Saturday, October 24, 2009

H1N1 Worries Confirm Importance of Obtaining Illinois Health Insurance

By Mike Novelli

As the flu season takes its toll, caution is advised for Americans to obtain a vaccination. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of having Illinois health insurance. While some people are waiting for the Obama Health Plan to take effect, the uncertainties of being uninsured are not only potentially fatal, but a financial disaster waiting to happen. Recent data, released by the Illinois Health Department (CDC) shows that 20 people have perished and 476 hospitalized due to the H1N1 virus in Illinois. [Source: Illinois Department of Health http://www.idph.state.il.us/h1n1_flu/sf_statistics.htm]

It is estimated that some 250,000 children in the state of Illinois do not have medical coverage. With the death of a Naperville high school student, uninsured families have a few affordable health care plans. [Source: http://www.allkidscovered.com/]

The H1N1 virus turned into a sickeningly expensive ordeal for the Kronish family. With a job lay-off their primary source of income was eliminated. The Cobra health benefits offered with termination seemed to cost too much for a family of four healthy children aged eight, 11, 13 and 14, on a $57,000 income.

The Kronishs' rushed their 11-year old son to the hospital, after he complained of symptoms similar to the ones used to describe the H1N1 virus. The emergency room visit turned into an overnight of observation valued at $3500. To prevent another problem, the rest of the family was vaccinated at a doctor's office for another $375. Not having Illinois health insurance cost them $3875. Meanwhile, the entire - cost the Kronish family medical bills ended up costing the same amount as medical coverage for the entire family. While they're making payments on the emergency bill, they remain uninsured and protected from any potential other medical crises.

The cost of a doctor's office visit or clinic consultation ranges from $60 to $150 if one does not have insurance. Vaccinations are $75 to $85. In Illinois all medical providers are required to dole out H1N1 vaccinations to insured patients, directly billing the insurance company. Additionally, various big box stores, such as Osco Drugs, Walgreens and CVS are providing vaccinations in coordination with the insurance companies.

These medical benefits are inapplicable for individuals, who do not carry Illinois health insurance. The H1N1 virus demonstrates how the cost of an emergency room visit and overnight observation can quickly turn into exorbitant ordeal that a standard, Illinois health insurance policy would cover.

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