Finding health insurance if you have a pre-existing ailment can be challenging. Many insurance companies refuse to cover someone who has had or is now suffering from a significant medical illness. So, if you have a medical issue, how can you get health insurance in Chicago? Let's go over each choice one by one.
Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plans:
If you have a pre-existing condition, this may be your greatest option for acquiring health benefits. Regardless of medical history, group plans must accept everyone in the organization for coverage. The company frequently subsidizes group health insurance costs, making them more affordable. If you're quitting a job, you might be eligible for COBRA, which allows you to keep your health insurance for up to 18 months. Because the firm does not continue to pay a portion of the cost, COBRA rates might be prohibitively expensive, especially if you are unemployed.
If you lose your work in 2009, the federal government will cover 65 percent of your COBRA premium for a period of up to nine months. COBRA costs may be cheaper as a result of this, but after nine months, the government subsidy disappears and you must pay the entire price.
Higher Deductible Major Medical Health Plans:
If the health plan being sought for has a larger deductible, I've found that Illinois health insurance providers are more ready to accept applicants with specific pre-existing medical issues. If you have medical issues, you should apply for a $5,000 deductible Health Savings Account plan rather than a $500 deductible copay plan. This strategy has assisted some people with medical issues in obtaining health insurance. However, even if you have a high deductible plan, you will not be eligible for significant medical insurance if you have a high-risk medical condition such as HIV, Diabetes, or a major cardiac issue.
Limited Benefit Illinois Health Plans:
There are several companies in Chicago that sell guaranteed issue health insurance. This means that regardless of medical history, they accept all applications. Limited benefit health plans are defined benefit plans that provide less complete coverage than major medical insurance. When an employer-sponsored group plan is not available, these health plans might provide coverage for unexpected medical expenses. Because the benefits are so low in comparison to the expenses, several of the limited benefit health plans being sold in Chicago are not a good deal.
Make sure you read the plan outline thoroughly before applying for a limited benefit plan so you know what is covered and what medical bills you are responsible for.
ICHIP - Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan:
The Illinois Children's Health Insurance Program (ICHIP) is a state-run program that provides health insurance to Chicago residents who do not qualify for standard health plans. The BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois PPO network is used by ICHIP. Although the coverage is superior to limited benefit health plans, the premiums are often at least 50% higher. This may be the greatest alternative for younger people with pre-existing problems. Premiums for those in their later years are often too expensive to be deemed affordable.