There's some good news and some not so good news.With the new health care portability legislation in place there are fewer instances of "pre-existing conditions." Thank God for small favors.
The important thing to remember with this new law is NEVER let healthcare coverage lapse unless a new one is in place. The lapse in coverage can create "pre-existing conditions."
Check with BCBS to find out if and when you can add your daughters. Usually this is only during an open enrollment period or a 'life event.' Divorce, job loss, etc. usually count as life events.
BCBS should accept the kids without naming pre-existing conditions in these situations, so long as they have had health insurance 30 days prior to their enrollment into BCBS.
I believe the new law is called HIPA. I'm sure BCBS can hook you up with a copy of the act.
Of the 5 LLMDs I contacted in the NYC area none particpated in BCBS and all were out-of-network in Aetna. I had to pay up front for office visits and the lab work and then get out-of-network reimbursements.
The labwork was all out of network because the only reliable labs do not particpate in HMOs, etc. None of the LLMDs in this area would use LabCorp or Corning Labs. In the end it was $400 per visit out of pocket, including labwork.
If your insurance is a network type, try to get a referral from your PCP.
If money is a problem, call BCBS as many times as you need to confirm coverage. You don't want to get stuck with a surprise bill.
The insurance paperwork can be really tough. Be sure to attach all your doctor bills to the EOBs from BCBS. This is the best way to keep track of what you owe the docs.
I usually go out of network for my medical care because quality is important to me. It takes a lot of digging to keep the bills sorted out. Good luck.