001.62 $1,071.09 $1,140.00 $1,212.50
62 $972.75 $1,060.14 $1,001.62 $1,071.09 $1,140.00 $1,212.50
63 $972.75 $1,060.14 $1,001.62 $1,071.09 $1,140.00 $1,212.50
64 $972.75 $1,060.14 $1,001.62 $1,071.09 $1,140.00 $1,212.50
65+* $972.75 $1,060.14 $1,001.62 $1,071.09 $1,140.00 $1,212.50
* If you are age 65 or older, you can only apply if you are not eligible for Medicare.
If you are under age 65 and disabled, you can only apply if you are not eligible for Medicare.
Rates are valid January 1–December 31, 2023 only.
16 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.2023 Washington, D.C. Rates
Age Gold Level Plans Platinum Level Plans Young Adult
BlueChoice BluePreferred BlueChoice BluePreferred BlueChoice BluePreferred BlueChoice
HMO HSA Gold PPO HSA Gold HMO Standard PPO Standard HMO Standard PPO Standard HMO Young
$1,500 $1,500 Gold $500 Gold $500 Platinum $0 Platinum $0 Adult $9,100*
0–20 $395.13 $426.14 $425.79 $450.04 $492.28 $516.93 $139.11
21 $439.23 $473.71 $473.31 $500.27 $547.23 $574.64 $154.63
22 $439.23 $473.71 $473.31 $500.27 $547.23 $574.64 $154.63
23 $439.23 $473.71 $473.31 $500.27 $547.23 $574.64 $154.63
24 $439.23 $473.71 $473.31 $500.27 $547.23 $574.64 $154.63
25 $439.23 $473.71 $473.31 $500.27 $547.23 $574.64 $154.63
26 $439.23 $473.71 $473.31 $500.27 $547.23 $574.64 $154.63
27 $439.23 $473.71 $473.31 $500.27 $547.23 $574.64 $154.63
28 $449.50 $484.78 $484.38 $511.97 $560.02 $588.07 $158.25
29 $459.17 $495.21 $494.80 $522.98 $572.07 $600.72 $161.65
30 $470.65 $507.59 $507.17 $536.05 $586.37 $615.74 $165.69
31 $482.73 $520.62 $520.19 $549.82 $601.42 $631.55 $169.95
32 $493.61 $532.35 $531.91 $562.20 $614.97 $645.77 $173.78
33 $505.09 $544.73 $544.28 $575.28 $629.27 $660.79 $177.82
34 $517.17 $557.76 $557.30 $589.04 $644.33 $676.60 $182.07
35 $529.25 $570.79 $570.32 $602.80 $659.38 $692.41 $186.33
36 $541.34 $583.82 $583.34 $616.56 $674.44 $708.22 $190.58
37 $553.42 $596.86 $596.36 $630.33 $689.49 $724.02 $194.83
38 $560.07 $604.02 $603.52 $637.90 $697.77 $732.72 $197.17
39 $566.71 $611.19 $610.68 $645.47 $706.05 $741.41 $199.51
40 $589.07 $635.30 $634.77 $670.93 $733.90 $770.66 $207.38
41 $612.02 $660.06 $659.51 $697.08 $762.51 $800.70 $215.47
42 $636.19 $686.12 $685.56 $724.60 $792.61 $832.31 $223.97
43 $660.96 $712.84 $712.25 $752.81 $823.48 $864.72 $232.69
44 $686.94 $740.86 $740.24 $782.40 $855.84 $898.71 $241.84
45 $713.52 $769.53 $768.89 $812.68 $888.96 $933.49 $251.20
46 $741.32 $799.50 $798.84 $844.34 $923.59 $969.85 $260.98
47 $770.32 $830.78 $830.09 $877.37 $959.72 $1,007.79 $271.19
48 $800.53 $863.36 $862.64 $911.77 $997.35 $1,047.31 $281.83
49 $831.94 $897.24 $896.50 $947.56 $1,036.50 $1,088.41 $292.89
50 $864.57 $932.43 $931.65 $984.71 $1,077.14 $1,131.09 $304.37
51 $898.40 $968.91 $968.11 $1,023.25 $1,119.29 $1,175.35 $316.28
52 $933.44 $1,006.71 $1,005.87 $1,063.16 $1,162.95 $1,221.20 $328.62
53 $969.69 $1,045.80 $1,044.94 $1,104.45 $1,208.12 $1,268.62 $341.38
54 $1,007.76 $1,086.85 $1,085.95 $1,147.80 $1,255.54 $1,318.42 $354.78
55 $1,047.03 $1,129.21 $1,128.27 $1,192.53 $1,304.46 $1,369.80 $368.61
56 $1,088.11 $1,173.51 $1,172.54 $1,239.32 $1,355.65 $1,423.55 $383.07
57 $1,130.40 $1,219.12 $1,218.11 $1,287.49 $1,408.34 $1,478.88 $397.96
58 $1,174.51 $1,266.69 $1,265.64 $1,337.72 $1,463.29 $1,536.58 $413.49
59 $1,220.42 $1,316.21 $1,315.12 $1,390.02 $1,520.49 $1,596.65 $429.65
60 $1,268.15 $1,367.69 $1,366.55 $1,444.38 $1,579.96 $1,659.09 $446.46
61 $1,317.66 $1,421.09 $1,419.91 $1,500.78 $1,641.64 $1,723.87 $463.89
62 $1,317.66 $1,421.09 $1,419.91 $1,500.78 $1,641.64 $1,723.87 $463.89
63 $1,317.66 $1,421.09 $1,419.91 $1,500.78 $1,641.64 $1,723.87 $463.89
64 $1,317.66 $1,421.09 $1,419.91 $1,500.78 $1,641.64 $1,723.87 $463.89
65+** $1,317.66 $1,421.09 $1,419.91 $1,500.78 $1,641.64 $1,723.87 $463.89
