https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1497/need-bcchp-assistance-rendering-provider-denials/3566Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:25:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d56fcbaf-f9a6-423b-87ec-ce1b285419d5HALLI found that I had to rebill to the correct payer ID and then they started to payhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1625/hearing-aids/3565Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:04:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:77f263ae-3a1a-4fe2-b32e-b72ce4a0d9b5BCBSIL Connect TeamHello, I've responded to you on your private message. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1625/hearing-aidsTue, 06 Oct 2026 19:50:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:6b2a9205-e57b-4f0e-9293-c913e03a7ee6shanecw68are hearing aids covered under my policy??https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1624/never-received-id-card/3564Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:25:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:3e5fcbe9-0aea-4141-883f-08204d6f5ee7BCBSIL Connect TeamHello, If you could send us a private message, we can help you with this. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1624/never-received-id-cardTue, 06 Oct 2026 15:20:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c25e5e5b-bc1f-49ef-9b21-7f4c4d49f072mcatapanoI recently joined BC/BS (in late July) and shortly after moved. I have not received my ID card yet (presumably because it went to my old address) and can’t set up my log in without it. Can you help?https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1623/login-error/3563Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:14:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:28909ac2-50d2-44ea-b8d8-ac0565075464mel4188@icloud.comHow do I send you a private message?https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1623/login-error/3562Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:02:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:7928c8a8-9225-4d34-9557-b6cb4f97242eBCBSIL Connect TeamHello, If you could send us a private message, we can help you with this. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1623/login-errorMon, 05 Oct 2026 17:24:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:4055c306-fe0d-4ccc-88ab-8c0fa7699a01mel4188@icloud.comI have been having issues logging into my account for 2-3 weeks. I enter my user name and password, receive and enter the verification code, but then get a general we’re having issues accessing your account at this time message. Unfortunately the call in hours are the same time I have to work so hoping to get direction here on how to resolve or an email/way to contact electronically that doesn’t require me to log into my account. Thanks!https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1622/new-member-looking-for-my-id-information/3561Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:51:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:06c8beb2-0ea6-4b1b-97c1-aedd09094294BCBSIL Connect TeamHello, We have responded to your private message. ~ KWhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1622/new-member-looking-for-my-id-informationFri, 02 Oct 2026 12:20:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:9c3df8ec-4c1d-4eb1-964c-60d4cb35a8b0gadus17just looking for me member id to sign into the app to access my account for medicine to gethttps://connect.bcbsil.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/what-is-3d-mammographyTue, 29 Sep 2026 11:35:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:2c1f706c-74af-42e2-84ff-d7537a511140BCBSIL Connect TeamWomen have choices when it comes to breast cancer screenings. A standard mammogram every one or two years is the recommended best practice for early detection. It can detect breast cancer up to three years before it can be felt. Since their introduction, standard mammograms, also called screening mammograms, have helped save countless lives. By using X-rays, they create two-dimensional images of the breast to spot tissue that may be cancerous. Still, over the past decade, there have been advances in mammogram technology. Research shows 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) can detect breast cancer more accurately than standard mammograms. Here’s a deeper dive into the potential benefits and risks of a 3D mammogram. How Do 3D Mammograms Differ From Standard Ones? Standard 2D mammograms take two pictures of the breast. Side-to-side and top-to-bottom images are made. To capture them, the breast is pulled away from the body, compressed and held between two glass plates. This allows the whole breast to be seen. One of its drawbacks is breast tissue can overlap during this process. Healthy tissue may appear suspicious and cancerous tissue can be masked. For this reason, 2D mammograms can sometimes produce inaccurate findings. In contrast, 3D mammograms use CT (computed tomography) scans. The scans take detailed X-ray images from many angles. Combined, the X-rays create a three-dimensional picture of each breast. Tissue doesn’t overlap. As a result, 3D mammograms help doctors spot cancers more easily with fewer false alarms. This is especially important for women who have dense breast tissue. Having fewer false alarms reduces unnecessary stress and worry. It also lowers the need for retesting. What Are the Risks and Limitations of 3D Mammograms? CT-scan technology exposes patients to more radiation than X-rays. Women who get a 3D mammogram may also get a traditional 2D mammogram, exposing them to higher amounts of radiation. While radiation exposure can cause cancer, new technology helps reduce the amount of radiation exposure that comes with a mammogram. Still, the overall benefit of 2D and 3D breast cancer screening outweighs any potential risks linked to radiation exposure. While research shows 3D mammograms are more effective in detecting tumors, both 2D and 3D mammography are currently recognized as equally acceptable screening methods. Are 3D Mammograms Covered? 