Blue Essentials^SM

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) invites you to participate as a provider in Blue Essentials which provides affordable cost-effective health care coverage to the people of Texas.

The Blue Essentials benefit plan features an HMO product design and benefits, requires selection of a Primary Care Provider (PCP) and referrals for services with in-network providers.

To participate in Blue Essentials network:

• Physicians and professional providers must have privileges at one of the Blue Essentials participating hospitals (unless inpatient admissions are uncommon or not required for the provider's specialty or provider has someone who will admit on their behalf)
• Must sign a Blue Essentials agreement

To request a Blue Essentials Network Participation Agreement:

Visit our Request Contract/Agreement/Network Participation page.

Please note that additional credentialing is not required for those providers whose current credentialing is current in one of the other BCBSTX networks.

Have questions?

Please contact your Network Management Consultant.

Helpful Information

• Blue Essentials, Blue Advantage HMO^SM, Blue Premier^SM and MyBlue Health^SM Provider Manual
• Blue Essentials Key Contact List 
• Sample HMO Member ID Card
• Utilization Management - Prior Authorization Requirements
• Blue Essentials Quick Reference Guide