Classic Blue, our traditional indemnity plan, combines comprehensive benefits with complete freedom of choice. And, unlike most indemnity plans, Classic Blue was designed as a service benefit plan, meaning that members reap the rewards of our contracts with providers that include unmatched discounts and holding members harmless from additional charges.

• Complete coverage. With Classic Blue, members are covered for inpatient stays at Rhode Island hospitals and at over 6,100 participating hospitals nationwide.
• Extensive network. Classic Blue's participating provider network is the largest in the state. Nearly 5,000 physicians, specialists and other providers in and around Rhode Island give members access to the largest panel of health providers in the state.
• BlueCard Program. With the BlueCard Program, members have peace of mind knowing their healthcare ID card is recognized wherever they travel. Members have the freedom to see any participating Blue Cross provider nationwide and receive coverage up to the local plan's allowance. In most cases, the provider will file the claim and members will not be balance-billed beyond applicable copayments and deductibles. Providers participating directly with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island will obtain all necessary pre-authorization for our members, while members may be required to obtain pre-authorization if visiting a non-participating provider or a provider that does not participate directly with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
• BlueCard Worldwide. When a member travels to France, England, or even Japan, he or she is covered. The BlueCard Worldwide program provides coverage not only for emergency care, but for inpatient, outpatient, and professional services as well. For inpatient services, participating hospitals will file claims. The member is responsible only for applicable deductibles and copayments. For outpatient and professional services, the member is responsible for paying the provider and filing the claim. The member is reimbursed in full less any applicable deductibles and copayments. If a member chooses to see a non-participating provider he or she may be responsible for the provider's normal charges.

Some like Classic Blue because it's similar to a traditional fee-for-service plan, while others enjoy it because it's more affordable than a straight fee-for-service plan, but yet offers some of the same benefits. It's complete coverage with freedom of choice.

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