3D mammograms may be covered by your health plan. Before your screening, the provider you choose should be able to give you a breakdown of what you may have to pay if anything. You can also check your coverage by logging into your health plan account online or calling the number on your member ID card. How Often Should I Get a Mammogram? The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women with average breast cancer risk, between the ages of 40 and 74, get a mammogram at least every two years. If you have a higher risk of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about screening, no matter your age. Breast cancer risk factors include: Personal history of breast cancer Family history of breast cancer Gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 Radiation treatments to the breast or chest area Check with your doctor if you have questions about mammograms or other breast cancer screenings. Sources: Mammograms , National Cancer Institute, 2025; Diagnostic Mammogram , National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2026; 3D Mammography (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis) , Breastcancer.org, 2026; 3D Mammograms , Mayo Clinic, 2024; Breast Cancer: Screening U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2024; 2D vs 3D Mammograms: Understanding the Difference , American Cancer Society, 2025Benefits and CoveragePreventive CareMammogramWomen’s HealthBreast CancerBreast Cancer Preventionhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/vaping-vs-smokingMon, 28 Sep 2026 20:19:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:008fc93e-f36e-43d1-b582-867eecbd1188BCBSIL Connect TeamOne of the worst things you can do for your lungs and your overall health is to smoke. But many still don’t know that vaping is also dangerous. While experts expressed concern from the start, not everyone got the message. What Is Vaping? Vaping devices, or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), are battery-operated devices that people use to inhale an aerosol (vapor) that usually contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. They can resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars or pipes. But many look like everyday things like pens or USB memory sticks. Whether they look like cigarettes, pipes or pens, they all use a vapor to deliver nicotine without tobacco. This vapor sparked the use of the term “vape” and “vaping” instead of smoking. Some may think vaping is better than smoking. Many people, especially teens and young adults, still think e-cigs are cool and a healthier choice than tobacco. In fact, e-cigarette use among young people has reached epidemic levels, says the American Lung Association’s advice to parents . E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco products among young people and have been for years now. Many teens and adults don't realize how much they’re harming their lungs and their brains by using them. How Does Vaping Affect Your Health Compared With Smoking? E-cigarettes generally contain fewer toxic chemicals than the mix of 7,000 chemicals in smoke from regular cigarettes. But vaping is not healthy . Most e-cigarettes also contain many toxic chemicals and metals, including lead and formaldehyde. They can be very harmful, especially for young people and pregnant women. And most vape devices, as many as 99 percent of those sold in the U.S. , contain nicotine. Nicotine is as addictive as cocaine and heroin. In fact, one vaping dose can have as much nicotine as 20 regular cigarettes. The evidence is building about just how many ways vaping can damage your body. Even in a short time, vaping can damage your heart and lungs. It puts you at risk for: Cancer Lung disease Pneumonia Heart failure Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) And research continues to show health risks from e-cigarette use. One recent study found a significant tie between former or current e-cigarette use and the development of respiratory diseases, including COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, within two years of use. Vaping has also been linked to serious lung injuries, like bronchiolitis obliterans, often called popcorn lung . This condition happens when the smallest airways in your lungs are damaged by breathing in harmful chemicals, making it harder to breathe. Research has also found that exposure to secondhand vapor can be dangerous for others. Can Vaping Help You Stop Smoking? Researchers have gotten mixed results on whether vaping actually helps people stop smoking, compared to other methods for quitting. But what is clear is that most e-cigarettes are more harmful than the other methods for quitting. Vaping can actually make it harder to stop. Studies show that vaping is just as addictive as smoking regular cigarettes. And about 28 percent of smokers who use vaping are less likely to quit, says the American Heart Association. Many end up smoking and vaping. Remember, no tobacco or vaping products are safe . So those who don’t use them should not start. And those who do should stop. Talk to your doctor about proven, safe ways to quit. There are many proven aids and resources