Ask BCBSIL

Go Mobile With the BCBSIL App

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:14:12 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 3/13/2025 6:14:12 PM

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 App, you can:

Enjoy secure log in with Face ID (iOS only) and Fingerprint ID*
View your Explanation of Benefits
Request a new member ID card or view it online or print it (Members with Apple devices can save their ID card to Apple Wallet.)
Find in-network doctors, hospitals and urgent-care facilities
Review your claims, coverage, deductible and out-of-pocket information
Know your medical and prescription copays
Connect with your spending accounts (HCA, FSA, HRA and HSA)
Link directly to Well onTarget^®, the member wellness portal
Get fast answers with two-way messaging (if offered with your plan)
View everything in Spanish (if your phone settings are set to Spanish)

The BCBSIL app is available in English and Spanish for iPhone and Android users. Download the BCBSIL app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play.

* Availability varies by device

Originally published 11/19/2015; Revised 2016 - 2024

Tags: Mobile Apps, Blue Access for Members, FAQs, Provider Finder, Find a Doctor

Special Enrollment

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 20 May 2024 16:27:57 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 5/20/2024 4:27:57 PM

If you missed open enrollment, you may be able to enroll during the special enrollment period. To be eligible, you must have had a qualifying "life event" within the past 60 days.

Examples of some qualifying events are:

Need more information? Read more on these topics:

Originally published 8/26/2014; Revised 2021, 2024

Tags: Special Enrollment, Buy Health Insurance

Blue Access for Members Hotline

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 20 May 2024 15:21:00 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 5/20/2024 3:21:00 PM

Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM^SM) has features to help you make the most of your health benefits! Our secure member portal lets you:

Check the status of your claim and claim history
Confirm the family members who are covered under your plan
View and print an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement for claims within the last 18 months
Find a doctor or hospital in your plan’s network
Set your email and text alert preferences for notifications
Request a new or replacement member ID card, or print a temporary one

If you have trouble with sign up or log in, we can help.

Have a technical question?
If you can’t register or log in to Blue Access for Members, call:

The phone number on your BCBSIL member ID card
The Blue Access^® Internet Help Desk at 888-706-0583

Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Need to know more about your benefits or a claim?
If you have questions about the information in your Blue Access for Members account, such as benefits or claims information, you can:

Call the Customer Service number on your member ID card
Send us a private message through the BAM “Message Center”
Use the private message feature on Connect, Facebook or Twitter
Talk with us via Web Chat

Have other questions?
Here are some resources to help you navigate other popular areas of interest.

Originally published 7/20/2015; Revised 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Customer Service, FAQs, Open Enrollment

Blue Access for Members

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 20 May 2024 15:20:22 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 5/20/2024 3:20:22 PM

Blue Access for Members^SM(BAM^SM) puts everything you need to know about your health plan right at your fingertips – 24/7. With BAM, it’s easy to make the most of your health benefits.

The secure, user-friendly member portal houses everything you need – all in one place. Log in to access detailed information about your:

Account
Coverage & Benefits
Claims

Plus, you can download Forms and Documents, and even connect with Customer Service.

Knowledge is power, right?
With BAM, you’re empowered to quickly:

Check the status of your claim and claim history
Confirm who’s covered under your plan
View and print an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for claims
Find a Doctor or Hospital in your plan’s network
Set your email and text alert preferences

Keep your ID card handy.
Now you never have to be without your member ID card. With BAM, you can:

Request a new or replacement card
Print a temporary one ID card
Get a digital ID card that goes everywhere

Enjoy wellness tools and perks.
BAM features a direct link to Well onTarget^® – a rewards program that nurtures healthy choices. You’ll find a host of amenities, including:

Health and wellness content
Tools and trackers
Personalized digital coaching
Self-paced health programs to help you reach your goals

Plus, you get unlimited access to a nationwide network of fitness centers with flexible, month-to-month memberships.

Just look for the Well onTarget link on the left side of the page after you log in to BAM.

