Blogs

You and Your Doctor: Working Together to Keep You Healthy

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:52:00 GMT

When you need medical care, do you have a doctor you can call? If not, find a doctor you can call your own. Don’t wait until you’re sick to become a patient. If you have an HMO* or POS** plan, you’ll need to find a M...(read more)

Breast Pumps Can Help Make Breastfeeding Easier

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:29:00 GMT

Nourishing your newborn baby is an important part of your role as a parent. Breastfeeding is a popular option for many parents — and for good reasons. Breast milk provides ideal nutrition that supports a baby’s growth and development. The...(read more)

Unlock Savings on Health Care

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:13:00 GMT

No one likes to pay for health care. But we need health care to help us stay healthy, manage health conditions and get care when we need it most. Health insurance protects us from the financial burden of unexpected medical costs. There are a few ways...(read more)

Need an Explanation of Your Explanation of Benefits?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:52:00 GMT

You’ve been to the doctor and paid your copay. How are you going to know when your claim is filed and finalized? Simple — you'll get your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Your EOB will break down the services you received, the co...(read more)

8 Things You Should Know About Deductibles

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:59:00 GMT

Health plans can seem complicated. It helps to know what questions to ask and where to find the information you need. Take deductibles, for example. They’re important to your pocketbook, but do you know how they work? To get you started, here ...(read more)

Wondering If a New Treatment Is Right for You?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:18:00 GMT

This article is intended for HMO members enrolled in an employer health insurance plan. New treatments for many conditions — from diabetes to cancer — are in the news. Do you wonder if you might be a candidate for a treatment that could h...(read more)

What Is a Health Insurance Claim?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

We’ve all done it. Shown or uploaded our member ID card when filling out insurance forms in the doctor’s office or through an online portal. Your doctor’s office needs these details so they can file a claim. A claim is a bill your d...(read more)

How to Choose Health Care Coverage

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:10:00 GMT

As you get ready to buy health care coverage, here are a few things to think about before you decide on a plan that works for you and your family. Do You Qualify for Assistance or Special Enrollment? Whether you’re buying for the first time or...(read more)

Beware of Health Insurance Phone Scams

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:57:00 GMT

Some Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois members have been targeted by phone scammers. There are two types of scam calls that members should be aware of. The first type of scam call is known as "spoofing." Spoofing happens when someone fakes the i...(read more)

How to Use Your Digital Member ID Card

BCBSIL Connect Team — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:52:00 GMT

Your phone does a lot more than text and make calls these days. It’s a safe place to keep important parts of your life. You can store photos of people you love and use it to pay for things. You can also use it to see your health insurance benef...(read more)

The Help You Need to Navigate Your Health Plan

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:09:00 GMT

Insurance can be confusing. We’re here to help. Our Help Center can help you find the answers you need to use your benefits and get answers to key questions. Get Help in One Handy Place Bookmark the Help Center and visit often for quick, e...(read more)

Complex Health Management Made Easier

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:48:00 GMT

This article is intended for HMO members enrolled in an employer health insurance plan. Health care providers often see patients who have one or more medical conditions that would be considered complex. These may include diabetes with heart disease, ...(read more)

Learn About Prescription Costs

BCBSIL Connect Team — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:55:00 GMT

There are many things to know when it comes to getting the medicine you need. How much will it cost? Is there one that will work just as well but cost less? Does it matter where I go to get my prescription filled? And these are just a few. We have so...(read more)

What Is a Premium Tax Credit for Health Insurance?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:58:00 GMT

A premium tax credit is a form of financial assistance. It helps with the cost of buying health insurance. Before you enroll in a new plan, check to see if you qualify for a tax credit. Who Is Eligible? Premium tax credits are for individuals and fam...(read more)

Everything You Need to Know About Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:24:00 GMT

Along with acronyms for preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and health maintenance organizations (HMOs), add two more to your list. Both can help you pay doctor bills and save money. Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (...(read more)