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.
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.
A sole proprietor from Elgin, Illinois, who purchased cheap health insurance coverage, had a heart attack. After a month of rehabilitation, hospital bills started piling in. To no avail, the insurance holder contacted the insurance agency for the unpaid claims. But, the illicit insurance company had long disappeared with the premiums.
Counterfeit, cheap health insurance policies are no longer a minor issue. Today, the pervasive issue is a national problem, financially crippling Americans from Illinois and the other 49 states. Whether it’s a faith based health plan (one offered at church), the dreaded disease health plan (a policy which promises to cover life threatening diseases, such as cancer, heart disease), or the discount medical card, the cheap health plan is true to its name and covers very little in the way of health care costs.
The worst scenario is when the policyholder is hospitalized or diagnosed with a chronic illness. Not only are these consumers left with mounting medical bills, but they are no longer eligible for another policy because, they are now labeled with a “pre-existing health condition,” uninsurable by many health insurance providers.
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. Opt for an agent with a proven track record and a reputable insurance provider. Although you may pay a little more for the policy, it exceeds the uncertainty associated with the cheap Illinois health insurance coverage.