BAM is mobile!
Keep BAM in the palm of your hand. With the mobile app, you can tap into your important health information – anytime, anywhere.

Set your language preference (English or Spanish)
Access your member ID, add it to your mobile wallet, even email it to your provider
Find in-network care providers and facilities
Check your claims
Connect with a Customer Service rep

To download the app, go to iTunes App Store, Google Play. or text* BCBSILAPP to 33633.

Ready to get started?
Create your account now. Once you’ve registered, log in to your account.

Need technical help?
If you can’t register or log in to Blue Access for Members, call:

The phone number on you BCBSIL member ID card
The Blue Access^® Internet Help Desk at 888-706-0583

Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Have questions about your benefits or a claim?
If you have questions about any information in your Blue Access for Members account, you can:

Send us a private message through the BAM “Message Center”
Call the Customer Service number on your member ID card
Use the private message feature on Connect Community, Facebook or Twitter
Talk with us via Web Chat

*Message and data rates may apply. View Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy at bcbsil.com/mobile/text-messaging.

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023

Tags: Blue Access for Members, FAQs, Open Enrollment

How do I submit a claim for services received internationally?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 20 May 2024 15:18:31 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 5/20/2024 3:18:31 PM

When you receive eligible medical services from a doctor or health care facility while traveling outside the United States, you'll need to submit a medical claim to Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Core for review.

Here's how you can get started:

Visit: www.bcbsglobalcore.com .
Read and accept the terms
Enter the two or three letters (called an alpha prefix) at the head of your member ID card
Click "Go"
On the next screen, choose "Claims Forms"
Click the link to download the “International Claim Form”
Check page 2 for Instructions about submitting your claim

You can email your completed claim form and any attachments to claims@bcbsglobalcore.com.

You can also send itemized bills and receipts – along with your completed International Claim form – to this address:

Service Center
P.O. Box 2048
Southeastern, PA 19399

Please include as many of the following items as possible:

The letterhead indicating the name and address of the person or organization providing the services
The full name of the patient receiving the services
The dates of each service
A description of each service
The charges for each service

If you need help while submitting your foreign claims, contact BCBS Global:

Phone: 800-810-BLUE (2583)
Email: customerservice@bcbsglobalcore.com

Remember, you can always connect with us via Blue Access Message Center or the customer service phone number on your BCBSIL member ID card.

Originally published 7/17/2029; Revised 2022, 2023

Tags: Contact us, Using Health Insurance, Blue Access for Members, Customer Service, Medical Claims, BCBS Global Core, Health Insurance Forms

View Claims

BCBSIL Connect Team — Wed, 08 May 2024 14:24:01 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 5/8/2024 2:24:01 PM

If you're looking for a way to manage your medical claims, your secure Blue Access for Members^SM account is the way to go.

To get started, log in to your BAM^SM account and click on Claims in the top navigation.

You can view claims from the past 18 months. You can also search and filter claims to help find the information you need. Filter by member, claim type, claim status and health service provider. You can also download or print claims information.

Want a quick guide to help you better understand your claims? Each claim comes with an Explanation of Benefits. Your EOB will break down the services you received, the cost of the services and what you might have to pay.

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Tags: Blue Access for Members, BAM, Medical Claims, Open Enrollment

Using Contact Us

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:47:48 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/29/2024 5:47:48 PM

I sent a question using the secure message feature in Blue Access for Members. How long will it take to get an answer?

Once we receive your message within Blue Access for Members^SM, a customer advocate will make sure your question is addressed by all the right people. You’ll get a response from our team within two business days to let you know we are looking into your question. It may take up to several weeks to get a full answer.

Here’s why:

Our customer service teams are split by specialty. This ensures our members are helped by employees with the most training and resources. If your BAM inquiry is about several concerns (billing, claims, membership, etc.), an answer may take a bit longer. We try to answer all concerns at once.

