What is the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers?

In-network providers refer to healthcare professionals and facilities that have a contract or agreement with Blue Shield to provide services at a discounted rate to plan members. By staying in-network, members can benefit from lower costs and higher coverage levels. Out-of-network providers, on the other hand, do not have an agreement with Blue Shield, resulting in higher costs for members who choose to receive services from them. Blue Shield may still provide some coverage for out-of-network services, but the member's out-of-pocket expenses will generally be higher. It is important for members to review their coverage and understand the network status of providers before receiving healthcare services to ensure they receive the maximum benefits from their insurance plan.