Connect Community - BCBSIL
Connect Community - BCBSIL
  • User
  • Site
  • Search
  • User
  • Health & Wellness
    • Health Conditions & Prevention
    • Healthy Living
    • Healthy Mind
    • Recipe Book
  • Benefits & Coverage
    • Employer Coverage
    • Individual & Family Coverage
    • Health Insurance Tools
  • Understanding Insurance
    • Insurance Basics
    • How Health Insurance Works
    • Importance of Health Insurance
    • Getting Health Insurance
  • Ask BCBSIL
    • FAQs
    • Ask a Question
    • Send Private Message
    • Visit BCBSIL.com
  • Medicare
    • Health and Wellness
    • Benefits and Coverage
    • Understanding Medicare
    • Medicare en Español
    • Using Digital Tools
  • Español
    • Tu Salud
    • Seguro Para Ti
    • Tu Cobertura
  • Health Conditions
    • Asthma
    • Behavioral Health
    • Breast Cancer
    • Colon Health
    • Diabetes
    • Flu
    • Heart Health
    • Maternal and Infant Health
  • More
  • Cancel
  • What Is an HMO?

    Blogs: What Is an HMO?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    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...
    • February 9, 2026
  • Make Your Child's Smiles Sparkle

    Blogs: Make Your Child's Smiles Sparkle

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    A child’s mouth is important for many parts of their life — eating, speaking, learning and even self-esteem. Starting healthy habits early sets kids up for a healthier adulthood. Here are a few ways kids can keep their smiles bright,...
    • February 9, 2026
  • Know Where to Go When Minutes Count, or Anytime

    Blogs: Know Where to Go When Minutes Count, or Anytime

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    It’s important to know where to go when you need care. Sometimes the choice is clear. If you’re having signs of a heart attack or stroke, it’s best to go to an emergency room (ER). But what if you have a sore throat? Or an upset sto...
    • February 9, 2026
  • What Is an A1C Test, and Why Does It Matter?

    Blogs: What Is an A1C Test, and Why Does It Matter?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    If you have diabetes, you know you need to check your blood sugar regularly. But do you know you also need an A1C test? Blood glucose numbers only give a quick snapshot of blood sugar control at certain times of day. You may think your blood sugar is...
    • February 9, 2026
  • Mantén a tu hijo saludable con las consultas de rutina para el bienestar infantil

    Tu Salud: Mantén a tu hijo saludable con las consultas de rutina para el bienestar infantil

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect
    Los padres llevan sus hijos al médico cuando se enferman. Pero las consultas regulares de bienestar infantil con un pediatra u otro profesional médico son igualmente importantes. Completar los chequeos médicos y obtener las vacun...
    • February 9, 2026
  • Keep Your Child Healthy with Regular Well-Child Visits

    Blogs: Keep Your Child Healthy with Regular Well-Child Visits

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Parents take their children to the doctor when they’re sick. But regular well-child visits to a pediatrician or other health provider are just as important. Getting those checkups and recommended vaccinations help keep children healthy. What Is...
    • February 9, 2026
  • What’s In Your Benefit Book?

    Blogs: What’s In Your Benefit Book?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    This article is intended for members enrolled in an individual health insurance plan. In some of the emails, letters and other communications you get from us, you may notice the phrase, “See your Benefit Book for details.” That’s be...
    • February 9, 2026
  • Catch Colon Cancer Early with Screenings

    Blogs: Catch Colon Cancer Early with Screenings

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Americans and the second leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Screenings can catch it early when it’s trea...
    • February 9, 2026
  • Why Aren’t You Sleeping?

    Blogs: Why Aren’t You Sleeping?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Feeling more groggy than usual? You know you’re not waking up refreshed from a good night’s sleep. But what’s keeping you from sleeping? Turns out, there are many potential obstacles to getting and staying asleep. You can improve yo...
    • February 9, 2026
  • 5 Ways You Can Protect Your Colon Health

    Blogs: 5 Ways You Can Protect Your Colon Health

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Staying healthy is easier if you take care of the basics. Go to the doctor at least once a year for a wellness checkup. Get your preventive screening tests. Just doing those two things can help you live a longer and healthier life. Annual wellness ex...
    • February 9, 2026
<>
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-12/colon-cancer-screening-options.jpg

    Conoce tus opciones de detección del cáncer colorrectal

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect October 6, 2025
    Hacerte una prueba de detección de cáncer de colon es una forma importante de proteger tu salud. El cáncer de colon es la cuarto causa principal de muerte por cáncer en los Estados Unidos. Pero el cáncer de colon se...
    • 3155 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-11/OEP-choose-your-plan.jpg

    El Período de inscripción abierta 2026: elije tu cobertura médica

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect October 6, 2025
    El período de inscripción abierta puede resultar confuso. Primas. Deducibles. Coaseguro. Redes. No te preocupes, estamos aquí para ayudarte. Aquí hay tres pasos importantes que te pueden ayudar a prepararte para el periodo...
    • 8347 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-04/OEP-choose-your-plan.jpg

    Open Enrollment — Time to Choose Your 2026 Plan

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 6, 2025
    The open enrollment period can be confusing. Premiums. Deductibles. Coinsurance. Networks. We can help. What is Open Enrollment? Open Enrollment is the time each year when individuals and families can sign up for health insurance under the Affordabl...
    • 74975 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/6740.prescriptions.jpg

    How Does a Drug Become a Generic: Facts vs. Myths

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 6, 2025
    Taking a generic drug is not like buying a store-brand soap. With soap, you might notice a difference. It may smell different. You may need to use more than the brand-name product. That is not true with generic drugs. When companies make a bran...
    • 27265 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/beat_2D00_holiday_2D00_stress.jpg

