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Our most important goal is to make sure people can access the care they need when they need it. At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois we have taken a series of comprehensive steps throughout the COVID-19 crisis to help our members access health care services, waive cost-share for members, and provide support for hospitals, doctors and medical practices.

During the rapidly evolving situation around the global pandemic, we continue to monitor and follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), State Public Health Departments and other official sources on an ongoing basis. BCBSIL is committed to helping members stay informed on COVID-19 testing, treatments, and COVID-19 vaccines and responding to changing events.

When will a vaccine be available?

• The FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccines on Dec. 11, 2020, and Dec. 18, 2020, for public distribution in the United States. Initially, there will not be enough supply available for all adults. Supplies should increase over time as additional companies continue to conduct clinical trials on potential COVID-19 vaccines. At this point, early projections are that most people will be able to get vaccinated later in 2021. A COVID-19 vaccine for children may not be available until more research is completed. Visit the FDA's web page on COVID-19 vaccines for more information. 

What is the cost of a vaccine?

• The COVID-19 vaccine will be covered at no cost sharing for in-network and out-of-network as a preventive service during the public health emergency.
  • Members should not receive a bill for the COVID-19 vaccine. They will be able to get the vaccine at $0 cost-share (copayments, deductibles and co-insurance), no matter where they get the COVID-19 vaccine and no matter how many doses are required. While most plans cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost, some self-funded groups do not cover preventive services, including the COVID-19 vaccine. If members are unsure what their plan covers, they should contact their company’s benefits administrator or call BCBSIL Customer Service at the number listed on their member ID card.
• We are committed to helping our customers and employees stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, helping our members access affordable health care coverage during these unprecedented times.

When will BCBSIL members be able to get the vaccine?

• Initially there will be limited supply of the vaccine available. The CDC has recommended that health care workers who are most at risk of contracting COVID-19 and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities be the first groups to receive vaccines.
• The CDC is expected to provide additional recommendations soon about the next groups that will be prioritized for vaccine access. Each state is expected to develop their own prioritization plans based on the CDC’s recommendations and eligible groups may vary somewhat from state to state.
• Members should discuss any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and its availability with their health care provider.