I think you should find out if it is mandatory that you fill this out. If it isn't than throw it away and ignore it. I would ask you state insurance commissioner if this is legal for them to do this.
 I am fortunate enough to still be able to work full-time (with my employers accommodation of two days per week from home).  As an IT person, this works out well since I can log onto the network and do everything I would do at work - except run myself ragged.

 I am also fortunate that I have (what I believe to be) a fantastic insurance plan.  It's a Blue Cross/Shield of Massachusetts PPO.  (I don't live in Mass., that's where the "parent company" resides.)  

 I count my blessings every day for what I do have and know that others aren't so fortunate.

 Here is the dilemma -
 Today in the mail I received a letter and brochure from BC/BS of MA describing a "joint program" with Accordant Health Services asking if I had one of 14 chronic diseases.  You guessed it, SLE was on the list.  I was officially diagnosed almost five years ago.  

 Included was a questionnaire asking things like "how many meds are you on", "how many ER visits have you had in the past year" and "how would you rate your current health".  I had two ER visits last year - more than likely due to the fact that aside from caring for myself, I also care for my 82 year old blind mother who had quadruple bypass surgery. Mom's little episode also prompted a 2 month hiatus from work - disability, which I feel guilty about every day since I am very "work oriented".

 Now I am just a TINY bit leery of this letter and questionaire.  They say that it is so they can "help" with my care, but my Rheumatologist is absolutely fantastic and he sees me regularly (every three months and whenever a crises arises).  Plus, he is always at hand to guide me to the "extras", Nephrologists, Pain management, Pulmonary Specialist, Ophthalmologist, getting my Dexascan, etc., when called for.  My GP is also very much in the loop and the two of them communicate well to coordinate my treatment.  For the most part, I try very hard to take care of myself, and my Rheumy promotes me taking an active role in my treatment.  

 Has anyone ever heard of these people, and/or had any kind of experience with them?  I hate the thought of   jeopardizing my current "well cared for" status just by being duped by my insurance company - whom I generally trust.  But somehow there are RED FLAGS going off here saying that I should cautiously proceed

As there's a medical information bureau where insurance companies can
get information on patients, you might not want to rush into that before
checking it out.

MIB is at http://www.mib.com/html/about_us.html

Here's a news release.   Will also take you to the company website.

http://www.accordant.net/press/20011126.html

I am thinking that all the information that they are asking for should
already be in your insurance file...
So why are they bothering asking you....
I would also..Ask if it were mandatory...
We do get some questioneres from Caremark..our prescription drug insurance.
They want to give Mike help with his asthma...Like he doesn't already see a
pulmonary doctor 1 time a month...hmmm.
Cindy

First, let me congratulate you on finding an employer that will
accomodate you and let you work at home!  That is wonderful!

As far as the letter goes- Is there any legal reason for you to fill it
out?  Are they demanding the answers for BC/BS?  I have BC/BS FEP PPO
and they have never sent me anything like this...
If there is no reason other than some sort of idle curiousity or
something more sinister like pre-existing condition clauses, etc., I
would chitcan that letter in a New York second.

Just my 2c...
Good luck!
-Kristin

I would question why the letter was sent to you unsolicited. I also would not complete the form and return it unless it is related to your current insurance plan.  Is your employer making a change in insurance plans? You will need to contact your employer's insurance dept. and ask if there is a change in insurance plans in the works for your company. You can also contact your current insurance provider customer service dept. and ask why this form has been sent to you. With the Health information portability act, insurance companies, really can't solicit personal health information from you or your physicians.  Without your permission. If you are changing plans and haven't been informed yet, I can tell you that many insurance plans will not"pick up" a person with a diagnosis of SLE, and many other auto immune/connective tissue/rheumatoid type diseases. Even on open enrollment the insurer does not have to cover us. On the other hand if you exclude the fact that you have been diagnosed with anything, the insurance company can rescind your coverage as misrepresentation. Then your medical expenses are not going to be covered period. Wende
 I am fortunate enough to still be able to work full-time (with my employers accommodation of two days per week from home).  As an IT person, this works out well since I can log onto the network and do everything I would do at work - except run myself ragged.

 I am also fortunate that I have (what I believe to be) a fantastic insurance plan.  It's a Blue Cross/Shield of Massachusetts PPO.  (I don't live in Mass., that's where the "parent company" resides.)  

 I count my blessings every day for what I do have and know that others aren't so fortunate.

 Here is the dilemma -
 Today in the mail I received a letter and brochure from BC/BS of MA describing a "joint program" with Accordant Health Services asking if I had one of 14 chronic diseases.  You guessed it, SLE was on the list.  I was officially diagnosed almost five years ago.  

 Included was a questionnaire asking things like "how many meds are you on", "how many ER visits have you had in the past year" and "how would you rate your current health".  I had two ER visits last year - more than likely due to the fact that aside from caring for myself, I also care for my 82 year old blind mother who had quadruple bypass surgery. Mom's little episode also prompted a 2 month hiatus from work - disability, which I feel guilty about every day since I am very "work oriented".

 Now I am just a TINY bit leery of this letter and questionaire.  They say that it is so they can "help" with my care, but my Rheumatologist is absolutely fantastic and he sees me regularly (every three months and whenever a crises arises).  Plus, he is always at hand to guide me to the "extras", Nephrologists, Pain management, Pulmonary Specialist, Ophthalmologist, getting my Dexascan, etc., when called for.  My GP is also very much in the loop and the two of them communicate well to coordinate my treatment.  For the most part, I try very hard to take care of myself, and my Rheumy promotes me taking an active role in my treatment.  

 Has anyone ever heard of these people, and/or had any kind of experience with them?  I hate the thought of   jeopardizing my current "well cared for" status just by being duped by my insurance company - whom I generally trust.  But somehow there are RED FLAGS going off here saying that I should cautiously proceed