Recent Articles
Evanston Northwestern, Rush North Shore finalize merger
North suburban hospital operator Evanston Northwestern Healthcare said it will acquire Rush North Shore Medical Center in Skokie, committing more than $160 million to the deal, according to a definitive agreement finalized today. As part of the deal, which still needs...
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois reducing EOB mailings
Effective July 13, 2008, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois will no longer print and mail Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) that relate to all patient share zero liability claims. Zero liability claims are those claims that are covered and paid for by Blue Cross and Blue...
Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies report Wellness Programs have Financial, Health Benefits
(BestWire Services Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) An increasing number of employers are participating in employee health and wellness programs in a bid to reduce health care costs due to chronic illnesses, officials from Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and the National...
Blagojevich alters insurance bill to cover autism therapy
By Monique Garcia | Chicago Tribune reporter
When Brianna Dicianni was diagnosed with autism two years ago, doctors said the girl would never learn to speak.
Undeterred, her family sought therapy, only to run into another roadblock: Because their insurance company didn’t cover treatment for autism, they would have to pay for the costly sessions out of pocket.
Brianna’s parents borrowed against their home, dipped into college savings for their three children and—$80,000
Democrats Gear Up New Push for Universal Health Care
A coalition of liberal groups that includes major labor unions such as the Service Employees International Union and the activist group MoveOn.org announced today it will spend $40 million to make health insurance a major issue in the campaign, with Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, as the one of the group’s main spokespersons. The group, which has dubbed itself “Health Care for America Now!”
Medicare Beneficiaries at Risk of Identity Theft
WASHINGTON — Social Security officials, concerned about the risk of identity theft, are calling for immediate action to remove Social Security numbers from the Medicare cards used by millions of Americans.
But Medicare officials have resisted the proposal, saying it would be costly and impractical.
In a new report, the inspector general of Social Security, Patrick P. O’Carroll Jr., says “immediate action is needed.”
“Displaying such information on Medicare cards unnecessarily places millions
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Advocate Health Care renew contract through 2010
Effective June 19, 2008, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Advocate Health Care have announced they have reached an agreement that renews all of their contractual relationships through 2010. The newly signed contract will include all of the Advocate hospitals and expand to include Libertyville’s Condell Medical Center when its expected integration into Advocate Health Care is approved by federal and state agencies later this year
Michael Reese Physician Group no longer participating in BCBS of Illinois’ HMO Illinois or Blue Advantage HMO
Effective October 1, 2008 the Michael Reese Physicians Group MG-189 will no longer participate in HMO Illinois or Blue Advantage HMO networks. There are approximately 6,000 members and 63 physicians impacted as a result of this medical group closing.
Letters will be sent to these members and their employers by end of June, and will inform members of the medical group closing along with the option to select a new physician
Cape Radiology Group Terminates PPO Contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
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
Additional Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Vision Program changes effective July 1st, 2008
As part of our BlueExtras discount program, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois has arranged a vision discount program that offers all group members discounts on eye exams, contact lenses, frames, lenses and lens add-ons.
In addition, as part of their health care benefits, HMO members have a vision benefit that provides coverage for one eye exam every 12 months for the cost of their PCP copayment, when they visit