https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1566/this-insurance-has-now-made-my-prescription-that-700-for-a-one-month-supplySat, 25 Apr 2026 15:34:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:3e4bd5c4-4b3f-43c1-b50e-96d9e5dc9054sharog17This insurance has now made my prescription that $700 for a one month supply. Absolutely insane. if I could afford $700 a month on prescriptions I wouldn’t need pharmacy benefits. A deductible has been applied to the pharmacy benefits and now I cannot get the medication I need in order to have hip surgery so I can walk again. I’m paying at least $200 a month out of my paycheck to have medical insurance to now be faced with additional costs for a medication.https://connect.bcbsil.com/espanol/b/tusalud/posts/presion-arterialThu, 23 Apr 2026 13:59:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c68b0513-5ec6-412f-892f-c79fa7dba80cEquipoConnectMantener tu presión arterial en un rango saludable es una de las mejores cosas que puedes hacer por tu salud. Esto se debe a que la presión arterial alta es el factor de riesgo más grande de enfermedad cardíaca, derrame cerebral, enfermedad renal y otros problemas de salud. Según los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, en inglés), casi la mitad de los adultos en los Estados Unidos, alrededor de 120 millones de personas, tienen presión arterial alta. Además, solo el 25% de ellos lo tienen bajo control. La presión arterial alta (HBP, en inglés) puede ser mortal. Sin embargo, muchas personas no saben que lo tienen, por eso se conoce como “el asesino silencioso”. La única manera de saber si estás en riesgo es medírtela con frecuencia. ¿En qué consiste exactamente? La presión arterial es la fuerza que la sangre ejerce contra las paredes de las arterias mientras esta circula por tu cuerpo. La presión arterial a menudo aumenta y disminuye a lo largo del día, pero puede causar problemas de salud si se mantiene alta. ¿Estás en riesgo? Cualquier persona, incluidos los niños, pueden tener presión arterial alta. Algunos factores que están más allá de tu control pueden aumentar tu riesgo de presión arterial alta. Estos incluyen tu edad, sexo, raza u origen étnico. Pero puedes reducir tu riesgo cambiando tu estilo de vida , como mantener un peso saludable, estar físicamente activo, no fumar y llevar una dieta saludable. Consulta a tu médico sobre lo que puedes hacer para reducir tu riesgo de presión arterial alta. ¿Cuáles son las señales y los síntomas? La presión arterial alta generalmente no tiene señales o síntomas de advertencia, por lo que muchas personas no se dan cuenta de que la tienen alta. Por eso, es vital que te midan la presión arterial regularmente . ¿Cómo saber si está alta? Medir tu presión arterial es la única manera de saber si tienes presión arterial alta. Las medidas de presión arterial calculan dos cosas. El primer número es la fuerza que empuja en las paredes de los vasos sanguíneos a medida que transportan sangre y oxígeno a los órganos, un proceso conocido como la presión sistólica. El segundo número es la presión en los vasos sanguíneos cuando el corazón descansa entre latidos, conocida como la presión diastólica. Si cualquiera de los números es demasiado alto, esto significa que los vasos sanguíneos están bajo demasiada presión. Como consecuencia, esto puede aumentar tu riesgo de formar coágulos sanguíneos y padecer otros problemas de salud graves. Un método de saber cuál es tu nivel de presión arterial es acudiendo al consultorio de tu médico. Generalmente, te la medirá envolviendo un manguito inflable con un manómetro alrededor de tu brazo para apretar los vasos sanguíneos. Luego, escuchará tu pulso con un estetoscopio mientras libera aire del manguito. El manómetro mide la presión en los vasos sanguíneos cuando el corazón late (presión sistólica) y cuando descansa (presión diastólica). Otro método es medirte la presión arterial en casa. Los monitores de presión arterial para el hogar son fáciles de encontrar y el precio comienza alrededor de $20. Además, son fáciles de usar. Muchos de estos monitores almacenan tus medidas para que puedas mostrárselas a tu médico. Esta es una buena manera de darle seguimiento a una medida importante para tu salud. Medirse de la presión arterial en la casa puede ser una parte importante para controlar la presión arterial. Pero, muchas personas no lo hacen. En un estudio reciente de adultos de 50 a 80 años de edad, menos de la mitad de las personas con presión arterial alta (también llamada hipertensión) se midieron regularmente la presión arterial. Al igual que cualquier otro hábito saludable, supervisar tu presión arterial en el hogar solo ayuda si realmente lo haces. Considéralo como una tarea que recuerdes hacer regularmente, o trata de hacerla