CHICAGO, Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is committed to helping consumers understand and enroll in coverage on and off the new health insurance exchange or Marketplace. To give customers extra time to pay their first month's premium, BCBSIL will extend the payment deadline to January 30, 2014 for those who signed up for new health coverage with a January 1, 2014 effective date.

However, as has always been our practice, it's important for our customers to understand that their coverage with a January 1, 2014 effective date will only be activated (i.e. they will be eligible for services and their claims will be processed) once they pay their first month's premium.

For additional information, individuals are encouraged to visit bcbsil.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois