Blue Directions

logo-hcscbrandsCompany name: Health Care Service Corp. (which operates Blues plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas)

Marketplace name: Blue Directions

Technology used to power platform: Bloom Health

Main Location / Headquarters: Chicago, IL

CEO or Practice Leader: Patricia A. Hemingway Hall –CEO of HCSC

Founded / Exchange Launched: Was rolled out in 2013

Website: Please click here

Membership/number of lives currently on platform: TBD

Segment size preference (“target business size”): Available to small groups, large groups and individuals; the exchange is aimed at non-benefits-eligible employees, including the “working uninsured,” COBRA-eligible and pre-65 retirees. It followed that launch with Blue Directions for Small Business, which is available to groups with up to 50 employees, and Blue Directions for Large Business, aimed at employers with at least 51 employees.

States of operation (if available): Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

Are employers required to use a defined contribution: Yes

Carriers Offered: Right now, the exchange will only sell BCBS plans, but the company intends to add ancillary in the middle of January.

Decision Support:  Utilizes an online survey which suggests plans that work best for the individual. Blue Directions Advisors are also available to walk employees through enrollment and answer questions over the phone.

How does exchange get compensated: TBD

Standard or Custom Product Configuration: Standard

Single-carrier or Multi-carrier: Single carrier