Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Truth About Cheap Health Insurance Coverage in Illinois

By Holly Bentz

Cheap health insurance coverage in Illinois is as fabled as the tooth fairy. With more than 40 million uninsured Americans, many are duped by ambiguous terminology and fake insurance companies. In Illinois, cheap health insurance plans lack the benefits to cover a veritable medical emergency.

During the onset of the 21st century, a series of health insurance companies scammed at least 100,000 American consumers, absconding them with $85 million worth of hospital bills. The problem with the cheap health insurance coverage myth is that by the time "policyholders" realize their medical insurance is worthless, it's too late. It happens about the time an authorization or unforeseen hospitalization is necessary.

Once upon a time, these health insurance scams affected a small percentage of the population. In the beginning of the millennium, approximately 100,000 policyholders were scammed by fake health insurance companies, accounting for more $85 million dollars of unpaid medical bills.

Today, these bogus cheap health insurance policies are national, affecting people in Illinois and across the nation. From the discount medical card, the dreaded disease policy (a policy which says that it covers chronic ailments such as cancer, heart disease) to the faith-based health plan, these inexpensive health scams cost the consumer in the end.

The most unfortunate circumstances arise when the person with cheap health insurance coverage becomes ill, requiring hospitalization. If they are diagnosed with a chronic condition such as a heart attack or cancer, they are not only abandoned with hospital bills costing $25,000 or more but they are no longer deemed insurable due to the recently diagnosed "pre-existing medical condition."

Avoiding fraud in the pursuit of obtaining Illinois health insurance is a matter of following two consumer smart strategies:

1. As due diligence is necessary, be sure to conduct your own background check, researching the health insurance company. Call the State of Illinois Attorney General's office to confirm that the company holds a current license and does not have any reports or complaints. If your investigation determines that the health insurance company is not licensed or if the agency alleges that they are exempt from adhering to regulatory guidelines, it is an indication to continue shopping for another policy.

2. Search for a reputable insurance agent. Even though the insurance provider will not guarantee cheap health insurance coverage in Illinois, a legitimate policy will prevent any unforeseen medical expenditures and a health plan with a known insurance provider.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment