The necessity of health insurance is irrefutable. Life is unpredictable and diehard as we are, we try to make it as hassle free as possible. We plan our future on the assumption that we will remain healthy and fit to work. Any unpredictable health related problems not only affects our working capability but also entails considerable expenditure.
Some organizations have their own healthcare facilities but unless they are large enough they find it uneconomical. Some do opt for tie-ups with hospital chains. Now, if you are in Illinois, with no organization backup for medical expenses, then let us examine the available health insurance in Illinois.
We find basically four options available. They can be private health insurance, health insurance through high-risk pools, health insurance through the Chambers of Commerce and health insurance through Income Eligible Programs.
Unlike other states, health insurance in Illinois is not assured. The insurance companies have the right to refuse to sell an insurance policy. The policies offered for health insurance are not standardized, they are customized but once covered, the policy cannot be canceled even if you fall sick. This procedure is called Guaranteed Renewability but premium may go up during renewal.
Chambers sponsored health insurance allows access to additional benefits and discounts. There are others like TEIGIT – The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust, a basic policy for members of participating group of artists and performers. There are also health insurance schemes like Income Based Health Insurance Programs for persons eligible for government-subsidized programs.
A family Care health insurance in Illinois covers parents living with children aged below 18 years and also includes relatives under whose care children live in the absence of parents. It covers doctor visits, dental care etc. Medicaid health insurance policy is available for the income-impaired groups. There is a variation to this scheme like Spend down.
KIDCARE health insurance in Illinois offers coverage to children and expecting women and also assists employers in paying premiums.
Illinois has a special health insurance scheme for people who are refused by regular insurers and virtually termed as ‘Uninsurable’. This plan is called Illinois comprehensive health insurance plan.
These risk pools are state sponsored and are for people with medical history. Even though they can financially afford to buy a health insurance plan, they are refused. Sometimes the insurance companies are required to contribute to this risk pool to keep it floating.
There is another plan for the uninsured, providing just basic healthcare. This plan is called Guaranteed-issue Mini-med health insurance plan.
“Cover The Uninsured” is a project run by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation designed to bring as many uninsured under the fold of health insurance. Georgetown University has published a comprehensive guide to health insurance in Illinois.
More information on health insurance in Illinois can be accessed from various web sites. Elected Officials can also be contacted for health care issues. Complaints can be addressed to the Office of Illinois Attorney General. The state ensures that the children are not affected by family’s financial or medical history impairment.