a la misma hora todos los días. Con el tiempo, ni siquiera tendrás que hacer esfuerzo para recordarte. Ya sea que te midas la presión arterial en el consultorio de tu médico o que lo hagas tú mismo en casa, es importante asegurarte de que se mida correctamente . ¿Cómo se trata? Si tienes presión arterial alta, tu médico puede recetarte medicamentos para tratarla. Y cambiar tu estilo de vida puede ser tan importante como tomar medicamentos. Para reducir tu presión arterial, considera las siguientes recomendaciones de la asociación estadounidense del corazón (American Heart Association): Lleva una dieta saludable. Limita el consumo de sal (sodio), grasa y colesterol. Mantén un peso saludable. Consulta a tu médico si necesitas ayuda. Evita o limita el consumo de alcohol. Incorpora la actividad física a tu vida diaria. Consulta a tu médico antes de comenzar cualquier tipo de programa de ejercicios. Si fumas, deja de hacerlo. Maneja el estrés y la tensión. Trata de caminar, escribir en tu diario, meditar, practicar técnicas de relajación o yoga. Incluye a tu familia en el plan para cambiar tu estilo de vida. Si tienes presión arterial alta, asegúrate de controlarla regularmente y tomar cualquier medicamento que te recete tu médico siguiendo las indicaciones. Si tienes cualquier efecto secundario, no dejes de tomarlo sin consultar primero con tu médico. Fuentes: High Blood Pressure , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Measure Your Blood Pressure , CDC, 2024; High Blood Pressure Facts , CDC, 2025; High Blood Pressure Risk Factors , CDC, 2024; Lower Numbers Start Here , American Heart Association; Prevalence and Frequency of Self-measured Blood Pressure Monitoring in US Adults Aged 50-80 Years , JAMA Network Medical News, 2022Consejos sobre la hipertensiónTu SaludEspañolhipertensiónpresión arterialConsejos para la salud del corazónhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1565/i-haven-t-received-my-medical-card-or-any-communication-regarding-my-account-who-can-i-contact-to-check-status/3444Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:40:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:fb104dd7-f855-49ad-b123-d9952fa63591BCBSIL Connect TeamHi Veronica, If you could send us a private message, we can help you with this. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1565/i-haven-t-received-my-medical-card-or-any-communication-regarding-my-account-who-can-i-contact-to-check-statusMon, 20 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:624faca5-ad78-46eb-8b5d-f4a53f7fa51eVeronica LynchCoverage should have kicked in o 04/01 but I haven't received any documentation regarding medical insurance. I'm worried it got lost in the mail since my home address doesn't get serviced by USPS so I depend on a PO Box for mail sent with that carrier. I need to make appointments for regular checkups.https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1564/i-ve-never-received-my-insurance-card-in-the-mail-or-anything-i-think-it-may-i-went-to-the-wrong-address-who-should-i-contact-so-i-can-receive-my-insurance-card/3443Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:21:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:a7ebe50c-4f7b-41f3-81ea-57645f8378ccBCBSIL 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/1564/i-ve-never-received-my-insurance-card-in-the-mail-or-anything-i-think-it-may-i-went-to-the-wrong-address-who-should-i-contact-so-i-can-receive-my-insurance-cardSat, 18 Apr 2026 03:43:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:8e1b49b6-d6ff-4f01-9a8f-cd807c11cb33Candyrainhave to to receive my insurance card. It’s been months. I think it may have went to the wrong address so who should I contact about receiving my insurance card because that my address is correcthttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1563/no-medical-card/3442Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:52:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:1ed9d54d-d95f-4668-8df9-7251043f7d1fBCBSIL Connect TeamHello, We can help you with this if you'd like to send us a private message. ~ KWhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1563/no-medical-cardThu, 16 Apr 2026 20:49:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:97839330-c008-4b07-917f-5a8168f65ad2BCBSSignInI still haven't received my medical card after 2 weeks. Obviously it's not wickedly long, but I've been without my ADHD medication for 2 months so I'm really desperate for help.Coverage Questionhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1545/i-never-received-my-card-in-the-mail-and-i-can-t-create-an-account-to-login-and-get-a-new-card/3441Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:57:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:8155f234-4549-4bdf-ad3e-c0bb675a1dd4sbennett1sHello, I am dealing with the same issue! Can someone help me?https://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1562/medical-attachments-for-claims/3440Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:26:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:3243cd8f-1c38-46dc-9fb0-6efc5be4d2abBCBSIL Connect TeamHello, If you would like to send a private message, we can have provider services assist you with any questions you have about submitting medical records. