Blue Cross Illinois health plans

Plans Designs

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the oldest and largest health insurance company in Illinois with a six-decade tradition of providing high-quality, affordable health care plans that meet the needs of employers and families.

Today, more than 2.9 million Illinois residents carry the Blue Cross card with confidence that their health care coverage is backed by one of the strongest and most trusted health insurance companies in the nation

Products & Services

Blue Cross offers three different individual plan designs. The CMM, PMM, and Alternative. None of the plans offer an office visit copay. As of July 2000, the new Blue Cross CMM and PMM plans with a $250 or $500 deductible now offer a Prescription card with a separate deductible. The “Alternative” is a Hospital/Surgical plan that saves about 40% in premium compared to their major medical plan. It is designed for those wishing to have some type of coverage with minimal cost. While Smoker rates are about 25% additional premium, the plans are very competitively priced. A traditional and Unique Blue Cross feature is the 100% emergency coverage. MSA plans Available as well. As of 12/1/2000 Blue Cross adds outpatient emergency coverage to the “Alternative” hospital/surgical plan.

Underwriting

Blue Cross is a consistent underwriter. The guidelines are strict but do an excellent job at maintaining the profitability of the book of business which in turn keeps rates down. Health Statement and medical records is the norm,. If you are acceptable to Blue Cross underwriters you will have no “riders” on your policy. Blue Cross is again unique in the marketplace in that conditions are never excluded for a period longer than the preexisting condition clause. Because of the “no exclusion” provision, Blue Cross is one of the tougher underwriters. If you have health issues, other carriers may offer a more lenient underwriting decisions. Maternity benefits, as any illness, are available after a 365 day waiting period.

Renewals

Blue Cross pricing has been amongst the most stable in the industry. Year 2000 renewals are generally less than 10%, or about 1/2 the average increase being experienced by most customers with other companies.