Individual members with policies associated with physician networks were issued riders as part of the November 2008 annual member mailing notifying them of the inclusion of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Home Infusion Therapy (HIT), Advanced Practice Nurses (APN), Orthotics, Prosthetics and Optometrists providers in the PPO network. These provider types were made available for Group Markets members in 2007. For the most current PPO network information, members should visit the Web site at www.bcbsil.com and use the Provider Finder® tool. Once there, members should select their Individual health plan from the drop down menu, and select either provider name or provider type and click Go.

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Tags: BCBS IL, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, blue cross blue shield of illinois individual plans

Effective January 1, 2009, the current Members First discount program will be replaced with the BlueExtras discount program. All BCBSIL members enrolled in individual health plans are eligible for the BlueExtras discount program.

BlueExtras offers discounts on value-added health care products and services that can enhance health and well-being – as another advantage of BCBSIL membership. There are no claims to file, no referrals or pre-authorizations, and no fees to participate.

For additional information about the products and services offered through BlueExtras, log into Blue Access® for Members (BAM) at www.bcbsil.com. Click on the My Coverage tab, and then the BlueExtras Discount Program link.

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Tags: BCBS IL, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, BlueExtras Discount Program, Members First Discount Program

Advocate Health Care’s is acquiring Condell Medical Center effective December 1, 2008. The new name of the hospital will be Advocate Condell Medical Center. As of the December 1 acquisition date, the Advocate Condell Medical Center will return to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO and HMO networks. Advocate does not participate in the BlueChoice Select network.

Information regarding the formation of the Advocate Condell PHO for the HMOI physician network will be forthcoming.

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Tags: Advocate Health Care, BCBS IL, bcbsil, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Condell Medical Center

Cape Radiology Group of Southern Illinois has terminated their PPO contract with BCBSIL. Cape Radiology Group is a group of radiologists that are on staff at the following Southern Illinois PPO Hospitals:
• Memorial Hospital – Carbondale
• Carbondale Clinic – Carbondale (This is a professional provider satellite of Memorial Hospital)
• Herrin Hospital – Herrin
• St. Joseph Hospital – Murphysboro
• Union County Hospital – Anna

Because Cape Radiology is the exclusive radiology group contracted with the above facilities, all inpatient and outpatient radiological services are subject to non-PPO benefits. The member may be responsible for the balance billing above the amount covered under their group benefit plan. Notification letters went out last week to all group and individual market members who reside in the service areas of the above hospitals. Letters are also going to all employer groups affected by their employees residency in the service areas. To find a radiologist in the BCBS IL PPO network, use the Provider Finder on www.bcbsil.com.

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Tags: BCBS IL, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cape Radiology Group