BCBSIL and Medequote

Medequote is a premier BCBSIL agent that provides excellent customer service to those searching for a BCBSIL health insurance plan.

BCBSIL is one of the pnly companies in Illinois offering maternity coverage for individuals.

For more questions give us visit us at www.medequote.com

BCBSIL Health Plans

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Illinois' largest health insurer, now provides an extensive menu of health insurance plans for individuals, families and self-employed persons.Rate GuaranteeInitial rates are guaranteed for 12 months -- subject to change due to moving to a different geographic rating area, or due to attained age (entering a new 5-year age bracket, such as going from the 35-39 age bracket to the 40-44 age bracket).

SelectBlue PPO Plan

Exceptional Coverage

SelectBlue provides the most extensive benefits of any "individual" health insurance plan offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. SelectBlue highlights include:
Illinois's largest PPO network
$20 office visit co-pay benefit
Prescription drug co-pay card benefit available with lower deductible options.
Preventive care benefits for adults and children
$5,000,000 lifetime maximum benefit
Choice of either 80% or 100% coverage for services provided by PPO physicians and hospitals
Optional maternity benefits

BlueValue PPO Plan - More Affordable Coverage

BlueValue provides the same kind of comprehensive coverage provided by the SelectBlue – WITH THREE DIFFERENCES:
Does not include the $20 office visit co-pay benefit. Office visits are covered subject to the annual deductible. Does not include a prescription drug card co-pay benefit. Prescription drugs are covered subject to the annual deductible. Does not include adult wellness benefits.

SelectBlue Advantage and BlueValue Advantage

The "Advantage" plans are modified versions of the SelectBlue and BlueValue plans described above. They provide access to the same huge Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO network, but offer less generous benefits. This "Advantage" plans are priced about 10% below SelectBlue and BlueValue.

BlueChoice Select and BlueChoice Value

These plans offer benefits similar to the "Advantage" plans, but are coupled with the "BlueChoice" network, a smaller version of the the "regular" Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO network. If you can accept some reduced hospital and physician choice, you can get additional premium savings from BlueChoice Select and BlueChoice Value products.

HSA-Compatible High Deductible Health Plans

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois now offers multiple Health Savings Account (HSA)-compatible plans with various deductible options. All these HSA-compatible plans provide outstanding national PPO provider choice and the financial advantage of deep discounts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois has negotiated with its PPO network hospitals and physicians.Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois can also initiate the process of opening an HSA with Mellon Financial. If you want to take advantage of this convenience, you simply indicate your intention when completing the HSA-compatible plan application form.

BasicBlue

Basic Coverage at Lowest PriceBasicBlue provides quality coverage for hospitalization, surgery, testing and emergency medical services, but does not cover most outpatient services, including doctor office visits and prescriptions. BasicBlue is a good choice for those seeking the lowest cost, but needing coverage for health services most likely to involve catastrophic expense.

Mystery still exists in billing codes

House leaders on Wednesday removed a provision that would have required hospitals to make public some price information from a health care information technology bill (HR 4157), CQ Today reports (Crowley, CQ Today, 7/26). The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) and Nathan Deal (R-Ga.), would codify the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology within HHS and would establish a committee to make recommendations on national standards for medical data storage and develop a permanent structure to govern national interoperability standards. The bill also would clarify that current medical privacy laws apply to data stored or transmitted electronically and would require the HHS secretary to recommend to Congress a privacy standard to reconcile differences in federal and state laws. Under the bill, the number of billing codes health care providers use to file insurance claims would increase from 24,000 to more than 200,000 by Oct. 1, 2009 (American Health Line, 6/8).

In addition, the legislation would provide grants of about $30 million for the implementation of electronic health record systems. According to CQ Today, the "price transparency" provision, supported by conservative lawmakers as part of an effort to "make the health care marketplace more amenable" to health savings accounts, "angered the hospital industry, which lobbied lawmakers to take it out of the bill." Some lawmakers also criticized the provision because the measure did not appear in versions of the bill passed in June by the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees. The removal of the provision "is likely to help smooth passage of the bill ... when it comes to the floor Thursday," CQ Today reports (CQ Today, 7/26). One House leader on Wednesday said that the legislation likely will pass (O'Connor et al., The Hill, 7/27).

To help control rising health care costs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has contracted with American Imaging Management (AIM) to implement a statewide utilization management and quality improvement program of high-tech outpatient diagnostic imaging services. Beginning April 3, a Radiology Quality Initiative (RQI) program will be implemented for elective, outpatient, high-tech imaging services - MRI, PET, CT, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) Scans and Nuclear Cardiology - for all members, except HMO, residing in Illinois and Lake County, Indiana.

