BlueCare Direct with Advocate is an HMO network built around Advocate Health Care, the largest health system in Illinois. Your care is coordinated by a primary care physician (PCP), and referrals are required to see a specialist. Below are the Advocate hospitals in the BlueCare Direct service area: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties.
Hospitals by County
Cook County
| Hospital | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advocate Christ Medical Center | Oak Lawn | Level I trauma center; major tertiary referral hospital |
| Advocate Children’s Hospital, Oak Lawn campus | Oak Lawn | Pediatric campus |
| Advocate Children’s Hospital, Park Ridge campus | Park Ridge | Pediatric campus |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center | Chicago | North Side; Lakeview neighborhood |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital | Park Ridge | Level I trauma center; northwest suburbs |
| Advocate South Suburban Hospital | Hazel Crest | South suburbs |
| Advocate Trinity Hospital | Chicago | South Side; Calumet Heights neighborhood |
DuPage County
| Hospital | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital | Downers Grove | Western suburbs |
Lake County
| Hospital | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advocate Condell Medical Center | Libertyville | Level I trauma center |
| Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital | Barrington | Northwest suburbs |
Kane County
| Hospital | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advocate Sherman Hospital | Elgin | Far northwest suburbs / Fox Valley |
Will County
BlueCare Direct serves Will County through Advocate physician offices, immediate care and outpatient sites rather than an Advocate-owned hospital. Will County members are typically directed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn or Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove for inpatient care. Use the Provider Finder above to confirm the hospital tied to your PCP’s medical group.
What Else Is in the Network
Beyond the hospitals above, BlueCare Direct gives you access to Advocate’s network of primary care and specialty physicians and hundreds of sites of care across the Chicago metro area, including immediate care centers, outpatient surgery centers and imaging locations. Some independent physician groups also participate in the BlueCare Direct network. Because participation varies by medical group, verify individual providers in the Provider Finder.
How BlueCare Direct Works
- You choose a PCP. Your primary care physician coordinates your care and issues referrals.
- Referrals are required to see a specialist. Care received without a referral is generally not covered.
- In-network only. Like most HMOs, there is no out-of-network benefit except for true emergencies.
- Emergencies are covered anywhere. Go to the nearest emergency room. You do not need a referral for emergency care.
- Lower premiums. The narrower network is why BlueCare Direct typically prices below the broader BCBSIL PPO plans.
Compare BlueCare Direct Plans
SilverBalanced premium and deductible. The only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions.
BronzeLowest premium, highest deductible. Best if you mainly want catastrophic protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my doctor in the BlueCare Direct network?
Check the BlueCare Direct Provider Finder and search by your doctor’s name. Make sure the network selected is BlueCare Direct. A doctor can be in the BCBSIL PPO network and still be out of network for BlueCare Direct. If you would rather have us check for you, call 312.726.6565.
Can I use a non-Advocate hospital?
Only for emergency care, or if BCBSIL authorizes it in advance because a service is not available in network. Routine care at a non-participating hospital will not be covered.
What if I live outside Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake or Will County?
BlueCare Direct is sold only in its defined service area. If you live outside it, look at BCBSIL’s Blue Choice Preferred PPO, Blue Precision HMO or MyBlue Plus POS plans instead. We can help you sort out which networks are available at your address.
Does BlueCare Direct cover care while I am traveling?
Emergency and urgent care are covered while you travel. Routine and follow-up care is not covered. You would need to return to a network provider.
Can I change my PCP after I enroll?
Yes. You can change your primary care physician through BCBSIL at any time; the change usually takes effect the first of the following month.
Ready to Enroll or Have Questions?
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Hospital list compiled from Advocate Health Care’s published Illinois hospital locations and the BCBSIL BlueCare Direct Provider Finder. Network participation is subject to change at any time. This page is for general information and is not a contract. Refer to your BCBSIL policy documents for the governing terms.
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