Guest Membership through Blue Cross Blue Shield -- has anyone used this? (medical, plan)

[4khansen]

I asked a question of my state's BCBS program (Wellmark of Iowa) about snowbirding in AZ this fall. They replied back that I could apply for guest membership to BCBS in AZ for traveler stays of 90 days or more.

Just wondering if anyone has ever done that when visiting another state long-term (90 day+) and what was covered? Was it exactly the same as your current plan in your home state? was there additional costs either in premium or in co-pays, deductibles, etc.?? By the time we would arrive in AZ for those months my deductible will be fully paid and will be at $0 cost for medical care, just wondering if I will have that benefit using this program?

[BOBNCHI]

Obviously this depends on your own circumstances and medical conditions. Most BCBS plans have provisions for emergency care when traveling within the U.S., is there a reason you would want/need anything more? For me, being in good health, I wouldn't bother with getting additional coverage.

[Rivertowntalk]

Does your current plan with BCBS cover you throughout the U.S. or is it a limited local coverage plan? Many BCBS plans come with nationwide coverage and they share networks.

[4khansen]

I'm in an individual BCBS/Wellmark plan HMO in Iowa. So I have limited choices and nearly all providers are in Iowa. I live near the Nebraska border so I do have some providers in the Omaha area. Otherwise, it is all out of network.