The RQI program promotes appropriate ordering of outpatient diagnostic imaging services based upon the member's diagnosis, while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.
What does this mean?Effective for dates of service on or after April 15, 2006, all non-emergency imaging services listed above, when performed in a physician's office, outpatient department of a hospital or a freestanding imaging facility will require an RQI number.
How RQI WorksPhysicians ordering an imaging exam for the elective high-tech services must contact AIM prior to scheduling. The recommended service is evaluated to determine the appropriateness according to diagnosis. AIM will also direct the ordering physician to a contracting network provider as needed.

AIM will provide a consultative service to physicians, helping them select the most appropriate radiological service for their patients. Although physicians' orders will go through AIM's clinical review process, no denials will be given and no medical necessity decision will be rendered. The RQI process will be transparent to members.

Contact AIMOrdering physicians can obtain and imaging service providers can confirm a patient's RQI number either online; www.americanimaging.net or by calling AIM's RQI Department toll-free at 1-866-455-8415 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CST).

Note: issuance of an RQI number is not a guarantee of payment. The claim will be processed in accordance with the terms of the subscriber's health benefit plan.
Physician Training AIM and BCBSIL are currently providing extensive training for physicians on the RQI processes, along with a guidebook including program instructions and contact information. Additionally, training schedules for the RQI Program are currently available on our web site at www.bcbsil.com.

For more information about BCBSIL health plans please visit www.medequote.com

Blue Care Connection Program

Blue Care Connection provides personalized attention, support, online resources and health advocacy to help you find the right resources, optimize your health care benefits and manage medical conditions.

Utilization and Case Management – These programs are supported by health care professionals, including doctors and nurses who can help you understand your benefits and identify health care resources.

Mental Health and Chemical Dependency – Behavioral health professionals help you find doctors for mental health and chemical dependency management and certify inpatient or partial hospitalization.

Care Advisor – A registered nurse can assist you with questions about chronic conditions and coordinate care, providing you with a single point of contact.

Personal Health Resources – Numerous online tools help you manage your overall health care. You can create a personal health record to keep track of personal health information. You have access to online health content to research health topics.

Healthy Expectations™ – This program helps pregnant members and their babies get off to a healthy start by providing educational materials and support including pregnancy risk assessment and monitoring.

For more information visit www.medequote.com

Blue Edge HSA from BCBSIL

BlueEdge plans are easy to understand and use. With BlueEdge, you’ll enjoy seamless claims integration and decision-making tools that help you manage your health care benefit needs as well as your budget. BCBSIL provides integrated consumer-centered services that help you understand your health care choices.

BlueEdge plans include coverage for adult and child Preventive Care and Wellness visits that help you stay healthy.

Spending Account funds can be used to pay for health care expenses. Eligible expenses will count toward your deductible.

Online Resources include innovative, easy-to-use online tools to help you manage your health care and your health care spending. These useful tools will help you budget health care expenses, keep track of your Spending Account, review costs for common health services, research and compare hospitals in your area, find a network doctor and learn more about making wise decisions to stay healthy and fit.

Many of our BlueEdge plans include PPO benefits. When you receive care from doctors in your network, benefits are paid at the highest level and you have fewer out-of-pocket costs.

For more information on Blue Edge HSA's from BCBSIL, or any other Illinois HSA product please give us a call at 800-391-7469, or visit our website at www.medequote.com

BCBSIL introduces new discount hearing aid program

All members of a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois group health plan now have access to a discount program which allows them to purchase digital hearing aids at a substantially reduced price. This program is available through an arrangement with TruHearing*, a company with a national network of more than 1,200 hearing care professionals. This discount program is available to members and their covered dependents, as well as parents and grandparents.

Features of the TruHearing program include:

Free hearing screening when performed for the purpose of fitting a hearing instrument
Selection of hearing aid styles at different price levels
45-day money back guarantee
2-year warranty

To learn more about the TruHearing program, find a location or schedule a hearing test, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois members can call (866) 687-2020 toll free.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health plans are available at www.medequote.com

*The relationship between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and TruHearing is that of independent contractors.