available to help you stop smoking. There are FDA-approved medications available to help people quit. Your health plan may cover the cost of medicine and counseling to support you. Check your benefits information to find out what your plan covers. For more information about how to successfully quit smoking or vaping, visit smokefree.gov or contact the Lung HelpLine and Tobacco Quitline. This free service from the American Lung Association offers help from RNs, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and certified stop smoking experts. Call 800-LUNG-USA (800-586-4872) or go to Lung.org/helpline . Protect Your Lungs Your lungs help you breathe. They help you fight infections. They help your other organs work. But they are easily harmed. Anything you breathe in can hurt them. Here’s how to protect your lungs : Get routine health exams and preventive care Exercise to improve lung capacity Avoid exposure to pollutants Protect yourself from respiratory and other infections Don’t use tobacco products or vape Sources: Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don't) know , Harvard Medical School, 2023; Current evidence identifies health risks of e-cigarette use; long-term research needed , American Heart Association, 2023; What You Should Know About E-Cigarettes & Vaping , American Lung Association, 2025; About E-Cigarettes (Vapes) , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Learn About Bronchiolitis Obliterans , American Lung Association, 2025; Health Effects of Vaping , CDC, 2025Health and WellnessQuitting is Good for Your HealthLung HealthStop SmokingAddictionhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/screening-lung-cancerMon, 28 Sep 2026 19:02:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:163ec610-10e0-490e-8d3d-efbf248584f7BCBSIL Connect TeamEvery cigarette shaves 11 minutes off your lifespan. When you quit smoking, you give yourself more time to do the things you enjoy with the people you love. The minute you stop smoking, you start lowering your risk for lung cancer — the leading cause of cancer deaths in adults. A Timeline to Healthier Lungs When you stop smoking, your lungs start to heal — right away. The American Cancer Society offers reasons to quit: Twenty minutes after you quit, your heart rate and blood pressure start to drop. A few days later, the carbon monoxide in your blood drops to normal. Two to three weeks after quitting, your circulation is better and lung function starts to improve. One to 12 months in, coughing and shortness of breath ease. Your lungs continue to repair themselves. At one to two years smoke free, your risk of heart attack drops dramatically. Five to 10 years afterward, your risk for stroke is lower — along with the risk for mouth and throat cancer. Ten years after quitting, your risk of lung cancer is about half that of a person who's still smoking. While quitting is one of the most important things you can do to lower your risk of lung cancer, there are other important steps you can take. Research shows that lung cancer screening can make a big difference in heavy cigarette smokers and former cigarette smokers. Lung Cancer Screening Lung cancer is stealthy. Often, there aren’t any symptoms until it has spread. After you quit, your risk for lung cancer stays elevated for 15 years. That’s why it’s important for smokers to quit as soon as possible. For heavy, long-term current and former smokers, one screening is proving to be an important tool in the fight against lung cancer. Studies show that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are effective in detecting lung cancer early when it can be more successfully managed. LDCT lowers the risk of dying in heavy smokers. Non-invasive LDCT scans look for certain abnormalities in the lungs. If a problem is found, additional testing will determine if it is lung cancer. Who Should Get Screened? Lung cancer screening is not recommended for everyone. The American Lung Association says LDCT is recommended for people between the ages of 50 and 80 who: Smoke cigarettes now Smoked a pack a day for 20 years Smoked two packs a day for 10 years Quit smoking within the last 15 years LDCT screening has risks. That's why it is only recommended for those at high risk for lung cancer. Don’t Skip Screening Be proactive. Take these steps to protect your lungs and fight lung cancer. Be honest about your smoking history. If you smoke now, smoked a pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years, get screened. Get screened even if you’ve stopped smoking. You’re still at risk if you smoked one or two packs a day within the last 15 years. Ask for the right kind of screening. Talk with your doctor about LDCT screening. Your doctor can advise you about your risk and whether it’s right for you. A doctor must refer you for an LDCT lung scan. Keep it up. Experts advise smokers and former smokers between the ages of 50 and 80 to be tested each year. Screening should continue until 15 years have passed since the last cigarette — or until the age of 80. Sources: Health Benefits of Quitting Over Time , American Cancer Society, 2025; Screening for Lung Cancer , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; Lung Cancer Screening , National Cancer Institute, 2024; Is Lung Cancer Screening Right for Me? American Lung AssociationHealth and WellnessLung HealthCancerCancer Screeningshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/diabetes-testsMon, 28 Sep 2026 15:57:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:764a070c-e676-4781-bd68-6944b5c26b8bBCBSIL Connect TeamNo one likes to go get health screenings and tests. But if you