We, the undersigned, call upon Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (a division of the Health Care Service Corporation) to reconsider and expand their insurance coverage to include Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments. IVIG is a life-saving therapy for individuals suffering from various autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and other severe medical conditions. Currently, Sally Nix and many BCBSIL policyholders are denied access to this critical treatment due to insufficient coverage or restrictive policies.

IVIG is often the last line of defense for patients facing debilitating conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN), Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RMS), and other autoimmune disorders. It provides patients with antibodies that their immune systems cannot produce, stabilizing their health and improving their quality of life. After enduring five brain surgeries, many other regular procedures, and multiple rare diagnoses, IVIG was Sally’s great hope. It provided much relief from severe and debilitating pain, it mitigated symptoms, and gave her the ability to live life more fully. From December to May she saw dramatic improvement, and that was then when BCBSIL began denying coverage due to profit. Sally has an extremely sensitive system regarding medications, which has led to numerous severe reactions. One medicine previously prescribed had harsh effects on her, causing skin cancer and other severe reactions system-wide. The hypersensitivity she has developed over the years prevents her from trying medications her insurer insists she tries.

BCBSIL risks Sally’s health and life by not acknowledging her intolerance to other treatment options they demand. It is one of their reprehensible tactics to deny coverage. Sally's policy clearly puts her in both categories as described in her policy below: 1) Multiple Sclerosis Severe manifestations of relapsing-remitting type only, AND Other therapy (e.g., interferon beta, glatiramer) has failed, become intolerable, and/or is contraindicated. 2) Vasculitis Syndromes Patients with severe active illness for whom other interventions have been unsuccessful or intolerable. Despite the recognized efficacy of IVIG treatment, BCBSIL's current coverage policies have left Sally and countless patients struggling to afford the treatment they desperately need. This has resulted in financial hardship, diminished physical and mental well-being, and, in some cases, avoidable medical complications.

By signing this petition, we urge Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to:

1. Reevaluate their insurance policies and expand coverage to include IVIG treatment for patients with autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and related conditions - especially when IVIG is their only avenue for improved health.

2. Eliminate arbitrary restrictions such as prior authorizations that create barriers to access while ensuring that individuals who meet medical criteria can access IVIG without undue obstacles, regardless of profit margin.

3. Collaborate with healthcare professionals and truly listen to the specialists treating the diseases when they prescribe IVIG. Consult with patient advocacy groups to establish fair and comprehensive IVIG coverage guidelines that prioritize the well-being and health of policyholders.

4. Provide transparent information about IVIG coverage options and financial assistance programs, making it easier for patients to understand their benefits and rights. Every person in the organization must also be adequately informed so that contradictory information is no longer spread.

5. Take a leadership role in addressing the broader issue of IVIG affordability and accessibility within the healthcare industry.

6. Lastly, by signing this petition, we urge lawmakers to take these reckless insurance denials seriously. Our government’s leaders have the power to end insurers' exorbitant denials harming patients financially and medically. We need lawmakers to listen to patients, put agendas aside, and develop real solutions. Access to IVIG should not be a privilege but a fundamental right for those whose health depends on it.

By signing this petition, you can help us advocate for better coverage and improved quality of life for countless patients who rely on IVIG treatments. Most importantly, we ask that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois overturn the denial of the life-altering infusions Sally Nix desperately needs. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that individuals facing these challenging medical conditions receive the care they need and deserve. Sign and share this petition today to demand Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois cover Sally Nix’s IVIG infusions and insist on a meaningful change in policy for all patients.

To learn more about Sally’s personal and abhorrent BCBSIL ordeal: PLEASE CLICK HERE Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC ) - the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois - is the largest customer-owned health insurer in the United States. They serve more than 18.6 million members through their plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Their CEO, Maurice Williams, saw his salary increase to $22.1 million. These outrageous CEO salaries contribute to rising healthcare costs, as a significant portion of premiums goes toward executive compensation rather than patient care.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING US GET THIS PETITION OUT!!