Member Voice: Cecilia — individual health insurance…“It Was Like Winning the Lottery!”

In 2008, Cecilia was laid off from work and lost her health insurance. “It was an awful feeling,” Cecilia said. “After my company was downsized, I tried to purchase insurance on my own, but it was too expensive.” Cecilia could no longer afford the doctor visits or the medicine that she needed.

One of Cecilia’s biggest concerns was how to buy individual health insurance without a job, but she recently had the opportunity. “When I received my Blue Cross and Blue Shield card, it was like winning the lottery!” she said.

While shopping for individual health insurance, she compared her options on healthcare.gov. She chose Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) because she found a prescription drug plan and deductible that met her needs.  She had also heard that BCBSIL had good customer service.

“Now that I have BCBS as my insurer, I manage my health a lot better,” Cecilia said. “I feel better about myself. I take my medications as prescribed. I go to the doctors.”

Watch Cecilia’s story to see how she was able to overcome her obstacle and find affordable individual health insurance.

The BCBSIL member ID is more than just a 2”x3” card. That little card comes with big expectations — expectations that have been built over the years by earning our members’ trust. Whenever you have a question or concern, you can just flip it over and call the number on the back to contact us. Whether you have serious health issues or just need routine doctor visits, knowing you have health care coverage from the most recognizable name in the industry is a big advantage. Read more about the Advantages of Membership.

Do You Have a Story to Tell?*
Share your story with Blue Cross and Blue Shield and you could be featured in a Member Voice video like Cecilia. Member Voice stories help to educate people on how they can use their health insurance. Write to us. Include your name, phone number and email address with your story. We’re looking for stories about any part of your experience with us, from customer service and sales to online, claims or care management.

*Disclaimer

The video above is the non-paid testimonial of a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois member. Not all products and services mentioned are available for all Plans. For more complete details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to your certificate of coverage. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.