| HSA Eligible | No | Yes | No | No |
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Health
MEDICAL &
PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS
To support your health and well-being, East West Bank provides valuable benefits that help you and your family stay well and pay for care if you get sick or injured.
OVERVIEW
East West Bank recognizes that associates have different needs when it comes to medical needs. We provide you with plan choices that offer comprehensive benefits, prescription drug coverage plus, in-network preventive care at no cost to you. The plans available to you may vary based on where you live.
You can enroll as a new hire, during Open Enrollment, or if you have a Life Event. To see your Monthly Rate and enroll, log in to the UKG.
Medical-Dental-Vision Opt Out
You may choose to waive East West Bank coverage if you have access to alternative coverage (e.g. through a spouse’s employer). To waive medical coverage, you must provide proof (e.g. Medical ID card). Please refer to How to Waive Coverage for information.
Medical Plans
HMO Plans
Blue Shield HMO for CA associates; Kaiser HMO for current enrollees only in CA and WA
Offers lowest premiums (same as the Savings Plus PPO) and set copays, so you won’t risk higher out-of-pocket costs. Receive coverage for in-network care only, coordinated by your primary care provider (PCP).
PPO Plan
Available for all associates
Offers a lower deductible than the Blue Shield Savings Plus PPO. You’ll pay more in premiums, and compared to an HMO plan, you’ll have the flexibility to see any medical provider you choose.
Savings Plus PPO Plan
Available for all associates
Take charge of your spending through the lowest premiums (same as the HMO for CA and WA associates), higher deductibles, and a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA) that you own for life.
Comprehensive, affordable coverage
for a wide range of health care services.
Free in-network preventive care
with services such as annual physicals, recommended immunizations, and routine cancer screenings covered at 100%. See more covered preventive services.
Prescription drug coverage
included with each medical plan. Mail order prescription benefits under the Blue Shield plans are provided by CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy.
Financial protection
through annual out-of-pocket maximums that limit the amount you’ll pay each year.
- Health Maintenance
Organization (HMO) Plans - Preferred Provider
Organization (PPO) Plans - Blue Shield Savings Plus
PPO
HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION (HMO) PLANS
The HMO plans are provided through Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente of California, or Kaiser Permanente of Washington, depending on where you are located.
Note: The Kaiser plans are available to current enrollees only. These plans are not open for new enrollment.
HMO plans have a network of providers, medical facilities and hospitals that discount their services. With these plans, you select a primary care provider (PCP) from the participating network of providers, who will coordinate your health care needs, refer you to specialists (if needed) and approve further medical treatment. Services received outside of the HMO’s network are not covered, except in the case of emergency medical care. If you go outside of the HMO’s network, you are responsible for 100% of the cost of the services you receive.
How an HMO works?
You pay the plan premiums from your paycheck to have coverage.
Keep in mind: You pay nothing for in-network preventive care — it’s covered in full.
Copay
You pay a small fee at the time of service for doctor visits and prescriptions.
No deductible
There is no annual deductible.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
You’re protected by an annual limit on costs — the plan pays 100% of any further covered expenses for the rest of the year.
Do you have a PCP?
With an HMO, you’re required to select a primary care provider (PCP) who will manage your care and provide referrals if you need to see a specialist. Find a doctor
Save money with an FSA!
A Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) lets you take advantage of tax-free savings when paying for health care. But, be sure to plan your FSA contributions carefully: the money in your FSA does not carry over to the next plan year; you must “use it or lose it.”
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans
A PPO plan gives you the freedom to seek care from any medical provider and facility of your choice. You will maximize your benefits and lower your out-of-pocket costs if you choose a provider in the Blue Shield network because in-network medical provider and facility have agreed to charge at discounted/negotiated rates.
How the PPO works?
You pay the plan premiums from your paycheck to have coverage.
Keep in mind: You pay nothing for in-network preventive care — it’s covered in full.
Copay
You pay a small fee at the time of service for doctor visits and prescriptions.