    5 Ways to Beat Holiday Stress

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 6, 2025
    While `tis the season to be jolly, for many of us the holiday season can also be a stressful time. With all the pressure to cook, gather and shop, it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed during the holidays. The weight of stress can affect our heal.....
    • 19947 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-05/colon-cancer-screening-options.jpg

    Know Your Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 6, 2025
    Getting screened for colon cancer is an important way to protect your health. Colon cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. But colon cancer can be successfully treated when it is found and treated early. Until it grows or...
    • 34450 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-04/health-insurance-good-idea.jpg

    Buying Health Insurance: It’s a Good Idea

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 2, 2025
    You may think, "I never go to the doctor, so I don’t need health insurance." Think again. Health Insurance protects your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. The cost for care can be significant and cause real pain to your wallet, accordin....
    • 11377 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-04/check-provider-networks.jpg

    Check Provider Networks Before You Buy

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team October 1, 2025
    What Is a Provider Network? Premiums, copays and deductibles are all things you need to consider when choosing the best health plan for you or your family. Did you know you should also think about the plan’s provider network? Here's why: Healt....
    • 36766 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/5153.schizophrenia.jpg

    ¿Qué es la esquizofrenia y cómo se trata?

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect September 30, 2025
    Es posible que hayas oído hablar sobre la esquizofrenia de pasada, pero ¿sabes lo que es realmente?? La esquizofrenia es un problema de salud mental grave y de largo plazo, que afecta los pensamientos, los sentimientos y los ...
    • 3953 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-04/get_2D00_health_2D00_insurance_2D00_plan.jpg

    How to Sign Up for Health Insurance In Illinois

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team September 30, 2025
    Do you need health coverage, but don’t know where to start? Visit bcbsil.com to view and compare all of our Family and Individual health plans. You can also view the plans we offer on the Illinois health insurance marketplace, GetCovered Illino....
    • 27072 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/cold_2D00_flu_2D00_allergies_2D00_covid.jpg

    ¿Es un resfriado, alergia o COVID-19?

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect September 29, 2025
    Si estás resfriado, estornudando, tosiendo o con dolor de garganta, puede ser difícil saber si son los síntomas de alergia, resfriado, gripe, COVID-19 o virus respiratorio sincitial (RSV, en inglés). Hasta que no sepas con...
    • 2297 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-12/WomenDoctorFollowUp.jpg

    Cómo funcionan las coberturas HMO: El proceso de las órdenes médicas

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect September 25, 2025
    Cuando contratas una cobertura HMO, el primer paso que debes tomar es elegir un grupo de médicos. Luego, elegirás un médico de atención primaria (PCP, en inglés) de ese grupo para que administre tu atención ...
    • 391693 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/domestic-violence.jpg

    Domestic Violence: Would You Know What to Do?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team September 15, 2025
    Your doctor may have asked you during a regular checkup if you feel safe when you are at home. This question is aimed at screening for domestic violence. It has become a part of standard practice in annual health exams to go beyond just checking...
    • 5820 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-02/BrandS_2D00_blood_2D00_pressure.jpg

    Get the Facts About Hypertension

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    BCBSIL Connect Team September 10, 2025
    Hypertension is a condition better known as high blood pressure. It occurs when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. Over time if left untreated, it can cause several serious health problems: Kidney...
    • 13633 Views
  • https://connect.bcbsil.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-08/WomenCoughing.jpg

    Aclaremos las cosas: La verdad sobre los cigarrillos electrónicos, el vapeo y el tabaquismo

    EquipoConnect
    EquipoConnect September 9, 2025
    Muchas personas, en su mayoría adolescentes y adultos jóvenes, creen que usar cigarrillos electrónicos les hará lucir más distinguidos. También suelen pensar que son una opción más saludable que...
    • 7755 Views
<>
  • Go to Connect Community BCBSIL home
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Health & Wellness
  • Health Conditions & Prevention
  • Healthy Living
  • Healthy Mind
  • Recipe Book
  • Benefits & Coverage
  • Employer Coverage
  • Individual & Family Coverage
  • Health Insurance Tools
  • Provider Finder® leaving site icon
  • Understanding Insurance
  • Insurance Basics
  • How Health Insurance Works
  • Importance of Health Insurance
  • Getting Health Insurance
  • Ask BCBSIL
  • FAQs
  • Ask a Question
  • Send Private Message
  • Visit BCBSIL.com
  • Medicare
  • Health and Wellness
  • Benefits and Coverage
  • Understanding Medicare
  • Medicare en Español
  • Español
  • Tu Salud
  • Seguro Para Ti
  • Tu Cobertura

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation,
a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association


© Copyright 2026 Health Care Service Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Verint is an operating division of Verint Americas, Inc., an independent company that provides and hosts an online community platform for blogging and access to social media for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

Adobe pdf icon File is in portable document format (PDF). To view this file, you may need to install a PDF reader program. Most PDF readers are a free download. One option is Adobe® Reader® which has a built-in screen reader. Other Adobe accessibility tools and information can be downloaded at https://www.adobe.com/trust/accessibility.html. leaving site icon

leaving site icon You are leaving this website/app ("site"). This new site may be offered by a vendor or an independent third party. The site may also contain non-Medicare related information. Some sites may require you to agree to their terms of use and privacy policy.

  • Terms of Use and Privacy Statement |
  • Copyright Infringement Adobe pdf icon |
  • About Us |
  • Non-Discrimination Notice Adobe pdf icon|
  • Language Assistance

Powered by Verint