have diabetes, there are some tests you really need to get done. It’s critical to follow your plan of care, but it can be a lot to keep track of. Is there anything you’re forgetting? Here’s an overview of what you need to do to manage your diabetes. Why Regular Diabetes Checkups Matter Regular appointments with your health care providers will keep you on top of your blood sugar numbers and other important steps for managing your diabetes. Your doctor and other providers will monitor your overall health and guide you to a specialist if needed. Complications often start out with a small, negative change that can easily worsen. Routine health checkups and tests allow you to find out about changes before they become serious problems. Talking with your doctor regularly also gives you the chance to: Ask questions Learn more about your diabetes Find out what you need to do to keep your blood sugar in your target range Find out how to manage your diabetes when you're sick Essential Diabetes Tests and Screenings Your doctor will help you figure out what tests you need and when. Here are some of the most important tests and exams people with diabetes need. A1C The hemoglobin A1C test is used to see how well your body is managing blood sugar. This blood test, sometimes abbreviated as HbA1c, shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. High A1C may make you more likely to have long-term complications, such as eye, kidney, nerve and heart disease. These serious health problems can be happening without you knowing it. Find out what numbers to aim for and more about this important test. Eye Exams Diabetes can cause eye problems that lead to vision loss or blindness . Diabetic eye disease often has no early symptoms. So it’s important to have regular eye exams with dilation. This test checks the retinas in the back of your eyes for signs that you have diabetic retinopathy or other diabetes-related eye problems. Talk to your PCP about how often to have your dilated eye exam . Urine and Blood Tests to Check Kidney Function The urine test, called the albumin-to-creatinine ratio, or uACR, checks for proteins in your urine to see how well your kidneys are working. Protein in the urine can be the first sign of kidney disease. The blood test checks for levels of creatinine, a waste product, in your blood. The test result is used to find out your glomerular filtration rate, or GFR. Your GFR shows how well your kidneys are removing creatinine from your blood. Both tests are needed to be sure your kidneys are healthy. Get these tests every year, even if you don’t have a history of kidney disease or high risk factors for it. You may have kidney problems before you feel any symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment is important. Blood Tests for Anemia With diabetes, you’ll need to have regular blood checks for anemia, a low amount of red blood cells. About 25 percent of Americans with diabetes also have anemia. The risk of getting anemia grows the longer you have diabetes. Anemia can cause complications like nerve and eye damage. And it can make things like heart, artery and kidney disease — common in people with diabetes — worse. Other Important Steps in Diabetes Management Take Care of Your Mental Health Studies show that about 40 percent of people with diabetes have depression. Depression can get in the way of managing your diabetes and how you care for yourself in general. Learn what signs to watch for and what you can do about it . See Your Dentist Research shows that there is a greater risk of gum disease among those with diabetes. It’s best to take good care of your teeth and gums and have dental checkups every six months. Check Your Feet The blood flow in your feet needs to be checked regularly. Your doctor will test the skin and nails for blood flow or nerve damage. And you should check your feet at home. Pay attention to pain, tingling or numbness in your feet, or a sore that doesn’t heal. That may signal nerve damage. Checking your feet regularly could save you from serious complications. Reach out to your doctor with any concerns. Make Sure You're Injecting Insulin Correctly Insulin will only work well if it is injected correctly. Whether you’re new to injecting insulin or have been injecting insulin for so long that you don’t give it a second thought, it is very important to review the right way to do it with your doctor or nurse at least once a year and when your treatment changes . Sources: Diabetes tests and checkups, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2026; At a glance: Diabetic Retinopathy , National Eye Institute, NIH, 2025; Diabetes and Anemia: Are They Related? , The Diabetes Council, 2020; How can diabetes affect my mouth? , National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) NIH, 2022; Mental Health: Understanding diabetes and mental health , American Diabetes Association (ADA); Your HealthCare Team , ADA; Understanding A1C: What It Measures and Why It Matters , ADA; Peripheral Neuropathy , Cleveland Clinic, 2026; Diabetes Complications , ADA; Put the Brakes on Diabetes Complications , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Preventing and Treating Diabetes , American Heart Association, 2026A1cHealth Conditions and PreventionManaging Your DiabetesHealth and WellnessDiabeteshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/how-to-eat-for-longer-lifeMon, 28 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:f9173f0e-2807-448a-b4bc-bfb2fb5629b8BCBSIL Connect TeamBetter health can be yours at any age. And it may be easier than you think to make the changes that will have a positive effect on