The Design Agency, Inc. Group Health Insurance - Handelman Insurance Advisors, Inc.

In order for members living in Illinois to obtain the highest level of benefits (lowest out of pocket member expenses), using a Tier 1: Blue Options PPO [BCO] provider is suggested.
Second option is the Tier 2: Participating Provider Organization [BCO] provider - member may experience higher out of pocket expenses and co-payments.
Third Option is Tier 3: Out of Network - highest out of pocket member expenses.

Provider Locator Tips:

Tier 1 Providers will be displayed first in the list of Providers when using the Tier sort option. Tier 2 Providers will display towards the end of the list. If choosing a different sort option, such as alphabetically or by distance, Provider Finder will default to Tier 1 Providers.
Member should read the Note section of Provider Finder and select "All Tiers" from the drop down choices at the top of the page to search the entire network. This will expand the listing to show both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Providers. A Provider's tier level will display on the right hand side of the Provider listing. (NOTE from Broker- we have found that Tier-2 providers are NOT listed as "Tier 2" - but they do not say Tier 1. So if it does not list the provider as Tier 1- assume it is a Tier 2 provider)
When a member communicates with their selected provider - it may help to share the associated alpha pre-fix "XOX", to assist them in confirming they are in the network, as this is the code used when they submit a claim
Many members like this plan as the Deductible and Out of Pocket cross accumulate (cross feed) which means deductible or out of pocket expenses met when using a Tier 1 provider feeds into the Tier 2 deductible and out-of-pocket expense bucket and vice versa. As a reminder, Tier 3 is a separate bucket (does not feed into Tier 1 or 2).

Traveling or Residing out of state (Blue Choice Preferred PPO or Blue Options PPO)

Member traveling or residing out of state would use a PPO (National Network) provider under the Blue Card program, as a member traveling or living out of state does not have the option to use a Tier 1 (BCO) or Blue Choice Preferred (BCE) local provider. Benefits will be paid at the Tier 1 level (or IN NETWORK level) as long as they use providers that are contracted under the PPO (Larger Broad) network and the service is a covered benefit of their policy. All levels of care - Non Emergent, Emergency and Urgent.
Members traveling or residing outside of Illinois may access Blue Card Providers by calling (800) 810-BLUE (2583) or at www.bcbsil.com under the provider finder by selecting the state and then choosing Participating Provider Organization [PPO] as the network choice. Keep in mind that Providers in states that border Illinois may bill the IL plan instead of the host state, resulting in the claim being paid at the Tier 2 benefit level (for Blue Options) or Out of Network benefit level (if not contracted with the Blue Choice Preferred network).

Life & Voluntary Life Insurance / Dental & Vision Insurance

Anniversary Date: March 1, 2025
Open Enrollment: February 2025

Included Insurance Benefits

Employee Term Life and AD&D insurance
Voluntary Life and AD&D for Employees, Spouses & Children
Dental PPO Insurance
Vision Insurance

NOTE: Dental & Vision Insurance plans are LINKED as a single package

Open Enrollment Presentation Videos

Benefit Information

Insurance Premiums & Forms

Bi-Weekly Insurance Premiums
Voluntary Life Insurance Premiums
Enrollment form
Life Insurance Beneficiary Form

Certificates of Coverage (all the fine print)

Special Notes about Voluntary Life Insurance Underwriting

During the Annual Open Enrollment period for Voluntary Life Insurance coverage, employees are allowed increase coverage up to one increment level ($25K) increase without a Statement of Health form for employee and $5k for spouse, even if this pushes the member over the Guarantee Issue Limit for the first time. Anyone applying for Voluntary Life Insurance coverage above these limits must complete a Statement of Health form, which is subject to underwriting review/approval.

Special Notes for Dental Insurance Participants

Principal Financial's dental PPO plan includes the "Maximum Accumulation" feature. This feature allows for a portion of unused maximum benefit to carry over to next year's maximum benefit amount. To qualify, you must have had a dental service performed within the Calendar year and used less than the maximum threshold. The threshold is equal to the lesser of 50% of the maximum benefit or $1,000. If qualification is met, 50% of the threshold is carried over to next year's maximum benefit. You can accumulate no more than four times the carry over amount. The entire accumulation amount will be forfeited if no dental service is submitted within a calendar year.
Dental Insurance plan benefits are based on a CALENDAR YEAR basis (Jan 1st to Dec 31st of each year)

Search online for participating providers

Dental Participating Providers
Vision Participation Providers (Select the "VSP CHOICE NETWORK")

Total Pet Plan from Pet Benefit Solutions

Total Pet Plan from Pet Benefit Solutions saves you money on everything your pet needs. There are no exclusions – even pets with pre-existing conditions are covered. Best of all, it's less than 40 cents a day!

Total Pet Plan includes:

Up to 40% off and free shipping on prescriptions, preventatives, food, treats, toys, and more
Same-day pickup for human-grade Rx from participating pharmacies
Instant 25% savings on in-house medical services at participating veterinarians
24/7 pet telehealth with US-based licensed veterinarians
A durable ID tag and lost pet recovery service

Very Low Monthly Costs

$11.75/month for one pet
$18.50/month for a family plan

See more details & enroll now