Benefit Examples

Not sure which plan to choose? Scroll through these examples:

Nikki and Frank

Ages: Mid-30s

Medical plan: BCBSIL PPO 1500

Coverage level: Employee + Family

Family Deductible: $4,500

Family Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $10,500

Medical Premiums: $711.65 per pay period

Nikki and Frank live an active lifestyle with two kids. Nikki enrolled in the BCBSIL PPO 1500, because it’s a good balance for their needs: it has premiums they can afford and a lower deductible.

Knowing her family’s history of occasional sports-related injuries, Nikki also enrolled her family in Accident Insurance. If a family member has a covered injury, Nikki will get cash to help cover their medical expenses.

Jason enrolled in the BCBSIL High Deductible Health Plan with HSA because the premiums are affordable. Plus, he likes the tax advantages and long-term savings opportunities of the HSA.

Jason has also been saving for a down payment on a home, so he decided to enroll in the Legal Plan to make sure he has access to legal services during the home-buying process if needed.

Ian and Robert

Ages: Mid-50s

Medical plan: BCBSIL PPO 500

Coverage level: Employee + Spouse

Family Deductible: $500 per member to max of $1,500

Family Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $7,500

Medical Premiums: $581.47 per pay period

Ian and his husband Robert try to live a healthy lifestyle, but face some additional challenges: Robert has chronic health conditions, and Ian has a family history of early-onset cancer, so they are both very careful about seeing their primary care physicians regularly and keeping up with recommended screenings and check-ups.

Ian enrolled in BCBSIL PPO 500 even with its higher premiums because he knows he and Robert will reach the deductible (and possibly the out-of-pocket maximum). Ian also decides to contribute $150 per month to the Healthcare FSA, so that he can save on taxes for the money he anticipates spending on copays and other eligible medical expenses.

For extra coverage, Ian enrolled in Critical Illness Insurance for himself and Robert. Should either of them have a covered illness, they’ll receive cash to help cover the medical expenses.

As a newly single mother, Maya is watching her expenses carefully. After considering each option, she chose the BCBSIL PPO 1500 because she likes the balanced approach of lower premiums and moderate deductible of the BCBSIL PPO 1500.

Maya is healthy and mostly wants coverage for her daughter. She also enrolled in Pet Insurance to make sure she can afford veterinary care for her daughter’s new puppy.

Stefan and Rachel

Ages: Early 40s

Medical plan: BCBSIL PPO 500

Coverage level: Employee + Family

Family Deductible: $1,500

Family Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $7,500

Medical Premiums: $864.69 per pay period

Stefan and Rachel have a history of frequent medical visits due to Stefan’s health issues that require regular specialist visits and occasional hospitalizations, plus routine check-ups for their three children.

Stefan enrolls in the BCBSIL PPO 500 since it provides predictable and manageable out‑of‑pocket costs for Stefan’s medical appointments.