One of the biggest features of the bill was originally intended to lower the cost of health insurance. The final outcome will actually raise the American’s premium to a point where they are higher that they already are. This is normally standard procedure when politicians get involved with anything that has to do with expenses or taxes so this should not be a surprise to any one.

We should be seeing a provision in the insurance plans where no one with pre-existing conditions should be denied coverage, which is a great feature. It appears that all forms of socialist type government run insurance has been declared dead in the water, which is the best part of the new bill. All we can do now is wait for the bill to be completed and see what the politicians are currently forcing on us again. Be it good or evil.

1. Helping you choose the most appropriate company to apply to.

2. Helping you find the most effective plan design.

3. Pre-Screening any medical conditions you might have.

4. Walking you through the health insurance application process.

5. Answering any and all questions you might have in order for you to make the best buying decision.

6. Being there to help you well after your insurance plan has been placed into force for any customer service related issues or problems. Keep in mind that insurance company employees have no personal or financial interest in making sure you are happy with your plan or getting your problem resolved like your agent/broker.

Keep in mind that the brokers help is at no cost to you period. The insurance company compensates them for all their time and effort.

The premiums charged by the carriers are regulated in the state of Illinois which means the premiums are the same if you purchase from an agent or broker or buy direct from the company itself.

The main difference between the HSA and it’s traditional PPO counterpart is the HSA does not have a doctor’s office co-pay and a co-payment for prescription drugs. When the owner of a HSA plan visits the doctor, the providers office bills the insurance company and the carrier then applies the provider network discount otherwise known as “repricing”. This repricing represents a discounted office fee and then that amount would be applied towards the plan deductible. The same goes for the prescription drugs purchases. In the past, the traditional PPO type plans would offer a doctor’s office and prescription drug copay that the insured would be paying a premium for each month if they utilized these benefits or not on a month to month basis.

Chicago health insurance plans only have one drawback, the premiums are normally a little higher than the suburban area plans. More happens in Chicago that can increase the usage of health insurance, for example, auto accidents, tranfers of bacterial and viral infections due to a more heavily populated area and other events such a falling victim to city related crime resulting in injury which would trigger the need for medical attention. Also, medical providers charge higher fees to cover their higher operating costs in the big city. Auto and homeowners insurance reflect normally higher premiums also.

All in all, health insurance in Chicago is working out well. The most important thing to do is try to keep  yourself in good health by staying away from tobacco products and keeping your weight in check. Take advantage of the great wellness benefits have and go the the doctor for a checkup at least once a year. Making an effort to stay in good physical shape will always be the best insurance policy.

If you do not have any health insurance, check out the nice plans offered in the Chicago area and protect yourself against the devastating cost of a hospital stay without health insurance coverage.