Member Videos

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SPEAKER 1: When it comes to your health care, knowledge is power, right? Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas puts everything you need to know about your medical plan right at your fingertips, 24/7. Blue Access for Members, known as BAM, is a secure, user-friendly member portal that houses everything you need to understand your medical plan benefits.

To register, you'll need the ID number on your Member ID card, sent to you via mail. Once you have it, go to bcbstx.com to get started. If you don't have your Member ID card yet, call the number shown here after open enrollment for help.

Once you're registered, use BAM to confirm who's covered under your medical plan. Find a doctor or hospital in your network. Check the status of a claim. View an explanation of benefits. Read info on hundreds of health topics. Enjoy wellness tools and perks. Order a replacement ID card and more.

The BCBSTX app even makes it easy to use BAM on the go, including a digital version of your Member ID card. Just go to the Apple store or Google Play to download it, or text BCBSTXAPP to 33633.

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SPEAKER 1: Understanding your health insurance is the best way to enjoy all of its benefits. When you know what steps you need to take before treatment, things go more smoothly. One of the most important steps is prior authorization. It's very common that your doctor may need to get approval or prior authorization before your medical plan will cover certain health care services and prescription medications. Prior authorization helps protect against unsafe or unnecessary care and medication.

Worried getting a prior authorization might be a hassle? It's easier than you think. Your in-network doctor will submit a request for prior authorization before ordering a test or prescription. If you use a non-network provider, you'll need to get prior authorization yourself. Just call the number on your member ID card. Things like diagnostic images and complex care always need prior authorization before treatment. Prior authorization for MRIs and CT scans is standard. Your care provider will know to ask for prior authorization before ordering care. But don't hesitate to make sure.

What if you already have prior authorization that was required for services you are currently receiving at a hospital or a care facility? You're already set and don't need to apply for transition of care benefits. For example, let's say you have approvals in place for inpatient admission or admission at a residential treatment center. In these cases, we will contact your current medical carrier and determine the medical necessity of continued care. There's nothing more you need to do. You can always find out if a health care service needs prior authorization by calling the number on your member ID card. 

SPEAKER: How do you feel after a cup of coffee? Studies show the answer is written in our genetic code. Seriously. Studies have linked the amount of coffee we drink per day to differences in our genetic makeup and it may explain why some people feel like they need to drink multiple cups of coffee per day and others are good with just one.

In fact, our sensitivity to caffeine and taste is just the start of what we get from our parents. Our family history can tell us a lot about our health and this information can act as guiding lights that can alert us of other important things, like our predisposition to certain diseases like cancer. So if you haven't done so already, talk to your family about your family's health history.

What else can you do? Don't skip your annual wellness visits just because you feel fine. While you're there, be sure to bring up any concerns to your health care provider and ask about your next cancer screening. They may want to start screening sooner rather than later, especially if a certain condition runs in your family, and can discuss screening options available. So don't procrastinate on making your next doctor's appointment.

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SPEAKER 1: Your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas member ID card unlocks all your medical plan benefits. You'll receive yours in the mail right before the new year. So keep it close. Your member ID card provides details about your medical plan benefits along with phone numbers and other info your care provider will want. You'll need it any time you go to the doctor or get health care services. No matter where you live your member ID card will always say Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Even if you're not in Texas, you'll still be able to use in-network providers without any hassle.

And once you have your member ID card, you can register for Blue Access for Members called BAM for short. BAM is a secure member portal that makes it easy to make the most of your benefits. Use BAM to see details about your coverage, access claims information, and find a doctor or facility in your network. You can even order a replacement ID card or print a temporary one. Our app makes it easy to use BAM on the go, including a digital version of your member ID card. Just go to the Apple App Store or Google Play to download it, or text BCBSTXAPP to 33633. 

JOHN: I need your help. I'll never forget our last vacation. Our son had recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and we decided to go to the beach for a few days to relax. The weather was fantastic, the water was warm, but we had an unexpected surprise. Thankfully my health advocate came to our rescue.

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MICHELLE: Hi John, this is Michelle. How may I help you today? Everything OK with Brian?

JOHN: My family and I are on vacation. We've been careful to monitor Brian's diabetes, and that seems to be under control. He says his throat is sore, and it's red inside. He has a fever and he's crying. We're out of state, so I'm not sure where we can go. I need your help.

MICHELLE: I'll find you a doctor that's open now, or the nearest urgent care center. I found an in network pediatrician nearby, and they're open until 5:00 PM. Let me call them to get you an appointment.

JOHN: OK, thank you.

MICHELLE: Good news. Brian has an appointment for 2:30 today with Dr. Marshall. I'll send you the details. I'll also contact your pediatrician's office to have them send over Brian's medical records, and I'll follow up with an email showing the location of an in network pharmacy, so you can have it just in case.

JOHN: Thank you so much.

MICHELLE: You're welcome. I'll contact you tomorrow to check on Brian. I hope he feels better soon.

JOHN: Thankfully Brian's strep throat was treated, and we still managed to have a fun time on our trip. Michelle went the extra mile in helping Brian. We're fortunate to have an advocate on our side who can help us when and where we need it the most.

MICHELLE: We want to be sure we can reach out and help you when you need it. Blue Cross and Blue Shield needs your contact information and how you prefer to communicate with us. Just visit the website, live chat with us via the secure app, or call the number on the back of your member ID card. It's easy.