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1562/medical-attachments-for-claimsWed, 15 Apr 2026 12:51:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ff58699b-63f7-43a2-b549-238da2c09560DrmHi, At this point and time, for claims that have been submitted and additional medical information is required, the only ways to submit is through fax and mail correct? We fax attachments for patients multiple times, and are told BCBSIL haven't received them. Some of these claims are months to a year old, only to be told over and over again the fax hasn't been received. When is an electronic upload for medical attachments for claims going to be available?provider serviceshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/a-hug-only-takes-10-seconds-but-the-benefits-last-foreverMon, 13 Apr 2026 15:42:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:5fa79582-e310-49ce-8107-77573541222dBCBSIL Connect TeamFun fact about hugs: They don’t just give you a warm, fuzzy sense of well-being — they can also be good for your health. It’s true. Hugging for just 10 seconds can boost feel-good hormones like oxytocin. Often called the “love hormone,” it fights stress chemicals and helps lower blood pressure. Looking for a good reason to hug someone? There are many. Hugs calm chaos. A good hug can help you feel calmer and less anxious, says Psychology Today . Are you stressed about work deadlines? Money woes? Family drama? Don’t carry that stress around. Hug it out. Hugs reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness. It fights infection. Sometimes, it lasts when it isn’t needed. Chronic inflammation has even been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Hugs protect your heart. Walking, eating a heart-healthy diet and cutting back on salt can all help your blood pressure levels stay in the healthy range. So can regular hugs. A good squeeze can even help lower your heart rate. Hugs boost your immune system. One study shows hugs shorten the common cold infection. Over a 14-day period, participants with colds each received a different number of hugs. People who got more hugs had less severe symptoms and shorter colds. Well-hugged babies lead to well-adjusted adults. Can’t stop hugging your baby? Don’t worry. Research shows that babies who receive a lot of physical affection have a better chance of thriving. Hugs also help them develop better coping mechanisms as they grow up. Touch in general soothes fears. A study on how touch can help alleviate fear , shows touching greatly lower fears. The study noted that even if our eyes perceive something to be afraid of like falling off a ledge, touch from someone else helps calm the fear. Be mindful before you hug. It’s important to note that not everyone enjoys being hugged or wants that level of touch. Other ways to show you care for a friend or family member is by holding their hand or lightly rubbing their back. Cleveland Clinic says a good rule to follow is to always ask the person, even a child, if they need a hug or are okay to receive one before doing it. Sources: Science Confirms Hugs Can Ease Pain, Anxiety, And Depression , Science Alert, 2024; 4 Significant Physical Benefits of Hugging , Psychology Today, 2022; Can Touch Help Us Overcome Fear? , Psychology Today, 2022; Foods That Fight Inflammation , Harvard Health Publishing, 2026; Benefits of Hugging for Mental Health , Cleveland Clinic, 2023Helpful Tips about Heart DiseaseMental HealthHeart Health TipsHealth and WellnessHealthy MindStress Reliefhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1561/tried-to-close-account-account-locked-or-closed-but-still-getting-charged/3439Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:39:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:fbd67eb1-41c9-4c34-ba11-91d50c9ade12BCBSIL Connect TeamHi Garrett, If you could send us a private message, we can look into your situation. ~ HChttps://connect.bcbsil.com/ask-bcbsil/f/questions-and-answers/1561/tried-to-close-account-account-locked-or-closed-but-still-getting-chargedMon, 13 Apr 2026 00:38:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d001137c-6400-4a8c-b4f6-e86940e9b7afGarrettNDucharmeHi, I tried to close my account several months ago, but I keep getting charged. I can't seem to log in or call in because the account is closed or locked. How can I have my account actually closed such that I stop getting charged? I have not even lived in Illinois in six months. I had to create a new account to ask this question, but it is also under Garrett Ducharme.Customer Servicehttps://connect.bcbsil.