your health. We all know we should eat a healthy diet. But you may not know just how big an impact what you eat and drink has on your physical and mental health. Research shows that a healthy diet helps prevent many serious diseases and helps you live longer. And just as important, it helps improve your quality of life — now and in the future. What you eat can also impact mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. It’s never too late to start improving your diet. But the sooner you get started, the bigger impact the changes will have on your long-term health and quality of life. What Is Healthy Eating? Eating healthy means following an eating plan that includes a variety of nutritious foods and drinks. It also means getting the number of calories that’s right for you, says Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion . Making smart food choices can also help you manage your weight and lower your risk for long-term, serious health problems, including: Heart disease Type 2 diabetes High blood pressure Some kinds of cancer But more than 80 percent of people in the U.S. aren’t eating enough vegetables, fruits and dairy, says the Food and Drug Administration . And most people eat too much added sugars, saturated fat and salt, according to the Dietary Guidelines for America, 2020-2025. So what foods, and how much, should you eat? People have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. Start Young Eating healthy foods not only helps keep children healthier, it also builds habits they keep as adults that will help them stay healthier throughout their lives. A diet of healthy foods also helps stabilize their energy, improve their minds and even out their moods, says the American Academy of Family Physicians . Make these easy changes to improve your child’s diet: Drink sparkling or flavored water instead of soda. Have whole wheat or other whole grain foods instead of white bread, pasta or other foods made with processed flour. Try a fruity homemade smoothie instead of ice cream. Snack on vegetables and fruit, baked chips, and nuts instead of potato chips or other high-fat, low-nutrition snack foods. The Teen Years About 20 percent of kids between 12 and 19 years old are obese. Small changes in eating habits and more exercise can help, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . Try these tips for teens: Eat more fruits and vegetables at meals. And have them as snacks. Get energy from low-fat, lean meats like turkey or chicken or other protein-rich foods like nuts, beans, tofu, seafood or egg whites. Help build bones with fat-free or low-fat dairy products like milk and Greek yogurt. Or try lactose-free milk or soy milk with added calcium. Avoid sugary beverages like sodas, presweetened tea and energy drinks. And try not to add sugar to foods and drinks. For Adults It isn’t necessary to stick to one, specific diet plan to have a healthy diet. But studies have shown that following a healthy eating plan like the DASH , MIND or Mediterranean diet can help adults of all ages maintain good long-term health and decrease the risk of death from many causes. These diets also help lower the risk of health issues that come with aging, like high blood pressure and dementia, says the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. And the foods emphasized in these types of diets don’t just help your body. They can also help your mental health. Foods loaded with the vitamins and minerals to boost your mind include: Oily fish like salmon, trout, mackerel, anchovies and sardines Broccoli and leafy greens like kale, spinach and romaine lettuce Walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and flax seeds Berries and dark-skinned fruit Lentils, chickpeas and beans Whole-grain rice, quinoa and oats Avocados Get Started If your diet needs improvement, get started with these simple steps: For snacks, choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like nuts and seeds. Eat more fish and seafood. Flavor them with herbs and spices rather than sauces. Make vegetables and whole grains the base of your food plan instead of meat. Avoid high-fat red meat and processed meats. Cut back on foods with high salt levels and added sugars. Enjoy sweets only as occasional treats. Remember, making improvements to what you eat and drink can have a big impact on your health throughout your life. You can start small — just get started. Talk to your doctor about the dietary changes you’re making, especially if you have health issues or take medications that may be impacted by diet. Sources: At any age, a healthy diet can extend your life , The Washington Post, 2022; Eat Healthy , Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2026; A Fresh Take on What "Healthy" Means on Food Packages , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025; Nutrition Tips for Kids , A merican Academy of Family Physicians, 2026; Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers , National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2023; Healthy Longevity , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2022; Foods Linked to Better Brain Power , Harvard Health Publishing, 2024NutritionMental HealthHealthy EatingHealth and WellnessHealthy LivingHealthy Mindhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/tummy-troubleMon, 28 Sep 2026 14:29:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:12ca4190-8627-4806-a12a-9802dcacbb2aBCBSIL Connect TeamWhy does your stomach hurt? It’s a good question — and a common one. Millions of Americans have at least one type of digestive problem. Some problems come and go, while others can upset your