Deductible
For some services like hospitalization or emergency visits, you pay 100% of the cost until you meet the annual deductible.
Coinsurance
After meeting the deductible, you and the plan share the cost of certain services, with the plan paying the majority..
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
You’re protected by an annual limit on costs — the plan pays 100% of any further covered expenses for the rest of the year.
Save money with an FSA!
A Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) lets you take advantage of tax-free savings when paying for health care. But, be sure to plan your FSA contributions carefully: the money in your FSA does not carry over to the next plan year; you must “use it or lose it.”
Blue Shield Savings Plus PPO
The Blue Shield Savings Plus PPO, also known as a high deductible health plan, pairs low-premium, high-deductible coverage with a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) that helps you save money and plan ahead for future medical expenses. This combination gives you more control over your money and rewards you for making healthy, cost-conscious choices.
With this plan, you can seek care from any medical provider and facility of your choice. However, you will maximize your benefits and lower your out-of-pocket costs if you choose a provider who participates in the network.
How the Blue Shield Savings Plus PPO works
You pay the plan premiums from your paycheck to have coverage.
Keep in mind: You pay nothing for in-network preventive care — it’s covered in full.
*With the Blue Shield Savings Plus PPO, if you have other family members on the plan, each family member must meet their own individual deductible until the total amount of deductible expenses paid by all family members meets the overall family deductible.
HSA
You can set aside tax-free money from your paycheck to help cover your health care costs now, or in the future.
Deductible
You pay 100% of your medical and prescription costs until you meet the annual deductible.*
Coinsurance
After meeting the deductible, you and the plan share the cost of covered medical care and prescriptions, with the plan paying the majority.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
You’re protected by an annual limit on costs — the plan pays 100% of any further covered expenses for the rest of the year.
Use your HSA to save money and plan ahead!
Contributing to your HSA is a great way to budget for deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses while also saving money — your HSA contributions are tax-free!* And, once your HSA balance reaches $1,000, you can invest the funds.
Keep in mind:
The Blue Shield Savings Plus PPO costs you less from your paycheck, so you may have extra money available to put in your HSA.
You can only spend HSA money that’s actually been deposited into your account. If you don’t have enough money in your HSA when you need it, you can pay another way and reimburse yourself later so you take full advantage of your HSA’s tax savings.
You will never forfeit any money left in your HSA — it rolls over year after year. If you know about future expenses or want to save for your health care costs in retirement, set aside a little extra each paycheck so your balance can grow over time.
You can change your HSA contribution amount throughout the year as needed to keep up with any changes in your situation.
*Contributions are not subject to federal income tax. However, HSA contributions are currently subject to state income tax in CA and NJ. Consult with your tax advisor to understand the potential tax implications of enrolling in an HSA. Money in an HSA can be withdrawn tax-free as long as it is used to pay for qualified health-related expenses. If money is used for ineligible expenses, you will pay ordinary income tax on the amount withdrawn, plus a 20% penalty tax if you withdraw the money before age 65.
PLAN COMPARISON
Please note: The Bank’s benefits plan year runs from June 1 to May 31. However, our medical plan deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums run on a calendar year from January 1 to December 31. This means your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum will start over again January 1.
