Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Arizona Group Health Insurance Plans Explained
For employers who are considering a reliable insurer for group health insurance in Arizona, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Arizona may be worth evaluating. It’s one of the most well-recognized insurers in Arizona, particularly for businesses that are interested in fully insured plans for business groups of 51 or more employees.
In this article, learn about some of the benefits BCBS of Arizona provides among business health insurers, some
things to consider for business health insurance, and
how to get group health insurance for your employees.
Key Takeaways
- For business owners looking for fully insured plans for groups of 51 or more employees in Arizona, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Arizona is a top choice.
- BCBS provides robust member resources, including health education, wellness programs and 24/7 nurse hotlines. Another advantage of BCBS of Arizona is its strong local focus and involvement in community health initiatives. BCBS has a deep understanding of local healthcare needs. Their partnerships with local providers can enhance the quality of care and support for employees.
- One consideration when evaluating BCBS of Arizona for employees is that while the provider is strong locally, its network may not be as beneficial for businesses whose employees frequently travel out of state.
BCBS of AZ Pro: Competitive in AZ, Especially in the 51+ Fully Insured Category
In February 2025, “Forbes” ranked BCBS as the Best Provider Network in the country, with a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating. BCBS has also been ranked #1 in member satisfaction among commercial health plans in the U.S. Southwest region by J.D. Power.
Some of the reasons BCBS has received so many notable accolades include:
- In Arizona, 98% of hospitals and 96% of physicians are included in the statewide provider network.
- 1 in 3 people are covered by a BCBS company nationwide.
- BCBS has the largest provider network, with more than 1.7 million in-network providers.
- BCBS has better-than-average quality ratings, according to “Forbes”.
- BCBS provides health insurance for businesses with 2 to 300+ employees, with three tiers of plans for various-sized businesses.
In particular, the BCBS Mid-Sized Business plan for 51 to 300 employees and Large Business plan for 300+ employees are popular in the state of Arizona for their range of benefit designs and network options, which include potential dental insurance coverage. As both a nationally renowned brand and provider with a strong local reputation, many Arizona business owners choose BCBS as their insurance provider for their workforces.
BCBS of AZ Pro: Strong Local Focus & Community Involvement in AZ
BCBS has deep roots in Arizona, both with local healthcare providers and with community initiatives that support the overall well-being of populations within the state. In addition to virtually all hospitals and physicians in Arizona being within the BCBS statewide network, BCBS consistently participates in programs that bolster resident health. Some examples include:
- In July 2024, the BCBS of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement announced a $75K grant opportunity to address the loneliness epidemic. The grant will go toward a project that builds community and social connections, which ultimately improves health.
- In June 2024, the BCBS of AZ Foundation awarded more than $1 million to 28 organizations working on projects to address the state’s most pressing health challenges.
- In June 2024, Fiesta Bowl and BCBS of AZ awarded $95,000 to 28 Arizonans in the post-secondary and GED tracks though an Empowering Diversity scholarship.
These are just a few recent examples of BCBS of AZ’s community involvement, partnering with health-focused organizations and nonprofits that support community development. In total, the foundation has provided more than $20 million in funding so far, with 449 community partners and 15 Arizona counties served.
When AZ employers choose BCBS of AZ, they’re also selecting a provider that’s heavily involved with the well-being of the local community.
BCBS of AZ Pro: Member Resources
As one of the largest health insurance providers in the U.S., another major advantage of using BCBS is that members can access many helpful resources that support their health and wellness. BCBS member education and resources include:
- Treatment cost estimator, which includes information on health treatments that are covered and what members may have to pay
- Registered nurses on-call 24/7 to answer common medical questions
- BlueCare Anywhere, which provides virtual access to board-certified medical professionals 24/7
- Sharecare, a health and wellness hub with resources on longevity, lifestyle choices and mental health
- Care Managers, who are independent licensed healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses or licensed clinical social workers, whom members can reach out to for assistance with improving healthcare outcomes o navigating the healthcare system
BCBS of AZ members can get help with their health 24/7 and learn tips on how to make healthy choices. This extra layer of support could benefit your workforce and also lead to less absenteeism.