BCBSIL offering more web insurance management tools

Companies that are best at controlling healthcare costs are more likely than their poorer performing counterparts to offer multifaceted Internet tools that help employees model healthcare options, a study by Watson Wyatt and the National Business Group on Health has found.A majority (58%) of the 585 companies surveyed provide Internet resources that allow employees to compare healthcare insurance options side by side, but companies that are best at controlling costs offer additional Web tools. They are 38% more likely to provide quality comparison tools and 36% more likely to provide tools to model the tax impact of healthcare decisions, such as signing up for a flexible spending account. In addition, while only a small number of companies offer Internet resources for provider pricing, those best at controlling costs are 108% more likely to do so."The Web can be a great help in effectively delivering healthcare information to employees and is especially important for companies making significant plan design changes," said John Berkowitz, of www.medequote.com. "Companies adopting a consumerism approach to healthcare are finding that employees need more than financial incentives to become better healthcare consumers - they need information as well. Tools that allow employees to consider many facets of their healthcare can make a significant difference in the healthcare options employees choose."Although many companies are providing Web resources that help employees model their healthcare options, most are not yet offering the information on provider quality and pricing that employees need to make more cost-effective choices."Providing information on the cost-effectiveness of providers is key to directing employees to lower-cost, higher-quality healthcare," Berkowitz said. "Employers can harness the Internet to help provide this data and encourage employees to use healthcare providers with the best treatment outcomes." Companies like BCBSIL - Blue Cross Blue Shiled of Illinois who are making strides to bringing these tools to the internet should be congratulated.

www.medequote.com

BCBSIL unveils an electronic application

The states largest health provider recently unveiled an electronic application process which speeds up underwriting tremendously. Until recently the application process at BCBSIL was very cumbesome and time consuming. We had to tell our clients that wanted the product that it would take up to six weeks to be accepted. For most that was unacceptable.
With the new electronic application we are able to turn around applications within a week without using the old paper method. That saves a lot of time and is great for the consumer.
BCBSIL also continues to be almost the only, and best option for couples seeking maternity coverage from an individual/family policy. The rates are reasonable, approximately $100-$150 more per month depending on where you live. Assurant also offers maternity but it can be quite expensive. When shopping maternity please understand that it is not included in your policy unless offered as a rider. Please be aware that most companies do not offer full maternity, beware of partial maternity riders from association companies that are almost worthless. Another thing to be aware of is waiting periods for conception. There is no such thing as immediate maternity coverage for individuals. True groups however have no waiting period.

www.medequote.com

BCBSIL Emergency Room Benefit

One of the outstanding features of most BCBSIL health insurance plans is the superior emergency room benefit that is offered. All ER services are paid at 100% with no deductible, or copay which makes it an ideal addition to any family plan.

Most plans don't offer such comprehensive coverage for ER benefits, most apply the visit toward your yearly deductible. Some competitors offer an accident only ER rider where you can have additional coverage of up to $1000 for an ER visit but that does not compare with the benefit provided by BCBSIL.

Health plans are like shoes, one size, or style doesn't fit all, but at www.medequote.com you can pick from up six or seven different companies, and every possible plan design available. We proudly feature health plans from BCBSIL, UniCare, Assurant, Celtic, World and Humana. We want to make sure you have choice, plus the ability to easily compare all the health plans in your area. What is considered great in Chicago may not be the best fit in Peoria, Rockford...etc... .

BCBSIL / BCBSTX Merger information

Several years ago, Illinois BCBS (BCBSIL) and Texas BCBS (BCBSTX) submitted proposals to merge. BCBSIL is a mutual insurance company that can become for-profit by a vote of a majority of its board, while BCBSTX was a nonprofit health services corporation. The Texas Attorney General filed a lawsuit to block the proposed merger in 1996, arguing that the proposed merger violated Texas law because the Illinois company did not meet the Texas definition of a “nonprofit.” In 1998, the trial court issued a letter opinion against the Attorney General and in favor of the merger. The court held, contrary to much of the evidence before it, that BCBSTX is not a charitable corporation and that BCBSIL meets the Texas definition of a nonprofit corporation.

In 1998, BCBSIL pleaded guilty to Medicare fraud charges for the years 1985 through 1994 and agreed to pay $144 million in fines to the federal government, the largest penalty assessed against a Medicare claims processor for fraud. As a result of its fraudulent activities, BCBSIL received $1.29 million in undeserved bonuses.

Also in 1998, the Texas Attorney General agreed not to appeal the issue of whether BCBSIL met the Texas definition of a nonprofit corporation and allowed the merger to move forward. In exchange, BCBSIL agreed to pay $10 million over five years to Texas Healthy Kids Corporation (for subsidies to low-income families buying insurance for their children). The merger was approved by the Insurance Departments of both Texas and Illinois in late 1998 and has now been consummated.