* Only available for enrollment to people under the age of 30 or those who qualify for a hardship exemption. Visit DC Health Link for more
details.
** If you are age 65 or older, you can only apply if you are not eligible for Medicare.
If you are under age 65 and disabled, you can only apply if you are not eligible for Medicare.
Rates are valid January 1–December 31, 2023 only.
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 17How to Enroll
Once you decide on the CareFirst plan that works best for your needs, all that’s left to do
is enroll.
When your coverage will start
Washington, D.C. residents must purchase When you enroll in your CareFirst plan through the
their qualified health insurance plan through DC Health Link, please verify your coverage start
DC Health Link every year. date with them.
Paying for your plan
Visit dchealthlink.com
After CareFirst has received your enrollment
information from DC Health Link, you will be
mailed a bill. Please wait for your bill before
Call the DC Health Link,
making a payment.
855-532-5465
Learn more about payment options by visiting
carefirst.com/paymentoptions.
Convenient e-billing
If you set up automated monthly premium
payments, your first payment and each remaining
payment, will be withdrawn from your bank
account and sent to CareFirst automatically. As
a member, you can set up recurring payments—
using a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer—
at carefirst.com/myaccount or with the CareFirst
mobile app.
18 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.Glossary
Here’s a quick reference guide to many of the terms used in this book. For more glossary
terms, visit our YouTube channel videos at youtube.com/carefirst.
Allowed benefit—The maximum dollar amount Generic drugs—prescription drugs that work the
an insurer will pay for a covered health service, same as brand-name drugs but cost much less. To
regardless of the provider’s actual charge. learn more about generics and how you can save
A provider who participates in the CareFirst money, visit carefirst.com/acarx.
BlueCross BlueShield or BlueChoice network
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)—
cannot charge members more than the allowed
BlueChoice HMO plans offer the flexibility to see
benefit amount for any covered service.
any of the nearly 44,000 participating providers in
Coinsurance—the percentage you pay after the BlueChoice network. Outside of our network,
you’ve met your deductible. For example, if your only emergency medical services are covered.
healthcare plan has a 30% coinsurance and the
Health Savings Account (HSA)—a special, tax-
allowed benefit is $100 (the amount a provider can
advantaged account that you set up to save money
charge a CareFirst member for that service), then
for current and future healthcare expenses. The
your cost would be $30. CareFirst would pay the
deposits you make to your HSA reduce your
remaining $70.
taxable income, helping you keep more of your
Convenience care centers/retail health clinics— hard-earned money. You can use the money you
tend to be located inside a pharmacy or retail deposit into your HSA to pay the deductible and
store and offer fast access to treatment for other out-of-pocket expenses for you, your spouse
non-emergency care. These centers/clinics offer and your dependents (even if they’re not enrolled
extended weekend hours and can often see in your healthcare plan) or you can save it for
you quickly. future healthcare expenses. If you have coverage
for your spouse or family, the maximum amount
Copay—a fixed dollar amount you pay when you
that you can contribute to your HSA is even higher
visit a doctor or other provider. For example, you
and can reduce your taxable income by whatever
might pay $40 each time you visit a specialist or
amount you contribute.