- Medical Comparison Chart —
CA AssociatesPlans - Medical Comparison
Chart — WA Associates - Medical Comparison
Chart — NON-CA Associates
Medical Comparison Chart — CA Associates
X
Click any of the following to show/hide the column (up to maximum of 4):
| Blue Shield PPO | Blue Shield Savings Plus PPO | Blue Shield HMO | Kaiser CA HMO (Not available for new enrollees) |
HSA Features
Calendar Year Deductible
| In-network / Out-of-network | Individual: $250; Family: $500 | Individual: $1,600; Family: $3,200 ($3,200 per individual in family coverage) | None | None |
Coinsurance
| In-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible | No charge | No charge |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | 40% after deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
Calendar Year Out-of-Pocket Maximum
| In-network | Individual: $2,250; Family: $4,500 | Individual: $4,500; Family: $9,000 | Individual: $2,000; Family: $4,000 | Individual: $1,500; Family: $3,000 |
| Out-of-network | Individual: $5,250; Family: $10,500 | Individual: $4,500; Family: $9,000 | Not covered | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Doctor Visits
| In-network | $10/visit; deductible does not apply | 20% after deductible | $20/visit | $20/visit |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | 40% after deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Preventive Care
| In-network | No charge | No charge | No charge | No charge |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Hospitalization
| In-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible | $500/admission | $500/admission |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible up to $600 per day | 40% after deductible up to $600 per day | Not covered | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Emergency Visit
| In-network | $100 + 10% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $100 + 20% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $100/visit | $100/visit |
| Out-of-network | $100 + 10% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $100 + 20% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $100/visit in case of true emergency | $100/visit in case of true emergency |
Health Care Visits: Urgent Care
| In-network | $10/visit; deductible does not apply | 20% after deductible | $20/visit | $20/visit |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | 40% after deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Ambulance
| In-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible | No charge | $50/trip |
| Out-of-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
Retail Prescriptions – 30-Day Supply: Your Costs
| Tier 1 or Generic (in-network) | $10 | $10 after deductible | $5 | $10 |
| Tier 1 or Generic (out-of-network) | 25% + $10 | 25% + $10 after deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (in-network) | $15 | $25 after deductible | $10 | $20 |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | 25% + $15 | 25% + $25 after deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (in-network) | $30 | $40 after deductible | $40 | $20 |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | 25% + $30 | 25% + $40 after deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
Mail Order Prescriptions – 90-Day Supply for PPOs and 100-Day Supply for HMOs: Your Costs
| Tier 1 or Generic (in-network) | $20 | $20 after deductible | $10 | $20 |
| Tier 1 or Generic (out-of-network) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (in-network) | $30 | $50 after deductible | $20 | $40 |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (in-network) | $60 | $80 after deductible | $80 | $40 |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Medical Comparison Chart — WA Associates
X
Click any of the following to show/hide the column (up to maximum of 3):
| Blue Shield PPO | Blue Shield Savings Plus PPO | Kaiser WA HMO (Not available to new enrollees) |
HSA Features
| HSA Eligible | No | Yes. Contribution from the Bank is $500 for individual coverage, and $1,000 for family coverage | No |
Calendar Year Deductible
| In-network / Out-of-network | Individual: $250; Family: $500 | Individual: $1,600; Family: $3,200 ($3,200 per individual in family coverage) | None |
Coinsurance
| In-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible | No charge |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | 40% after deductible | Not covered |
Calendar Year Out-of-Pocket Maximum
| In-network | Individual: $2,250; Family: $4,500 | Individual: $4,500; Family: $9,000 | Individual: $1,500; Family: $3,000 |
| Out-of-network | Individual: $5,250; Family: $10,500 | Individual: $4,500; Family: $9,000 | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Doctor Visits
| In-network | $10/visit; deductible does not apply | 20% after deductible | $20 |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | 40% after deductible | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Preventive Care
| In-network | No charge | No charge | No charge |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Hospitalization
| In-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible | $200 |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible up to $600 per day | 40% after deductible up to $600 per day | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Emergency Visit
| In-network | $100 + 10% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $100 + 20% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $75 (copay waived if admitted) |
