Illinois Health Agents
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has added one of the largest online social media tools, Twitter, to its online presence. Like instant messaging to the masses, Twitter allows us to see what is being said about BCBSIL, send replies to anyone commenting on us, and broadcast information about programs, successes and opinions […]
Fertility Center of Illinois (FCI) is terminating its contract with WIN Fertility, a subsidiary of WIN Healthcare, effective February 28, 2009. WIN is working on a transition plan with FCI and will notify Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) HMO members who are affected by this network change. Letters that include information on […]
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois announced improved pricing with PrimeMail, their contracting mail service pharmacy. Pending regulatory approval, they begin implementing this pricing for non-HMO business in February 2009. The new pricing will use the same maximum allowable cost (MAC) reimbursement methodology for generic drugs that is used for the retail pharmacy network, thus […]
The following provider types have been added to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO network for individual policies: Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Home Infusion Therapy (HIT), Advanced Practice Nurses (APN), Orthotics, Prosthetics and Optometrists. Members with individual policies associated with physician networks were mailed notices about the addition of these new providers in […]
Effective January 2009, a redesigned Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois ID card will be issued to Individual Markets members. The redesigned card is the result of new Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association guidelines to standardize ID cards among Blues plans. The new format includes key variables that will make it easier to […]
Already struggling in a tough economy, many small employers are about to face another big hit: markedly higher increases in health-insurance premiums as they head into 2009. For many of these companies, the steeper increases couldn’t come at a worse time, when the economy is weakening and credit is harder to come by. “We can’t […]
Effective January 1, 2009, Prime Therapeutics will become the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) pharmacy mail-order vendor for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois plans, replacing Walgreens. Existing members who use the mail order program are being notified via letter of the change and efforts are underway to make the transition as seamless as possible. […]
To capitalize on heightened consumer interest in higher deductible plans, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is introducing a new deductible option to the BlueEdge Individual HSA (health savings account) plan. Along with the current deductible offerings of $1150, $1750, $2600 and $5000, a new deductible option of $3500 is being added beginning January […]
Effective January 1, 2009, NorthShore University HealthSystem (formerly ENH), has acquired Rush North Shore Hospital in Skokie, Illinois. Rush North Shore Hospital, which will be renamed Skokie Hospital, will remain a participating hospital in our PPO, BlueChoice Select and HMO networks. The Rush North Shore Hospital listing in the Provider Finder® section of the BCBSIL […]
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 […]
