Illinois Health Insurance (IL)
Illinois Health Insurance (IL)
Individual Health Insurance in Illinois (IL)
For individual health insurance in Illinois, insurance companies have the right to turn down applications of those with health problems. Also, elimination riders can be imposed for pre-existing conditions, as well as, exclusion periods with a maximum limit of 24 months. In the first 24 months of new coverage, if you make a claim, the company has the right to review your medical records for the previous 24 months before coverage started, looking for pre-existing conditions related to the claim; if found, they can then refuse to pay that claim. Pregnancy can be considered a pre-existing condition. If your application is accepted, there are no limitations on the cost of the policy; however, it cannot be cancelled due to your illness.
Group Health Insurance in Illinois (IL)
Group health insurance in Illinois cannot be denied due to health conditions of employees within your group, nor can you be charged a higher premium. New employers can impose a waiting period before you are offered group coverage. Certain life changes relating to children, marriage status, death, and loss of job can affect your opportunity for health coverage. If you have a pre-existing condition, you may meet with an exclusion period of no more than 12 months for the problem before the group coverage becomes effective, with credit for creditable continuous coverage. If you have had continuous coverage, you may still have an exclusion period if the new insurance covers more benefits. In Illinois, some state, county and local governments can withhold health protections from their employee groups; it is recommended that you contact your employer to check on your possible inclusion.
Small Business Health Insurance in Illinois (IL)
Small businesses applying for group health coverage cannot be turned down and cannot be cancelled due to illness within the employee group, but premiums can rise due to certain characteristics of the group.
Self-Employed Health Insurance in Illinois (IL)
The self-employed are not able to buy group health coverage in the State of Illinois. Check with the Illinois Department of Insurance for rules relating to enrollment with professional associations that offer group health coverage.
Illinois Department of Insurance
320 W. Washington St.
Springfield, IL 62767
(217) 782-4515
www.idfpr.com
Illinois Programs (IL)
Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan is available for those residents who are eligible. Conversion policies are available for those residents who have had group coverage for at least three months and then lose it.
Medicaid is available for low- to moderate-income residents. For low-income children and pregnant women, there is a program called KidCare. There are also other financial aid programs in Illinois as well.
