Plan Benefits
Your guide to better health at The Diocese of Providence
See how your plan works. Discover more perks. Find documents you might need.
View plan highlights
You can review the benefits of any plans that your employer offers. Ask your employer about which plans apply to you.
Plan documents
Programs and Perks
BCBSRI membership has its perks
Here are a few of them.
MYBCBSRI
Your health plan is now online and on your phone
myBCBSRI offers easy access to your health plan information—online and on the myBCBSRI app. So you can get the answers you need anytime, anywhere.
With one simple log-in, you can:
- Check your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum balances
- View electronic documents (go paperless!) and plan notifications
- Select communication preferences
- Select or update your primary care provider (PCP)
- Access Find a Doctor and Cost Calculator
Digital tools
Convenience anywhere
You can receive personalized messages on your phone such as flu reminders, money-saving tips, and plan updates. Once you opt-in, messages will be sent on an occasional basis.
With Find a Doctor, you can search for doctors by name or specialty and search for facilities by location or services offered. Find network providers for any of our plans.
The Cost Calculator estimates cost for a variety of medical services, including MRIs, lab tests, and surgeries. By comparing costs, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect—and where to find the best option for you. You can access the Cost Calculator through your myBCBSRI account.
Customer Service
Your Blue Store and Bus
Experience the signature face-to-face service, fitness classes, and friendships that happen at Your Blue Store.
- Receive one-on-one help
- Take fitness classes and well-being workshops
- Watch a cooking demo
- Learn nutrition tips
- Meet with a nurse about ongoing medical conditions
We’re bringing Your Blue Store to you
We know you can’t always make it to a Your Blue Store location, so we’re coming to you. Your Blue Bus is traveling across the state. We can answer your questions about your plan in English and Spanish.
Photo courtesy of The Diocese of Providence
Diocesan Resources
Other helpful information
“Beloved, I hope you are prospering in every respect and are in good health, just as your soul is prospering.”
- 3 John 1:2
You will find information about other resources on The Diocese of Providence website.
Other benefits, such as pharmacy, dental, and vision
Photo courtesy of The Diocese of Providence
How to choose a health plan
You want a plan that fits your specific needs. Here are three factors to keep in mind.
Consider your total cost—your monthly premiums plus what you’ll pay out-of-pocket when you use medical services like seeing a doctor or getting lab work done. Think about what will work best with your budget. You may prefer a higher premium with lower deductible and copays, or you may want to keep your monthly premiums low but be responsible for a higher percentage of the cost when you do seek care.
- If your overall health is good and you rarely need to see a doctor, a plan with lower premiums and higher deductibles might work for you. Just be sure to set aside enough money to cover potential doctor visits, tests, etc. in the event you need them.
- A health savings account (HSA) can be useful in helping you save money for healthcare, if that option is offered with your health plan.
Blue Cross is known for its nationwide network of doctors, hospitals, and other providers. However, if your doctors are local and you can’t envision needing a provider in another part of the country, a plan with a local or regional network could save you money.
- Purchasing national coverage you don’t need is like paying for cell phone data you’ll never use.
If you (or a family member on your plan) have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, or if you know you will need more services, such as expecting a child, a plan with lower copays might be a good fit. You may pay more in monthly premiums, but you’ll be charged less for each doctor visit.
- If you expect to use more medical services, you may want a plan that will cover more of the medical bills.
Helpful definitions
Coinsurance
A portion of the cost you pay when you get healthcare.
Example: A doctor might charge $100 for a visit. If your health insurance has a 10% coinsurance, you would pay the doctor $10 and your insurance would pay the doctor $90.
Copay
A specific dollar amount you pay when you get healthcare.
Deductible
If you need medical care, a deductible is the amount you pay for your care before the health insurance company starts to pay its share.
Health savings account (HSA)
A financial account where you can set aside money for medical expenses. Putting money into your account may reduce your taxes, and you can use the account to pay your medical expenses.
High-deductible health plans
These plans generally have higher deductibles in exchange for lower premiums and the ability to open a health savings account, which could save you money on taxes.
Out-of-pocket maximum
The maximum amount you would pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services each year, including deductible, copays, and coinsurance. After the out-of-pocket is met, in-network covered services are paid at 100% by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
Preferred provider organization (PPO)
A type of health plan with a preferred network of doctors and other healthcare providers. Members usually do not have to get referrals for specialty or out-of-network care, but they may have higher out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network care. In some cases, out-of-network care may not be covered. HealthMate Coast-to-Coast is a PPO plan.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Find help with your health plan
First check with your employer. They may refer you to our BCBSRI Customer Service team.
We're always happy to answer your questions.