Networks for large employers

Network options

Our broad local, national and international networks provide greater access to care. Our focused network offers cost savings with a coordinated approach to care. Contact your agent or Blue Cross representative to learn more.

Broad, open-access network

Aware® — Open-access network that includes more than 98 percent of doctors and hospitals in Minnesota.

Focused network

Metro MN Network — This accountable care organization (ACO) product features a focused network developed around a care system partner. Available only with the Metro MN ACO plan, this network features access to the full spectrum of Allina Health’s integrated care delivery system and other providers. Included are 29 metro hospitals, over 5,300 primary care providers and over 20,000 specialists. (This network must be offered with a specific benefit plan.)

Broad, statewide network

High Value Network — Cost-saving, statewide network that provides access to quality care at some of the largest healthcare systems in Minnesota.

National and international coverage

National: BlueCard® PPO — Blue Cross plans have one of the largest hospital and physician networks in the U.S., with 97 percent of all U.S. hospitals and 83 percent of physicians.1

International: Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core — In-network access to primary care providers in more than 180 countries.

Resources

Centers of Excellence

Blue Distinction® Specialty Care focuses on hospitals and other healthcare facilities that excel in delivering safe, effective treatment for specialty procedures, such as knee and hip replacements, cardiac care, bariatric (weight loss) surgery and transplants. Hospitals and doctors are nationally recognized through Blue Distinction Centers, with two designations available across eleven areas of specialty care.  

Blue Distinction Centers (BDCs) demonstrate quality care, treatment expertise and better overall patient results. A BDC+ designation also demonstrates more affordable care. Only those providers that first meet nationally established, objective quality measures for Blue Distinction Centers will be considered for designation as a BDC+.

1Consortium Health Plans, Q3 2022 Network Access Compare Data

Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area. For details, contact your local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable health care. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA and WA may lie in two local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care, and their own local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.