| Out-of-network | $100 + 10% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $100 + 20% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $75 (copay waived if admitted) in case of true emergency |
Health Care Visits: Urgent Care
| In-network | $10/visit; deductible does not apply | 20% after deductible | $20 |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | 40% after deductible | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Ambulance
| In-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible | Not covered |
Retail Prescriptions – 30-Day Supply: Your Costs
| Tier 1 or Generic (in-network) | $10 | $10 after deductible | $10 |
| Tier 1 or Generic (out-of-network) | 25% + $10 | 25% + $10 after deductible | Not covered |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (in-network) | $15 | $25 after deductible | $20 |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | 25% + $15 | 25% + $25 after deductible | Not covered |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (in-network) | $30 | $40 after deductible | $40 |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | 25% + $30 | 25% + $40 after deductible | Not covered |
Mail Order Prescriptions – 90-Day Supply for PPOs and 100-Day Supply for HMOs: Your Costs
| Tier 1 or Generic (in-network) | $20 | $20 after deductible | $20 |
| Tier 1 or Generic (out-of-network) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (in-network) | $30 | $50 after deductible | $40 |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (in-network) | $60 | $80 after deductible | $80 |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
MEDICAL COMPARISON CHART — NON-CA ASSOCIATES
X
Click any of the following to show/hide the column (up to maximum of 2):
| Blue Shield PPO | Blue Shield Savings Plus PPO |
HSA Features
| HSA Eligible | No | Yes. Contribution from the Bank is $500 for individual coverage, and $1,000 for family coverage. |
Calendar Year Deductible
| In-network / Out-of-network | Individual: $250; Family: $500 | Individual: $1,600; Family: $3,200 ($3,200 per individual in family coverage) |
Coinsurance
| In-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
Calendar Year Out-of-Pocket Maximum
| In-network | Individual: $2,250; Family: $4,500 | Individual: $4,500; Family: $9,000 |
| Out-of-network | Individual: $5,250; Family: $10,500 | Individual: $4,500; Family: $9,000 |
Health Care Visits: Doctor Visits
| In-network | $10/visit; deductible does not apply | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
Health Care Visits: Preventive Care
| In-network | No charge | No charge |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | Not covered |
Health Care Visits: Hospitalization
| In-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible up to $600 per day | 40% after deductible up to $600 per day |
Health Care Visits: Emergency Visit
| In-network | $100 + 10% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $100 + 20% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) |
| Out-of-network | $100 + 10% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) | $100 + 20% after deductible (copay waived if admitted) |
Health Care Visits: Urgent Care
| In-network | $10/visit; deductible does not apply | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 30% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
Health Care Visits: Ambulance
| In-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 10% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
Retail Prescriptions – 30-Day Supply: Your Costs
| Tier 1 or Generic (in-network) | $10 | $10 after deductible |
| Tier 1 or Generic (out-of-network) | 25% + $10 | 25% + $10 after deductible |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (in-network) | $15 | $25 after deductible |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | 25% + $15 | 25% + $25 after deductible |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (in-network) | $30 | $40 after deductible |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | 25% + $30 | 25% + $40 after deductible |
Mail Order Prescriptions – 90-Day Supply: Your Costs
| Tier 1 or Generic (in-network) | $20 | $20 after deductible |
| Tier 1 or Generic (out-of-network) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (in-network) | $30 | $50 after deductible |
| Tier 2 or Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (in-network) | $60 | $80 after deductible |
| Tier 3, Tier 4, or Non-Preferred Brand (out-of-network) | Not covered | Not covered |
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
When you enroll in an East West Bank medical plan, you automatically receive prescription drug benefits through your medical plan.
Drug tiers
The cost of your prescription drugs under each medical plan depends on the tier of the medication — generic, preferred, or non-preferred. All plans have a formulary, or list of preferred drugs based on effectiveness and cost.
Generic drugs
Same active ingredients as brand-name equivalents and meet the same standards for quality and effectiveness, but usually cost much less.
You pay: $
Preferred drugs
Brand-name medications included on the formulary and favored by your prescription carrier.
You pay: $$
Non-preferred drugs
Brand-name medications not preferred by your carrier. They may still be covered, but may require prior authorization and cost more.
You pay: $$$
Check the formulary
See how medications are covered by logging in to Blue Shield’s, Kaiser Permanente of California’s, or Kaiser Permanente of Washington’s website and review your plan’s prescription drug formulary.
Save money on your prescriptions!
Why use home delivery?
