How do deductibles work?

Many health plans include a deductible. You must satisfy this amount each year before Blue Shield makes payments towards covered services. Depending on your plan design, some services may be covered by Blue Shield before your deductible is met. The EOC/Policy for the plan includes more details about what services are available before meeting the deductible. In addition, if your plan has a deductible and you have family coverage, a family deductible applies. Each individual's deductible is satisfied once the family deductible is met. For example, if the family deductible is equal to twice the individual deductible, and two people in the family satisfy their deductible, then the deductible is satisfied for all family members covered under the plan for the remainder of the calendar year. The family deductible can be met by any family member or combination of family members.