Originally posted by Bill in Dayton:
http://www.healthcare.gov/law/provisions/preexisting/index.html
There's a wealth of information available through the website above. I linked you directly to the general pre-existing condition insurance page...
The average health insurance policy for a family of 4 is roughly $13,000.00 So called "cadillac plans" kick in around 18k or higher. $439.00/mo. projects over a year to be roughly $5,268.00
Here's the link to Illinois's specific page for Pre-existing condition insurance plan...
http://www.healthcare.gov/law/provisions/preexisting/states/il.html
There's a phone number and web site to learn more about this issue.
Here's a link to a bridge program, that went into effect on July 1st, 2010.
http://www.healthcare.gov/law/timeline/index.html
"A Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will provide new coverage options to individuals who have been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition. States have the option of running this new program in their state. If a state chooses not to do so, a plan will be established by the Department of Health and Human Services in that state. This program serves as a bridge to 2014, when all discrimination against pre-existing conditions will be prohibited. Learn more about the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan."
Its certainly not perfect. I do think there may be some reasonably appealing options that can get you through on a short term basis, until the exchanges and everything kicks in in 2014.
It goes without saying that if the Republicans are successful at repealing the Affordable Care Act, then you have much bigger problems. Even if the individual mandate is ruled un-constitutional, that sticks the Insurance companies with a lousy risk pool, to which they know only one remedy. Raise everyone's rates enough to absorb the people who don't get health insurance until they become ill.
Funny how this individual mandate was just dandy when the GOP used it to scuttle Clinton's attempt at HC reform back in the late 80's. They insisted on it, Clinton rejected it. Likewise, a republican governor, Mitt Romney-MA used it in his universal coverage and I don't remember anyone predicting the fall of the country.
Good Luck, Beak....If I can help with any questions or other info, just let me know...
Thanks Bill! The Illinois program sounds pretty reasonable. Well, on the other hand, those prices are for one person and not for two.
The only preexisting condition I have is benign enlarged prostate - even though when I last applied to change insurance they said that anything that had to do with my prostate would not be covered - forever.
The thing with the pre-existing condition is that if you ever complained to the doctor about anything - snoring loud, indigestion, feeling depressed - all this stuff can come back to haunt you when you change policies.
I told my wife, who's slept longer than normal since she was 15 and has started to have a few other ailments that might be all related - I told her not to tell her doctor the truth. I said, "Tell the doctor you have been sleeping longer than normal for the last 2 1/2 years while you were covered under insurance - otherwise, they can say it's a pre-existing condition." I'm sure this goes on a lot.
I think the price of health care is a big disadvantage for the US in areas like manufacturing where we compete with other countries for price.
I'm worried about the day that they start shipping Chinese musicians to perform at American nursing homes, playing Frank Sinatra for $50 a gig. That will be a sad day, indeed.