If you have an urgent request, call customer service at the number on your ID card. Billing questions close to a payment due date, pharmacy refill requests, health concerns and similar issues are best resolved with a phone call. Our staff is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT to answer your questions. We know you don’t like being on hold, but sometimes waiting to speak to a customer advocate directly, rather than waiting for an email response that could take a week or two, is the best choice.

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2015-2024

Tags: Contact us, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Customer Service, Open Enrollment

Loss of Medicaid Coverage

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:59:10 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/25/2024 5:59:10 PM

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 is available to all adults below a certain income level.

Q. What does Medicaid cover?
A. All Medicaid programs cover basic medical care, such as:

Inpatient hospital care
Doctors' visit
Outpatient hospital/clinic care
X-ray and lab services
Short-term skilled nursing, rehab and home health care
Ambulance service
Pediatric care

Some Medicaid programs might cover other medical care such as prescriptions, vision and even dental care.

Q. Why did I lose my Medicaid coverage?
A. Medicaid eligibility is based on a variety of factors. Some reasons you could lose Medicaid coverage are:

You earn too much money
You are older than the qualifying age
You inherit, win or are given assets that change your financial status
You failed to report a change in your household, such as getting married, adopting or having a child
You are no longer pregnant

Q. What are my health care options if I lose Medicaid?
A. If you lose Medicaid, your child or children may be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Your other option is to buy your own coverage. Choose one of our health plans or find one on the Health Insurance Marketplace during the special enrollment period. Most special enrollment periods last 60 days from the date you lose coverage, so don't wait!

Q. Why should I shop through BCBSIL or on the Health Insurance Marketplace?
A. You can do it all online! By using our site or the Health Insurance Marketplace, it's easy to shop. You can compare and buy health insurance that fits your medical needs and budget. You can also see if you qualify for low monthly premiums based on your family’s total income.

Need more information? Read about these topics.

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024

Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Buy Health Insurance, Medicaid

Using Contact Us

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:51:20 GMT

Revision 9 posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/25/2024 5:51:20 PM

I sent a question using the secure message feature in Blue Access for Members. How long will it take to get an answer?

Here’s why:

If you have an urgent request, call customer service at the number on your ID card. Billing questions close to a payment due date, pharmacy refill requests, health concerns and similar issues are best resolved with a phone call. Our staff is available 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CT to answer your questions. We know you don’t like being on hold, but sometimes waiting to speak to a customer advocate directly, rather than waiting for an email response that could take a week or two, is the best choice.

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2015-2024

Tags: Contact us, Blue Access for Members, BAM, Customer Service, Open Enrollment

How to know if you need a referral and how to get one

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:37:18 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/25/2024 5:37:18 PM

Q. Do I need a referral? How do I get one?

We know referrals can seem confusing, so we’ve put together a guide to help you understand how they work.

If you’ve been seeing your primary care provider (PCP) for a while, chances are you have a bond based on trust. That’s a good thing. After all, your PCP is all about your good health. But what if you need to see someone else? A specialist who can treat you for a specific illness or condition?

When you are covered under an HMO plan and need to be treated by a specialist, your PCP must submit a referral request. The request is reviewed to make sure it meets your plan’s approval requirements. When the referral is approved, we notify your PCP and they’ll let you know.

PPO plans do not require a referral before treatment — even if you go to a specialist. Still, some specialists may want you to see your primary doctor before coming to see them.

Though PPO plans don’t require referrals, some services may need a pre-approval — also called prior authorization — before your claim can be processed or services are provided.

If you’re planning an inpatient hospital stay, it will probably require pre-approval before you are admitted. Many plans also require that we be notified within a certain time after you are admitted to the hospital for an emergency stay. Your doctor can contact us to request pre-approval for you.

Some outpatient procedures also require pre-approval. There isn’t a complete list of all the services that require approval since they vary from plan to plan. You or your doctor can always contact us directly to learn about your plan’s requirements for any procedure.