whole life. There are many different kinds of digestive problems, and that’s part of why it isn’t always easy to get to the cause of them. What’s the Trouble? It’s important to know what’s causing the issue so you can treat it. But the answer may not be so simple to find. To get to the bottom of the problem, you may need to play detective. Paying attention to how you feel — and when — can help. What symptoms are you having and when are you having them? What have you been doing when you have them? What and how much have you been eating or drinking when you have symptoms? Are you stressed out? What medicines are you taking? Once you have some information gathered about your symptoms, your doctor can help you figure out the problem and what to do. Two of the common causes of stomach issues are peptic (stomach) ulcers and acid reflux. Peptic ulcers are sores on the lining of your stomach. The most common symptom is a dull or burning pain in the stomach or upper abdomen, especially when your stomach is empty. Symptoms may also include bloating, nausea, vomiting and low appetite. Ulcers are usually caused by long-term use of certain medicines or by the H. pylori bacteria. Smoking can also contribute to ulcers and make symptoms worse. Food and drinks cannot cause ulcers, but they can make symptoms worse. Avoid drinking alcohol if you have an ulcer. Ulcer pain can last for a few minutes or a few hours at a time. The pain will come and go over a period of weeks or months. Eating or taking antacids can briefly lessen the pain. If you think you may have an ulcer, even if your symptoms are mild, you need to see your doctor. If not treated, an ulcer will continue to get worse. Tests are needed to find out for sure if you have an ulcer. Ulcers are usually treated with medicine. The medicine that is prescribed depends on the type of ulcer you have. Heartburn, or acid reflux , is one of the most common stomach issues. It happens when the acid in your stomach meant to break down food comes back up your esophagus and irritates the lining. In many cases, it may be caused by GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. A mild case of GERD isn’t generally a cause for worry, and many find relief with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Here are some other things you can try on your own: Quit smoking. Lose weight. Cut back on alcohol and carbonated drinks. Get more exercise. Take steps to lower your stress level. Avoid foods or drinks that make your symptoms worse. Try skipping acidic or spicy foods, for example. Try to wait two or three hours after eating before you lie down. If your symptoms are severe or happen often, see your doctor. If it doesn’t get better in a month or two after treatment, it may be time for testing to look for other underlying issues. Two red flags are losing weight and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, belly or shoulders. Tell your doctor right away if you have problems swallowing or have a lot of pain. Could IBS or Another Digestive Condition Be Causing You Symptoms? Sometimes tummy trouble isn’t even happening in your stomach. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common “stomach” issues, but the problem isn’t your stomach. IBS can cause pain, bloating and alternating constipation and diarrhea. About 10 to 15 percent of adults in the U.S. suffer from IBS symptoms. Pain from IBS may become worse after you eat a meal or if you are stressed. Making changes to your diet , like avoiding some foods and adding fiber, may help. Getting more sleep, more activity and learning techniques to manage stress may also help your symptoms. But if that doesn’t help, see your doctor. Your doctor may suggest taking OTC or prescription drugs or probiotics to get relief for your symptoms. Your doctor may also discuss mental health therapy or relaxation training. Some other common problems that may cause abdominal pain include: Constipation: You may feel sharp gas pains throughout the abdomen area or have a feeling of being bloated and full. If OTC remedies don’t work or you have long-term symptoms, see your doctor. Pancreatitis: Abdominal pain caused by inflammation in the pancreas is severe and sharp. You may also feel pain in your back or chest. It may cause nausea, vomiting and fever. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor. Diverticular disease : Severe pain in the lower left abdomen area may be caused by diverticulitis. It happens when the small pouches inside the large intestine become infected or inflamed. Fever, nausea, vomiting or constipation can be additional symptoms. If you have these symptoms, especially if you see blood in your stool, see your doctor. Learn more about the many digestive diseases from the National Institutes of Health. Don’t suffer in silence. If your symptoms are impacting your quality of life, talk to your doctor. Don’t put it off, especially if you are losing weight without trying or seeing blood when you use the toilet. Sources: Lower Abdominal Pain , Cleveland Clinic, 2022; Why Does My Stomach Hurt? , Johns Hopkins Medicine; Definition & Facts for GER & GERD , National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD), 2020; Digestive Diseases , NIDDKD; Digestive diseases , National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025; Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptoms Overview , American College of Gastroenterology; Digestive Disorders , U.S. Department of Agriculture; Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers (Peptic Ulcers) , Johns Hopkins Medicine; Treatment for GER & GERD , NIDDKD, 2020; Types of Diets and Tips on What