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/work-together-with-doctorFri, 10 Apr 2026 21:52:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:a5ceaca0-a316-4c9a-9e8c-1ec0f7b5f653BCBSIL Connect TeamWhen 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 Medical Group and a primary care provider, or PCP, to be your “personal” doctor. A PCP most often focuses on general internal medicine, family medicine or obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN). Older adults can choose a geriatric doctor. Children can have a pediatrician. If you have a PPO*** plan, you don’t need to have a Medical Group or PCP. It’s a good idea, though, to have a primary care provider who knows your health history and can coordinate your care. The Power of Teaming Up with Your Doctor Here are five ways having a PCP can benefit your health and well-being. Someone to quarterback your care : Having your own personal doctor means you’ll have someone in your corner making sure you get the care you need. They’ll know your health history, any health conditions you have and what medicines you take. More focus on staying healthy: Your doctor will provide your routine medical care such as annual exams and treatment for colds and the flu. They will also make sure you get vaccinations and screenings and talk with you about how your lifestyle might impact your health. That way you can focus on staying healthy, instead of seeking help only when you are already sick or hurt. A trusted guide to your follow-up care: Your doctor can guide you to the best place to go when you need more care. If you need to be seen by a specialist, they can coordinate the care, especially if you need to be seen by more than one. This keeps your care on track and can help you avoid unneeded visits. Detect and treat illness earlier: Early diagnosis and treatment can keep many common health problems from getting worse. Having your doctor manage your care means problems can be caught early before they become serious or lead to other major illnesses. For example, catching high blood pressure early and getting it under control could prevent you from having a stroke later. Manage your conditions and care better: If you have a chronic health issue such as asthma, diabetes or a heart problem, your doctor can make sure you have access to specialized care to help keep your condition from getting worse. Personal Care. Simplified. To make the most of your relationship with your PCP and get the most out of your health plan, follow this advice: Schedule that first visit now: If you’re choosing a new doctor as your PCP, schedule your first visit as soon as possible. The sooner you create a relationship with your doctor, the sooner you’ll have someone in your corner overseeing your care. And going to your new patient appointment right away will help avoid delays in getting an appointment when you’re sick or need a referral. To each, their own PCP: Each person on your plan can pick their own PCP. Your PCP’s name and contact information will be listed on your member ID card. If you decide later your PCP isn’t right for you, you can choose a different one. See your PCP first: It’s best to call or go to your PCP first when you need care unless it’s an emergency. Your PCP will be able to make informed choices and direct you where you need to go for further treatment. That may mean going in to see your PCP or a specialist, going to an urgent care center, or heading to an emergency room. If you need to be seen by a specialist such as a cardiologist, make sure to start with your PCP. It’s important to get your care from providers in your network. This will help ensure you have fewer out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on your type of plan, if you get care from a provider who is not in your plan’s network, you may have to pay the full cost of your care. To make sure a provider or facility is in your plan’s network, log in to your account and go to Find Care . You can search for the provider and location that is right for you. Depending on your plan, you may also be able to estimate the out-of-pocket costs for your tests or treatments. *HMO is the commonly recognized term that refers to a Health Maintenance Organization. If you have an HMO, your PCP will be part of a Medical Group (MG), a group of both primary care and specialty physicians that can address many of your health care needs. This makes it simple to know where to go when you