Specialty drugs
All prescriptions for specialty medication, such as those used to treat complex conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or psoriasis, must be filled through your medical plan’s Specialty Pharmacy. You’ll have access to a dedicated team led by a pharmacist and nurse who are specialists in your condition to help you with your medication regimen. Learn more on the Blue Shield’s, Kaiser Permanente of California’s, or Kaiser Permanente of Washington’s website.
Prescription management programs
Your pharmacy benefits include several programs aimed at ensuring your safety and making sure you receive the most clinically appropriate and cost-effective medication.
Your pharmacy plan has an extensive listing of generic and brand-name prescription medications that offer the greatest overall value. Keep in mind that the medications on the formulary may change as the result of regular reviews and updates.
When available, your prescription will be filled with a generic alternative to a brand-name medication. Generic drugs have the same primary medication ingredient, are equally safe and effective, and are taken at the same dose, but cost significantly less than brand-name medications. If you request a brand-name drug when there is a generic equivalent available, you will pay the brand copay or coinsurance, plus the cost difference between the brand and generic drug. However, if your doctor indicates “Dispense as Written/DAW” on the prescription, you will not pay the cost difference, and will pay only the brand copay or coinsurance.
Under the Blue Shield medical plans, some medications may require prior authorization. This means that Blue Shield needs more information from your doctor to determine if the medication is the best option for you and will be approved for coverage. You can find medications that require prior authorization on Blue Shield’s website.
Step Therapy encourages you to try the most cost-effective and appropriate medications available to treat your condition. Typically, these medications are generics or lower-cost brand-name medications. You need to try these first, before more expensive medications are approved for coverage. At any time, if your provider feels a first-line medication isn’t right for you due to medical reasons, he or she can request authorization for coverage of a different medication.
TELEMEDICINE
Both Blue Shield and Kaiser offer telehealth programs as a convenient and cost-effective way to get quick medical advice by computer, tablet or on your mobile device about many non-emergency conditions.
Blue Shield’s Teladoc
As a Blue Shield member, you have access to Teladoc’s national network of U.S. board-certified physicians. Teladoc doctors are available 24/7 via phone or video.
Set up your account now using one of the options below so it’s ready when you need it.
- Web: Create an account or sign into https://www.blueshieldca.com/teladoc and click Update medical history.
- Mobile: Visit https://www.blueshieldca.com/teladoc to download the app. Log in, go to the menu icon on the top left, and click Medical Info.
- Phone: Teladoc can help you complete your medical history over the phone. Call 800.835.2362 (available 24/7).
Kaiser Video Visits
It’s easy to see a Kaiser doctor via a video visit.
Use one of these options for your appointment:
- Kaiser app: You’ll need a mobile device with a front-facing camera
- Online at http://kp.org/videovisit (available 24/7): You’ll need a computer with a camera, speaker, and microphone
To join your appointment, open the app or sign on to kp.org and go to the appointments tab. Then, select “Join Now” or “Join Appointment” and wait for your doctor to join.
Watch the video for more information. If you need technical help, call 844.800.0820, Monday through Friday, 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Why Use Telehealth
Common Reasons to Call
Find A Doctor
Using in-network providers saves you money. Here’s how to find doctors in your medical plan network.
If you are searching for Blue Shield providers in California, follow these instructions:
1. Visit blueshieldca.com
2. Click “Find a Doctor” and choose the type of provider you’re looking for
3. If you have your Blue Shield member username and password, log in or click/tap “Create an account” to register. Then search by a provider’s name, medical group, or location
4. If you do not have a member log in, click “Continue as a Guest,” then enter your ZIP code
5. Click/tap “Select a plan”
If you are searching for Blue Shield providers outside California, follow these instructions:
1. Visit bcbs.com
2. Hover over “Find a Doctor” and click the “In the United States” option
3. Enter the first three letters of the East West Bank member ID: IEC
4. Search by doctor, hospital, specialty, or location
If you are searching for Kaiser providers, follow these instructions:
1. Visit kp.org/finddoctors
2. Choose your plan location
3. Use the search tools to find a provider near you
Don’t have a personal doctor? You should. Here’s why.
