March 2023

We’re Providing In-home Test Kits for Colorectal Cancer Screening

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women. Each year, an estimated 6,600 Illinoisans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 2,400 people will die from it. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and a good time to talk about how treatable colon cancer is in its early stages.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is giving members and non-members access to a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), an in-home screening kit, to help them take preventive steps. BCBSIL has initiated multiple programs to help bring accessible, affordable, quality care to residents of Illinois by contracting with Everlywell.

Blue Choice Preferred PPO^SM Members
As mentioned in our July 2022 Blue Review, certain Blue Choice Preferred PPO members received a FIT kit at no additional charge with instructions to complete the kit by Dec. 31, 2022. Test results were sent to the members and their primary care physicians (PCPs). In 2022:

2,832 members returned their kits.
167 kits were abnormal or positive, meaning the sample contained blood when collected.

This program will continue in 2023.

Blue Cross Medicare Advantage^SM Members
Each year, our Medicare Advantage members who are eligible for a colorectal cancer screening receive a FIT kit at no additional cost in the mail. In 2022:

2,684 members returned their kits.
154 kits were abnormal or positive.

Members can call the number on their BCBSIL ID card to see if their spouse or dependent qualifies to receive a FIT kit. Members with abnormal results are alerted by Everlywell by mail and three phone call attempts. They’re directed to contact their primary care physician for follow-up and next steps.

Blue Door Neighborhood Center^SM (BDNC^SM)
Our three BDNC locations on the south and west sides of Chicago – Morgan Park, Pullman, South Lawndale – expect to each distribute at least 300 FIT kits to BCBSIL members and non-members in 2023. Trained staff are providing educational events, information and activities throughout the year to encourage eligible participants to take part in this potentially life-saving opportunity. Once participants return their sample to Everlywell, test results are mailed back to the participant and their PCP, if the PCP contact information was included in the registration.

If you have patients who might like to pick up a FIT kit, they can contact one of the BDNC locations:

Morgan Park – Call 872-760-8090, or visit 11840 S Marshfield Ave., Chicago, 60643
Pullman – Call 773-253-0900, or visit 756 E 111th St., Chicago, 60628
South Lawndale – Call 872-760-8450, or visit 2551 W Cermak Rd., Chicago, 60608

Care Van^®
Our Care Van program expects to distribute 3,000 pieces of colorectal cancer screening educational material and 400 FIT kits throughout Illinois in 2023. On March 18, 2023, our trained staff will be distributing FIT kits and educational material to eligible individuals at the Wellness Event in Springfield at the YMCA. Our Care Van also will provide FIT kits once a month in Park City, IL. Additional locations will be added throughout the year.

The Care Van programing includes an inflatable colorectal cancer screening wall, which illustrates different colorectal pathologies including diverticulitis, polyps and cancer. This wall helps to promote colon cancer screenings to eligible populations along with other activities, educational materials and presentations. Visit the Care Van webpage for the most up to date schedule.

Why Use FIT
The U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce recommends annual FIT testing for colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45.

FIT testing is appropriate screening for people with an average risk for colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Average risk means no family history of colorectal cancer, no personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, no previous polyps and no previous colorectal cancer.
When compared to stool DNA tests, FIT kits have fewer false positives, which reduces unnecessary colonoscopies, according to the National Cancer Institute. Unlike stool DNA, FIT kits require only a swab rather than a stool sample.

How In-home Testing Works
The in-home testing process is quick and easy for members:

Everlywell sends the kits to eligible members. Completing the kit is voluntary.
The kits don’t require fasting, dietary restrictions or preparation. Medications are taken according to members’ normal schedule.
Members complete the test kit at home, provide the name of their PCP and mail the test to Everlywell for processing. An addressed, postage-paid envelope is included in the kit.
Everlywell sends results to the member and their PCP, if the PCP contact information was provided by the member, in three to four weeks.

How You Can Help

Consider discussing the importance of colorectal cancer screening and healthy lifestyle choices with our members.
If our member receives a kit and calls your office with questions, discuss their screening options.
Document any test results in the member’s medical record and discuss the results with our member.
Close Gaps in Care: Colorectal Cancer Screening is a quality measure developed by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) that tracks appropriate screenings. To help close gaps in care, consider these tips.

Everlywell, formally Home Access Health Corporation, is an independent company that has contracted with BCBSIL to provide laboratory testing services for members with coverage through BCBSIL. BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third party vendors and the products and services offered by them.

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment.