Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
South Dakota/Iowa • Traditional Indemnity, HMO, POS
Traditional indemnity coverage means the member has fee-for-service insurance with no network limitations. Any licensed provider can be seen without referrals. Claims are reimbursed based on usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) charges. The member typically pays a deductible and a percentage of allowed charges.
HMO coverage means this member must use providers within the plan's network. A primary care physician serves as the care coordinator and must authorize specialist referrals. Emergency services are the primary exception to the network requirement. Always verify referral status before providing non-emergency specialty care.
This is a Point of Service (POS) prefix. POS plans offer flexibility similar to a PPO but incentivize in-network care through lower cost-sharing. Members designate a primary care physician who can issue referrals for the highest level of benefits. Out-of-network claims are covered but at significantly reduced rates.
Health insurance company serving Iowa and South Dakota with commercial and other plans.