$300 when you visit the emergency room.
Non-preferred brand drugs—drugs that are often
Deductible—the amount of money you must pay
available in less expensive forms, either as generic
each year before CareFirst begins to pay its portion
or preferred brand drugs. You will pay more for
of your claims. For example, if your deductible is
this category of drugs.
$1,000, you’ll pay the first $1,000 for healthcare
services covered by your plan and subject to the Non-preferred specialty drugs—specialty drugs
deductible. CareFirst will start paying for part or all that are likely to have a more cost-effective
of the services after that. Your deductible will start alternative available. This tier has the highest
over each year on January 1. Please note—many of copayment for specialty drugs.
our plans include a variety of services that do not
Out-of-pocket maximum—the most you will have
require you to meet the deductible before CareFirst
to pay for medical expenses and prescriptions
begins paying.
in a calendar year. Your out-of-pocket maximum
Effective date—If you purchase a plan during the will start over every January 1. Please note: Your
annual open enrollment period, your new plan monthly premium payments do not count toward
starts on January 1. your out-of-pocket maximum.
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 19Preferred brand drugs—drugs that may not yet be available in generic form, chosen for their effectiveness and affordability compared to alternatives. They cost more than generics but less than non-preferred brand drugs. Preferred specialty drugs—consists of specialty drugs used to treat chronic, complex and/or rare health conditions. These drugs are generally more cost-effective than other specialty drugs. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)— BluePreferred PPO plans offer the most flexibility. Care can be accessed from the PPO network of approximately 47,000 providers locally and hundreds of thousands nationally. Costs will be higher if you see a doctor who does not participate with a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. Premium—the amount you pay each month for your plan, based on the number and age of covered family members and the plan you choose. Primary care provider (PCP)— the doctor you select as your healthcare partner. They know and understand you and your healthcare needs. Specialty drugs—the highest priced drugs that may require special handling, administration or monitoring. These drugs may be oral or injectable and are used to treat serious or chronic conditions. Specialty drugs must be obtained through mail order at CVS Specialty Pharmacy. Standard plan—Standard plans are plan designs that have standardized cost-sharing (i.e., deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, copays and coinsurance) for covered health services. All insurance carriers are required to sell standard plans on the DC Exchange. With standard plans, the main difference is the provider network offered by each insurer. 20 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.
Our Commitment to You
CareFirst’s privacy practices physical, electronic and procedural safeguards in
The following statement applies to Group accordance with federal and state standards that
Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc. doing protect your information.
business as CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and In addition, we limit access to your personal,
to CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc., and their affiliates financial and medical information to those
(collectively, CareFirst). CareFirst employees, brokers, benefit plan
When you apply for any type of insurance, you administrators, consultants, business partners,
disclose information about yourself and/or providers and agents who need to know this
members of your family. The collection, use and information to conduct CareFirst business or to
disclosure of this information is regulated by provide products or services to you.
law. Safeguarding your personal information is Disclosure of your information
something that we take very seriously at CareFirst.
In order to protect your privacy, affiliated and
CareFirst is providing this notice to inform you of
nonaffiliated third parties of CareFirst are subject
what we do with the information you provide to us.
to strict confidentiality laws. Affiliated entities
Categories of personal information we are companies that are a part of the CareFirst
may collect corporate family and include health maintenance
We may collect personal, financial and medical organizations, third party administrators, health
information about you from various sources, insurers, long‑term care insurers and insurance
including: agencies. In certain situations related to our
insurance transactions involving you, we disclose
■ Information you provide on applications your personal, financial and medical information
or other forms, such as your name, to a nonaffiliated third party that assists us in
address, social security number, salary, age providing services to you. When we disclose
and gender. information to these critical business partners,
■ Information pertaining to your relationship we require these business partners to agree to
with CareFirst, its affiliates or others, such as safeguard your personal, financial and medical
your policy coverage, premiums and claims information and to use the information only for the
payment history. intended purpose and to abide by the applicable
■ Information (as described in preceding law. The information CareFirst provides to these
paragraphs) that we obtain from any of business partners can only be used to provide
our affiliates. services we have asked them to perform for us or
for you and/or your benefit plan.
