Recent Articles
Land of Lincoln drops University of Chicago Medical Center
Land of Lincoln Health, a struggling Chicago health insurer, will drop the University of Chicago's medical center and affiliated doctors from its insurance network March 1, an unexpected change that has upset some customers. The move comes after some customers bought...
2016 Open Enrollment Extended!
Please see the below message from Kevin Counihan, CEO of the Health Insurance Marketplaces: Because of the unprecedented demand and volume of consumers contacting our call center or visiting HealthCare.gov, we are extending the deadline to sign-up for January 1...
NorthShore University Health System Participates in Blue Precision HMO
In light of recent conversations about NorthShore University Health System, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois' (BCBSIL) has confirmed its active relationship with NorthShore and its participation in the BCBSIL provider networks. The NorthShore system participates...
BCBSIL and Advocate Health Care offer new Exclusive HMO Network Plan
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is announcing a new HMO network product, offered in collaboration with Advocate Health Care. This exclusive-network HMO is offered both on and off exchange for individuals, families and small group customers. BlueCare...
BCBSIL to Discontinue Large PPO Network on Individual Plans in 2016
The broad and largest Blue PPO Network that was offered for 2014 and 2015 will not be offered for individual plans in 2016. In 2016, BCBSIL will expand the smaller Blue Choice Preferred PPOSM* Network, so that it will be an option in every county across the state....
BCBSIL Files 2016 Rates – What You Need to Know
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) recently filed its 2016 rates with the state. BCBSIL’s rate filings reflect our intention to offer an array of competitively priced products and services to our existing and potential retail customers on and off Get...
IRS Releases 2016 HSA Limits
On May 4, 2015, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Revenue Procedure 2015-30 which details the inflation-adjusted amounts that impact qualified high deductible health plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for the 2016 calendar year, as outlined below:...
ObamaCare Mandate: Exemption and Tax Penalty
The ObamaCare Mandate and How You Can Qualify for an Exemption from the Tax “Penalty” ObamaCare Mandate: Those who choose not to purchase insurance will have to pay a tax “penalty” unless they qualify for an exemption. Exemptions from ObamaCare’s tax “penalty” mandate...
IRS Providing Limited Transitional Relief for Small Employers Currently Reimbursing Employees for Individual Health Insurance Premiums
The IRS on Wednesday released Notice 2015-17 addressing additional questions on employer payment plans and providing limited transitional relief for small employers who are currently reimbursing employees for individual health insurance premiums. The IRS offered...
Illinois approves BCBSIL’s request to increase “Grandfathered” and “Grandmothered” policy premiums
. Grandfathered Plans - individual plans written before 3/23/2010 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois filed a 14.8% rate increase for all plans written before 3/23/2010 (aka "Grandfathered" Plans) that will go into effect as each individual's policy comes up for...