Beginning January 1, 2009, the maternity program name your client’s members might be familiar with will change to Special Beginnings from Healthy Expectations. The current way the program works and all of the program elements will remain the same.

If a member is expecting, the Special Beginnings program can help guide them through their pregnancy with:

• 24-hour, toll-free access to a BabyLine^® staffed by maternity nurses
• Educational materials specific to their needs
• An e-mail newsletter every two weeks beginning at the member’s 13th week of pregnancy
• Access to an online health information library

Enrollment is easy and confidential. Members can call the toll-free number on the back of their Blue Cross and Blue Shield ID card. If the member enrolls within the first 17 weeks of their pregnancy and completes an initial health assessment, they’ll receive:

• The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Pregnancy and Baby Care
• A $50 gift card valid at any Toys “R” Us or Babies “R” Us (if the member completes a final questionnaire within seven weeks after the baby is born)

For more information on this program, contact your General Agent of your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Account Executive.

The Special Beginnings program is administered by Alere through a contractual arrangement between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) and Matria Women’s and Children’s Health, LLC d/b/a/ Alere. The relationship between BCBSIL and Alere is that of independent contractors.