01
Better health
Getting the right health screenings each year can reduce your risk for many serious conditions. Preventive care is free, so there’s no excuse to skip it.
02
A healthier wallet
Having a doctor you can call helps you avoid costly trips to the emergency room and decide when you really need to see a specialist.
03
Peace of mind
Advice from someone you trust … it means a lot when you’re healthy, but it’s even more important when you’re sick. Your personal doctor gets to know you and your health history and can help coordinate any care you need.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
Take advantage of these valuable programs and resources to better manage your health and financial well-being.
Blue Shield Resources
The BlueShield BlueCard Program can help you and your family get the care you need when you’re away from home. Wherever you travel, you have access to urgent and emergency care with a network of doctors and hospitals in 170 countries and territories around the world. Remember these important tips for when you travel:
• Consider bringing a list of providers to your destination, so you’re prepared if you need care
• Always bring your Blue Shield member ID card, so the providers have the information they need.
Find a BlueCard Provider for domestic travel (outside of CA, within the U.S.)
1. Go to blueshieldca.com/fad.
2. Scroll down to “Accessing Care Outside CA” and click “Providers Outside of CA.”
3. Click “Leave Blue Shield Website.”
4. Enter your location, then at the top right, click “PLAN Prefix AAA.”
5. Enter the first three letters or numbers of your member ID, or click “Find a different plan,” then “Browse a list of plans,” and click “BlueCard PPO/EPO.”
6. Enter the type of doctor or facility, then click the “Search” icon.
You may also call 800.810.BLUE (800.810.2583) (available 24/7) to look for PPO providers outside of California and within the U.S. This number is located on your Blue Shield member ID card.
International Travel
In a foreign country, you can call 804.673.1177 collect, 24 hours a day to locate a Blue Shield Global Core Network provider.
If you experience an emergency while out of the country, you should seek medical attention immediately and contact the medical assistance vendor if you are hospitalized.
To search for providers outside the U.S.:
1. Go to blueshieldca.com/fad.
2. Scroll down to “Accessing Care Outside CA” and click “Providers Outside of CA.”
3. Click “Leave Blue Shield Website.”
4. Scroll down and click “Search for Doctors” under “Locate Doctors Worldwide.”
5. Accept the terms and conditions, enter the first three letters or numbers of your member ID or enter XEA, and click “Go.”
6. Select a provider type: Doctor/Dentist, Hospital/Facility or Pharmacy.
7. Enter city, country, mile radius and specialty if relevant. Then click “Search.”
Enjoy the benefits of your HMO health plan coverage while you’re away from home. Blue Shield Away From Home Care allows you and your dependents to travel for extended periods while staying covered by your HMO. The Away From Home Care program is ideal for:
• Long-term travelers (covered when you travel outside your plan’s service area and in another state between 90 and 180 days, as long as you return to your permanent residence).
• Families living apart (dependents are covered who reside outside of CA when the custodial parent or dependent child lives out of state).
• Students (dependents are covered when they attend school outside of California but still permanently reside with you).
For more information, call the program coordinators at 800.622.9402 (Monday – Thursday, 8:30am – 5:30pm PT. Friday, 9am – 5pm PT).
Blue Shield’s Prenatal Program offers personal attention and resources for when you’re trying to get pregnant, during your pregnancy, and after you deliver your baby. The program offers:
• Educational materials
• A consultation with a registered dietitian
• Assessments at pregnancy milestones
• A complimentary home pregnancy test kit
• And more!
To enroll or learn more, call 888.886.4596 (available 24/7).
The Fitness Your Way program lets you get healthy and feel good on your own terms with the flexibility to work out at any network fitness location at a low price: $25 per month, per person plus a $25 one-time initiation fee. See participating locations.
Get started and enroll today:
1. Go to fitnessyourway.tivityhealth.com/bsc.
2. Click Enroll
3. Complete the five easy steps to enrollment
You can also enroll over the phone at 833.283.8387, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.