■ Information we receive about you from
other sources, such as your employer, your Changes in our privacy policy
provider and other third parties. CareFirst periodically reviews its policies and
How your information is used reserves the right to change them. If we change the
substance of our privacy policy, we will continue
We use the information we collect about you in
our commitment to keep your personal, financial
connection with underwriting or administration
and medical information secure it is our highest
of an insurance policy or claim or for other
priority. Even if you are no longer a CareFirst
purposes allowed by law. At no time do we
customer, our privacy policy will continue to apply
disclose your personal, financial and medical
to your records. You can always review our current
information to anyone outside of CareFirst unless
privacy policy online at carefirst.com.
we have proper authorization from you or we are
permitted or required to do so by law. We maintain
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 21Rights and Responsibilities
Notice of privacy practices ■ If your concern or complaint is about the quality
of care or quality of service received from a
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and CareFirst
specific provider, contact Member Services. A
BlueChoice, Inc. (collectively, CareFirst) are
representative will record your concerns and
committed to keeping the confidential information
may request a written summary of the issues.
of members private. Under the Health Insurance
To write to us directly with a quality of care or
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA),
service concern, you can:
we are required to send our Notice of Privacy
Practices to members of fully insured groups only. ■ Send an email to:
The notice outlines the uses and disclosures of quality.care.complaints@carefirst.com
protected health information, the individual’s rights ■ Fax a written complaint to: 301-470-5866
and CareFirst’s responsibility for protecting the ■ Write to:
member’s health information.
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
To obtain a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices, Quality of Care Department
go to carefirst.com and click on Privacy Statement P.O. Box 17636
at the bottom of the page, click on Health Baltimore, MD 21297
Information then click on Notice of Privacy Practices. If you send your comments to us in writing, please
include your member ID number and provide us
Member satisfaction with as much detail as possible regarding the event
CareFirst wants to hear your concerns and/or or incident. Please include your daytime telephone
complaints so that they may be resolved. We have number so that we may contact you directly if
procedures that address medical and non-medical we need additional information. Our Quality of
issues. If a situation should occur for which there is Care Department will investigate your concerns,
any question or difficulty, here’s what you can do: share those issues with the provider involved and
request a response. We will then provide you with
■ If your comment or concern is regarding the
a summary of our findings. CareFirst member
quality of service received from a CareFirst
complaints are retained in our provider files and
representative or related to administrative
are reviewed when providers are considered for
problems (e.g., enrollment, claims, bills, etc.) you
continuing participation with CareFirst.
should contact Member Services. If you send
your comments to us in writing, please include If you wish, you may also contact the appropriate
your member ID number and provide us with as regulatory department regarding your concern:
much detail as possible regarding any events.
Please include your daytime telephone number
WASHINGTON, D.C.
so that we may contact you directly if we need
additional information. Medical Necessity Issues:
Department of Health
Office of the General Counsel
Grievance and Appeals Coordinator
825 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 4119
Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone: 202-442-5977 / Fax: 202-442-4797
Issues other than Medical Necessity:
Department of Insurance, Securities
and Banking
1050 First Street, NE, Suite 801
Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone: 202-727-8000
22 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.For assistance in resolving a billing or payment and disclose (give out) your information for these
dispute with the health plan or a healthcare purposes. Sometimes we are even required by law
provider, contact the Health Education and to disclose your information in certain situations.
Advocacy Unit of the Consumer Protection Division You also have certain rights to your own protected
of the Office of the Attorney General at: health information on your behalf.
