BlueValue Advantage Overview
Our Rating: 
If you don’t want all the bells and whistles, but are looking for a comprehensive coverage plan with a lower cost, the BlueValue Advantage plan may be right for you. This plan keeps your premium low by not including an office visit co-pay. This plan provide coverage for the most frequently used health care services.
Key BlueValue Advantage® plan features include:
- Access to the BCBS of Illinois PPO network, the largest PPO network in Illinois
- Benefits for preventive care services
- 80% coinsurance
- Diagnostic testing
- Hospital services
- An emergency room co-pay benefit. Emergency room visits are covered at 80% after $75 copay and not subject to the annual deductible.
- Prescription drug coverage
- Access to the BlueCard PPO network when traveling out-of-state
- Optional dental coverage
- Unlimited lifetime maximum
BlueValue Advantage has all the benefits of the BlueValue plan with additional cost-sharing features that bring the costs down about 10% more than BlueValue. There are only 2 major differences than the BlueValue plan:
- Only 80% coinsurance is available (BlueValue offers a choice of 100% or 80%)
- The annual individual Out-of-Pocket Maximum is $3,000 (BlueValue has $1,000 OOP Maximum)
Like the BlueValue plan, BlueValue Advantage does NOT include:
- An office visit co-payment benefit. Office visits are subject to the annual deductible and 80% coinsurance.
- Prescription drug co-payments for any plan. Prescriptions are covered, but are subject to the deductible and 80% coinsurance.
BlueValue Advantage® may be right for you if you are an individual or family who:
- Is willing to assume a portion of health care cost in exchange for a lower monthly premium
- Visits doctors primarily for annual check-ups
- Requires occasional prescription medication
Compare the features, options and costs of the BlueValue Advantage® plans to find the one that’s right for you.
Learn more about valuable member services and features you get when you join the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois family.
BlueValue Advantage Costs
Health insurance costs include monthly premium payments, individual/family deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, copayments, and coinsurance. Here is what you can expect with BlueValue Advantage® plans:
- Individual in-network deductibles ranging from $250 to $5,000 – customize your plan by choosing a deductible amount that works best for your situation
- 20% coinsurance on prescriptions drugs after deductible is met
- You pay 20% coinsurance of services in-network, after deductible is met
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum of $3,000 for individuals and $9,000 for families
By using a contracting BCBS PPO hospital, doctor or specialist you are able to save on premiums and the cost of covered services. You do not need to select a primary care physician or obtain a referral to see a specialist.
What’s Included with BlueValue Advantage®
- Coverage for major hospital, medical and surgical expenses incurred as a result of a covered accident or sickness
- Coverage for daily hospital room and board, miscellaneous hospital services, surgical services, anesthesia services, in-hospital medical services, and out-of-hospital care
- Although you can go to the hospital or doctor of your choice, your benefits under a BlueValue Advantage® plan will be higher, and your costs lower, when you use the services of participating PPO or BlueChoice® providers.
- As with all individual Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois plans, the freedom of not having to select a primary care doctor or obtain a referral to see a specialist
Prescription Drug Coverage
For the BlueValue Advantage plans, there is a prescription drug benefit of 80% coinsurance after the deductible is satisfied for all BlueValue Advantage plans.
| Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit | You Pay | BlueValue Advantage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Retail After deductible | ||
| Generic | 20% | 80% |
| Brand formulary & Insulin and Insulin syringes | 20% | 80% |
| Brand non-formulary | 20% | 80% |
Plan Renewals
Your BCBSIL policy can ONLY be terminated for the following reasons:
- Failure to pay
- The plan is discontinued (90 days notice given with an option to convert to any plan we offer)
- Discovery of fraud or an intentional misrepresentation of facts (30 days prior written notice given)
- If you no longer reside, live or work in an area where we are authorized to do business
BlueValue Advantage® Limits
Every insurance plan has limitations. These limits are there to keep health care costs down for everyone. A pre-existing condition is just one example of a plan limitation. For example:
- A pre-existing condition may limit or exclude your participation in a plan.
- There is a waiting period of 365 days for pre-existing conditions, including optional maternity coverage.
- This means your health care expenses related to that specific condition will not be covered by the plan during the specified time.
It’s important to know the limitations of your health plan. For a list of exclusions and limitations, see the benefit summary.
Add-ons and Plan Options
You can customize any BlueValue Advantage plan with add-on coverage and insurance.
