Blogs

Get Fit and Save in October

BCBSIL Connect Team — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 08:17:00 GMT

Well onTarget and the Fitness Program are not available to all members. Check your online account information or ask your benefits administrator to see if you have these benefits. If you’re looking to stay in shape, or get back in shape, n...(read more)

Need Reconstructive Surgery After a Mastectomy? You’re Covered

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:43:00 GMT

It’s normal to be anxious if you find out you need to have a mastectomy. A mastectomy is the removal of one or both breasts. This procedure is most often performed to treat breast cancer. If you are facing this surgery, take some comfort ...(read more)

What Is an HMO?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:48:00 GMT

An HMO — or health maintenance organization — can help keep your costs lower and more predictable compared to other types of plans. With one medical group to coordinate your care, an HMO health plan is easy to use. An HMO health plan off...(read more)

Is My Prescription a Pharmacy or Medical Benefit?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:50:00 GMT

It’s no secret that prescription drugs can be pricey. One of the best ways to save on the drugs you are prescribed is to make sure you understand how your health plan benefits work. A good place to start is to answer this question: Is my presc...(read more)

Plan Year Ending Soon? Make the Most of It

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:06:00 GMT

If you’re the kind of person who needs a deadline to get things done, there may be a big one just around the corner. If your health plan year is ending soon, it’s a good time to review your health benefits. Doing so could be a boost to yo...(read more)

Insurance Basics: Out-of-Pocket Maximum

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

We know health care terms can be confusing. One you’re sure to run across is “out-of-pocket maximum.” What does it mean? How does it affect you and your family? How does it influence your choice of health plan? You share the cost of...(read more)

What Is Coordination of Benefits?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:02:00 GMT

When you need care and are on two different health insurance plans, your insurers will coordinate your benefits (COB). This helps you get maximum coverage when you need it. If you’re covered by two different health plans, your provider may fil...(read more)

5 Reasons a Claim May Be Denied

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:21:00 GMT

Believe it or not, there are only a handful of reasons that may lead to a health care service not getting approved or a claim not being paid. They fall into these five buckets. The claim has errors. Minor data errors are the most common culprit...(read more)

What to Do if Your Claim Is Not Approved

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:40:00 GMT

Nurse care manager Lenzy Mixon got a call from a member about a large bill he received for a stay at a skilled nursing facility. He checked with his doctor, who assured him the stay had been pre-approved by his health plan. His next call was to us. ...(read more)

Staying In-Network Can Help Cut Costs

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:10:00 GMT

When you shop, you probably keep an eye on costs. You want to buy the things you need at a fair price. What about when you’re shopping for health care? Using providers in your health plan’s network can help you save money. A network inclu...(read more)

Our Staff Can Help You Better Manage Your Care

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:07:00 GMT

This article is intended for HMO members enrolled in an employer health insurance plan. We know you may have questions about your medical condition and how best to coordinate your care. Having access to utilization management (UM) staff can help you ...(read more)

Keep Health Issues in Check with Telehealth Visits

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:15:00 GMT

Does your health plan offer telehealth visits with doctors in your plan’s network? Now's a good time to check. It may be just what you need to stay on top of your health. During the pandemic, more health care facilities turned to telehealth vi...(read more)

Is an HMO Plan Right for You?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 23:17:14 GMT

Open enrollment is a good time to take a fresh look at your health plan choices. One option you may see is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois HMO plan. HMO plans offer high-value health benefits at the lowest total cost of care compared to othe...(read more)

Having Trouble Setting Up Your Premium Payments?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:49:31 GMT

We encourage members to make payments by electronic funds transfer and to set up monthly premium payments using Auto Bill Pay electronic funds transfers. When you’re first getting started, using electronic funds transfer helps us process your e...(read more)

Preventive Care or Medical Care? Learn the Difference

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:44:00 GMT

Many people may not know that there are two types of care you can receive when you go to the doctor — preventive care and medical care. The type of care is different, and your costs may be different, too. Medical Care vs. Preventive Care Think...(read more)