There are several different ways to get health insurance in Illinois. Many employers offer health plans through their employees, but some people aren’t eligible to get insurance through their employer. Public health insurance programs also provide some health coverage. In Illinois, 59% of residents get insurance through their employer. The remaining 35% of residents receive coverage through government programs.
Short-term health plans don’t include all of the ACA essential health benefits
While traditional health insurance plans are required to cover certain essential health benefits, short-term health insurance plans do not. This can result in a large amount of variation in coverage. Moreover, different states have different standards for coverage. The federal government is also trying to improve the health benefits coverage in short-term plans.
The ACA does not require short-term health insurance policies to cover all essential health benefits. However, it does require companies that sell them to post prominent notices that they do not cover the ACA’s minimum essential health benefits. The penalties for non-compliance will be reduced to zero beginning in 2019. Short-term plans can also have limited durations. The average plan term for short-term health insurance is 12 months, although some companies offer longer periods of coverage.
Some states are also trying to limit short-term plans. The HHS notes that states can impose rules governing the sale of short-term health plans within their state. One state, California, enacted the SB910 bill in 2018, which was supported by the California Department of Insurance and Blue Shield of California. However, Anthem Blue Cross opposed it.
Short-term health insurance plans can provide relief in a variety of situations. Because they can begin immediately and end in as few as 30 to 364 days, these plans can fill in gaps in coverage. They’re also beneficial for young adults who have outgrown their parents’ insurance. They’re also a good option for pregnant women and other individuals who need additional health services.
Most short-term plans do not cover all of the essential health benefits required by law. For example, most plans do not cover substance use services or mental health services. Moreover, some short-term plans do not cover prescription drugs. Further, they do not include maternity care.
The ACA also requires that individual-market health insurance plans cover at least 80 percent of the costs for medical care and health quality improvement. This provision was put in place to ensure that consumers are getting decent value for their money when purchasing health insurance. Despite these limitations, these plans can be an effective solution to gaps in health coverage.
However, short-term health insurance may not be the best option for all people. Some insurers use questionnaires to identify members with pre-existing health conditions and may deny them coverage based on their medical history. This can lead to people being shut out of the individual market because they cannot afford comprehensive plans.
In addition to not covering pre-existing conditions, many short-term health plans don’t cover preventative care, vision, dental, and mental health care. These short-term plans are often very expensive. Those looking for affordable health insurance should compare short-term plans against ACA plans before purchasing.
They are not major medical coverage
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it possible for most Illinois residents to buy health insurance through the marketplace. Many people will qualify for financial assistance with cost-sharing on Silver or Gold plans. This can lower the premiums on these plans. However, be aware that your plan may only cover care from providers in its network. If you go outside this network, you will be responsible for paying the difference.
Short-term plans, while affordable, don’t offer all the essential health benefits required by the ACA. They are best for healthy people with few ongoing health problems. Short-term health plans also don’t include pre-existing conditions. However, they can fill in the coverage gap in case of a short-term emergency. You can purchase such a health insurance policy within 24 hours.
Depending on your medical needs, a Silver plan will probably be cheaper than a Gold plan. However, if you have more frequent medical needs, a Gold plan might be best. This plan can cover medical costs sooner than a Silver plan. You can also find a cost-sharing reduction plan for low-income people through the marketplace.
The Affordable Care Act has significantly reduced Illinois’ uninsured population. From 2010 to 2019, Illinois’ uninsured rate fell nearly 50 percent, and more than 880,000 Illinoisans gained coverage. Those interested in getting health insurance should visit the Marketplace to apply for an individual or family plan. The open enrollment period for Illinois is November 1 to January 15 every year. It is important to note that you must have a qualifying life event before you can buy a plan.
They are useful for filling a temporary coverage gap
Health insurance in Illinois can fill a temporary coverage gap for people who are without coverage for a period of time. This type of coverage is not as comprehensive as a COBRA plan or guaranteed issue individual health plan but is still useful for filling the gap while waiting for a longer plan to become available. Short-term health plans are also less expensive and are available all year-round. However, they do not cover pre-existing conditions and typically do not offer many benefits. Most importantly, they may not offer minimum essential benefits.
While most employers offer medical insurance benefits to their employees, these plans are not practical for those who are between jobs. Fortunately, there are short-term health insurance plans in Illinois that provide minimal coverage at low premiums. One of the benefits of these plans is that they may be canceled without a penalty. The key is to get quotes online and compare different plans. Compare the monthly payments and deductibles to find the best plan for your needs.
