Frequently Asked Questions
What if I apply and change my mind?
Apply today and we’ll send you an ID card and a policy to review for 30 days. Return your first premium only after you are convinced the insurance protection is right for you. Even after you send your first premium payment and your coverage is in effect, you can still change your mind. Simply return your policy and ID card within 30 days of the effective date. As long as you have not filed any claims, you will be under no obligation, and we’ll refund any premiums paid.
How soon will my coverage begin?
Almost immediately! Just send in your application. Once we process your application, we will send you an ID card, policy and a bill for your first premium. Your coverage begins once you pay your first premium. It’s that easy!
If I ask for a free quote, am I obligated to buy insurance?
Of course not. This free quote only asks for the information needed to supply you with a low rate. To get a quote we only ask for your date of birth and zip code. Even after you choose a Medicare Supplement Plan and begin the application process, you are not obligated to buy one of our exceptional Medicare Supplement plans.
Can I go to any hospital or doctor I choose?
As a Medicare supplement member, you are free to go to any doctor or hospital you choose for care. Your coverage will be recognized across the country. If you are a Med Select member you must go to a participating hospital for all non-emergency admittances.
How does the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Medicare Select Plan differ from the standard plan?
A Medicare Select plan works just like a standard Medicare supplement plan with one difference. With Medicare Select, all scheduled inpatient hospital stays must be at a Med-Select participating hospital in order to have coverage for the Medicare Part A deductible.
If you do not go to a Med-Select participating hospital for a scheduled non-emergency hospital stay, you must pay the Medicare Part A deductible. However, in an emergency admission, you are covered at any hospital, regardless of whether you go to a Med-Select participating hospital.
To qualify for a Med-Select plan, you must live within 30 miles of one of our Med-Select hospitals.
What are my payment options?
You have two options available to you. You can have your bill sent to you every two months or you can have your premium payment directly withdrawn monthly from your bank account. Credit card payments are not accepted.
Paper Bills: Your bills are mailed 25 days prior to the due date. You should allow at least 10 days from the date you send your payment for the payment to post to your account.
You can send your payment to:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Dept 0038
Palatine, IL 60055-0038
*Always write your group and subscriber number on your check. Allow 10 days from the date of mailing for the payment to post on your account.
Direct Withdrawal: If you would like to have your premiums directly withdrawn from your bank account on a monthly basis you can enroll in our convenient EZ Blue Payment Option.
View more information 
and the enrollment form for our EZ Blue Payment Option.
Does BCBS offer prescription drug coverage?
For your prescription drug coverage needs, BCBSIL offers Blue MedicareRx 
easy affordable Medicare-approved prescription drug coverage from the name you know and trust.
I travel during the winter months. Am I covered out of state?
When you carry the familiar Blue Cross and Blue Shield ID card, you can travel with confidence. Just present your card to your provider. If Medicare approves the charges we will also approve your services. If you are a Med Select member you must go to a participating hospital for all non-emergency admittances.
Do I need to get a referral to a discount program provider?
No pre-authorizations or referrals to participating BlueExtrasSM providers are necessary.
Learn more about the BlueExtrasSM discount program.
Do I need to file claims for using discount program providers?
No. To enjoy your BlueExtrasSM discounts, simply show your BCBSIL ID card to a participating provider.
Learn more about the BlueExtrasSM discount program.
Does my insurance plan cost more with BlueExtrasSM?
No. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers exclusive discount programs included at no additional cost! Simply show your BCBSIL ID card to receive your discount. There are no claims to file, no referrals or pre-authorizations – it's just another advantage of being a BCBSIL member.
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