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Life & LTC Blog
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has entered into an arrangement with Rush University Medical Center. Starting January 1st, 2024, the Rush University Medical System will be IN-Network for the Blue Choice Preferred (BCE) network for both Retail (Individual & Family Plans) and Group markets.
Remember, doctors are not always employees of the health system where they see patients. It is important to check specific doctors on the Provider Finder and not simply assume they are in the network because you see them at a particular facility. Provider Finder will have the most current network data. Please ensure your clients use this tool to confirm that their preferred Rush University Medical System facilities and/or service providers are included in this network update. If your clients are unsure how to use/access this tool, refer them to this linked Provider Finder Guide.
2024 No Contribution/No Participation Option is NOW Open!
Applies to the small group market segmentDeadline: December 15th, 2023
From November 1st through December 15th, 2023, small groups (1-50 employees) purchasing ACA/Metallic plans may opt to waive participation and contribution requirements.
The No Contribution/No Participation Option is available to new groups:
Submission dates and deadlines: If your new ACA/small group wants to elect the No Contribution/No Participation Option, please submit the small group enrollment with all required documentation to our office between November 1st and December 15th, 2023.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has entered into an arrangement with Rush University Medical Center. Starting January 1st, 2024, the Rush University Medical System will be IN-Network for the Blue Choice Preferred (BCE) network for both Retail (Individual & Family Plans) and Group markets.
Remember, doctors are not always employees of the health system where they see patients. It is important to check specific doctors on the Provider Finder and not simply assume they are in the network because you see them at a particular facility. Provider Finder will have the most current network data. Please ensure your clients use this tool to confirm that their preferred Rush University Medical System facilities and/or service providers are included in this network update. If your clients are unsure how to use/access this tool, refer them to this linked Provider Finder Guide.
The 2024 Individual & Family ACA Annual Enrollment Period is Open!
Clients enrolling November 1st, 2023 through December 15th, 2023 will receive a January 1st, 2024 effective date.
Clients enrolling December 16th, 2023 through January 16th, 2024 will receive a February 1st, 2024 effective date.
Complete the 2024 Plan Year FFM Certification:
Follow the instructions on the linked Guide to Marketplace Registration and Training
Create your HealthSherpa account:
HealthSherpa is the BCBSIL White Labeled Solution for on-exchange enrollments.
Notice: Effective Jun 18th, 2023, CMS will require agents/brokers who assist Individuals with Marketplace ACA enrollments to comply with a new requirement in the 2024 Final Rule of attaining documentation of “active consent of the purchaser to represent them when utilizing the Marketplace (healthcare.gov).” The required documentation consists of the Enrollee’s Consent for Assistance and the Agent’s Attestation of the Documentation Review of the enrollee. The document must be retained for a minimum of 10 years. CMS has provided this linked template form as a starting point for you to customize to comply with ACA Marketplace enrollments starting June 18th, 2023.
Medicare Division MedicareCENTER
Remember, to be able to sell MAPD or PDP plans, you must have a separate MAPD/PDP Certification.
This is the time of year your clients may enroll, disenroll, or change MAPD and PDP plans for a January 1, 2024 effective date.
Fortunately, to sell Medicare Supplements, you only need to maintain a valid IL State Health Insurance License.
If you have not completed the 2024 MAPD Certification and want to get MAPD (Part D) certified, here is the BCBSIL discounted AHIP Certification and BCSIL Certification FAQ page. Remember, you must complete both the AHIP certification and the BCBSIL (HCSC) product certification to be deemed able to sell MAPD/PDP plans and recertify each year to continue to receive renewal commissions for these plans.
October 15, 2023 – 2024 MAPD/PDP Annual Enrollment Period Begins
December 7, 2023 – 2024 MAPD/PDP Annual Enrollment Period Ends
December 22, 2023 – Certification Deadline for Brokers to Retain BCBSIL Renewal Commission (2006 through 2008 BCBSIL PDP plans exempt)
NEW View the Mutual of Omaha LTC Cost of Care Study for great sales ideas!
ARTICLE - Not having long-term care insurance can be ‘the single biggest devastator’ of your financial plan
ARTICLE - The True Value of a Long Term Care Insurance plan. By: Ron Cohen
LTCi Personal Training
Ron Cohen, LTCP, Resource Brokerage’s specialist in Long Term Care insurance, is now offering a free sales training program that will train you on how to become a successful LTCi specialist. Very limited class sizes- I'm ready to know more.
Exciting News for all LTC certified brokers in IL!
The Illinois Partnership for Long Term Care Insurance is now live in IL
Currently, most carriers still have some temporary restrictions in place. However, we are starting to notice these restrictions loosen; and carriers are offering coverage to more individuals than earlier this year. Guidelines are still subject to change but if you have someone who has been declined or postponed, now may be an excellent time to revisit these cases (i.e. clients who would be higher rated or older individuals who tend to have more minor concerns).
Secondly, carriers have expanded their capabilities to underwrite cases without traditional exams typically using electronic applications. As a broker of Resource Brokerage, you are able to access a tool called “iGO” which integrates with most of our Life carriers and products. This tool is the fastest way to get an application in front of an underwriter. In addition, it not only allows you to take applications remotely using "DocuSign"-like functionality, but it GREATLY reduces the time spent taking applications by reducing data entry to one time per client.
Resource Brokerage (RB) has been voted one of Illinois' Best Places to Work for over ten years. The RB team provides premier marketing, administrative and customer service support on behalf of numerous insurance companies to hundreds of licensed independent insurance agents throughout the nation. We have a small team, so everyone matters.
The Quoting Specialist is a support and marketing position for life, annuity, disability and long term care insurance. Some job duties include:
Phone: (847) 592-0941
Fax: (847) 605-1494
Phone: (847) 598-6006
Fax: (847) 605-1331
Phone: (847) 598-6005
Fax: (847) 619-9592
"I've been on both sides of the aisle - as a client and as a vendor. From my experiences I feel qualified to state that your product knowledge, training and sales expertise, and understanding of the client's needs were exceptional and invaluable to my selling success. Whenever I had questions (and there were many!) you responded very quickly and in many instances, gave me additional ideas that helped with the sale."
"I am looking forward to many, many additional sales with your help!"
"Great job prepping this case for us. I completed initial review on Thursday and have been able to approve this morning (4 business days) !"
Resource Brokerage is one of the Midwest’s leading FMOs, providing brokers a choice of Group Benefits, Major Medical, Life, Annuities, DI, LTC and Linked Benefits all in one place.
Brokers work with a team of dedicated professionals who specialize in the lines of business they support. These teams also constantly undergo training and education with a focus on credentials that mean the most to our industry. Our management team is led by seasoned industry professionals with true brokerage experience and the know-how to help get things done for our brokers.
Please Note: The information on this website is for agent use only and is not intended for use by the general public.
While this website does not generate leads, leads are available to our brokers for purchase through our affiliation with Integrity through our proprietary software LeadCenter.