Kaiser Resources
Your Kaiser medical coverage allows you to get and receive care in any of Kaiser’s service areas, which include all or parts of California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. Find locations at kp.org/facilities.
If you’re outside of Kaiser’s service areas, don’t stress – you’re covered for urgent and emergency care anywhere in the world. Routine services are not covered, though, so make sure to get them before you travel. Routine services include prevention, exams, checkups, and services for ongoing medical conditions. Learn more about getting care away from home here.
Kaiser’s maternity care program provides you with great care when you’re expecting. You can access support and resources for every stage of pregnancy, including choosing a doctor or midwife, preparing a birth plan, and specialized care for high-risk pregnancies. Plus, you can register for classes and programs, too. Go to kp.org.maternity for in-depth resources and click here for more information about Kaiser’s programs.
Kaiser’s ChooseHealthy program offers lower prices on many specialty health and fitness services, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and access to 9,000 participating fitness centers – plus online wellness information, activity tracking, and a health and wellness library at no additional cost.
Get started at kp.org/choosehealthy, and learn more here.
Get started and enroll today:• Consider bringing a list of providers to your destination, so you’re prepared if you need care
• Mental health providers with a range of therapy and treatment options.
• Resources including classes, self-assessment tools, support groups, and more.
• Free access to well-being apps, Calm and myStrength
Visit kp.org/mentalhealth and kp.org/selfcareapps for more information. You can also call 800.900.3277, available 24/7. We can help you access crisis intervention and guidance, get referrals, and more. Call 911 in case of emergency.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
When you carefully consider the financial impact of your health care choices, you can help lower costs for yourself and the entire company. Get the most from your medical benefits by following these tips to be well and buy smart:
01
Use in-network providers.
They’ve agreed to charge only up to negotiated rates and bill your insurance company directly, which saves you money and time. Also, check with your insurance company to ensure that a service is covered before you receive care. Note: If you’re enrolling in an HMO plan (if available in your area), the plan only pays benefits for care received in network.
02
Keep up with preventive care.
It’s covered in full by all of our medical plans and can help detect and prevent potentially costly health issues early. You pay nothing for annual physicals, recommended immunizations, routine cancer screenings, and more when you see in-network providers.
03
Use tax-free money to pay for eligible health expenses.
Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is easy and saves you money. You can set aside pretax dollars from your paycheck to use for your out-of-pocket costs. Keep in mind that with an HSA, you can only spend contributions that have actually been deposited into your account. And with an FSA, the money in your FSA does not carry over to the next plan year; you must “use it or lose it.”
04
Shop smart for prescriptions.
Using generic alternatives will almost always save you money — and they’re just as effective as brand-name prescriptions. Also, try calling a few local pharmacies to compare prices before deciding where to fill a prescription. For your ongoing prescriptions, use the home-delivery service to save money and time.
05
Take advantage of East West Bank’s other benefits and discounts.
They offer valuable resources to help you improve your health and balance the stressors of life.
06
Use your medical plan’s website.
Log in to your medical plan’s website to see how much of your deductible you’ve met, review claims, find in-network providers, use helpful cost-estimating tools, and more.
07
Choose the right place to get care.
Facilities charge different amounts for the same services, so think about your options when you or a family member needs medical attention. Use the guide below to help you save money and choose the most appropriate care for your situation.
| Telemedicine | Doctor’s office | Urgent care clinic | Emergency room | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use it for | A common, non-emergency medical issue that can be diagnosed by phone or online | A condition that doesn’t need immediate attention and can wait until the next day | A condition that needs immediate care but is not life- or limb-threatening | A life-threatening or potentially crippling condition that needs immediate attention |
| Examples |
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| Cost | You pay: $ | You pay: $ | You pay: $$ | You pay: $$$ |
| Find it | Visit Blue Shield’s Teladoc or Kaiser’s Video Visits website to get started | Call your regular doctor or search for an in-network provider on your medical plan carrier’s website | Search for urgent care clinics near you at solvhealth.com/urgent-care | Call 911 or search online for the nearest hospital |