In many states such as in Oregon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield are one and the same company. In Washington State, Blue Cross and Blue Shield are competitors. So, here, other than Clark County, where Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon operates, Premera Blue Cross, headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, WA and Regence Blue Shield of Washington, headquartered in Seattle, WA are unique companies with individual strengths and weaknesses. n many states such as in Oregon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield are one and the same company. In Washington State, Blue Cross and Blue Shield are competitors. So, here, other than Clark County, where Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon operates, Premera Blue Cross, headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, WA and Regence Blue Shield of Washington, headquartered in Seattle, WA are unique companies with individual strengths and weaknesses.

Now to confuse the issue, one thing that both Premera Blue Cross and Regence Blue Shield share is that they are both members of the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

This association is comprised of all the representative Blue Cross and Blue Shield affiliates across the USA.

One of the big benefits of having Premera or Regence as your health insurance company, is that for most plans,  members are able to utlize the "Blue Card." 

What is the "Blue Card"?  Here is an excerpt from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association  website below: 

BlueCard® - When Traveling Inside of the U.S.

The BlueCard®: Short Trips

BlueCard® is a national program that enables members of one Blue company to obtain healthcare services while traveling or living in another Blue company's service area. 
 

If you need care while away from home for less than 90 consecutive days, follow these steps:

1. Always carry your current Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan HMO ID card
2. In an emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital
3. Call your primary physician or HMO for prior authorization and/or pre-certification, if necessary.  Your HMO's number is located on your ID card.
4. To find nearby doctors and hospitals, call BlueCard Access at 1.800.810.BLUE (2583) or visit  www.bcbs.com/healthtravel/finder.html
5. When you arrive at the participating doctor's office or hospital, simply present your Blue Cross and Blue Shield ID card.

Away From Home Care®: Long Trips

The Away From Home Care Program gives Blue Cross and Blue Shield members access to a participating HMO and is available for members and their covered dependents in many states and the District of Columbia.

The program is designed for members who:

• have a child attending school out-of-state
• have family members living in different service areas
• have a long-term work assignment in another state
• Are a retiree with dual residence

For eligibility information and specific locations where the Away From Home Care Program is available, contact your HMO provider.

• Contact your local BCBS company
• Request BCBS insurance information

Follow these 5 easy steps for health coverage when you're away from home in the United States:

1. Always carry your current Blue Cross and Blue Shield ID card.
2. In an emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital.
3. To find names and addresses of nearby doctors and hospitals, visit www.bcbs.com/healthtravel/finder.html  or call BlueCard Access® at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583).
4. Call your Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for pre-certification or prior authorization, if necessary (refer to the phone number on your Blue company ID card).
5. When you arrive at the participating doctor's office or hospital, simply present your BCBS ID card.

As a PPO member, the doctor will recognize the logo which will ensure that you will get the PPO level of benefits.

*Coverage may vary for each Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield company, so be sure to check with your healthcare coverage provider before traveling.

After You Receive Care

• You should not have to complete any claim forms.
• You should not have to pay up front for medical services other than the usual out-of-pocket expenses (non-covered services, deductible, co-payment, and co-insurance).
• Your Blue Cross Blue Shield company will send you a complete explanation of benefits.