For many people, a new calendar year means a new or updated health plan. Whether you’re renewing the plan you had last year or have a brand-new plan for 2019, it’s important to be familiar with your benefits. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota makes that easy.

To help you get 2019 off to a great start, here are six tips to make the most of your health plan.

1. Get to know your new card.

Your new ID card is key to unlocking all your plan information. Once you’ve received it in the mail, review it carefully to make sure it is accurate. Plan information can change year over year, so be sure to check the accuracy of your­ new card(s) BEFORE you detach it from the mailed piece. If it’s correct, dispose of the old card THEN detach the new card(s) so you don’t get them mixed up.

If you have any questions, call the customer service number on the back to get the answers you need.

2. Download the Blue Cross mobile app.

You can easily access all your most important health plan information right on your mobile device. In the Blue Cross mobile app you will be able to:

• Access your member ID card. See and ­share your—and your family’s—member ID card with whoever may need it.
• Find a Doctor. No need to log in through your computer (though you can do that, too!). You can search for providers in your network on your phone. This can be especially helpful for urgent care “on the go” needs.
• Track your claims and spending. Wondering where you’re at with your health care finances? You can track your spending toward your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, claims and balance in any health care spending accounts—all right in the app!

Editor’s note: If you are a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota member, download the new app by visiting Google Play or the Apple App Store. You will use the same login info (username and password) as you set up on your member portal. If you are already registered through our website, you can simply log in with those credentials.

3. Know how to reach customer service.

Whether you need more details about a claim, have questions about coverage for an upcoming procedure or want to understand how close you are to reaching your annual deductible, the Blue Cross customer service team is available.

The easiest way to reach a representative is to know the phone number on the back of your member ID card. You can also log in to send a secure message through the member portal.

Can’t find your card?  There are a few ways to get the information you need.

• Use the member app or member portal to grab the customer service number specifically for your plan and/or order a new card.
• Call the general information number at (651) 662-8000 or toll-free at 1-800-382-2000 to be connected to the service team.
• If you think your question is fairly standard, save yourself a phone call and check out this blog post or our FAQ page.

4. Become familiar with the Blue Cross MN retail centers.

Blue Cross has three retail centers, located in Edina, Roseville and Duluth. If you live near one of these centers, be sure to check out their many offerings. You can stop in to learn about purchasing a new plan, get help with any questions or attend a class. Most of the classes are free and all are open to the public—you don’t have to be a Blue Cross member to attend.

Learn more at bluecrossmn.com/centers.

5. Explore bluecrossmn.com for all the resources you need.

The Blue Cross website has many resources you can use.

• If you’re a member, or seeking information on a plan, the website has all the information you will need.
• You can log into Find a Doctor to find a health care provider that is covered under your Blue Cross plan.
• Finally, the Live Healthy section is filled with resources to help you take charge of your health.

6. Download the do.® app.

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep those 2019 resolutions, you can also download the do.® app, which is filled with fun-sized activities and allows you to set reminders to meet your fitness goals.

This app can be found by searching “do. Blue Cross” in your iPhone or Android app store. It’s free and available to anyone.

Here’s to a healthy 2019

With these tips in mind, we hope you can start your year off with your best foot forward to make the most of your 2019 health plan.