Your insurance card shows which health plan covers you. To add your plan, see Add Your Insurance Information to the Alma Client Portal.
Step 1: Find Your Insurance Company
First, find your newest insurance card. You can use the physical card or a digital copy from your insurance company’s app or website. Make sure you can see both the front and back.
Your insurance company is the company that pays your claims. Its name or logo usually sits at the top of your card.
Some cards show more than one logo. Here's how to tell them apart:
- Insurance company logo: This is the company that pays your claims. It’s usually at the top of the card.
- Network logo: Some insurance companies partner with another company so you can see more providers. This logo shows that partner. The partner usually doesn’t pay your claims.
- Check the claims address on the back. The company that gets the claims is usually your insurance company.
Once you know your insurance company, see “Check if Alma Accepts Your Insurance Plan” to find out if Alma accepts your plan.
Step 2: Check for a Separate Mental Health Company
Some plans use a different company to manage mental health benefits. Look on the back of your card for a line like Behavioral Health, Mental Health, or Substance Use with its own phone number or company name.
For example, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans manage mental health benefits through Carelon Behavioral Health.
Step 3: Find Your Plan Type
Your plan type tells you how your plan works. Look for these letters on the front of your card:
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): You usually need to see in-network providers and may need a referral.
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): You can see in-network or out-of-network providers.
- EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): You must see in-network providers, but usually don’t need a referral.
- POS (Point of Service): A mix of HMO and PPO rules.
Watch for these special plan types:
- Medicare Advantage: Your card shows a private insurer's name, like Optum, along with the word "Medicare." Alma supports Optum Medicare Advantage plans.
- Medicaid: Your card shows a state program name, or a private insurer that runs your state's Medicaid plan. Alma doesn't support standalone Medicaid plans.
Step 4: Find Your Member ID and Group Number
- Member ID: This number belongs to you.
- Group number: This number belongs to your employer's plan. Not every card has one.
- Your name: Check that your name appears on the card. If someone else holds the plan, like a parent or spouse, they're the policyholder. You'll need their details too.
Step 5: Check the Back of Your Card
The back of your card often lists:
- A member services phone number
- A claims mailing address
- A company ID for electronic claims
If You Have Two Cards
Some people have two plans. One pays first (primary), and the other pays second (secondary).
Alma only accepts primary insurance, add only the plan that pays first. To confirm which plan is primary, call member services on the back of either card. See Understanding Primary and Secondary Insurance Coverage.
EAP Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits don't usually appear on an insurance card. They're separate from your health plan. Check your EAP details with your employer or your EAP. See Using EAP Benefits at Alma.
Still Have Questions?
Call member services on the back of your card. Your insurer can confirm your exact plan and its mental health benefits. See Contacting Your Insurance Carrier.
If you still have questions, select the Help button in the bottom right corner of the Alma Support Center to chat with our team.