H1N1 Worries Confirm Importance of Illinois Health Insurance

Written By: Mike Novelli on October 23, 2009 No Comment

This year’s flu concerns should heed caution for individuals, who do not have Illinois health insurance. At present date, the H1NI has assumed 20 lives and hospitalized 476. [Source: Illinois Department of Health http://www.idph.state.il.us/h1n1_flu/sf_statistics.htm] Between the sick days, doctor’s visits and other medical necessities, the uncertainties of the H1N1 virus are too ominous to chance until the Obama health plan is finalized.

For individuals who are not on public aid and do not have Illinois health insurance, these benefits are not available for “free.” In the state of Illinois, 250,000 children are uninsured. Subsequent to the death of a Naperville high school student, uninsured families should explore their affordable medical coverage options.

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.

After their 11-year old son complained of all the symptoms associated with H1N1, an emergency room visit turned into a 23-hour observation; and, thus a $3500 bill for all the tests and overnight stay. In an effort to prevent more of the same, the remaining Kronish family members were vaccinated, costing an additional $375.

Today, medical clinic and doctor’s visits are between $65 and $150. The visit does not cover the cost of any prescriptions or vaccinations. In other words, for the uninsured, the H1N1 vaccination is $75 to $85, compared to the free service, Illinois health insurance plans are promising. Not, to mention, medical coverage policyholders can even go to the local general stores (in example, Walgreens, CVS, Osco, and other locations) for the vaccinations.

Sick days, doctor’s visits, and medications reflect just a few of the cost differentials between having Illinois health insurance and being uninsured. Most physicians and clinics charge $65 to $150 for a single medical visit. These fees do not include any vaccinations, antibiotics or other medical services. H1N1 is the perfect example of a simple emergency room and overnight observation can mount into a single expensive incident that otherwise an Illinois health insurance would cover.

Bookmark or visit Illinois Life & Health for additional information pertaining to Illinois medical insurance. The site provides the latest news, resources and a no obligation Illinois medical insurance quote, online.