Insurance Basics

Type of Plans

When comparing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) health plans, you might come across some options like:

• HMO: A Health Maintenance Organization keeps costs low by working with your primary care doctor for any needs and specialty referrals
• PPO:  A Participating Provider Organization lets you choose where you go for care without needing referrals or in-network providers
• CDHP: A Customer-Driven Health Plan gives you more control of your health care costs and is most often paired with a health savings account

Health Insurance Costs

Learn what premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance are and how they work together for your coverage.

Review costs

How to Enroll

You have a few ways to enroll in a 2023 BCBSIL health plan.

Review your options

Member Tools

Learn about the BCBSIL tools that can help you best use your plan, like Provider Finder, Form Finder and Blue Access for Members^SM.

More about member tools

Financial Assistance

You may be able to save on your monthly bill with a premium tax credit, also known as a subsidy. Find out how much you could save.

Get your estimate

Health Care Terms

Look up common health care terms in our glossary.

Search Glossary