need care. **POS is the commonly recognized term for a Point-of-Service plan. ***PPO is the commonly recognized term for a Participating Provider Organization.Benefits and CoverageDoctor Patient RelationshipPrimary Care ProviderFind a Doctorhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/nutrition/w/recipe-book/339/yogurt-marinated-lambFri, 10 Apr 2026 19:43:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:297a7079-998b-4cc1-bdeb-e35377ffde76BCBSIL Connect TeamIngredients: Makes 12 servings 2 1/2 lbs. Lamb Leg, boneless 1 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt, plain 1 TBSP Garam Masala (Cumin, Coriander Seeds, Peppercorn, Cardamom, Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg) 2 TBSP Ginger, fresh, minced 2 TBSP Garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp Turmeric 1 TBSP Chili Powder 1 TBSP Salt 1/2 tsp Nutmeg 1/2 tsp Cloves, ground 1/2 tsp Cardamon 6-8 Bay Leaves 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, ground Directions: Trim visible fat from lamb, cut into 1.5” pieces. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl, mix well. Add lamb, set in fridge and let marinate for 6-7 hours, or overnight. Remove lamb, discard excess marinade. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the marinated lamb in a covered baking dish or wrap it tightly in foil to help retain moisture. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Registered Dietitian Tip: Yogurt-marinated lamb is rich and flavorful, so pair it with a whole grain like farro or brown rice and plenty of colorful vegetables to add fiber and balance. Including a fresh or lightly pickled vegetable and herbs helps brighten the dish and support digestion. A yogurt-based sauce or drizzle of olive oil adds healthy fats while keeping the meal satisfying and well-rounded. Serving Size: Service size: 1/2 cup Nutritional Information: Per serving: 140 calories, 5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 480 mg sodium, 4 g carbohydrate, 0 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 20 g protein Recipe Source: Recipe provided by FLIK Hospitality GroupEntreeRecipe bookAsianDiabetes/prediabetes - Carb ConsciousGeneral Healthy - Health Conscioushttps://connect.bcbsil.com/nutrition/w/recipe-book/338/chickpea-vegetable-biryaniFri, 10 Apr 2026 19:38:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:5af49d83-627f-42aa-909f-e684d27bb472BCBSIL Connect TeamIngredients: Makes 8 servings 1 3/4 cup Chickpeas, dry (3 15 oz cans drained and rinsed) 4 TBSP Canola Oil 3/4 cup Onion, sliced 1 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced 1 cup Carrot, chopped 3 Garlic cloves, minced (3 tsp) 1 TBSP Ginger, fresh, minced 2 tsp Cumin, ground 2 tsp Coriander, ground 1 tsp Chili Powder 1 tsp Cinnamon, ground 1/2 tsp Cardamon 1/2 tsp Turmeric 1 tsp Salt 1 1/2 cup Basmati Rice 10 cups Vegetable Broth, low sodium 4 TBSP Cilantro, fresh, chopped 4 TBSP Mint, fresh, chopped Directions: Rinse the dry chickpeas under cold water. Skip 1-3 if using canned chickpeas. Place them in a large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Let soak overnight (8–12 hours). Drain. Cover chickpeas with 2” of fresh water then cook on stovetop until tender, roughly 1 hour. Heat canola oil in a separate large pot or Dutch oven, then add onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook until tender. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamon, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Rinse Basmati rice in cold water until water runs clear. Stir in the rice and toast, until slightly golden. Add broth and cooked, drained chickpeas to rice mixture, cover pot and simmer until rice is cooked all the way through and chickpeas are fully tender. Garnish with cilantro and mint. Chefs Tip: You can use a pre-made Garam Masala mix in place of the cumin, coriander, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric. If doing so, use 2 tsp and add after rice it’s toasted. Serving Size: Service size: 1 cup Nutritional Information: Per serving: 320 calories, 8 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 470 mg sodium, 53 g carbohydrate, <1 g sugar, 6 g fiber, 9 g protein Recipe Source: Recipe provided by FLIK Hospitality GroupEntreeVegetarianRecipe bookAsianDiabetes/prediabetes - Carb ConsciousGeneral Healthy - Health ConsciousHigh fiberhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/nutrition/w/recipe-book/337/indian-spice-chickpea-potato-soupFri, 10 Apr 2026 19:34:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:f078a669-ec1e-44e0-8144-4a154b4ab7e6BCBSIL Connect TeamIngredients: Makes 8 servings 1 1/2 cup Chickpeas, dry (2, 15 oz cans drained and rinsed) 1 tsp Canola Oil 1 cup Celery, chopped 1 1/4 cup Onion, diced 3 tsp Garlic, minced 