Products & Services

Blue Access^SM

Blue Access is an open-access HMO product that gives employees coverage for a broad range of health care services and referral-free access to one of the largest provider networks in Iowa. This managed care approach is a way for employers to offer more affordable health coverage, while still providing employees with the power of choice.

How It Works
Blue Access takes advantage of the Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa (WHPI) network to deliver cost-effective care and maximize health care dollars. These plans give employees the freedom and flexibility to see any network physician for their care needs. They may choose a primary care provider (PCP) to coordinate their care and treatment, but it's not required to receive benefits.

Blue Access is a network-only plan — employees can visit any in-network specialist without a referral. There is no out-of-network coverage, except in an emergency or urgent care situation.

Key Selling Points

• Choice at a lower cost. Employees may receive care from any network provider without a referral. Out-of-network coverage is only available in emergency situations.
• Network strength. The Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa network includes 96 percent of hospitals and 88 percent of physicians in Iowa.
• Coverage anywhere via Blue Card. If employees need emergency care away from home, they're covered by the Blue Card network, with more than 6,000 hospitals and 635,000 doctors worldwide.

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Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association doing business in Iowa and South Dakota. Blue Cross®, Blue Shield®, and the Cross® and Shield® symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.