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Small Group Blue Balance Funded℠ Billing Overview 

July 1, 2026 

Applies to Small Groups only—both Fully Insured and currently Level-Funded

Background: Billing and payment confusion can often lead to client frustration. We’ve put together this overview to walk you through common questions you may get on billing to ensure they have a smooth experience. These quick points can be used to set client expectations upfront and avoid service issues.

The big picture:

  • All invoices and reports are found in Blue Access for EmployersSM
  • Employers must log into the online employer portal to obtain invoices and reports.
  • This is the sole source for invoices, as they will not be mailed or emailed.

Billing basics:

  • Clients are billed in arrears, which means they pay after claims occur. For example, May admin fees (May 1 through May 31) are billed on June 2.
  • Bills are issued on the 2nd of the following month and due on the 22nd of that month.  

First-time setup:

Before receiving the first invoice, employer groups need to log in to their online employer portal, and:

  • Add banking details
  • Set up auto pay or online payment

If an account is transitioned from a fully insured arrangement to a level-funded one:

  • Banking info does NOT transfer from fully insured to level-funded.
  • Clients must re-enter their banking account and routing information to enable auto pay or online bill pay.
  • Clients must accept the new Online Bill Pay Terms of Use.
  • If any credits remain on the fully insured account, clients may request they be transferred to their level-funded account.
Screen capture of where and how to accept Online Bill Pay Terms of Use.
Screen capture of secure Blue Access for Employers portal and where and how to accept Online Bill Pay Terms of Use, which is required before using the Online Bill Pay feature.

 

Adjustments & changes

  • There will not be any rebills.
  • Any changes (member maintenance, credits or fees) show up in the next billing cycle.

How to access invoices via Blue Access for EmployersSM

These can be found in the employer home screen on the left-hand side under the “Billing” header (once expanded, click on “ASO Invoices”).

Screen capture of secure employer portal and how to access ASO invoices
Screen capture of secure Blue Access for Employers portal and how to access ASO invoices. From the right-hand menu, click Billing to open the drop-down submenu and then select ASO Invoices.

 

This will open in a separate window.

  • Select “invoices”  
  • View, print, or save as needed
Screen capture of secure employer portal online bill pay functions.
Screen capture of Blue Access for Employers secure portal displaying Invoices and Online Bill Pay functions.

 

Bill payment overview

Auto Pay:

  • Takes effect on the next invoice only, meaning existing invoices must be paid manually
  • Pulls on the 15th of the month

Manual payments:

  • Manual payments are required for existing invoices before Auto Pay starts
  • Electronic payments are preferred
  • Review your invoice for payment instructions, to include:

Overnight courier:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Attn: 14169
5503 N. Cumberland Ave. 
Chicago, IL 60656-1471

First Class Mail:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Dept. CH 14169
Palatine, IL 60055-4169 

Wire:
When paying an invoice electronically via Wire or ACH, provide your Account Number and Invoice Date. 

Wire payment to: 
Mellon Bank
ABA # 043000261
Account # 1205032
Company ID # 5000027465

Email us for billing inquiries. 

 

Last Updated: June 30, 2026