If your service does need pre-approval, your doctor will submit a letter explaining reasons for the recommended service. Any documents that support the request (medical records, test results) should also be sent. Once we receive the request, it is reviewed by a member of our medical team. When a decision is made, your doctor will be notified.

We understand the referral and approval processes can seem daunting. That’s why our customer service team is here to answer any question you or your doctor may have as you plan your health care.

Contact our customer service department at the number on your member ID card. You can also reach us through private message here on Connect or via the Message Center on Blue Access for Members^SM.We’re happy to verify information for your doctor.

Next time you talk with your doctor about your health care plan, make sure you discuss any steps you need to take to verify your insurance coverage.

Originally published 9/29/2016; Revised 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024

Tags: Using Health Insurance, Prior Authorization, Customer Service, PPO, HMO, Referrals

Loss of Medicaid Coverage

Bridgett — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 21:27:51 GMT

Revision 10 posted to Ask BCBSIL by Bridgett on 4/16/2024 9:27:51 PM

Q. What does Medicaid cover?
A. All Medicaid programs cover basic medical care, such as:

Inpatient hospital care
Doctors' visit
Outpatient hospital/clinic care
X-ray and lab services
Short-term skilled nursing, rehab and home health care
Ambulance service
Pediatric care

Some Medicaid programs might cover other medical care such as prescriptions, vision and even dental care.

Q. Why did I lose my Medicaid coverage?
A. Medicaid eligibility is based on a variety of factors. Some reasons you could lose Medicaid coverage are:

You earn too much money
You are older than the qualifying age
You inherit, win or are given assets that change your financial status
You failed to report a change in your household, such as getting married, adopting or having a child
You are no longer pregnant

Q. What are my healthcare options if I lose Medicaid?
A. If you lose Medicaid, your child or children may be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Your other option is to buy your own coverage. Choose one of our health plans or find one on the Health Insurance Marketplace during the special enrollment period. Most special enrollment periods last 60 days from the date you lose coverage, so don't wait!

Need more information? Read about these topics.

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024

Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Buy Health Insurance, Medicaid

Loss of Medicaid Coverage

BCBSIL Connect Team — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 21:25:55 GMT

Revision 9 posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/16/2024 9:25:55 PM

Q. What does Medicaid cover?
A. All Medicaid programs cover basic medical care, such as:

Inpatient hospital care
Doctors' visit
Outpatient hospital/clinic care
X-ray and lab services
Short-term skilled nursing, rehab and home health care
Ambulance service
Pediatric care

Some Medicaid programs might cover other medical care such as prescriptions, vision and even dental care.

Q. Why did I lose my Medicaid coverage?
A. Medicaid eligibility is based on a variety of factors. Some reasons you could lose Medicaid coverage are:

You earn too much money
You are older than the qualifying age
You inherit, win or are given assets that change your financial status
You failed to report a change in your household, such as getting married, adopting or having a child
You are no longer pregnant

Q. What are my healthcare options if I lose Medicaid?
A. If you lose Medicaid, your child or children may be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Your other option is to buy your own coverage. Choose one of our health plans or find one on the Health Insurance Marketplace during the special enrollment period. Most special enrollment periods last 60 days from the date you lose coverage, so don't wait!

Need more information? Read about these topics.

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024

Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Buy Health Insurance, Medicaid

Compré mi plan de seguro médico en el Mercado de Seguros Médicos en línea. ¿Como puedo hacer cambios a esa cuenta o perfil?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:58:51 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/11/2024 6:58:51 PM

Si compraste tu plan de seguro médico en el Mercado de Seguros Médicos en línea, esta Guía de Contactos (en ingles) tiene los números de teléfono e instrucciones que necesitarás. Encuentra los cambios que quieres hacer, luego aprende dónde empezar.

Tags: Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio, Contactanos, Período de inscripción abierta, Servicio al cliente, Período especial de inscripción

How to Make Changes to Plan Purchased on Health Insurance Marketplace

BCBSIL Connect Team — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:54:46 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/11/2024 6:54:46 PM

I bought my health plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace. How can I make changes to my account or profile?

