Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Plan Guide 2018

2018 Blue Cross of Illinois Plans

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Looking for 2019? Check out our new guide >>

Existing Members: Don’t panic.

You may have gotten a letter from BCBS telling you your plan has been discontinued. Blue Cross has reduced the number of plans, but their networks remain mostly unchanged, and you’ll still have access to a similiar plan for 2018. We don’t have rates and full plan designs just yet, but BCBS has announced the following plans and networks for next year. Chicago residents should also check out our hospital guide.

Independent health agents are here to walk you through all the 2018 changes, and we’re looking forward to help you with the shortened open enrollment, Nov 1st through Dec 15th.

On and Off Exchange

Apply Directly With Blue Cross

Apply On-Exchange, Calculate Your Subsidy

BlueCare Direct^SM

In Collaboration with Advocate Health Care

Available: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will Counties

1 Silver Plan

Best for: Those who like the Advocate hospitals, including Illinois Masonic on Chicago’s north side, young people looking to save costs, and those who qualify for cost sharing reduction.

• Competitive HMO plan with low out-of-pocket costs
• Call today, be seen today by primary care doctors

Blue Precision HMO

Available: Bloomington, Chicago area and Peoria

Will have: 1 Bronze, 1 Silver, 2 Gold Plans

Best for: People who want access to the best Chicago hospitals, including Northwestern.

• Personalized with a primary care provider (PCP), who coordinates health care
• Flexibility to change PPC (1 per month)
• Only plan in IL that gives you access to Northshore and Northwestern Hospitals

Blue Choice Preferred PPO^SM

Available: Statewide

BCBSIL has simplified their plan options for 2018, designed to:

• Control escalating medical costs
• Lower cost barriers to care for members
• Focus on providing a variety of benefit features to a broad base
• Ensure compliance with new 2018 regulations
• Sustain product offering amid changing legislation

HMO Plans

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) offers three HMO networks in QHP market

• HMOs help keep upfront costs low
• Tax credits and cost-sharing assistance may be available to help lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs
• Managed care on a personalized level with care coordinated by one doctor
• Physician care extenders – allows physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to be PCPs

Perks

Helpful Resources 24/7

• 24/7 Virtual Visits for
• 24/7 Nurseline (English and Spanish)
• Cost Estimator Tool on Blue Access for Members
• “Where You Go Matters” member education campaign on using ERs
• “On The Go” – BCBSIL App
• Easy-to-use BCBSIL App – Find a doctor, see payment options, access electronic ID card and more, just text BCBSILAPP to 33633
• Blue365 member discount program – members save on health club and gym memberships, weight loss programs, dental products and much more