Understanding BCBS Affordable Care Act and Your Options

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has brought about significant changes to the healthcare landscape, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is no exception. BCBS has adapted to these changes, offering a range of plans that meet the ACA's requirements.

You can purchase a BCBS plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the Exchange, or directly from BCBS. The Marketplace is a great resource if you're looking for financial assistance or want to compare plans side by side.

BCBS plans are available in all 50 states, and you can find a local BCBS company by visiting bcbs.com. The website allows you to search for plans, compare rates, and even apply for coverage online.

If you're looking for ways to make health care costs more affordable, there's help available.

Cost-sharing assistance can lower the amount you pay for your deductible, coinsurance, and copayments. This can be a big help for those who are struggling to pay their medical bills.

To qualify for a premium tax credit, you'll need to use the premium tax credit estimator to find out if you're eligible. This credit can lower your monthly premium, making health insurance more affordable.

There are options available for those who can't afford health insurance, and it's worth exploring them.

You have a range of health insurance plans to choose from, including individual and family annual health plans that cover essential health benefits and offer perks for promoting healthy living.

These plans come in different metallic tiers, which affect how much you pay for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

You can earn cash rewards for completing wellness activities, such as getting a flu shot or doing a telehealth visit, through these plans.

If you're under 30 or qualify for a hardship exemption, you might be eligible for a catastrophic plan, which is only available with BlueEssentials products.

Here are some of the BlueEssentials plans that are available:

You also have the option to choose BlueExtend PPO plans, which provide state and nationwide doctor and hospital coverage.

You can enroll in a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois ACA plan during the annual open enrollment period, or within 60 days of a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a child, or losing a job.

To get help paying for health care costs, you can consider cost sharing assistance, which lowers the amount you pay for your deductible, coinsurance, and copayments. You can also explore premium tax credit, which lowers your monthly premium.

During open enrollment, you can choose from a broad selection of distinct plans that fit almost any budget, and many individuals and families qualify for help paying for these plans.

Clients can only sign up for ACA plans during the annual open enrollment period. This is the main window for enrollment, but there are other opportunities to enroll throughout the year.

Special enrollment periods are available within 60 days of a qualifying life event. These events can include getting married or divorced, having or adopting a child, losing a job, moving, or losing other health coverage.

If a client misses the window to enroll in a ACA plan, they may be able to find alternative coverage. Blue Term short-term plans can help fill in gaps when clients are in between traditional coverage.

Health care costs can be a significant burden, but there are options to help make them more manageable. You can get help paying for health care costs through cost sharing assistance, which lowers the amount you pay for your deductible, coinsurance, and copayments.

If you're struggling to afford health insurance, know that there are resources available to help. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers a variety of plans to choose from, and you can shop for health insurance to find a plan that suits your needs.

To decrease your health care costs, consider choosing the right plan for you. All plans provide the same essential health benefits, quality, and amount of care, but they differ in how the costs of the benefits are applied.

Staying in your network can also help you save money. Most health plans require you to use certain doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals, so make sure to register or log in to Blue Access for Members to find a personalized search experience based on your health plan and network.

Here are some tips to help you reduce your health care costs:

Our plans cover a broad range of essential health benefits, including those defined by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

You can choose from a variety of distinct plans to fit your budget, and many individuals and families qualify for help paying for these plans.

All metallic tiers cover the same set of benefits, but differ in how much you pay for monthly premiums and care costs.

Copays, coinsurance, and deductible costs vary depending on the metal tier you choose.

If you're under age 30 or qualify for a hardship exemption, a catastrophic plan may be an option for you.

Catastrophic plans are only available with our BlueEssentials products.