Boeing Centers of Excellence (COE)

Boeing Centers of Excellence (COE) is an enhanced benefit program that gives you a choice when receiving health care services. COEs are selected by Boeing based on their high performance and quality levels, safety ratings and reputation for consistently delivering quality care.

Procedures provided through the centers include:

  • Bariatric
  • Cardiac
  • Hip and knee
  • Spine
  • Transplant

If your physician recommends one of these procedures, call 888-802-8776 or contact a Center of Excellence of your choice to get started.

COVID-19 UPDATE

The additional risks of traveling for elective surgery during a pandemic should be discussed thoroughly between the member and their doctors prior to applying for COE program eligibility or scheduling any COE procedure. One COVID-19 test performed by the local physician prior to travel will be covered under the COE enhanced benefit. If a negative first COVID-19 test is established and travel ensues, one additional COVID-19 test performed at the COE facility within 48 hours of the scheduled procedure will be covered under the COE enhanced benefit during the pandemic.

All other pre-op testing is to be performed with the local physician under the existing program guidelines and covered under the regular medical benefit. All regular COE program guidelines will remain in effect during the pandemic. Reimbursement under the COE Program for eligible travel, lodging and meal expenditures will continue to be in effect, as originally designed. Please review all COE program guidelines and contact the Member Services phone number on the back of your insurance ID card prior to scheduling a COE procedure or making travel arrangements.

Search for a Boeing COE enhanced benefit facility by procedure.

Enhanced Benefit

When using a Boeing COE, the inpatient copay will be waived and 100% of the charges will be covered for medical expenses related to the episode of care, subject to the plan deductible.

Travel Coverage

The travel benefit is available for eligible members who use a Boeing COE that is more than 75 miles (one way) from their home.

Preauthorization

To receive this enhanced benefit, you must meet the COE clinical criteria, and services must be preauthorized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL). Once the procedure has been scheduled, you must notify BCBSIL Customer Service at 888-802-8776 prior to receiving care to notify them of the scheduled service date.

Eligibility

This enhanced benefit is available to Active and Early Retirees and their eligible dependents enrolled in a BCBSIL plan who are part of the following groups:

  • BNA Union
  • CMM&IC 721
  • IAFF I-17
  • IAFF I-66 Seattle
  • IAFF I-66 St. Louis
  • IAFF I66LB
  • IAM 2766
  • IAM 725
  • IAM 751*, 24, and 70
  • IBEW 1
  • IBT 6 & 610
  • IBT St. Louis
  • IUOE 286PP
  • IUOE 286W*
  • IUOE 501W
  • Montana Aviation
  • Nonunion
  • SPEEA*
  • SPEEA WEU
  • SPFPA 159
  • SPFPA 2 & 5
  • SPIU*
  • UAW 1069

* Bariatric services are not covered for IAM 751 Selections or Selections Plus plans, IUOE 286 W Selections plans, and SPEEA Select Network or Selections Plus plans and SPIU Select Network plans

Travel Benefit – Additional Information**

The travel benefit includes a hotel stay and travel arrangements within 48 hours prior to admission:

  • Airfare Coach/Economy class ticket (patient and one caregiver)
  • Ground Transportation - Members will be reimbursed at the IRS standard mileage rate (in effective at time of surgery) for medical purposes.
  • Meals - $65 per person per day (patient and one caregiver)
  • Lodging - $150 per person per day (patient and one caregiver)

If you are considering or planning one of these procedures, call Boeing Member Services at 888-802-8776 and speak with a Health Advocate to get more information.

** The travel benefit includes accommodations 48 hours prior to inpatient surgery. Members may be responsible to pay taxes on any reimbursed services that exceed standard IRS Code §213(d) / Publication 502; for example, any expenses for lodging can be taxed for charges more than $50 for each night for each person.

Blue Distinction® Centers for Transplants

With Blue Distinction® Centers (BDC), you have access to designated specialty care facilities that have met national measures for quality and cost-efficient care. When you use a BDC, you will receive the most from your benefits and know that the facility has a record of providing proven, effective specialty care.

Eligibility

Boeing employees covered under specific Traditional Medical Plans (TMP) and Advantage+ Plans are covered at 100%, subject to the plan deductible, when they receive care from a Blue Distinction Center for Transplants.

If you are considering or planning one of these procedures, call Boeing Member Services at 888-802-8776 prior to receiving services.

Boeing Centers of Excellence FAQ

Note: Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means these facilities’ overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians' and leading professional organizations’ recommendations. Individual outcomes may vary. To find out which services are covered under your policy at any facilities, please call BCBSIL; and call your provider before making an appointment, to verify the most current information on their Network participation status. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any of its licensees are responsible for any damages, losses, or non-covered charges that may result from receiving care from a provider designated as a Blue Distinction Center.