BCBS of AZ Pro: Prosano Health Solutions
Another interesting benefit of BCBS of AZ is the company’s Prosano Health Solutions, a services-oriented subsidiary with several Advanced Primary Care Centers throughout the state. The model includes one-stop access to primary care, lab services, same-day appointments, virtual options, behavioral health practitioners and a selection of prescription medications.
Employer groups can enroll in the AZ BCBS BlueSignature Prosano plan to give their employees access to the Advanced Primary Care Centers, in addition to a national PPO. This is another potential value-add for employees.
BCBS of AZ Con: Frequent Travelers May Be Better-Suited to Other Plans
The one minor consideration employers should make with BCBS is that if you have a workforce that frequently travels, there may be better plans with more comprehensive network coverage, depending on where workers travel. You’ll want to research the reach of BCBS compared to where you workforce travels to most frequently.
BCBS of AZ Could Be a Good Group Health Insurance Choice
With a strong local and national presence, abundant health and wellness resources for members, and community initiatives, BCBS could be a good choice for group health insurance for your workforce. If you’re at business insurance renewal time, it’s also one to consider switching to.
To learn more about all employer health insurance options that are available to your business, contact AZ Health Insurance Brokers for a free group health insurance consultation. Contact us online, email quotes@azhealthinsurancebrokers.com or call 602.617.4017 to connect.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Arizona Group Health Insurance FAQs
What insurance plans does BCBS have for employers?
BCBS of Arizona has employer health insurance plans for businesses with 2 to 300+ employees. These include Small Business, Mid-Sized Business and Large Business health insurance plans.
How can you contact BCBS of AZ?
To contact BCBS of AZ, contact the number on the back of your health insurance card, or call customer service at 800.232.2345.
Can you use BCBS of AZ in another state?
Yes, you can access in-network BCBS providers nationwide and emergency coverage globally. You can contact BCBS of AZ by the number on the back of your health insurance card or at AZBlue.com/contact-us for answers to coverage questions.
Do you have to choose a primary care provider (PCP) and get a referral to see a specialist with BCBS of AZ?
No. You can see any doctor or go to any hospital without having to choose a PCP or get referrals.
What benefits does BCBS of AZ offer employers?
Employers that offer BCBS of AZ to their employees can provide benefits like extensive network coverage, employee health and wellness resources, and potential access to Prosano Health Solutions, under certain plans.
What should employees do if they need healthcare when they’re away from home, and there aren’t any in-network doctors, hospitals or specialists?
BCBS of AZ customers can use BlueCare Anywhere telehealth services to schedule a virtual visit if needed. Out-of-network services will only be covered in emergency room and specific urgent situations, or if BCBS of AZ approved the services in advance. Otherwise, out-of-network coverage must be paid for out-of-pocket.
Can you get a medication prescription through BCBS of AZ telehealth?
Yes, BlueCare Anywhere doctors can prescribe medication. Members can choose the pharmacy where they’d like a prescription to be sent.
What is a BCBS of AZ Care Manager?
A BCBS of AZ Care Manager is an independent licensed healthcare professional, such as a licensed clinical social worker or registered nurse, who can help members with issues such as serious health issue diagnoses, returning home from a hospital stay, or navigating complex health situations. Accessing a BCBS of AZ Care Manager is generally free for most BCBS of AZ members.
Who can BCBS of AZ members contact when they need quick medical advice?
In emergencies, BCBS of AZ members should call 9-1-1. For non-urgent matters, BCBS of AZ members can contact the 24/7 nurse line, or sign up for a telehealth visit.
Can BCBS of AZ members access BlueCare Anywhere telehealth on mobile?
Yes. The BCBS of AZ telehealth BlueCare Anywhere service is available on mobile devices via application stores App Store® or on Google Play™.