The Texas Attorney General appealed the trial court ruling that BCBSTX was not a charitable organization. In 2003, the Court of Appeals for the Third Judicial District upheld the trial court’s ruling. Weeks later, the Attorney General discovered and shared with the Court of Appeals a written history, which was authorized, underwritten, and published by BCBSTX, entitled Lone Star Legacy: The Birth of Group Hospitalization and the Story of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (1999). In it, the author stated that BCBSTX had, in fact, solicited and received charitable donations over the years. Because of the new evidence, the Attorney General asked the Court of Appeals to reconsider its affirmation of the trial court’s ruling, which the Court refused to do. In early 2004, the Attorney General filed a petition for review of this matter with the Supreme Court of Texas. The Court rejected the Attorney General’s petition. In 2005, the Attorney General filed a Bill of Review with the Court asking it to reconsider.

Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the Illinois company that operates BCBSTX and BCBSIL, acquired Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico in May 2001. Also in 2001, HCSC filed an application with regulators in six states to “affiliate” with Blues plans in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah. However, one week before public hearings were to begin on this proposal, HCSC announced it was withdrawing its application.

In 2005, HCSC proposed to merge with the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan in Oklahoma/

Information on health plans from BCBSIL, and BCBSTX can be found at www.medequote.net

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Medicare Supplements

At Medequote we fell that BCBSIL-Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois have the best and most reliable package of senior health care programs in Illinois. The reputation of BCBSIl in this area speaks for itself. In fact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has been providing outstanding health benefits to Illinois residents for over 65 years. Today, more than 300,000 members, age 65 and over, all across the state depend on BCBSIL for solid benefits, savings and a commitment to service.

Medicare is a federal program to help older Americans and some disabled Americans pay for the high cost of health care. However, Medicare was never intended to cover all your health care costs. So even if you’re covered by Medicare, you are still responsible for a large portion of your health care costs.

Medicare does not cover all health care costs. Medicare coverage consists of Part A (which covers hospital and skilled nursing facility care), and Part B (which covers doctor bills and other medical expenses).

Even with Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, you’re responsible for some out-of-pocket expenses including:

• Part A hospital deductible ($952)
• Copayments for hospital stays over 60 days
• Care in a skilled nursing facility after 20 days
• Part B deductible ($124)
• Twenty percent coinsurance for doctor bills and other medical expenses

Without Medicare Supplement insurance, your out-of-pocket costs could add up to more than $46,100 this year alone!

Private insurers offer Medicare Supplement insurance to fill in the gaps for hospital and medical expenses Medicare does not pay. By law, Medicare Supplement insurance is standardized into twelve plans (Plans A through L). That means Plan F from one company must include the same benefits as plan F from another company.

While the benefits must be the same, each company’s rates, reputation, membership features and quality of service can vary.

For more information concerning BCBSIL- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Medicare supplement plans visit www.medequote.com

BCBSIL Select Blue Plans

Select Blue is the cadillac of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois - BCBSIL health plans it provides
exceptional coverage. Select Blue provides the most extensive benefits of any "individual" health insurance plan offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

The plans are really the only game in town for deductibles under $1000 which is an area most health insurance carriers shy away from. Once you have a $1000 or higher deductible the drug plan significantly diminishes, still the plan is solid and competitive. Compare it to the UniCare Fit plans when you are comparison shopping.

SelectBlue highlights include:

Illinois's largest PPO network
$20 office visit co-pay benefit
Prescription drug co-pay card benefit available with lower deductible options.
Preventive care benefits for adults and children
$5,000,000 lifetime maximum benefit
Choice of either 80% or 100% coverage for services provided by PPO physicians and hospitals
Optional maternity benefits

BCBSIL is the place you want to go for "individual" maternity. One of the few carriers who still carry the option, they have the most competive price while offering the best benefits for maternity in Illinois.

The emergency room benefit is another benefit that sets BCBSIL from most of the competition, no copay, and no deductible, you have to like that.

BCBSIL plans are available at www.medequote.com

BCBSIL HSA Fact's and Advantages

Freedom of Choice—Without ReferralsBlueEdge Individual HSA and BlueEdge Individual HSA 5000 provide access to one of the largest networks of doctors and hospitals in Illinois. In fact, with 90 percent of Illinois doctors included—and more than 200 hospitals—it’s likely that your clients’ current health care providers participate.

Coverage Away From HomeYour clients will have access to a program called BlueCard PPO. This is a nationwide network of doctors and hospitals that allows them to receive benefits for covered services when they travel. They simply present their BCBSIL ID card to a participating BlueCard PPO provider wherever they are.

Guaranteed RenewabilityIndividual and family coverage are guaranteed renewable. This means that as long as your clients’ premiums are paid on time, their coverage can be non-renewed only for the following reasons: (1) fraud or an intentional material misrepresentation, or (2) all policies bearing your policy’s form number are non-renewed.

