Notice to UniCare's Illinois Customers
UniCare Exiting Illinois Markets
On October 28, 2009 UniCare announced they will be exiting Illinois commercial health insurance markets. Following a transition period, UniCare will no longer provide health benefits in Illinois.
UniCare continues to be financially secure and is maintaining operations in some other states -- including Indiana. UniCare's official announcement indicates the strategic decision to exit Illinois health insurance markets is a consequence of competitive pressures specific to Illinois.
Guaranteed Replacement by BCBSIL
UniCare is collaborating with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), which will offer guaranteed replacement coverage to UniCare's existing policyholders.
For UniCare customers who elect to transition their benefits to BCBSIL, UniCare will pay all claims for covered services rendered on or before December 31, 2009. BCBSIL will pay all claims for covered services from the time and date specified in their offer letter. There will be no break in coverage and no preexisting condition waiting period for UniCare customers who elect to transition to BCBSIL.
For UniCare customers who do not choose to transition their benefits to BCBSIL, UniCare will offer to continue coverage for a limited transaction period. The length of the transition period will vary from about six to eighteen months (depending on the next anniversary date of the policy).
UniCare Illinois customers will receive a BCBSIL letter explaining how to accept the transition offer. Under this special arrangement, BCBSIL replacement coverage will go into effect January 1, 2010.
MedPlan Access Endorses BCBSIL
We recommend that UniCare Illinois policyholders give serious consideration to the guaranteed replacement arrangement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL). Consider the following:
- BCBSIL is Illinois' largest and strongest health insurer.
- BCBSIL offers competitive rates and superior cost stability.
- BCBSIL offers products similar to those that have been offered by UniCare.
- No new pre-existing condition exclusion waiting periods for UniCare customers who elect transition to BCBSIL.
- You won't have to complete a new health insurance application and go through an insurance company underwriting review.
