Tips for Managing Your New BCBSIL Account

Look Out for New Member Information

After you enroll with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, you should receive these things:

Welcome Letter – Your letter should arrive by mail or email soon after you enroll as proof that you are all signed up. Keep it handy until you get your benefit information from us.
Member ID Card – Your BCBSIL member ID card will be mailed to your address soon after your application is approved. The member ID card lists your member number, information on your plan, copays and how to contact us. Keep it on hand and show it to your doctor and pharmacist so they can update their records.
Policy Kit – You’ll get your policy kit either by mail or email, depending on what you chose when you enrolled. It will outline your plan’s benefits so you know what’s covered.

Pay your first bill – You can start using your benefits when you make your first premium payment. After you’ve paid, you can use your insurance benefits on the first day your plan is effective (the date on your member ID card). Learn about the many ways you can make a payment.
Set up your online account – Once you have your member ID card, you can register for Blue Access for Members℠, our secure website, to access claims information and coverage details, order a replacement ID card, find a doctor in your network and more. You can also access your account on the go through our BCBSIL app. To download the app, search BCBSIL in Google Play o la Apple Store.

Find a doctor in your plan’s network – Your plan has a provider network – the group of doctors, hospitals and other providers we have contracted with to provide you with health care services. If you go to a provider who is not in your plan’s network, it will cost you more. To find out if your doctor is in-network, or if you want to find a new one, use our online Provider Finder^®.
Choose a primary care provider (PCP) – Everyone needs that one doctor you can call for any issue. PCPs are usually general practice, internal medicine family practice doctors, but they don’t have to be. Women can choose their OB-GYN, and a pediatrician can be your child’s PCP. If you have an HMO plan, you will need to select a PCP to manage your care, including referring you to specialists. To choose an in-network PCP, use the directorio en línea Provider Finder.
Know where to get care – Now that you have health insurance, you can choose a variety of places to get care. Your doctor’s office is generally the best place to go for non-emergency care for problems like colds, flu, sore throats and minor injuries. You may also consider using a walk-in retail health clinic or urgent care center near you. Save the ER for emergencies only.