Archive for the 'bcbsil' Category

BlueCare Dental Plan - BCBSIL

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is offering Blue Care Dental PPO to their existing individual health plan members.  Through January 29, 2010 (approaching rapidly) existing members can add this dental coverage to their policies without having to answer any medical questions.

New BCBSIL applicants who wish to add the dental coverage going forward simply have to check a box on their health insurance application which indicate that they are interested in dental coverage.

More information about Illinois health insurance.

BCBS Medicare Supplements Helping Seniors

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplemental Insurance is a very valuable type of coverage for those on Medicare.  According to their website, medicare does not cover all health care costs so having additional coverage can save you a lot of money.

Medicare coverage generally consists of Part A, which takes care of hospital and nursing facility care coverage, and Part B, which covers physician costs and other health care expenses.  Even with both of these coverages senior have to pay for other costs out of their own pocket.  Some of these include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.  If someone doesn’t have Medicare supplement insurance, costs can be as high as $53,000 according to BCBS.  That is often beyond affordable for many seniors living off of social security.

Private insurance companies, such as BCBS medicare supplements, offer extra protection to fill in the gaps for medical expenses.  With health care reform still up for debate it’s hard to tell what will happen to seniors who are currently covered by Medicare and supplemental insurance.  It’s extra important that seniors have affordable health care, because not only do they need it more, but many are on fixed incomes, so a large increase in costs could be devastating.

 

BlueEdge - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

Friday, October 9th, 2009

BlueEdge is a high-deductible health plan offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) that can be combined to form an HSA. There are also BlueEdge plan options for employer groups that work in conjunction with health reimbursement arrangements.

BlueEdge also includes coverage for both preventative & wellness benefits.

Health savings accounts are effective ways to keep monthly premiums down, especially for individuals or families that are relatively healthy.

Health insurance rates for BlueEdge can be as low as $75/mo or for BlueChoice PPO as low as $58/mo.

More information about Illinois health insurance.

Illinois Health Insurance: Young Adult Dependent Coverage Law

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

On BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois’ website they have details on a new Illinois health insurance law that went into effect on June 1st.  The Young Adult Dependent Coverage Law states that if you have dependents meeting certain criteria  you may be able to extend their coverage under your current health insurance policy.

Some eligibility requirements for non-military dependents include:

  1. Must be under the age of 26
  2. Unmarried
  3. Do not have to be enrolled as a full time student

Some eligibility requirements for military veteran dependents:

  1. Must be under the age of 30
  2. Unmarried
  3. Do not have to be enrolled as a full time student
  4. Illinois resident
  5. Must receive a discharge other than dishonorable

Dependent coverage change doesn’t apply to everyone.  Additional eligibility requirements may apply.  If you have questions contact BCBSIL if you are a member.  If you have coverage under your employer’s health plan, contact your group administrator.

BCBSIL Offers Availity Platform to IL Providers

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

BCBSIL has brought Availity network to its providers which gives instant information about BCBSIL members’ eligibility, benefits, status of claims as well as other functions.  This platform not only reduces costs but is expected to enhance patient care. 

This secure web portal was built and is operated by Florida based Availity, LLC and BCBSIL will be giving providers access at no additional cost.  Availity is designed to make sharing information in the future easier as well, to help improve efficiency and the quality of information transfers.