In a July 14th news release, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), announced its plan to discontinue sales of two major medical individual health insurance products: "Traditional Blue" and "Basic Blue". This news comes as many other insurance companies (including Anthem and Humana) make similar announcements.

As September 23, 2010 nears, insurance companies are being forced to realign their existing individual market products in order to meet the new requirements taking effect in September this year.  Expect similar announcements from other carriers over the new few months.