The best way to use your coverage is to understand it. Get started by reading through your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Member Guide to review information about benefits, coverage, limitations. Want to save these tips? Download the Member Guide PDF.
Searching for your 2024 Member Guide? Find it here.
Learn More About Your Plan
Find the type of plan you have below for a PDF explaining how to find care, access health management programs and more:
Start Managing Your Membership
Know the steps you can take now — or what's coming your way — to start using your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois membership how you want.
Your Member ID card is on its way.
If you just enrolled, you can count on your member ID card to arrive by mail 10 — 14 days after submitting your application.
Why the wait? A lot needs to happen before your member ID card can be printed and mailed, especially if you enrolled in an HMO or POS plan without choosing a primary care provider (PCP). We'll need to take time to assign you a PCP or medical group. Normally, we'll assign a PCP or medical group within 1 week. If you need to visit a specialist while you wait for your PCP to be assigned, please contact us.
Once you get your card in the mail, you can register for a Blue Access for MembersSM account. In BAMSM, you'll find a digital version of your member ID card you can access anywhere, anytime.
Access your account and plan details on the go.
You can access your secure member account through the BAM online portal or the BCBSIL app. In BAM, you can:
- Access your digital member ID card.
- View claims status and history.
- Review health care benefit information.
- Find a doctor or pharmacy near you.
- Update your communication preferences to make sure you get an email or text.
Learn how to download the app on our website or by texting BCBSILAPP to 33633.
Need to change your PCP or medical group?
Do you want a different PCP or medical group than was assigned to you? If you're an HMO or POS plan member, there are a few ways to make an easy update:
- Update through BAM: you can update your PCP or medical group and, if needed, search your network of covered doctors in BAM. Log in to get started.
- Update with the Customer Service team: Still have questions or need help? Call us at 1-800-538-8833 or send a secure message through BAM.
Read your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) shows your recent claims, which have been paid or denied, and what you might still owe on doctor bills if you didn't pay a copay or coinsurance.
You can review your EOBs in BAM or when you receive them by mail. You'll be mailed an EOB every time your health plan covers some or all of a health care bill. Learn how to read your EOB.
Were you charged by a doctor you never visited or for a test that never happened? Report suspicious claims by calling the number listed on your EOB. It may just be a simple error, or it could be fraud.
FAQs About Your Membership and Plan
Get answers to some of our members' most common questions. Find additional resources about plan information, claims, payments, membership, finding care and more.
Learn Common Insurance Terms
Understand the different costs that are part of an insurance plan and how they work together:
- Premium: the monthly amount you pay for coverage
- Deductible: the amount you pay annually for most covered services before your health plan starts to pay
- Coinsurance: the percentage of covered health care or prescription cost you pay after meeting your deductible
- Copay: the set dollar amount of covered health care or prescription cost you pay when the bill is due
Manage Your Care and Member Benefits
Get care in your network.
BCBSIL providers are part of our plan networks because of their excellent records. They work with us to save you money on care. Check your Member Guide to learn about the different networks and how they work.
Search in-network care with Provider Finder®.
Know your primary care provider (PCP).
Unless you're experiencing an emergency, you should visit your PCP first when you need care. Contact their office for help:
- Scheduling annual exams and check-ups
- When you have a health concern.
- Getting referrals for in-network specialists, behavioral care or non-emergency services.
Working with your PCP can keep you healthy.
Get care that meets your needs.1
Choose the right level of care for the situation you're in to save money and time. Find information for medical emergencies and after-hours care. Understand when you should visit your PCP instead of an emergency room and how your choices when you need care could help you save money.
Understand your care options.
Get your benefits on the go.
Our mobile app lets you access your plan details and benefits on the go. Log in to access your virtual member ID card, check your claims and benefits and more.
Learn about and download our mobile app.
Manage Your Prescription Benefits
Whether you take medicines daily or just when you have a bug, your prescription process could be easier and cheaper:
- Use network pharmacies.
- Review your drug list and cost tiers.
- Ask about generic drugs, 90-day supplies or home delivery.
- Check if you need prior authorization.
For more details, check your Member Guide or visit our pharmacy benefits page.
Get Wellness Rewards and Guidance
Earn rewards and sign up for wellness challenges through Well onTarget SM. Once you register, you can:
- Take a health assessment and record daily activity.
- Earn Blue PointsSM you can redeem for gift cards.
- Get nutrition coaching.
- Manage stress, quit smoking or tackle unhealthy habits.
Get started in BAM or at wellontarget.com.
Get Health & Wellness Discounts
With Blue365®, save on goods and services that help you care for your health and work on wellness. Some of our members' most-used ways to save are:
- Dental care
- Vision exams and eyewear
- Hearing tests and devices
- Fitness and nutrition memberships, classes or products
- Mental wellness programs
Start saving with Blue365 discounts.
1 Prior authorization may be required. Telepsychiatry may be available with some plans. Check your Summary of Benefits and Coverage in your BAM account for details specific to your plan coverage.
2 The 24/7 Bilingual Nurseline is not available through Illinois HMO plans.
3 Not all prescriptions can be offered at a 90-day supply.
Value-added products and services may be discontinued or changed at any time and may be subject to geographical availability. The relationship between these vendors and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is that of independent contractors.
Blue365 is a discount program only for BCBSIL members. This is NOT insurance. Some of the services offered through this program may be covered under your health plan. Please check your Benefit Book or call the Customer Service number on your member ID card for specific benefit facts. Use of Blue365 does not change your monthly payment, nor do costs of the services or products count toward any maximums and/or plan deductibles. Discounts are only given through vendors who take part in this program. BCBSIL does not guarantee or make any claims or recommendations about the program’s services or products. You may want to talk to your doctor before using these services and products. BCBSIL reserves the right to stop or change this program at any time without notice.