Our responsibilities
Consumer Protection Division We are required by law to maintain the privacy
Office of the Attorney General of your PHI, and to have appropriate procedures
441 Fourth Street, NW in place to do so. In accordance with the federal
Washington, D.C. 20001 and state privacy laws, we have the right to use
Phone: 202-347-3400 TTY: 202-727-3400 and disclose your PHI for treatment, payment
Fax: 202-347-8922 activities and healthcare operations as explained
Website: oag.dc.gov
in the Notice of Privacy Practices. We may disclose
your protected health information to the plan
Hearing impaired sponsor/employer to perform plan administration
function. The notice is sent to all policy holders
To contact a Member Services representative,
upon enrollment.
please choose the appropriate hearing impaired
assistance number below, based on the region in Your rights
which your coverage originates. You have the following rights regarding your
Please have your Member Services number ready. own protected health information. You have the
right to:
Language assistance
■ Request that we restrict the PHI we use
Interpreter services are available through Member
or disclose about you for payment or
Services. When calling Member Services, inform the
healthcare operations.
representative that you need language assistance.
■ Request that we communicate with you
Please note: CareFirst appreciates the opportunity regarding your information in an alternative
to improve the level of quality of care and services manner or at an alternative location if you
available for you. As a member, you will not be believe that a disclosure of all or part of your PHI
subject to disenrollment or otherwise penalized as may endanger you.
a result of filing a complaint or appeal.
■ Inspect and copy your PHI that is contained
Confidentiality of subscriber/member in a designated record set including your
medical record.
information
■ Request that we amend your information if you
All health plans and providers must provide
believe that your PHI is incorrect or incomplete.
information to members and patients regarding
how their information is protected. You will receive ■ An accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI
a Notice of Privacy Practices from CareFirst or your that are for some reasons other than treatment,
health plan, and from your providers as well, when payment, or healthcare operations.
you visit their office. ■ Give us written authorization to use your
protected health information or to disclose it to
CareFirst has policies and procedures in place to
anyone for any purpose not listed in this notice.
protect the confidentiality of member information.
Your confidential information includes protected Inquiries and complaints
health information (PHI), whether oral, written If you have a privacy-related inquiry, please contact
or electronic, and other nonpublic financial the CareFirst Privacy Office at 800-853-9236 or
information. Because we are responsible for your send an email to privacy.office@carefirst.com.
insurance coverage, making sure your claims are
paid, and that you can obtain any important services
related to your healthcare, we are permitted to use
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 23Members’ rights and responsibilities ■ Communicate complaints to the organization
statement and receive instructions on how to use
the complaint process that includes the
Members have the right to:
organization’s standards of timeliness for
■ Be treated with respect and recognition of their responding to and resolving complaints and
dignity and right to privacy. quality issues.
■ Receive information about the health plan, its
services, its practitioners and providers and
Experimental/investigational services
members’ rights and responsibilities. Experimental/investigational means services that
■ Participate with practitioners in decision-making are not recognized as efficacious as that term is
regarding their healthcare. defined in the edition of the Institute of Medicine
Report on Assessing Medical Technologies that is
■ Participate in a candid discussion of appropriate
current when the care is rendered. Experimental/
or medically necessary treatment options
investigational services do not include controlled
for their conditions, regardless of cost or
clinical trials.
benefit coverage.
■ Make recommendations regarding Compensation and premium
the organization’s members’ rights disclosure statement
and responsibilities. Our compensation to providers who offer
■ Voice complaints or file appeals about the healthcare services and behavioral healthcare
health plan or the care provided. services to our insured members or enrollees may
be based on a variety of payment mechanisms
Members have a responsibility to:
such as fee-for-service payments, salary, or
■ Provide, to the extent possible, information that capitation. Bonuses may be used with these
the health plan, it’s practitioners and providers various types of payment methods.
need in order to care for them.
The following information applies to CareFirst
■ Understand their health problems and
of Maryland, Inc. and Group Hospitalization and
participate in developing mutually agreed upon
Medical Services, Inc. doing business as CareFirst
treatment goals to the degree possible.
BlueCross BlueShield, and to CareFirst BlueChoice,
■ Follow the plans and instructions for care that Inc., and their affiliates (collectively, CareFirst).
they have agreed on with their practitioners.
If you desire additional information about our
■ Pay copayments or coinsurance at the time
methods of paying providers, or if you want to
of service.
know which method(s) apply to your physician,
■ Be on time for appointments and to notify please call our Member Services Department at the
practitioners/providers when an appointment number listed on your member ID card, or write to:
must be canceled.
For plans underwritten by CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc.
Eligible individuals’ rights statement and Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc.
wellness and health promotion services CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Eligible individuals have a right to: CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc.
