UniCare announced today that they will be pulling out of the Illinois markets. This comes as a shock to everyone, including the hundreds of employees that will lose their jobs. NOTE: Details as they become available, will be forthcoming.
INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE
If you are on individual health insurance via UniCare, you will be transitioned to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. This will be guaranteed issue, meaning they will accept you. Details have not been worked out, but my best guess is that there will be no underwriting and they will place you on a similar plan.
If you choose not to accept this, then your plan will end, probably around 12/31/2009.
GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE
If you are on a small group health insurance plan with UniCare, it looks like you have a choice between staying on your plan until your renewal date or transitioning to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. When this option is presented, I will evaluate whether it makes sense to move the group at this time.
Billing and claims should not change during this time.
Wellpoint (one of the largest insurers in the United States) is not going out of business, they are just packing their bags and exiting the Illinois market.
If you have questions, please contact me. More details as they become available.
