As thousands graduate from college across the state, most will endure a gap in Illinois health insurance. Even though the Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act (PPACA), assure coverage for young adults, corporations, small businesses and other employers are not grandfathering the dependent coverage until 2011. The issue leaves many Illinois graduates without feasible coverage until they secure employment.
Mike Novelli, the president and a licensed agent of Illinois Life and Health, representing major Illinois health insurance companies, warns parents and students to explore temporary or short-term coverage over COBRA benefits.
Although the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows employees or their family members, who lose those their Illinois health insurance benefits, the ability for continued coverage; COBRA premiums are generally higher than other health care programs.
Prior to opting to continue with COBRA benefits, students should compare the premiums to other creditable Illinois health insurance plans. Unless one suffers from a preexisting medical condition, Illinoisans have numerous affordable medical care alternatives.
For the graduate, whom is waiting for gainful employment, a short-term Illinois health insurance plan bridges the gap for temporary, but adequate health care. With unusual viruses, unforeseen major illnesses and even freak accidents, having medical coverage prevents the event of being left with exorbitant medical bills and thus financial devastation.
Most major medical insurance agencies offer short-term plans, segmented by the term of the policy (3-month, six-months or a year). Also, some Illinois health insurance companies offer incentives for upfront prepayments; however, be sure to compare all the plan’s features (in example: premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, preventative services, and deductibles).
Depending on the insurance company, some have already incorporated some of the PPACA’s requirements. For instance, certain Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue plans provides some of the preventative services as mandated in the PPACA.
As additional terms of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) become effective, students will have the ability to obtain affordable Illinois health insurance without the exclusions and restrictions as seen in recent history.
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