Illinois | Summer | 2008 | Health Plan Analysis

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois is adding a new twist to its HMO product, in the form of a new offering in the Blue Edge suite pairing the HMO with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Illinois' Medicare Advantage plans have reimbursement rates running at about $20 per member per month lower than the national average, and that may mean changes for the market. The Illinois Blue plan so dominates its market that its competitors are scrambling to get a foothold as the economy, and the prospect of organic membership growth, heads downward. Illinois plans are enhancing their dental benefit options as they angle for a reliably profitable supplemental business line.