Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest health insurance providers in the state and the city but until recently, the Iliuliuk Clinic was not part of their network. 

Clinic Director Eileen Scott says she made it a priority to change that when she was appointed in October. 

“When I first got here I was reading a lot of the consultant reports, when they spoke to the community about what their needs were.  And of course I met with a lot of the community leaders and one of the things that came up was why we didn’t have a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield.”

Having a contract means the Clinic and the insurance company basically deal with each other, instead of with the patient.  They negotiate the price of services, so patients don’t have to pay out of pocket for the difference between what the Clinic charges and what insurance will cover.  Scott says it’s generally a good thing for patients.

“They’ll have more services covered at less expense to them.”

She added that it streamlines the process because patients don’t need to contact Blue Cross Blue Shield anymore before coming into the Clinic.  And she says staff are excited as well.

“It’s even better on our billers.  They’re just so excited they don’t have to go into these account either.  You know, it automatically adjusts itself off once you’re set up in the system.  So it’s going to save a ton in just sending people statements every month and all that.”

The Clinic also has a contract with Cigna health insurance.  The changes will go into effect on January 1st.