Life is rarely static. Stuff comes up. Things change. And your health insurance needs to keep up. We understand.

Maybe you’ve moved and need to update your address. Maybe you want to add a dependent or choose a new primary care physician. Maybe you lost your member ID card or want to set up auto bill pay. Whatever the change, we can help you make it happen.

If you bought your health plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace, we’ve put together a handy Contact Guide.

Download it to find phone numbers and simple instructions to make the updates you need.

Tags: Contact us, Customer Service, Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Open Enrollment

26 Years Old

BCBSIL Connect Team — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 21:09:12 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/2/2024 9:09:12 PM

Q. What health insurance for young adults can I have until the age of 26?
A. If your parent’s health insurance covers young adults, then you can be added to, or stay on, their plan until you turn 26.

Q. What if I’m married or don’t live with my parents? Can I still get health insurance?
A. You can join or stay on a parent’s health insurance plan until you turn 26 years of age even if you:

Are married
Don’t live with your parents
Are going to school
Don’t count on your parents for money
Can sign up for your own employer’s plan

Q. What is covered on my parent’s health insurance plan?
A. Your parent’s health insurance plan will provide you with benefits that cover basic health concerns. They are:

Emergency care
Prescription drugs
Hospital stays
Rehabilitative care and devices
Maternity and newborn care
Lab services
Behavioral health/substance misuse
Preventive/wellness services (like yearly check-ups and vaccinations) and chronic disease management

Your parent's premium will also cover many preventive services, such as screenings for high blood sugar or cancer. Even better, you may not have a copay, coinsurance or deductible for an annual wellness exam, if you visit a doctor in your health plan’s network.

Q. What happens when I turn 26 years old?
A. Once you turn 26, your coverage on your parent's health insurance plan will end. You would need to enroll in health coverage on your own.

Q. How do I get coverage once I turn 26 years old?
A. If your birthday falls outside the open enrollment period, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. That means you may be able to get coverage through your job. Or visit bcbsil.com to view and compare all our Family and Individual health plans, including the plans we offer on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Q. How soon do I need to apply before I turn 26 years old?
A. You can enroll up to 60 days before your 26th birthday. Your Special Enrollment Period ends 60 days after your birthday.

Q. What happens if I don’t enroll during my Special Enrollment Period after I turn 26 years old?
A. If you don’t enroll in health coverage within the 60 days following your birthday, you may not be able to get coverage until the next Open Enrollment period.

Q. Why should I shop through BCBSIL or the Health Insurance Marketplace?
A. By using our site or the Health Insurance Marketplace, you’ll be able to shop for a health plan, compare plan benefits and prices, and buy health insurance that’s right for you. By doing a little research before buying, you can find plans with lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re at that “magic age”, DO something and get covered!

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2018, 2020, 2024

Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Open Enrollment, Buy Health Insurance

How Do I Update My Personal Information for My Health Plan?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 21:04:31 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/2/2024 9:04:31 PM

Do you need to update your personal information for your health plan? If your address or other information has changed, you should.

The way you originally enrolled in your health plan matters when it comes to updating your personal information.

If you enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly with BCBSIL, you have an individual or family plan. To update your information:

Go to Healthcare.gov or call 800-318-2596 if you purchased your Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan on the Marketplace.
Go to bcbsil.com and sign in to your Blue Access for Members^SM account to send a private message. Or call the number on your BCBSIL member ID card if you purchased your plan directly through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

If you receive your health plan through your employer, you have a group plan or group coverage. Group plans have their own process for updating personal information. To update your information:

Contact your company’s human resource department.

In every case, you can only update your personal information through the original channel you used to enroll in your health insurance plan.

Need Other Changes to Your Health Plan?
Changes happen in life — and that includes your health insurance needs. Special enrollment is a period of time when you are able to makes changes to your health insurance plan for qualifying life events.