Optional Maternity Coverage
- Covers inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Includes coverage for medical and surgical services
- Maternity benefits begin 365 days after the effective date of the maternity coverage
Optional Dental Coverage
- Covers cleanings, check-ups and other preventive procedures immediately – no waiting period
- One of the highest maximum benefit amounts available – up to $1,500 per person per year
- Up to 20 percent discount for orthodontic services at participating providers
- Learn more about optional dental coverage
BlueValue Advantage – Outline of Coverage
| Plan Feature | In-Network | Out-of-Network |
|---|---|---|
| PPO Network | BlueCross and BlueShield of Illinois PPO Network | N/A |
| Lifetime Maximum Benefit | Unlimited | |
| Deductible1 Per individual, per calendar year. (If two or more family members receive covered services as a result of injuries received in the same accident, only one Deductible will apply.) Carryover Deductible | $250 individual / $750 family $500 individual / $1,500 family $1,000 individual / $3,000 family $2,500 individual / $7,500 family $5,000 individual / $15,000 family | |
| Hospital Admission Deductible Per admission, per individual | $0 | $3001 |
| Coinsurance The level of coverage provided by the plan after the calendar year Deductible has been satisfied. | 80% | 50% |
| Out-of-Pocket Expense Limit The amount of money an individual pays toward covered hospital and medical expenses during any one calendar year. | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Family Out-of-Pocket Expense Limit | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Outpatient Physician Medical/Surgical Covered services OTHER THAN surgery, therapy, and certain diagnostic services received in a provider’s office, which are described immediately below | 80% | 50% |
| Surgery, therapy, and certain diagnostic services including MRI, CT scan, pulmonary function studies, cardiac catheterization, EEG, EKG, ECG, and swan ganz catheterization. | 80% | 50% |
| Inpatient Physician Medical/Surgical | 80% | 50% |
| Preventive Care Services Covers services associated with both an annual physical exam and an annual gynecological exam. Includes immunizations and routine diagnostic tests received or ordered on the same day as part of the exam when covered services are received in provider’s office as defined by national guidelines. | 100% | |
| Well-Child Care To age 16. Includes immunizations, physical exams and routine diagnostic tests. (as defined by national guidelines) | 100% | |
| Inpatient/Outpatient Hospital Includes surgery, pre-admission testing and services received in a skilled nursing facility, coordinated home care program and hospice. (For mental health coverage levels please refer to mental health benefits.) | 80% | 50% |
| Inpatient/Outpatient Hospital Diagnostic Testing Includes, but not limited to, X-rays, lab tests, EKGs ECGs, pathology services, preliminary function studies, radioisotope tests, and electromyograms | 80% | 50% |
| Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapist ($3,000 maximum per therapy, per calendar year) | 80%1 | 50%1 |
| Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and Related Disorders ($1,000 lifetime maximum) | 80%1 | 50%1 |
| Optional Maternity Coverage Inpatient/Outpatient Hospital services and Physician Medical/Surgical services. When elected, maternity benefits will begin 365 days after the effective date of the maternity coverage. | 80% | 50% |
| Outpatient Emergency Care (Accident or Illness) For both Hospital and Physician | 80%2 after $75 copay | |
| Additional Surgical Opinion Program Following a recommendation for elective surgery, provides additional consultations and related diagnostic service by a Physician, as needed. | 100%2 | |
| Other Covered Services Ambulance services; durable medical equipment; services of a private duty nursing service ($1,000 per month maximum1); naprapathic services rendered by a Naprapath ($1,000 per calendar year maximum1); artificial limbs and other prosthetic devices; oxygen and its administration; blood plasma; leg, arm and neck braces; surgical dressings; casts and splints | 80% | |
| Mental Illness Treatment and Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Treatment | ||
| Inpatient Care (30 Inpatient Hospital days per calendar year) | ||
| Physician | 80%1 | 50%1 |
| Hospital (first 14 days) | 60%1 | 50%1 |
| Hospital (after 14 days) | 50%1 | 50%1 |
| Outpatient Care (30 visits per calendar year combined annual maximum and 100 visits per lifetime maximum)) | ||
| Physician and Hospital | 50%1 | 50%1 |
| Medical Services Advisory (MSA1) In order to maximize your benefits, the Policyholder is responsible for notifying the MSA for Hospital admissions at Non-Participating and Non-Plan Hospitals. (MSA notification by the Policyholder is NOT required when services are rendered in a Participating Hospital.) MSA notification is required within three business days for non-emergencies and within one business day for emergencies and maternity admissions. Failure to contact the MSA will result in a reduction of Hospital benefits of $1,000.1 Mental Health Unit | ||
| Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit | You Pay | BlueValue Advantage Pays |
| Retail After deductible | ||
| Generic | 20% | 80% |
| Brand formulary & Insulin and Insulin syringes | 20% | 80% |
| Brand non-formulary | 20% | 80% |
Benefits for covered services are provided at either the Eligible Charge or the Maximum Allowance. Consult the Policy for definitions and your financial responsibility.
1 Does not apply to out-of-pocket expense limit.
2 Deductible does not apply.
IF USING A NON-PLAN PROVIDER…
A $300 per Hospital admission Deductible will apply.* If using a Non-Plan Provider, benefit are reduced to 50%. However, with the exception of alcoholism, no benefits are available for Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Treatment. Also, Outpatient Hospital and Physician emergency care, and additional surgical opinions are paid at 100%, regardless of the coverage level or Provider selected.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS LIMITATION
Pre-existing Conditions are those health conditions which were diagnosed or treated by a Provider during the 12 months prior to the coverage effective date, or for which symptoms existed which would cause an ordinarily prudent person to seek diagnosis or treatment. Any Pre-existing Condition will be subject to a waiting period of 365 days.
