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Georgia Tech is located in the heart of Atlanta, so a provider from the BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia will likely be available to administer the shots to Scott. At press time, Coffey was still verifying that.

“The benefits you receive as a guest member (of a Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated HMO) should mirror what you have with HMO Blue Texas,” said Caryn Ayers, principal account executive with BlueCross BlueShield of Texas. “Copayments may vary a little, though.”

Prescription coverage is not included in the guest membership. HMO Blue Texas members pay for prescriptions and then file for reimbursement from HMO Blue Texas, Ayers said.

Finding comfort
Mona Ross’ daughter, Jordan, is using AFHC for coverage at Ohio Wesleyan University. Her Ohio services are provided through Anthem BlueCross BlueShield.

Now she has a primary care physician in Houston and in Ohio.
“For parents whose children go away to school, it’s a comfort to know that they will still have access to good medical care,” Ross said. And it doesn’t cost Ross any more than it would if Jordan lived in Houston.

HMO Blue members can determine if an affiliated network is available wherever they or their dependents are temporarily relocating by calling (888) 522-2396. An AFHC coordinator will find the HMO near the temporary location and handle the application for guest membership.

When the employee or dependent arrives at the new location, she calls the local HMO’s guest membership coordinator for information about the host HMO, including a list of physicians and benefits.

The AFHC program gives Coffey hope for her son’s college career.
“It might mean that he won’t be sick,” she said. “You have to have had a child who was sick for many months to have any understanding of what that’s like.

“If he doesn’t do well in school, I want it to be because he wasn’t trying, not because he couldn’t get the medicines he needs to stay healthy.”

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