■ Receive information about the organization, 840 First Street, NE
including wellness and health promotion Washington, D.C. 20065
services provided on behalf of the employer Attention: Member Services
or plan sponsors; organization staff and staff
qualifications; and any contractual relationships.
■ Decline participation or disenroll from wellness
and health promotion services offered by
the organization.
■ Be treated courteously and respectfully by the
organization’s staff.
24 ■ Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C.A. Methods of paying physicians Dr. Jones receives will depend upon the number, types,
The following definitions explain how insurance and complexity of services, and the time she spends
carriers may pay physicians (or other providers) for providing services to Mrs. Smith. Because Cesarean
your healthcare services. deliveries are more complicated than vaginal
deliveries, Dr. Jones is paid more to deliver Mrs.
The examples show how Dr. Jones, an obstetrician/ Smith’s baby than she would be paid for a vaginal
gynecologist, would be compensated under each delivery. Mrs. Smith may be responsible for paying
method of payment. some portion of Dr. Jones’ bill.
Salary: A physician (or other provider) is an Discounted fee-for-service: Payment is less than
employee of the HMO and is paid compensation the rate usually received by the physician (or other
(monetary wages) for providing specific provider) for each patient visit, medical procedure,
healthcare services. or service. This arrangement is the result of an
Since Dr. Jones is an employee of an HMO, she agreement between the payer, who gets lower
receives her usual bi-weekly salary regardless of how costs and the physician (or other provider), who
many patients she sees or the number of services she usually gets an increased volume of patients.
provides. During the months of providing prenatal Like fee-for-service, this type of contractual
care to Mrs. Smith, who is a member of the HMO, Dr. arrangement involves the insurer or HMO paying
Jones’ salary is unchanged. Although Mrs. Smith’s Dr. Jones for each patient visit and each delivery; but
baby is delivered by Cesarean section, a more under this arrangement, the rate, agreed upon in
complicated procedure than a vaginal delivery, the advance, is less than Dr. Jones’ usual fee. Dr. Jones
method of delivery will not have an effect upon Dr. expects that in exchange for agreeing to accept a
Jones’ salary. reduced rate, she will serve a certain number of
Capitation: A physician (or group of physicians) is patients. For each procedure that she performs,
paid a fixed amount of money per month by an Dr. Jones will be paid a discounted rate by the insurer
HMO for each patient who chooses the physician(s) or HMO.
to be his or her doctor. Payment is fixed without Bonus: A physician (or other provider) is paid an
regard to the volume of services that an individual additional amount over what he or she is paid
patient requires. under salary, capitation, fee-for-service, or other
Under this type of contractual arrangement, Dr. Jones type of payment arrangement. Bonuses may
participates in an HMO network. She is not employed be based on many factors, including member
by the HMO. Her contract with the HMO stipulates that satisfaction, quality of care, control of costs and
she is paid a certain amount each month for patients use of services.
who select her as their doctor. Since Mrs. Smith is An HMO rewards its physician staff or contracted
a member of the HMO, Dr. Jones monthly payment physicians who have demonstrated higher than
does not change as a result of her providing ongoing average quality and productivity. Because Dr. Jones
care to Mrs. Smith. The capitation amount paid to Dr. has delivered so many babies and she has been rated
Jones is the same whether or not Mrs. Smith requires highly by her patients and fellow physicians, Dr. Jones
obstetric services. will receive a monetary award in addition to her
Fee-for-service: A physician (or other provider) usual payment.
charges a fee for each patient visit, medical Case rate: The HMO or insurer and the physician
procedure, or medical service provided. An HMO (or other provider) agree in advance that payment
pays the entire fee for physicians it has under will cover a combination of services provided by
contract and an insurer pays all or part of that fee, both the physician (or other provider) and the
depending on the type of coverage. The patient is hospital for an episode of care.
expected to pay the remainder.
This type of arrangement stipulates how much an
Dr. Jones’ contract with the insurer or HMO states that insurer or HMO will pay for a patient’s obstetric
Dr. Jones will be paid a fee for each patient visit and services. All office visits for prenatal and postnatal
each service she provides. The amount of payment care, as well as the delivery, and hospital-related
Consumer Health Insurance Plans 2023—Washington, D.C. ■ 25You can also read
