Recent Articles
Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL Expanding BlueEdge HSA Deductible Options
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,...
New PPO Network Providers for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Individual Plans
Individual members with policies associated with physician networks were issued riders as part of the November 2008 annual member mailing notifying them of the inclusion of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Home Infusion Therapy (HIT), Advanced Practice Nurses (APN),...
NorthShore University Health System Acquires Rush North Shore Hospital
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...
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Daschle has his own health plan
By choosing former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to head his healthcare reform effort, President-elect Barack Obama got more than an old congressional hand with a policy book on his resume. Obama has also picked up a hardheaded political strategy for his push to...
New Debit Card Regulation Deadline Extended for Flexible Spending Accounts
On January 1, 2008, the IRS introduced new regulations for debit cards specifically used to reimburse eligible healthcare expenses for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). The Internal Revenue Service mandated that Flexible Spending Account (FSA) debit cards may not be...
Most Voters Say Leave My Health Insurance Alone
Health care reform is near the top of the list for incoming President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats, but a majority of U.S. voters (58%) oppose any kind of government-controlled health plan if it means they have to change their own insurance coverage....
Increasing Unemployment Contributing To Rising Ranks Of Uninsured
The rising rate of unemployment has contributed to an increase in the number of uninsured people because workers who lose their jobs often lose their health benefits, the New York Times reports. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 10.3 million U.S....
Humana commercial and Medicare PPO members now have access to Sisters of St. Francis Health Services
Effective November 1, 2008, members of Humana's commercial and Medicare PPO (CHC and CPOS) plans will have access to Sisters of St. Francis Health Services facilities in the northwest Indiana area (Chicago market) for all covered inpatient and outpatient services....
MetLife introduces Graduating Dental Benefits for group plans
Graduating Dental Benefits from MetLife encourages participants to maintain their dental coverage from their employer plan and provides enhanced coverage to help ALL participants achieve and/or maintain good oral health. Participants, including dependents, are...
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois replacing BlueExtras with Members First discount program
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...