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper, ground 1/2 tsp Turmeric, ground 1/2 tsp Cumin, ground 5 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Soup Base 2 cups Potatoes, peeled, diced 1 TBSP Cilantro, fresh, chopped 1 tsp Salt 1/2 TBSP Lemon Juice Directions: Soak the chickpeas (skip step 1 & 2 if using canned chickpeas). Rinse the dry chickpeas under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Let soak overnight (8–12 hours). Drain and set aside. Heat canola oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced celery, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes or until softened and fragrant. Stir in cayenne, turmeric, and cumin and cook 1 minute more to toast the spices. Add 5 cups water, vegetable base, soaked chickpeas, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 30–45 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender and the potatoes are soft. Carefully scoop out about ⅓ of the soup and puree it in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot and stir to combine. Stir in cilantro, salt, and lemon juice. Simmer a few minutes more before serving. Chefs Tip: If the soup becomes too thick after blending, thin with a little warm water until the desired texture is reached. Serving Size: One serving: 8 ounces Nutritional Information: Nutrition Info (per serving): 200 calories, 3 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 380 mg sodium, 36 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 9 g protein Recipe Source: Recipe provided by FLIK Hospitality GroupSoupVegetarianRecipe bookAsianDiabetes/prediabetes - Carb ConsciousGeneral Healthy - Health ConsciousHigh fiberhttps://connect.bcbsil.com/espanol/b/tucobertura/posts/ocho-aspectos-deduciblesFri, 10 Apr 2026 14:15:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:2f96865d-9b22-4c26-b1ee-8063fa4c3ee8EquipoConnectLas coberturas médicas pueden parecer complicadas. Es útil saber qué preguntar y dónde encontrar la información que necesitas. Por ejemplo, piensa en los deducibles. Son importantes para tu bolsillo, pero ¿sabes cómo funcionan? Para comenzar, te presentamos a continuación las respuestas para algunas preguntas comunes de nuestros asegurados. P: ¿Qué es un deducible? R: Un deducible es la cantidad que pagas cada año por los servicios médicos antes de que la aseguradora comience a pagarlos. Por ejemplo, si tienes un deducible de $1,500, debes pagar los primeros $1,500 de cubierta los servicios que necesitas. Dependiendo de tu plan, es posible que también necesites cumplir con este deducible dentro de la red antes de pagar por los medicamentos recetados cubiertos. Esto significa que tu pagarás el costo total de la receta por adelantado hasta que se alcance el deducible. Luego pagarás el monto de tu copago o coaseguro hasta que alcances tu máximo anual de desembolso personal. Pero algunos planes no tienen un deducible. Y algunos tipos de medicamentos pueden estar disponibles a un costo más bajo (tan poco como $0), incluso si el deducible no se ha alcanzado primero. P: ¿Qué sucede después de cumplir con el deducible? R: Una vez que hayas cumplido con el deducible, por lo general, solo pagas un copago o coaseguro por los servicios con cobertura. Se conoce como “coaseguro” cuando la aseguradora paga un porcentaje alto del costo de la atención médica y tú pagas el resto. Por ejemplo, si tu coaseguro es de 80/20, solo pagarás el 20 por ciento del monto permitido cuando acudes a un prestador de servicios médicos de la red. Tu cobertura médica paga el 80 por ciento restante de ese monto P: Mencionaste que un deducible es la cantidad que pagas cada año. ¿El deducible empieza desde cero cada año? R: Sí. Como el deducible reinicia cada año, es recomendable estar pendientes de las cifras. Si has cumplido con el deducible para el año o estás próximo a cumplirlo, sería una buena idea hacerte otras pruebas o procedimientos antes de que el año de la cobertura termine para que los gastos de bolsillo sean más bajos. P: ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre el deducible de un seguro médico y otros tipos de deducibles? R: A diferencia de los seguros para automóviles, inquilinos o de propiedad donde no recibes servicios hasta pagar el deducible, muchas coberturas médicas cubren el costo de algunos servicios con cobertura antes de cumplir con el deducible. Por ejemplo, tu cobertura podría cubrir el costo de las pruebas anuales y la mayoría de las pruebas preventivas antes de cumplir con el deducible. P: La información de mi cobertura indica que también tengo un deducible familiar. ¿Qué significa esto? R: Si tu familia está incluida en la cobertura, probablemente habrá un deducible para cada persona y un deducible familiar por separado. Tan pronto se cumpla con el deducible