Consumer-Directed
Healthcare and Healthcare
Debit Cards
Blank (Empty) Suitcase
A blank (empty) suitcase logo on the front of a member’s ID card signifies that the member
has out-of-area coverage that is not a PPO product. Benefit products that display a blank
(empty) suitcase logo on ID cards include:
Traditional and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Point of Service (POS)
Traditional, HMO and Limited Benefit Products Members
Contracted Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) traditional/indemnity providers
(benefit products listed above) including non-contracted providers who provide medical
service to a member who has a blank suitcase logo on his/her member ID card (local
member or out-of-area member) will be reimbursed for services covered under the member’s
benefit plan, in accordance with the traditional/indemnity contract.
Patient eligibility and benefits should be verified prior to every scheduled appointment.
Eligibility and benefit quotes include membership verification, coverage status and other
important information, such as applicable copayment, coinsurance and deductible amounts.
It’s strongly recommended that providers ask to see the member’s ID card for current
information and photo ID to guard against medical identity theft. When services may not be
covered, members should be notified that they may be billed directly.
Checking Online
Providers are strongly encouraged to use availity.com or their preferred vendor for eligibility
and benefit verifications. With the Availity® Eligibility and Benefits Inquiry, users can access
printable results that include up to date benefit information.
If you don’t have a traditional/indemnity contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
(BCBSTX) and provide medical service to a member who has a blank suitcase logo on
his/her member ID card (local member or out-of-area member), you will be reimbursed for
services covered under the member’s benefit plan as defined by the health plan’s terms.