Benefits Value Advisor: Helping to Navigate the Often Choppy Waters of Health Care

Your doctor says you need a CT scan. You’ve never had one, so you have a lot of questions. You don’t know where to go or how much it will cost.  A Benefits Value Advisor (BVA) can help.

The same procedure performed in the same area by different providers can differ greatly in cost. So, you may save money by talking to a BVA first. You may also be unsure exactly why your doctor ordered the test. A BVA can help explain that.

How BVA Works

A BVA can help you with:

• Understanding your benefits
• Comparing costs at different providers near you
• Scheduling your appointment ­
• Getting pre-authorization for in-network providers
• Finding online educational tools

They can also help with contacting providers for many health issues, such as:

• CAT or CT scans
• MRIs
• Endoscopy procedures
• Colonoscopy procedures
• Back or spinal surgery 
• Knee surgery
• Shoulder surgery
• Hip or joint replacement surgery
• Bariatric surgery

It’s Easy to Talk to a BVA

Just call the Customer Service number found on your member ID card and ask to speak to a Benefits Value Advisor.

In addition, you can find the BVA toll-free number in the BCBSIL App. From the dashboard, tap Contact.

You can even start a live chat with an advisor -- day or night -- right from our mobile app. Just follow these steps:

• iPhone users: tap Contact Us > Start a Live Chat
• Android users: tap Settings > Contact Us > Start a Live Chat

Benefits Value Advisors offer cost estimates for various providers, facilities and procedures. Lower pricing and cost savings are dependent on the provider or facility of your choosing. Member communications and information from Benefits Value Advisors are not meant to replace the advice of health care professionals. Members are encouraged to seek the advice of their doctors to discuss their health care needs. Decisions regarding course and place of treatment remain with the member and his or her health care providers. Cost estimates are just an estimate. In addition to your usual deductibles, copayments and/or coinsurance, the actual cost of the services may vary based on a number of factors including the date of service, the actual procedure performed and what services were billed by the provider and your particular benefit plan. Coverage is subject to the limitations, exclusions and terms of your plan. Not all health plans include Benefit Value Advisors.

Originally published June 5, 2018