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Information about Traveling
with MESSA Choices / Choices II
Your MESSA health plan is underwritten by Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). This partnership
can give you peace of mind when you are traveling in
the U.S. If you need to seek emergency medical care
or other medical services, many states have Blues
plans that coordinate coverage with Michigan Blues,
providing access to a large network of doctors and
hospitals.
When you are seeking medical services outside of
Michigan, remember to show your MESSA
identification card. The little suitcase icon on your
card lets providers know you’re part of the network
and that your claim can be billed directly to your
health plan.
If the doctor or hospital you visit doesn’t participate
with Blue Cross, ask for assistance finding a doctor or
facility that does — or pay the bill yourself and get an
itemized receipt. When you return, you can request
reimbursement from MESSA for covered services
under the terms of your health plan.
Tips for traveling within the U.S.
Plan ahead. Search for participating doctors and
hospitals at your travel destination in advance by
visiting www.messa.org or calling MESSA’s Member
Service Center at 800.336.0013.
Use participating health care professionals when
possible. Participating health care providers will work
with BCBSM and coordinate necessary information
regarding payment. Remember to check ahead of
time; charges incurred with non-participating
providers may not be covered by your health plan.
Get a detailed invoice. If you see a non-participating
doctor, you’ll need to get an itemized statement or
receipt with the following information for
reimbursement, or complete our Claims
Reimbursement Form to accompany your receipt(s).
? Member name and enrollee ID number
? Full name of patient and date of birth
MES - FS
Rev. 05/25/12
Pr. 6/12 - 2M
? Date of service
? Individual charges
? Procedure code(s)
? Diagnosis code(s)
? Doctor’s name, address, telephone number and
tax identification number (no P.O. Box)
? National Provider ID
If you or a covered dependent require hospitalization,
you must contact MESSA Pre-Admission Review at
800.336.0022, prompt 7 within 48 hours of
admission or within 72 hours if admission occurs on a
weekend.
Travel with MESSA NurseLine. Access to registered
nurses 24/7 may help you assess your health care
options before you incur out-of-pocket costs. Call
800.414.2014. Program it into your cell phone for
quick access!
Tips for traveling outside the U.S.
MESSA cannot pay doctors or hospitals outside of the
U.S. under most circumstances. MESSA will only pay
for services for emergency and unexpected illness for
residents of the United States traveling in foreign
countries. In addition, coverage applies only if:
? The hospital is accredited
? The physician is licensed
Most hospitals and doctors in foreign countries will ask
you to pay the bill. Please request itemized receipts
that are written in English.
Get an itemized receipt or statement. To apply for
reimbursement, you will need an itemized receipt.
Use our toll-free number. If you have questions while
outside of the U.S., call our toll-free number
800.336.0013. Members can use this number during
normal business hours.
Don’t forget your medications. Make sure you have
enough prescription medication to last until you return.