What's the difference between BlueCare Direct, Blue FocusCare, and Blue Precision?

All of these plans' bronze level HMO plans are very similar in many ways. The main difference between these plans will be what networks they service and their premiums.

The average premium for the Bronze BlueCare Direct plan: $379.91

The average premium for the Bronze Blue FocusCare plan: $383.03

The average premium for the Bronze Blue Precision plan: $422.12

Networks

The Blue Precision HMO Plans use the Blue Precision HMO network, one the largest HMO networks in Illinois, including Northshore University Hospital Systems.

BlueCare Direct provides access to Advocate Health Care’s vast network of doctors and hospitals in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties. 

BlueCare Direct offers access to Advocate’s network of over 250 sites of care, including:

• 4,000+ Advocate doctors
• 11 Advocate community hospitals
• The state’s largest integrated children’s network
• The state’s largest home health and hospice companies
• One of the region’s largest medical groups

Blue FocusCare is a new HMO plan offered in only to Cook County residents offered in 2018. It includes a narrower HMO network and reduced costs compared to the Blue Precision HMO and BlueCare Direct HMO plans.

Blue FocusCare Plans are good for individuals that want a lower cost plan and don’t mind limited networks. If you do not make frequent hospital visits and only need to have your basic needs covered this may be the cost efficient choice for you. 

 

Below, please find a list of other features. All items listed apply to all Bronze plans mentioned above. The plan designs are identical, the network of hospitals and doctors vary by plan:

Deductible: $7,100

Out of Pocket Maximum:  $7,150

Emergency Room Care: $1,000 Copay before deductible/50% Coinsurance after deductible (Unfortunately, this isn't a typo)

Generic Drugs: $5 copay

Primary Doctor: $50 copay (In Network)

Specialist Doctor: $100 copay (In Network)

X-Rays and Diagnostic Imaging: $150 (In Network)

Laboratory and Outpatient Professional Services: $150 (In Network)

Outpatient Facility: $500 Copay before deductible/50% Coinsurance after deductible (In Network, Out of Network - NOT COVERED)

Outpatient Professional Services: $250 copay (In Network)

Hearing Aids: 50% Coinsurance after deductible (In Network, Out of Network - NOT COVERED)

 

	BCBSIL			AETNA		UHC
Network Name	Blue Preferred PPO	Blue Precision HMO	Blue Focus	Aetna Leap Everyday Value Plan	COVENTRY ONE	HARKEN
Northwestern	X	✓	X	X	X	X
Loyola	✓	✓	X	X	X	✓
Rush	X	X	X	X	X	X
Advocate	X	✓	X	X	X	✓
Northshore	X	✓	X	✓	X	X
U of C	X	X	X	X	X	X
UIC	✓	X	X	X	X	X
Edward/Elmhurst	✓	✓	X	X	X	✓

 

PLAN NETWORKS AND LEVELS

Plan Networks

Different health care plans use certain groups of doctors, hospitals and other health care professionals, known as networks, who provide a full range of covered health care services. Networks differ from plan to plan. Before you choose a plan, you may want to check if your doctor or hospital is in the network.