Tags: Blue Access for Members, Customer Service, FAQs

View Claims

BCBSIL Connect Team — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:33:18 GMT

Revision 18 posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/2/2024 3:33:18 PM

If you're looking for a way to manage your medical claims, your secure Blue Access for Members^SM account is the way to go.

To get started, log in to your BAM^SM account and click on Claims in the top navigation.

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Tags: Blue Access for Members, BAM, Medical Claims, Open Enrollment

View Claims

BCBSIL Connect Team — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:32:32 GMT

Revision 17 posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/2/2024 3:32:32 PM

If you're looking for a way to manage your medical claims, your secure Blue Access for Members^SM account is the way to go.

To get started, log in to your BAM^SM account and click on Claims in the top navigation.

Originally published 10/2/2014; Revised 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Tags: Blue Access for Members, BAM, Medical Claims, Open Enrollment

How Do I Update My Personal Information for My Health Plan?

BCBSIL Connect Team — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 18:45:20 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Ask BCBSIL by BCBSIL Connect Team on 4/1/2024 6:45:20 PM

Do you need to update your personal information for your health plan? If your address or other information has changed, you should.

The way you originally enrolled in your health plan matters when it comes to updating your personal information.

If you enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly with BCBSIL, you have an individual or family plan. To update your information:

Go to Healthcare.gov or call 800-318-2596 if you purchased your Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan on the Marketplace.
Go to bcbsil.com and sign in to your Blue Access for Members^SM account to send a private message. Or call the number on your BCBSIL member ID card if you purchased your plan directly through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

If you receive your health plan through your employer, you have a group plan or group coverage. Group plans have their own process for updating personal information. To update your information:

Contact your company’s human resource department.

In every case, you can only update your personal information through the original channel you used to enroll in your health insurance plan.

Tags: Blue Access for Members, Customer Service, FAQs

Convenient Ways to Pay Your Bill

Bridgett — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:36:01 GMT

Current Revision posted to Ask BCBSIL by Bridgett on 3/28/2024 8:36:01 PM

Your payment keeps your coverage active.

Each month you will get a bill for your premium. You can continue to use your benefits as long as you keep your payments current.
Make sure you pay your first premium before you go to the doctor, fill a prescription or use any of your other plan benefits.
Log in to Blue Access for Members^SM for payment options and up to date claim details.

Online

Log in to your account and select Billing and Payments to be redirected to the secure website for completing a payment by card.

Auto Bill Pay

Set up a recurring monthly payment by logging into your account and selecting Payments and Billing to manage Auto Bill Pay, or calling Customer Service toll free at 800-538-8833.

Phone

One-Time Payment

Make a one-time payment over the phone by calling Customer Service at 800-538-8833 and select Make a Payment.
Please have your BCBSIL member ID number, bank routing number and bank account number ready.

Mail

Pay by mail with a personal check, cashier’s check or money order.

To do so, be sure you:

Make the check payable to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois or BCBSIL.
Write your account/member ID number on your check, cashier’s check or money order.
Include the payment coupon that was sent to you with your bill.
Send your payment at least 5 business days before the payment due date to make sure timely posting to your account.
Mail your payment to the address on your bill.

In-Person

The in-person option is not available for your first payment. Following payments can be made with cash at MoneyGram®*
MoneyGram locations in Walmart and Albertsons stores also take debit card payments.
Bring a copy of your bill, which includes your account or billing ID number and your "receive code," with your payment.

*MoneyGram® is a separate and independent company that provides an insurance premium payment option to send payments to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, and is wholly responsible for its own products and services. MoneyGram is not affiliated with or related to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois or the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, nor is MoneyGram authorized to offer Blue Products or use the Blue Brands.

Originally published 1/21/2016, Revised 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024

Tags: Pay Premium Bills, Blue Access for Members, Ask a question, BAM, Customer Service, FAQs