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Healthcare 101

Getting started with your plan

Your Member Quick Guide

New to health insurance and don't know where to start? Our member quick guide (PDF) can help introduce you to how insurance works and what you need to know when navigating your health care plan.

Your member ID card

Your member ID card - like the example shown here - identifies you as a CareFirst member and contains important information about you and your coverage. You can always access your member ID card through My Account on your computer or smartphone. Make sure always to present your member ID card when receiving medical services.

Learn more (PDF) about your accessing your member ID card with My Account.

Here are the areas of your card you’ll most often have to provide when receiving care. In addition, you will find important phone numbers on the back.

A sample CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield plan ID card. A sample CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield plan ID back of the card.
1
Member ID Number
2
Group Number
3
Plan name
4
Indicates national coverage

Make sure the information on your card is correct. If you notice any errors, call advocacy service at 833-960-4025
TTY: 711

When you need care

While not a requirement, establishing a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) in your plan’s network is the best way to receive consistent, quality care. By visiting your PCP for routine care, he or she will get to know you, your medical history and your habits. All this information will help them more easily spot signs which could signal a change in your health. Signs you may even miss yourself!

If needed, your PCP can also coordinate additional care with other in-network doctors, labs and specialists which will keep you from paying the charges associated with seeking care from out-of-network doctors.

Learn About Our Plans

1
Log in to My Account starting 1/1/2024
2
Select the Doctors tab then Find a Doctor
3
Or call the advocacy service team at 833-960-4025
TTY: 711

Don’t forget - well visits and preventive care are free!

Tips for choosing a PCP

  • Think about location: would you like your PCP to be close to your home? Close to work?
  • What time of day would you like to make appointments? Does this doctor have evening or weekend hours?
  • Once you have narrowed down your options, visit the doctor’s office. Is the staff friendly? Do you like the facility?
  • Review your decision to make sure you’re happy.