News for Producers

Employer News: Giving Your Clients More Timely Updates

Dec. 17, 2025

(Applies to All Groups*)

Starting in January, we’re making changes to how we share important updates with employers—designed to make information easier to access and act on.

Average Employee Count Deadline Extended to Jan. 9

Dec. 17, 2025

(Applies to Fully Insured Groups*)

Deadline extension: The deadline for Large (Fully Insured) groups to submit their 2024 Average Employee Count information through Blue Access for Employers℠ has been extended to Jan. 9, 2026.

2025 Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation Submission

Dec. 17, 2025

(Applies to All Groups*)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services collects Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestations from applicable group health plans and issuers that offer group and individual health insurance coverage. These attestations are due by Dec. 31 each year based on current guidance from the federal government.

Use the Request Center for All Small Group Renewal Changes

Dec. 17, 2025

(Applies to Small Group)

The Request Center is used to submit Small Group renewal paperwork for account/group-level changes on existing groups. Get tips and screenshots.

2026 SEP Off-Exchange Training Now Available

Dec. 17, 2025

(Applies to Individual & Family Markets)

Plan year 2026 off-Exchange Special Enrollment training is now available. Strengthen your skills now.

Access Your Book of Business in 4 Steps 

Dec. 17, 2025

(Applies to Individual & Family Markets)

The Retail Producer Portal isn’t just for quoting, enrolling and servicing clients. It’s also your go-to resource for managing your book of business. With just a few clicks, you can download detailed reports and keep client information at your fingertips.

New Pharmacy Services Program, Pharmacy Match, Coming in 2026

Dec. 10, 2025

(Applies to Groups, Individual & Family Markets)

Living with a complex, long-term or rare health condition can be challenging. The medications needed to treat these conditions often have special handling or storage needs and may only be filled at select pharmacies. It is also vital for patients to closely follow the drug care plan from their health care provider or pharmacist.

IFM Sales Tool Kit: Resources to Market, Sell, Renew and Enroll

Dec. 10, 2025

(Applies to Individual & Family Markets)

The IFM Sales Tool Kit is available to help you market, sell, renew and enroll — and keep up on training.

Help Clients Stay Informed — With One Tap

Dec. 10, 2025

(Applies to Individual & Family Markets)

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois mobile app makes managing health plans simple — and cuts down on repeat questions.

With Thanks and Gratitude: A Message from the BCBSIL Medicare Sales Team

Dec. 10, 2025

As we wrap up another AEP and move into the holiday season, we just want to take a moment to celebrate you. Your energy, dedication and resilience made a real impact for the members and communities we serve. We couldn’t do this without you.

Share with Clients: How to Talk to Kids About Adult Mental Health Issues

Dec. 10, 2025

Share this information with your clients.

Recent studies report that over 60 million adults in the U.S. experienced a mental illness in the past year. Many people with mental health disorders are parents. It may seem hard or stressful to talk to your kids about your or another adult’s mental health struggles. But experts say it is better for the long-term health of your family.

2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ends This Sunday, Dec. 7

Dec. 3, 2025

(Applies to Medicare Markets)

The 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ends on Sunday, Dec. 7. All applications must be submitted by midnight local time to ensure Medicare coverage changes go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

‘Producer News’ Coming to Our Public Site

Dec. 3, 2025

We’re excited to share an upcoming enhancement that will make it easier for you to access the information you need. By the end of 2025, we will begin posting producer newsletter articles on our BCBSIL public site in a new “Producer News” section.

State-Based Exchange Plans: January Invoices and Payments

Dec. 3, 2025

(Applies to Individual & Family Markets)

Illinois is moving from HealthCare.gov to a state-based marketplace called Get Covered Illinois for 2026 Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage. Learn what you and your clients need to know.

Ready to Quote Blue Balance Funded℠? Start with the Quoting Eligibility Checklist

Dec. 3, 2025

(Applies to Small and Mid-Market Groups)

To help streamline your conversations with clients and prospects about their eligibility for Blue Balance Funded℠, a level-funded plan, we’ve developed a quoting eligibility checklist flyer.

Small Group Medical Policy Termination

Dec. 3, 2025

(Applies to Fully Insured Small Group*)

Under the Affordable Care Act, when an employer cancels medical coverage, they must provide adequate notice to all their covered employees that the group medical policy will terminate on a chosen date.

Be Ready Before You Call Producer Services: Key Details to Have Handy

Dec. 3, 2025

(Applies to Individual & Family Markets)

Calling Producer Services without the right information can slow things down. To ensure fast, accurate assistance, gather some details before you pick up the phone.

Stop Searching—Save These Must-Have Links Now

Dec. 3, 2025

(Applies to Individual & Family Markets)

Unlock everything you need to sell smarter—explore these resources now.

Cut Costs, Not Workouts: Blue365® Helps Your Clients Save on Fitness

Dec. 3, 2025

(Applies to Individual & Family Markets)

Whether your clients work out in the gym or at home, both can be costly. With our exclusive Blue365 discount program, members can get discounts at popular gyms, and discounted equipment and more.

BlueResource℠: ‘Tis the Season to Stress Less

Dec. 3, 2025

(Applies to All Markets*)

The holidays are a good time to connect and spend time with people we care about. In the rush of all the excitement, stress can often rear its ugly head. BlueResource offers helpful tips to help members navigate all the festivities. Share our holiday content with your clients.