PREMIUMS
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois may change premium rates only if they do so on a class basis for all DB-43 HCSC policies. Premiums can be changed based on age, sex, and rating area.
GUARANTEED RENEWABILITY
Coverage under this Policy will be terminated for non-payment of premium. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois can refuse to renew this Policy only for the following reasons:
A. If all Policies bearing form number DB-43 HCSC are not renewed, written notice will be provided at least 90 days before coverage is discontinued. Furthermore, you may convert to any other individual policy Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois offer to the individual market.
B. In the event of fraud or an intentional misrepresentation of material fact under the terms of the coverage, written notice will be given at least 30 days before coverage is discontinued.
Hospitalization, Services, and supplies which are not Medically Necessary; Services or supplies that are not specifically mentioned in this Policy; Services or supplies for any illness or injury arising out of or in the course of employment for which benefits are available under any Workers’ Compensation Law or other similar laws whether or not you make a claim for such compensation or receive such benefits except where not required by law; Services or supplies that are furnished to you by the local, state, or federal government; Services and supplies for any illness or injury occurring on or after your Coverage Date as a result of war or an act of war; Services or supplies that do not meet accepted standards of medical or dental practice; Investigational Services and Supplies, including all related services and supplies; Custodial Care Service; Routine physical examinations, unless specifically stated in this Policy; Services or supplies received during an Inpatient stay when the stay is primarily related to behavioral, social maladjustment, lack of discipline, or other antisocial actions which are not specifically the result of Mental Illness; Cosmetic Surgery and related services and supplies, except for the correction of congenital deformities or for conditions resulting from accidental injuries, scars, tumors, or diseases; Services or supplies for which you are not required to make payment or would have no legal obligation to pay if you did not have this or similar coverage; Charges for failure to keep a scheduled visit or charges for completion of a Claim form; Personal hygiene, comfort, or convenience items commonly used for other than medical purposes, such as air conditioners, humidifiers, physical fitness equipment, televisions, and telephones; Special braces, splints, specialized equipment, appliances, ambulatory apparatus, battery controlled implants, except as specifically mentioned in this Policy; Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or cataract lenses and the examinations for prescribing or fitting of glasses or contact lenses or for determining the refractive state of the eye, except as specifically mentioned in this Policy; Treatment of flat foot conditions and the prescription of supportive devices for such conditions and the treatment of subluxations of the foot or routine foot care; Immunizations, unless otherwise stated in this Policy; Maintenance Occupational Therapy, Maintenance Physical Therapy, and Maintenance Speech Therapy; Speech Therapy when rendered for the treatment of psychosocial speech delay, behavioral problems (including impulsive behavior and impulsivity syndrome), attention disorder, conceptual handicap, or mental retardation; Hearing aids or examinations for the prescription or fitting of hearing aids; Diagnostic Service as part of routine physical examinations or check-ups, premarital examinations, determination of the refractive errors of the eyes, auditory problems, surveys, case finding, research studies, screening, or similar procedures and studies, or tests which are Investigational, unless otherwise specified in this Policy; Procurement or use of prosthetic devices, special appliances, and surgical implants which are for cosmetic purposes, or unrelated to the treatment of a disease or injury; Services and supplies provided for the diagnosis and/or treatment of infertility including, but not limited to, Hospital services, Medical Care ,therapeutic injection, fertility and other drugs, Surgery, artificial insemination, and all forms of in-vitro fertilization; Maternity Service, including related services and supplies, unless selected as an option (Complications of Pregnancy are covered as any other illness); Long Term Care; Inpatient Private Duty Nursing Service; Maintenance Care; Wigs (also referred to as cranial prothesis); and services and supplies rendered or provided for human organ or tissue transplants other than those specifically named in this policy.
READ YOUR POLICY CAREFULLY — This outline of coverage provides a brief description of the important features of the Policy. This is not the insurance contract, and only the actual Policy provisions will control. The Policy itself sets forth in detail the rights and obligations of both you and your insurance company. It is, therefore, important that you READ YOUR POLICY CAREFULLY!
BlueValue® Comparison Chart
| Benefit Highlight | BlueValueSM | BlueValue AdvantageSM | BlueChoiceSM Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participating providers | PPO Network 90% of IL doctors; over 200 IL hospitals | BlueChoice Network1 | |
| Individual Deductible | |||
| $250 | √ | √ | |
| $500 | √ | √ | |
| $1,000 | √ | √ | |
| $1,750 | √ | ||
| $2,500 | √ | √ | |
| $5,000 | √ | √ | |
| Individual Out-of-Pocket Expense Limit | $1,000 | $3,000 | |
| Preventive Care Services | You pay 0% | You pay 0% | |
| Coinsurance | You pay 0% or 20% | You pay 20% | |
| Optional Maternity Coverage Coinsurance | You pay 0% or 20% | You pay 20% | |
| Prescription Drugs | You pay 20% | ||
Outline of Coverage  | Outline of Coverage | Outline of Coverage | |
1. The BlueChoice network allows you to save on premiums and the cost of covered services when you use a contracting BlueChoice hospital, doctor or specialist. You do not need to select a primary care physician or obtain a referral to see a specialist.