Recent Articles
Blagojevich alters insurance bill to cover autism therapy
By Monique Garcia | Chicago Tribune reporter
When Brianna Dicianni was diagnosed with autism two years ago, doctors said the girl would never learn to speak.
Undeterred, her family sought therapy, only to run into another roadblock: Because their insurance company didn’t cover treatment for autism, they would have to pay for the costly sessions out of pocket.
Brianna’s parents borrowed against their home, dipped into college savings for their three children and—$80,000
Democrats Gear Up New Push for Universal Health Care
A coalition of liberal groups that includes major labor unions such as the Service Employees International Union and the activist group MoveOn.org announced today it will spend $40 million to make health insurance a major issue in the campaign, with Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, as the one of the group’s main spokespersons. The group, which has dubbed itself “Health Care for America Now!”
Medicare Beneficiaries at Risk of Identity Theft
WASHINGTON — Social Security officials, concerned about the risk of identity theft, are calling for immediate action to remove Social Security numbers from the Medicare cards used by millions of Americans.
But Medicare officials have resisted the proposal, saying it would be costly and impractical.
In a new report, the inspector general of Social Security, Patrick P. O’Carroll Jr., says “immediate action is needed.”
“Displaying such information on Medicare cards unnecessarily places millions
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Advocate Health Care renew contract through 2010
Effective June 19, 2008, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Advocate Health Care have announced they have reached an agreement that renews all of their contractual relationships through 2010. The newly signed contract will include all of the Advocate hospitals and expand to include Libertyville’s Condell Medical Center when its expected integration into Advocate Health Care is approved by federal and state agencies later this year
Michael Reese Physician Group no longer participating in BCBS of Illinois’ HMO Illinois or Blue Advantage HMO
Effective October 1, 2008 the Michael Reese Physicians Group MG-189 will no longer participate in HMO Illinois or Blue Advantage HMO networks. There are approximately 6,000 members and 63 physicians impacted as a result of this medical group closing.
Letters will be sent to these members and their employers by end of June, and will inform members of the medical group closing along with the option to select a new physician
Cape Radiology Group Terminates PPO Contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Cape Radiology Group of Southern Illinois has terminated their PPO contract with BCBSIL. Cape Radiology Group is a group of radiologists that are on staff at the following Southern Illinois PPO Hospitals:
• Memorial Hospital – Carbondale
• Carbondale Clinic – Carbondale (This is a professional provider satellite of Memorial Hospital)
• Herrin Hospital – Herrin
• St. Joseph Hospital – Murphysboro
• Union County Hospital – Anna
Because Cape Radiology is the exclusive radiology group
Additional Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Vision Program changes effective July 1st, 2008
As part of our BlueExtras discount program, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois has arranged a vision discount program that offers all group members discounts on eye exams, contact lenses, frames, lenses and lens add-ons.
In addition, as part of their health care benefits, HMO members have a vision benefit that provides coverage for one eye exam every 12 months for the cost of their PCP copayment, when they visit
Survey: 20% of College Parents Unaware when their children are no longer covered under their health plan
According to a two recent surveys conducted by Assurant Health, students and parents might not be aware of important facts regarding their son or daughter’s health insurance eligibility. In fact, concerned parents might make this their top priority if only they knew that, as soon as their sons or daughters doffed their caps and gowns, many of these grads were no longer protected against medical catastrophes. Unfortunately, many parents
Assurant Health is lowering rates on Short Term Medical plans
Assurant Health is lowering rates up to 15% on their Short Term Medical plans with effective dates of July 1, 2008 or later. The rate reduction will be especially beneficial for recent college graduates. Most plans specify that individuals are no longer eligible dependents under their parent’s plan after graduation and have to pay expensive COBRA premiums to continue coverage.
A short term insurance plan may offer more cost-effective temporary health
Assurant Enhances One Deductible Plan
The OneDeductible plan has always been a smart choice, with its unique “single deductible” for the entire family. Now you can save even more with our new, exclusive feature — One DECREASING Deductible.
• After the plan has been in force for just two months, clients may receive a 10% credit, twice a year on January 1 and July 1, which reduces the amount they pay of their plan deductible.
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