familiar, la aseguradora comienza a pagar la cantidad de coaseguro para la atención médica de todos. Ese es el caso, incluso, si algunos miembros de la familia no han cumplido con el deducible individual. A continuación, presentamos un buen ejemplo de cómo funciona esto: Tu familia sufre un accidente automovilístico. Todos tienen que ser atendidos en el hospital para detectar lesiones. Si cada persona tuviera que cumplir con un deducible individual, tendrías que pagar todo el deducible antes de que el coaseguro comience a pagar. Con un deducible familiar, una vez que cumplas con el mismo, no se requiere ningún otro deducible individual. Después de cumplir con el deducible familiar, solo pagarás el copago o la cantidad de coaseguro por los servicios para cada derechohabiente. Algunas coberturas, como una cobertura médica con un deducible alto que incluye una Cuenta de gastos médicos (HSA, en inglés), pueden tener solo un deducible familiar. Si no estás seguro, consulta la información de la cobertura. P: ¿Todos los servicios médicos son aplicables a mi deducible hasta que se cumpla? R: No siempre. Algunas coberturas incluyen los servicios preventivos, por lo que no pagas nada al momento de recibirlos. Debido a que no tienes un cargo en gasto de bolsillo, estos servicios no serán contados para cumplir con el deducible. Si recibes atención que no esté incluida en tu cobertura médica, por lo general, no se contará para cumplir con el deducible. Esto podría incluir procedimientos cosméticos o consultas a prestadores de servicios médicos que no participen en la red de tu cobertura. P: ¿Cuáles son las ventajas y desventajas de un deducible alto o bajo? R: En la mayoría de los casos, mientras más alto sea el deducible de una cobertura, más baja será la prima mensual. Si estás dispuesto a pagar más cuando necesites atención médica, puedes elegir un deducible más alto para reducir la cantidad que pagas cada mes. Mientras más bajo sea el deducible de una cobertura, más alta será la prima. Pagarás más cada mes, pero la cobertura empezará a compartir los gastos antes porque cumplirás con el deducible más rápido. Algunas personas que, por lo general, no necesitan atención médica puede que prefieran tener una prima más baja y pagar el resto al recibir atención. Pero esto puede significar la posibilidad de tener que pagar una factura médica considerable si tienes una enfermedad o lesión inesperada. Otras personas prefieren la seguridad de que cuando necesiten de su seguro médico, no tendrán que pagar sumas considerables de dinero antes de que la aseguradora comience a ayudar con el costo. Estas personas prefieren tener una prima más alta, pero un deducible más bajo. Esto hace que los costos sean más predecibles. P: Si tengo que pagar mucho dinero de mi bolsillo antes de que la aseguradora comience a pagar, ¿por qué debería contar con una cobertura médica?, R : La cobertura médica puede reducir tus costos, incluso cuando debes pagar de tu bolsillo para cumplir con el deducible. Las compañías de seguros negocian sus tarifas con los prestadores de servicios médicos; por lo tanto, pagarás esa tarifa con descuento cuando acudas a prestadores de servicios médicos de la red. Sin ese descuento, las personas por lo general pagan el doble o mucho más por recibir atención médica. Para obtener detalles sobre el deducible, inicia sesión en cuenta de asegurado en línea. Para ver el monto del deducible, busca la opción Cobertura y beneficios (Coverage and Benefits) en la sección de Cobertura (Coverage). Puedes ver la cantidad del deducible que has cumplido hasta la fecha en la sección de Gastos (Spending). Para obtener más información sobre los términos de los seguros médicos, consulta nuestro glosario en línea. Tu cobertura médica podría incluir muchos servicios sin costo adicional Tu cobertura médica incluye muchos servicios de prevención, como las vacunas para niños y adultos y los exámenes anuales de bienestar, que podrás obtener sin costo cuando acudes a un prestador de servicios médicos que participa en la red.* También están incluidas, sin costo adicional, pruebas como la del Papanicolau y las mamografías, entre otras. Obtenga más información sobre los servicios de prevención incluidos en tu cobertura . * Los servicios preventivos sin costo son aplicables únicamente a los asegurados con coberturas médicas sin derechos adquiridos. Es posible que tengas que pagar el costo total o parcial de la atención médica preventiva si tu cobertura médica tiene derechos adquiridos. Comunícate con Servicio al Cliente al número en tu tarjeta de asegurado para confirmar si tienes o no una cobertura médica con derechos adquiridos.Tu CoberturaPrevenciónEspañolLos deducibleshttps://connect.bcbsil.