Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
South Dakota/Iowa • HMO, Traditional Indemnity, POS
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans require members to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and obtain referrals before seeing specialists. Out-of-network services are generally not covered except in emergencies. Claims must be submitted to the payer listed above and should include referral authorization when applicable.
This is a traditional indemnity prefix. Unlike managed care plans (HMO, PPO, EPO), indemnity plans do not use provider networks. There are no referral requirements and no restrictions on which providers the member can see. Submit claims to the payer listed above for reimbursement at the plan's allowed rate.
This prefix is linked to a POS plan. Point of Service coverage gives members a choice at the time of service: use the HMO-style in-network benefit with a referral for lower costs, or access out-of-network providers at reduced coverage levels. The billing approach depends on which option the member chooses.
Health insurance company serving Iowa and South Dakota with commercial and other plans.