Members First®’Discount ProgramMembers First®’ can save your clients hundred of dollars a year on products and services they use every day. They’ll save on dental, vision, hearing and chiropractic care services. They’ll even receive discounts on vitamins and nutritional supplements through mail order. Because this isn’t insurance, there are no deductibles, no dollar maximum limits and no claim forms to fill out. Using this program costs your clients nothing extra. It’s just our way of saying “thank you” for being a member.

The Dental Program saves members as much as 50 percent on routine and preventive dental services when they go to one of the many participating providers throughout the entire U.S.—more than 15,000 nationwide. They’ll even receive their discount at the time of service.

The Vision Program guarantees savings of as much as 50 percent on eyeglasses and contact lenses at more than 9,000 eye care professionals nationwide, including major retailers such as LensCrafters, Sears, JCPenney and Pearle Vision.

The Hearing Program provides savings on hearing aids and a variety of other products and services from the largest network of audiologists. Members receive a discount of as much as 20 percent on conventional hearing aids.

The Chiropractic Program emphasizes wellness and preventive health care at special rates from participating providers. The initial exam is just $35, and there’s no limit on the number of visits. Go to the chiropractor as often as you need for immediate savings of as much as 40 percent off chiropractic care.

The Vitamin Program offers a variety of vitamins and nutritional supplements at savings of 25–50 percent off already low catalog prices.

Stop by www.medequote.com to get more information on BCBSIL health plans.

BCBSIL and Medicare modernization

The most dramatic and innovative change to the Medicare program since its birth in 1965 can be found in the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). It includes new prescription drug benefits (Part D), new and improved preventive benefits, and Medicare advantage. Highlights of the new program are flexible eligibility, greater choices, open enrollment, enhanced benefits, and help for those with limited income and resources. MMA is available for all people with Medicare Parts A and/or B and may be provided through prescription drug plans (PDPs), Medicare Advantage Plans (MA-PDs), and some employers and unions to their retirees.

For more information on BCBSIL MediCare Supplement programs stop by www.medequote.com we feel BCBSIL is the premier provider of Senior health insurance products in Illinois.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, BCBSIL has a wide variety of Illinois health insurance plans.

The BCBS Select Blue health insurance plans are very benefit rich, especially in deductibles of under $1000.

Select Blue Advantage is the same thing with higher copays.

Select Blue Choice is an option that has a more limited choice of providers which works best in well populated areas such as Chicago.

Traditonal Blue is the BCBSIL Indemnity or traditional plan. No networks, use any provider you choose.

Basic Blue is your basic low cost coverage for when you are on a tight budget but want a Blue Cross of Illinois Health Plan.

The HSA qualified plans are a new addtion to the BCBSIL lineup.

Select Blue Plan - Select Blue is comprehensive health insurance and includes doctor office visit co-pays ($20), an Rx prescription drug card (for deductibles $0-$500), and adult & child wellness. 100% and 80% coverage levels are available.

Other Select Blue Plans:

Select Blue Advantage - the same as the Select Blue plan except with slightly higher co-payments but with lower premiums.

Select Blue Choice - the same as the Blue Value Advantage plan except with a more limited choice of network hospitals and with lower premiums.

Traditional Blue - Traditional Blue is comprehensive health insurance, similar to Blue Value.Note: Traditional Blue is recommended for those persons living in Illinois, but use doctors in adjoining states (e.g. Indiana, Wisconsin), where the hospitals take Blue Cross of Illinois, but the doctors may not. With Traditional Blue you can use any doctor.

Basic Blue - Basic Blue is a low cost hospital, surgical plan with emergency room and accident coverage. Doctor visits, Rx drugs, and wellness benefits are not covered and there are very limited outpatient benefits.

High-Deductible HSA - Compatible PlanThe HSA Plan is a tax advantaged high deductible plan designed for individuals and families. The HSA has two components: (1) A qualified high deductible health insurance policy. (2) A medical savings account with tax advantages; the savings account can be used to pay for most medical expenses on a tax-free basis. Medical coverage is paid at 80% or 100% after your deductible.

For information on BCBSIL health plans please visit www.medequote.com, or www.medequote.net

BCBSIL Blog

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurance company in Illinois. This blog is devoted to discussing, and answering questions about BCBSIL health insurance programs. We are licensed BCBSIL agent so we understand how the product works and how it compares to other health plans in the marketplace. Each day we will be bringing up a different BCBSIL product and explaining the benefits of the program. We will also pass along any press release that come out. Feel free to join a topic and ask a question. BCBSIL health plans are available at www.medequote.com, and www.medequote.net.

If you are a Illinois resident shopping for health insurance this is a great spot to stop by and get information, get questions answered, and of course apply for a health plan.