Are you a new member? To make the most of your health plan, take three simple steps now. It’s the best way to make sure you’re set when you need care.

Step 1: Watch for new member information

After you enroll*, you will receive these three things:

• Welcome Letter — The letter will arrive by mail or email soon after you enroll. It confirms you are all signed up. Keep it handy until you get your benefit information from us.
• Member ID Card — Your member ID card will be mailed to your home soon after your application is approved. The ID card lists your member number, information about your plan, copays and how to contact us. Show it to your doctor and pharmacist so they can update their records.
• Policy Kit — You’ll receive your policy kit by mail or email, depending on what you chose when you enrolled. The kit outlines your plan’s benefits so you know what’s covered.

Step 2: Activate your coverage

• Pay your first bill — Your benefits aren’t active until you make your first premium payment. After you make your first payment, you can start using your insurance benefits on the first day your plan is effective (the date is listed on your member ID card). Learn about all the ways you can make a payment.
• Set up your online account — Once you have your member ID card, you can register for Blue Access for Member^SM. Use our secure website to access claims information and coverage details, order a replacement ID card, find a doctor in your network and more. You can also access BAM on the go using our BCBSIL App. Download the BCBSIL App from Apple App Store  or Google Play  or by texting** BCBSILAPP to 33633.

Step 3: Use your benefits

• Find a doctor in your plan’s network — Your plan has a network of doctors, hospitals and other providers we’ve contracted to provide you with health care services. If you go to a provider who is not in your plan’s network, it will cost you more. To see if your doctor is in network, or to find a new one who is, use our online Provider Finder®.
• Choose a primary care physician (PCP)  —  If you have an HMO plan, you will need to select a PCP. PCPs are usually general practice, internal medicine family practice doctors, but they don’t have to be. Women can choose their OB-GYN, and a pediatrician can be your child’s PCP. To choose an in-network PCP, use Provider Finder.
• Know where to get care  — Now that you have health insurance, you have a variety of options for where you can get care. Your doctor’s office is generally the best place to go for non-emergency care for colds, flu, a sore throat and minor injuries. You can also use a walk-in retail health clinic or urgent care center near you. Save the ER for emergencies only. 

Have questions? To connect with us:

• Call the number on your member ID card
• Send us a secure message through Blue Access for Members
• Send us a private message through Connect
• Send us a private message on Facebook .

*These steps apply to members enrolled in individual and family coverage. Plans through an employer will have a different post-enrollment process.
**Messaging data rates may apply. Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Original Publish Date: 1/7/2015, Revised 2019, 2021, 2022, 2025