| If you have a pre-existing condition finding health | | | | insurance companies are more willing to except |
| insurance can be difficult. Many insurance | | | | applicants with certain pre-existing medical |
| companies deny health coverage to anyone who | | | | conditions if the health plan being applied for has a |
| has had a major medical condition in or has an | | | | higher deductible. You are better off applying for |
| existing medical condition. So how do you get | | | | a $5,000 deductible Health Savings Account plan |
| health coverage in Chicago if you have a medical | | | | than applying for a $500 deductible copay plan if |
| condition? Let's discuss the options one by one. | | | | you have medical conditions. This tactic has helped |
| Employer Sponsored Group Health Plans | | | | some folks with medical conditions get health |
| This may be the best option for getting an health | | | | coverage. However, if you have high risk medical |
| benefits if you have a pre-existing condition. | | | | condition like HIV, Diabetes, or a major heart |
| Group plans must accept everyone in the group | | | | condition you will not be accepted for major |
| for coverage, regardless of medical history. Many | | | | medical insurance, even on a high deductible plan. |
| times group health Insurance premiums are | | | | Limited Benefit Illinois Health Plans |
| subsidized by the employer, making the premiums | | | | There are a number of companies selling health |
| more affordable. If you are leaving a company | | | | insurance in Chicago that are guaranteed issued. |
| you may qualify for COBRA which will extend | | | | This means they accept all applicants regardless |
| your health benefits for up to 18 months. COBRA | | | | of medical history. Limited benefit health plans are |
| premiums can be too expensive, especially if you | | | | not major medical insurance, but defined benefit |
| are unemployed, because the company does not | | | | plans that offer less comprehensive coverage. |
| continue to pay a portion of the premium. If you | | | | When an employer group plan is not available |
| lose your job in 2009 the federal government will | | | | these health plans can provide coverage against |
| pay 65% of your COBRA premium for up to 9 | | | | catastrophic health care bills. Some of the limited |
| months. This can make COBRA premiums | | | | benefit health plans being sold in Chicago are not a |
| affordable, however after nine months the | | | | good value because the benefits are very poor in |
| government subsidy ends and you have to pay | | | | relation to the costs. Before applying for a limited |
| the entire premium. | | | | benefit plan make sure you read the plan outline |
| Higher Deductible Major Medical Health Plans | | | | carefully and understand what is covered, and |
| It has been my experience the Illinois health | | | | what medical expenses you are responsible for. |