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/breast-pumpsThu, 09 Apr 2026 18:29:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:127ba31a-b766-4b5d-9883-c3764abfe832BCBSIL Connect TeamNourishing 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 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports it lowers an infant’s risk for ear infections, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Anytime, Anywhere Convenience Along with important health benefits, breastfeeding does away with the need to mix formula or prepare bottles. It makes on-the-go feeding easy. Also, when traveling it can give comfort to babies when their normal routine has been disrupted. Breast pumps play a vital role in this flexibility. Pumping and storing breast milk allows both parents and others to share in feeding duties and increases your supply of breast milk. When you need to be away from your baby, there is a supply of milk ready to go. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois covers a variety of breast pumps for members whose health care plan includes this benefit. If you have a Flexible Spending Account, you can use your FSA dollars toward any out-of-pocket costs for a breast pump. Which Breast Pump Is Right for You? Every pump is designed with a shield that covers the breast and a container that collects milk. There are some basic variations, though. Before choosing, you’ll want to do a little research to learn about your options. Manual breast pumps don’t require batteries or electricity. Instead, the pump is worked by hand so it can be used anywhere. A manual pump is best for parents who don’t need to pump a lot of milk at one time. Electric pumps have a motor that uses electricity or batteries. They come in single- and double-pump models. Single-pump models collect milk from one breast at a time. Double-pump models can collect milk from both breasts at the same time. Many parents who attend school or work away from home choose double pumps because they work faster and are more convenient. Hospital (or Medical)-grade breast pumps have a more powerful motor for better suction. They are typically used in a hospital setting. The purchase cost of these pumps isn’t usually covered by a health plan. However, they can be rented by the month for home use. Hospital-grade breast pumps are usually only recommended for: Moms who have trouble establishing their milk supply Parents with premature babies, babies with health issues that may impact feeding, or those infants in the NICU Parents of multiple babies Things to Keep in Mind You may not know how often you’ll need to pump until your baby arrives. Your third trimester is a good time to consider ordering your breast pump to ensure you have it before the delivery of your baby. If you’re not sure what kind of pump is best for you, talk with a trained breastfeeding counselor. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health also offers helpful information about breastfeeding , including Your Guide to Breastfeeding , which you can download to refer to when you have questions. We’re Here to Support Parents BCBSIL benefits help support families as they prepare for their new baby . We offer breastfeeding support, counseling and supplies through our maternity benefits. You’ll find a lot is covered by your health insurance plan when you use an in-network provider — even manual and electric breast pumps . Let Us Help You Find a Breast Pump To get started on getting a breast pump, call the number on your member ID card or send a secure message through your member account online . Our Customer Advocates can tell you: If your plan covers a breast pump. If it does, ask if both electric and hospital-grade models are covered. Some plans cover both an electric pump and the rental of a hospital-grade pump up to a certain dollar amount. Other plans may only cover one type of pump. Be sure to ask if there will be an out-of-pocket cost and what that cost may be. Full coverage may only apply to certain models of breast pumps. If your health plan requires a prescription for a breast pump. Which in-network providers or durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers in your network and state offer breast pumps and how to contact them. Depending on your health plan, your benefits may include Women and Family Health. The program offers access to a nurse case manager who can help you find breast pumps and connect you with other breast-feeding resources. Sources: Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; How to Use a Breast Pump , WebMD, 2025; What to Know When Buying or Using a Breast Pump , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2023; Breastfeeding , American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024Benefits and CoveragePregnancyWomen’s HealthInfant Care