• Demystifying Bipolar Disorder

    Blogs: Demystifying Bipolar Disorder

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Some of television’s most popular characters have struggled with bipolar disorder. In the throes of a manic episode, a CIA agent pins a spiderweb of red string across photos on a wall. It looks like a frenzied mess to anyone on the outside look...
  • Prevent Gum Disease for a Healthy Heart

    Blogs: Prevent Gum Disease for a Healthy Heart

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    What do your gums and your heart have in common? Studies show people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. With gum disease, inflammation not only puts the mouth at risk, but can be a danger to the heart. Links have also ...
  • How to Stay in Shape on Vacation

    Blogs: How to Stay in Shape on Vacation

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Vacations are all about fun and getting away from our everyday routines. So, your normal exercise routine may not be a high priority when you want to chill. It’s understandable. Still, even when you’re away from home, it’s easy to r...
  • Syndrome X: Are You at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome?

    Blogs: Syndrome X: Are You at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome?

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Metabolic syndrome, also called syndrome X, may sound like a super-secret plan in a spy movie. It’s actually more dangerous. The syndrome is a set of risk factors that can trigger a trio of life-threatening diseases. “Metabolic" refers to...
  • The Battle of BMI

    Blogs: The Battle of BMI

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Is body mass index (BMI) the best way to tell if you are an ideal weight or even healthy? BMI measures your body fat. It uses your weight and height to come up with a BMI number. Using this number, you and your doctor can tell if you might have a we...
  • Your Child’s Asthma Care: Build a Team

    Blogs: Your Child’s Asthma Care: Build a Team

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    They say it takes a village to raise a child. When the child has asthma, it takes a “village” of health experts. This health team will help your child manage their symptoms and live a normal, active life. Good communication with your chil...
  • Only You Can Prevent Gum Disease

    Blogs: Only You Can Prevent Gum Disease

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    The world may see your friendly smile, but what’s going on behind it? The inside of your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. Along with tooth decay, gum disease can boost your risk for tooth loss and serious illnesses if not kept in check. G...
  • Seven Facts About Hepatitis C

    Blogs: Seven Facts About Hepatitis C

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    You’ve probably heard about hepatitis C in the news. It’s the most common bloodborne infection in the United States. Because it can be easily spread, it's importance to understand the virus and ways you can protect yourself.  What Is...
  • Tips for a Safe July 4th

    Blogs: Tips for a Safe July 4th

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Celebrating the Fourth of July and the birth of our nation’s independence is the most anticipated holiday of summer. Millions of Americans will head to the beach, lounge by the pool, take in a parade, and of course, celebrate with fireworks. Wh...
  • Food Poisoning: Meaty Madness

    Blogs: Food Poisoning: Meaty Madness

    BCBSIL Connect Team
    Summer fun often includes outdoor cookouts. Who doesn’t like good food grilled to perfection? Sadly, food poisoning can make things less appetizing — fast. When temps and spirits are high, so is the risk for food contamination at your wee...
  • Annual Wellness Checklist

    Annual Wellness Checklist

    Wellness begins with understanding. This checklist helps you have a clearer picture of your health. It also starts the conversation with your doctor on any changes you might need, whether it’s around exercise, diet, adjusting your medications or...
    • 221834 Views
  • How to Update Your PCP or Medical Group

    How to Update Your PCP or Medical Group

    If you’re on an HMO plan, check your Blue Access for Members SM (BAM SM ) account to make sure your PCP or medical group selection is up-to-date. Q. How do I change my PCP or medical group? A. If you have an HMO plan, you can change your medical...
    • 82165 Views
  • I have a PPO plan, how do I set up my PCP?

    I have a PPO plan, how do I set up my PCP?

    A. Great question. Since you have a PPO plan you don’t have to establish a PCP. You’re free to select any in-network provider you wish to see and you do not need to notify us of which doctor you’ve selected. If you need to find a new PCP you can...
    • 5389 Views
  • Is Cologuard covered?

    Is Cologuard covered?

    I would like to know if BCBS of IL covers the fecal DNA diagnostic colon cancer test called Cologuard? Thank you.
    • 12443 Views
  • Find a Doctor or Hospital Infographic

    Find a Doctor or Hospital Infographic

    Finding the right doctor or hospital can seem like a daunting task; but it doesn’t have to be. Working through these tips from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) will help you feel more confident about your decision. There are many...
    • 5477 Views
  • Emergency Preparedness

    Emergency Preparedness

    You're not alone! The reality is that it's very difficult to be totally prepared for an emergency, but there are steps you can take to have a plan of action in case an emergency were to happen. Download this Ready.gov infographic to prepare for emergencies...
    • 5267 Views
  • What’s My Member ID Number?

    What’s My Member ID Number?

    Your member ID number is a unique number that shows you are a covered member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. It lets you access your health plan benefits when you need care. Your member ID number links you to information in our systems...
    • 101443 Views
  • Will I be able to pick my own doctors and hospitals?

    Will I be able to pick my own doctors and hospitals?

    Yes. You can choose your primary care physician or your child's pediatrician from your health insurance plan's network of doctors. If you visit a doctor who is not in your network, you may have to pay more for your care. In some cases, you may...
    • 5576 Views
  • Are immunizations covered under the Affordable Care Act?

    Are immunizations covered under the Affordable Care Act?

    Yes. Most immunizations are on the list of medical care considered a preventive service. Under ACA, most preventive care is covered and will be paid in full by your premium when you see a provider that is in-network . You won't have to pay a copay...
    • 6396 Views
  • When can I sign up?

    When can I sign up?

    Open Enrollment for coverage in 2025 is November 1 - January 15, 2025. If you want your plan to start on January 1, you have until the 18th of December to enroll. Learn more about getting ready for open enrollment. Originally published 12/18...
    • 9236 Views
  • How do I enroll in a health insurance plan?

    How do I enroll in a health insurance plan?

    There are many ways to buy a health insurance plan. You can get one from: The Health Insurance Marketplace The Marketplace is a federal government website that helps people find health insurance. You can compare prices, benefits, out-of-pocket...
    • 6879 Views
  • How does the Marketplace work?

    How does the Marketplace work?

    The Health Insurance Marketplace ® (sometimes called the Exchange) helps people who don’t have health care coverage: through their job, through a government program like Medicare or Medicaid, or due to a life event like a job loss or cut...
    • 7192 Views
  • Go Mobile With the BCBSIL App

    Go Mobile With the BCBSIL App

    Keep your coverage information in the palm of your hand. Where did I put my health insurance card? What’s my deductible? Is that doctor in my network? These questions and many others can be answered on the go with the BCBSIL App. With the BCBSIL...
    • 79603 Views
  • New Baby or Adopting a Child

    New Baby or Adopting a Child

    I don't have insurance, but I’m having a baby/adopting a child. What do I do? Having a baby or adopting a child is a qualifying life event. That means you can sign up for insurance during a special enrollment period . You have 60 days from the...
    • 22921 Views
  • Loss of Medicaid Coverage

    Loss of Medicaid Coverage

    Q. What is Medicaid? A. Medicaid is a government program that provides health coverage to qualified low-income individuals. This includes pregnant women, families and children, the elderly and people with disabilities. In some states, the program...
    • 22295 Views

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