Recent Articles
New FMLA Regulations Expand Military Caregivers’ Coverage
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ("FMLA"), which applies to employer groups with 50 or more employees and all public agencies, has an indirect impact on health insurers and group health plans. FMLA requires employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave...
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Offers New Fitness Program to Support Members’ Wellness Efforts
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is offering the Fitness Program as the newest value-added health and wellness option. The Fitness Program is an exclusive membership program that offers unlimited access to a nationwide network of fitness centers for a...
Moody’s Downgrades Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
From the Chicago Tribune Moody's Investors Service has downgraded the debt and financial-strength ratings of the parent of Chicago-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Moody's Investors Service this week said Health Care Service Corp., the nation's...
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Now Offers Dental Insurance for Individuals and Families
For many years now many of my health insurance clients in Illinois have been asking for a dental insurance plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Up until now, BCBSIL did not have dental insurance for families or individuals - just on the group insurance side....
Aetna’s Underwriting requirements regarding the last doctor’s visit
Aetna has recently clarified their underwriting requirements when a doctor's visit is needed in order to underwrite a new application. The doctor’s visit must be performed by a Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Nurse Practitioner/Certified...
COBRA subsidy program extended
President Obama has signed a bill that extends federal COBRA health insurance premium subsidies for the unemployed. The Senate, in a rare Saturday session, passed H.R. 3326 on an 88-10 vote. The measure—a military spending bill that the House passed earlier last...
Aetna Implements New Newborn/Adoption Policy
Effective November 16, 2009, Aetna implemented a new policy for dependent verification related to newborn/adopted child(children) for all Aetna Advantage Plans for Individuals, Families and Self-Employed nationwide. The new policy requires an attestation form...
Assurant Health Paying for H1N1 Vaccine at Walgreens for Members
Assurant Health is paying for the administration fee for vaccinations received at any Walgreens pharmacy or Take Care Clinic (located in select Walgreens) where the vaccine is available. This means the fee for the vaccine is not subject to deductible, coinsurance, or...
UniCare Leaving the Illinois Insurance Market
UniCare announced yesterday that they will no longer be participating in the individual and group health insurance market in Illinois effective January 1, 2010. UniCare has collaborated with Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Illinois (BCBSIL) to ensure their group...
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Mental Health Parity Act Legislation Effective October 3, 2009 for Group Plans
The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 becomes effective for benefit plans beginning on or after one year from the date the legislation was signed into law (October 3, 2008). All plans and products, including...