to Eat with IBS , Healthline, 2025Colon HealthStomachHealthy EatingHealth and Wellnesshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/link-nutrition-mental-healthMon, 28 Sep 2026 13:38:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:a9d9cdb1-00d5-4d14-a65b-096756718c35BCBSIL Connect TeamYou’ve likely heard the cliché a million times — “You are what you eat.” So you might nosh on foods reported to lower your blood pressure, strengthen your bones or burn belly fat. You might even load up on brain food to feed your head. As it turns out, the experts would back you up. Today, there’s plenty of research that shows the ways nutrition affects our brain health. What we eat can also play a vital role in our mental and emotional health. Missing key vitamins and minerals can lead to higher levels of stress and anxiety. Nutritional deficiencies may even add to cognitive disorders and dementia. Just like our body, the brain needs healthy fuel to work its best. Along with vitamins and minerals, it needs healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, including plant-based proteins. A diet without these healthy foods can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body. That can lead to chronic inflammation. This chronic inflammation has been linked to the buildup of harmful plaques in the brain, which may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Add These to Your Menu People who grapple with depression, anxiety and dementia often lack some key vitamins and minerals. Add foods to your diet that are rich in these: Omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation and are vital to brain health B vitamins that make brain chemicals that affect mood and other functions Vitamin D that plays a role in mood, sleep, hunger and digestion Amino acids that enhance brain health and fight depression and brain fog Folate that supports the production of “feel-good” serotonin Magnesium that is vital to the body’s stress response, recovery and repair Zinc that can help ease some symptoms of stress and anxiety Iron that helps nurture energy, positive moods and emotions Fiber that helps feed the good bacteria in your system that can affect your physical and mental health What foods should you eat to support your brain health? No one has the exact same dietary needs. But some nutrients are helpful for most everyone. These foods are loaded with the vitamins and minerals listed above: Oily fish — salmon, trout, mackerel, anchovies and sardines Leafy greens — kale, spinach and romaine lettuce Walnuts Sunflower seeds Chia and flax seeds Berries and dark-skinned fruit Legumes — lentils, chickpeas and beans Whole grains — rice, quinoa and oats Avocados Liver and other organ meats Olive oil Eggs Mushrooms Dark chocolate Shellfish Broccoli Before making any major changes to your diet, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian who specializes in nutrition. Sources: The Best Brain Foods You’re Not Eating , The New York Times, 2022; Foods Linked to Better Brainpower , Harvard Health Publishing, 2024; Eating for well-being , Mental Health America; Psychiatric disorders risk in patients with iron deficiency anemia and association with iron supplementation medications: a nationwide database analysis , Biomedical Central, 2020; What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease? , National Institute on Aging, 2024AnxietyDementiaMental HealthDepressionBehavioral HealthHealth and WellnessHealthy MindUnderstanding Depression and Anxietyhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/appeals-decisionsMon, 28 Sep 2026 13:35:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:e3b0675b-8a3c-4f09-8663-85377b4e6d2bBCBSIL Connect TeamInternal Appeals Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has an internal claims and appeals process that allows you to appeal decisions about paying claims, eligibility for coverage or ending coverage. Please check “adverse benefit determination” in your benefit booklet for instructions or call the customer service number on your member ID card. External Appeals If your internal appeal is denied, in some cases you may request an external review. External review is an option for denials for services that were not medically necessary or were clinically unproven. As a BCBSIL HMO member, you may have these types of denials examined by external, independent reviewers. The independent review organization is not associated with your health plan. There is no charge for requesting the review. We will send you information reminding you that independent, external review of coverage is available every year. We mail the information to members who do not have fax, email or internet access. Call the customer service number on your member ID card if you have questions about the external review process. Find Tools and Resources Log in to your member our secure member account for a personalized search experience based on your health plan and network. Learn more about your benefits and gain access to member services. Get coverage details, access resources and tools, and more. You can also find doctors in your network, get an ID card, and sign up for text or email notifications, tips and reminders.AppealsBenefits and CoverageExternal Reviewhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/espanol/b/seguroparati/posts/haz-una-lista-y-vuelvela-a-revisar-preparate-para-el-periodo-de-inscripciones-abiertasMon, 28 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:33da9dbc-971e-47d8-8c9d-2ec772fbd054EquipoConnectEl 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 de inscripción abierta de este año para