Effective January 2009, a redesigned Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois ID card will be issued to Individual Markets members. The redesigned card is the result of new Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association guidelines to standardize ID cards among Blues plans. The new format includes key variables that will make it easier to identify the member’s coverage. Also, the new format includes a magnetic stripe on the back that contains subscriber name, birth date and member ID number.

The new format will first be issued to new members and existing members who request an replacement/new ID card in 2009. New ID cards will be issued to all members by January 2010. The new ID card replaces a wide variety of formats and card stocks currently in use.