New Member? 3 Steps to Using Your Health Insurance

After you enroll*, you should receive these things:

Welcome Letter – Your letter should arrive by mail or email soon after you enroll as proof that you are all signed up. Keep it handy until you get your benefit information from us.
Member ID Card – Your member ID card will be mailed to your home soon after your application is approved. The ID card lists your member number, information on your plan, copays and how to contact us. Keep it on hand and show it to your doctor and pharmacist so they can update their records.
Policy Kit – You’ll get your policy kit either by mail or email, depending on what you chose when you enrolled. It will outline your plan’s benefits so that you know what’s covered.

Pay your first bill - Your benefits won’t be active until you make your first premium payment. After you’ve paid, you can start using your insurance benefits on the first day your plan is effective (the date on your member ID card). Learn about the many ways you can make a payment.
Set up your online account – Once you have your member ID card, you can register for Blue Access for Member^SM(BAM)– our secure website where you can access claims information and coverage details, order a replacement ID card, find a doctor in your network and more. You can also access BAM on the go through our BCBSMT app. Download the BCBSMT App from Apple App Store or Google Play or by texting** BCBSMTAPP to 33633.

Find a doctor in your plan’s network – Your plan has a provider network --the group of doctors, hospitals and other providers that we have contracted with to provide you with health care services. If you go to a provider who is not in your plan’s network, it will cost you more. To find out if your doctor is in-network or if you want to find a new one, use our online Provider Finder®.
Choose a primary care physician (PCP) – If you have an HMO plan, you will need to select a PCP. PCPs are usually general practice, internal medicine family practice doctors, but they don’t have to be. Women can choose their OB-GYN, and a pediatrician can be your child’s PCP. To choose an in-network PCP, use Provider Finder.
Know where to get care – Now that you have health insurance, you have a variety of options of where you can get care. Your doctor’s office is generally the best place to go for non-emergency care for problems like colds, flu, sore throats and minor injuries. You can also consider using a walk-in retail health clinic or urgent care center near you. Save the ER for emergencies only.

Original Publish Date: 2/1/2017; Revised 2019, 2021