Update: New Timeline on Updates to Payment Systems 

Aug. 20, 2026

As previously announced, we’re upgrading financial systems to modernize our payment processing technology. The changes include reducing paper check distribution to increase efficiency and enhance security. 

New phased rollout: The changes originally scheduled for July 2026 will now be deployed through a phased rollout starting in mid-August 2026. Provider Relations representatives will contact you regarding your rollout date, if you’re affected by the changes. We expect to complete the rollout by the end of September 2026. 

As a reminder, following is a summary of the changes:

What’s changing: If you currently receive paper checks from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and are enrolled with Zelis Payments Network, you’ll receive electronic payments based on your Zelis preferences (i.e., virtual credit card or Zelis ACH+ payments).

As part of our efforts to reduce paper check distribution, we’ll leverage existing Zelis relationships with providers to issue electronic payments. If you prefer to continue receiving paper checks from BCBSIL and do not want to leverage your relationship with Zelis for electronic payments, please contact us with your request and include your taxpayer ID number. We can set your payments to remain in the current check format.

All electronic claim summary documents will be sent to your clearinghouse in PDF format.

We’re also expanding the number of banks we contract with to distribute payments. This change helps ensure payments are made in the event of a possible systematic issue.

What’s not changing [No action is needed on your part]: If you currently receive claim payments from BCBSIL via:

  • Electronic Funds Transfer and aren’t enrolled in the Zelis Payments Network: You will continue to receive an electronic payment from BCBSIL.
  • Electronic Funds Transfer and are enrolled in the Zelis Payments Network: You will continue to receive an electronic payment from BCBSIL.
  • Paper check and aren’t enrolled in the Zelis Payments Network: You will continue to receive paper check payments. However, we encourage you to enroll in EFT to expedite the claim payment process. Learn how to enroll in EFT at no charge.
  • Uniform Payment Program: You’ll continue to receive payments in accordance with your elections and program stipulations.

Zelis Healthcare Corporation is an independent company that provides administrative services to BCBSIL. BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third party vendors and the products and services they offer.