Why Cheap Health Insurance Coverage is Dicey in Illinois
October 9th, 2009 | by Admin |Cheap health insurance coverage represents a lure for the 40+ millions United States citizens living without coverage. A comprehensive analysis shows that while these Illinois health plans promise to deliver, they exclude the coverage needed to cover a medical emergency situation or even pre-authorization. In reality, the consumer pays more in the end for the outrageously, cheap health insurance quote.
The health insurance heist of 2000 left insurance holders, totaling some 100,000 consumers with more than $85 million dollars in hospital bills. The fake cheap health insurance coverage used to be localized, affecting Americans in small numbers. These days, the scams are widespread from the heartland of Illinois throughout the nation.
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 cheap health insurance inflicts an aftermath of financial devastation. Once the unsuspecting policyholder develops an illness, necessitating hospital stay, these illicit insurance companies disappear without a trace. Meanwhile, consumers are saddled with an outrageous hospital bill, and the stigma of a “pre-existing medical condition,” rendering them uninsurable.
Nevertheless, two tips may safeguard consumers against being victimized by Illinois health insurance fraud.
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.