Jumpstart Your Self Care This Year: Review Your Benefits

It’s another new year, another chance to start fresh. But if grand New Year’s resolutions aren’t your style, there is one easy way to keep on top of your health: Brush up on the benefits that come with your health plan. It’s a simple way to pay more attention to your health.

Getting started is easy. You can check out the basics by logging into our secure member website, Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM^SM)* using the BCBSIL mobile app or from your desktop computer.

Connect on the Go

Want access to your benefits information anytime, anywhere? Download the free BCBSIL mobile app by texting** BCBSILAPP to 33633. From the BCBSIL app, you can register for and log in to BAM.

You can use the app to:

• See your claims coverage and deductible information.
• Access a temporary digital member ID card.
• Find an in-network doctor, hospital or urgent care facility.
• Chat live with a customer service representative.
• Tell us how you want to get important health and benefits information — by email, text or mail.

Connect at Home

You can also access BAM from any computer. BAM lets you manage your health plan online. There are sections for many types of information you might need to know.

Dashboard
Your dashboard gives you a current snapshot of how you’re using your benefits. It shows:

• Your three most recent processed claims.
• A link to your member ID card.
• What portions of your annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum you have remaining.
• Tools for finding care — medical, pharmacy, dental and vision, depending on your plan.

At the top of the screen, you’ll find links to more details about claims, coverage and spending.

Coverage
Next, check out the Coverage section. You can view more plan details and print a verification of coverage letter, if needed. You can also:

• Confirm your copay and coinsurance amounts, if your plan has them.
• Confirm your deductible amount and how much of it you have left for the year.
• Check your out-of-pocket maximum.
• Find out more about pharmacy and other benefits.

Claims
The Claims section lists your claims for the past 18 months. It’s also where you will find your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) records. The EOB shows how the claims were processed. It will show the service supplied, what your plan covers and your financial responsibility.

Find Care
Use the Provider Finder^® tool to search for doctors and other health care providers in your network. Since you are logged in to your account, you will see personalized search results based on your health plan and network.

You can also find dentists and pharmacies in your network, if your coverage includes them. If your health plan has preferred pharmacies, you will typically pay the lowest copay/coinsurance amount for your prescriptions at these locations.

Wellness
The Wellness section provides a wealth of information. It includes our Wellness Guidelines and a list of covered preventive services. It also lists other benefits that may be available to you. For example, your plan may include telehealth visits. 

Getting to know more about your health benefits will help you make better choices and give you peace of mind throughout the year. The more you know, the better you can look after your health. Log in to BAM today to make the most of your health care coverage.

*Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) makes no representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of information on BAM. The information on BAM is based on information provided by you and claims received by BCBSIL. This information has not been independently verified.

**Message and data rates may apply. Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

***Preventive services at no cost applies only to members enrolled in non-grandfathered health plans. You may have to pay all or part of the cost of preventive care if your health plan is grandfathered. To find out if your plan is grandfathered or non-grandfathered, call the customer service number on your member ID card.

Originally published 12/3/2020; Revised 2021, 2022