obtener cobertura médica. Paso 1: toma nota de la fecha límite Marca tu calendario y programa un recordatorio en tu teléfono. Solicita cobertura hasta el 15 de diciembre para cobertura que comienza el 1 de enero . Solicita cobertura hasta el 15 de enero para cobertura que comienza el 1 de febrero . Paso 2: Reúne tu información personal Antes de comenzar a comprar, es posible que desees tener a mano cierta información personal: Comprobante de ciudadan ía o estatus migratorio de residente permanente de EE. UU. Números de Seguro Social o tarjetas de residente permanente o documentación que compruebe el estatus migratorio vigente de cada miembro de la familia. Cobertura médica vigente Números de póliza de cualquier seguro médico e información sobre cualquier seguro médico disponible a través del empleo. Comprobante de domicilio del estado donde vives Licencia de conducir, contrato de alquiler o factura de servicios públicos. Estatus migratorio Documentación con los números de estatus migratorio vigente. Ingresos de todos los miembros de la familia Formularios W-2, talones de cheques de pago, ingresos por desempleo/discapacidad, Seguro Social/pensión/jubilación, o copia de la declaración de impuestos más reciente. Método de pago ¿Cómo pagarás por la cobertura? ¿Pagarás con un cheque personal o tarjeta de débito o crédito? Paso 3: averigua si calificas para recibir ayuda para pagar los costos del seguro médico ¿Sabías que es posible que puedas obtener ayuda para pagar la cobertura de atención médica? Dependiendo de qué tan grande sea tu familia y cuánto ganes, puedes calificar para un subsidio , también conocido como crédito fiscal para las primas. ¡Inscríbete ahora! Hay tres opciones principales para inscribirte en la cobertura de Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois para 2027: Llámanos directamente al 877-731-4649. Los agentes de ventas autorizados trabajarán contigo para determinar el plan que se adapte a tus necesidades. Visita bcbsil.com . Ahí puedes ver y comparar todas las coberturas medicas disponibles y completar una solicitud en línea. Comunícate con un agente de BCBSIL autorizado e independiente. Este es otro método de hablar directamente con alguien que te ayude a elegir un plan que cumpla con tus necesidades.periodo de inscripciónEspañolSeguro Para Tihttps://connect.bcbsil.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/deals-blue365Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:36:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:b23f6a76-e912-4cd1-8522-b9c5c85f1089BCBSIL Connect TeamDo your shopping lists never end? Are you a champion bargain hunter? Then Blue365 ® is perfect for you. Blue365 is a discount service that saves you money on a variety of everyday needs and healthy lifestyle aids. How Does It Work? Any member of a participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan is eligible for Blue365. With Blue365, you can browse available discounts that are updated regularly. Discounts fall into six categories: Apparel and footwear Fitness Hearing and vision Home and family Nutrition Personal care Here are some examples of what kind of deals you can find. Do you or your family need new athletic clothes to keep you warm while you’re on the move? Does anyone need new sneakers? Blue365 has savings from brands like allbirds and Skechers ® . Extra screen time for school or work can mean you or your family members might need eyewear. Do you have a loved one who could use dental services or a hearing test? You may find savings for glasses or contacts, dental services, or hearing aids. Has anyone been hinting they might like a wearable health or fitness monitor this year for a holiday gift? Choose devices from brands like Google FitBit ® , Garmin ® or Oura. Would you or someone you know get peace of mind with a remote medical monitoring system for infants or seniors? Blue365 savings may make this technology work with your budget. Even when bigger ticket needs or wishes come up — weight loss programs, gym memberships or online courses — Blue365 may have just what you need. How to Get Started Create a free account at blue365deals.com . Be sure to have your member ID card handy for this. Click All Deals on the top left of the screen. Or search in one of the categories. When you see the discount you want, click on Details . Sign up to get weekly deals sent directly to your email. Tips for Using Blue365 Like most sales, Blue365 deals come and go. If you see something you like, take advantage of the deal you find while it’s still available. You can search for the most recently added deals or deals that may be expiring soon using the search filter. There’s no limit to the number of deals you may use at any time. Feel free to try as many as you’d like! And you aren’t obligated to use any of the discounts if none of them appeal to you. Remember that Blue365 is not extra insurance coverage, and it is not a health plan. It’s a way to save money on health and wellness items and is an extra perk to your health coverage. Blue365 is a discount program only for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois members. This is NOT insurance. Discounts are only given through vendors that take part in this program. BCBSIL does not guarantee or make any claims or recommendations about the program’s services or products. BCBSIL reserves the right to stop or change this program at any time without notice. The relationship between the Blue365 vendors and BCBSIL is that of independent contractors. BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding any products or services they offer.Benefits and CoverageBlue365DiscountsDeals