If you have a pre-existing condition finding health insurance can be difficult. Many insurance companies deny health coverage to anyone who has had a major medical condition in or has an existing medical condition. So how do you get health coverage in Chicago if you have a medical condition? Let’s discuss the options one by one.Employer Sponsored Group Health PlansThis may be the best option for getting an health benefits if you have a pre-existing condition. Group plans must accept everyone in the group for coverage, regardless of medical history. Many times group health Insurance premiums are subsidized by the employer, making the premiums more affordable. If you are leaving a company you may qualify for COBRA which will extend your health benefits for up to 18 months. COBRA premiums can be too expensive, especially if you are unemployed, because the company does not continue to pay a portion of the premium. If you lose your job in 2009 the federal government will pay 65% of your COBRA premium for up to 9 months. This can make COBRA premiums affordable, however after nine months the government subsidy ends and you have to pay the entire premium.Higher Deductible Major Medical Health PlansIt has been my experience the Illinois health insurance companies are more willing to except applicants with certain pre-existing medical conditions if the health plan being applied for has a higher deductible. You are better off applying for a $5,000 deductible Health Savings Account plan than applying for a $500 deductible copay plan if you have medical conditions. This tactic has helped some folks with medical conditions get health coverage. However, if you have high risk medical condition like HIV, Diabetes, or a major heart condition you will not be accepted for major medical insurance, even on a high deductible plan.Limited Benefit Illinois Health PlansThere are a number of companies selling health insurance in Chicago that are guaranteed issued. This means they accept all applicants regardless of medical history. Limited benefit health plans are not major medical insurance, but defined benefit plans that offer less comprehensive coverage. When an employer group plan is not available these health plans can provide coverage against catastrophic health care bills. Some of the limited benefit health plans being sold in Chicago are not a good value because the benefits are very poor in relation to the costs. Before applying for a limited benefit plan make sure you read the plan outline carefully and understand what is covered, and what medical expenses you are responsible for.ICHIP – Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance PlanThe ICHIP plan is run by the State of Illinois to offer health insurance for folks in Chicago that don’t qualify for traditional health plans. ICHIP uses the BlueCross BlueShield of IL PPO network. The coverage is better than the limited benefit health plans, unfortunately the premiums are usually at least 50% higher. For younger folks with pre-existing conditions this may the best available option. For folks in the higher age brackets the premiums are typically too high to be considered affordable.
Tag Archives: nutrition
Pregnancy Nutrition Guidelines For A Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnancy nutrition guidelines are necessary for pregnant women. It’s true that during this time, you need just 300 calories extra daily. However, they should not be empty calories. Nutrition is the word here.Read on to know about the exact nutrition during pregnancy that you need. It’s not difficult at all to follow a well balanced vegetarian nutrition diet during pregnancy.CalciumAs per the pregnancy nutrition guidelines that are prepared by doctors, your calcium intake at this time should range from 1200-1500 mg daily. Calcium is vital for the healthy growth and development of your baby’s bones, muscles, heart, and teeth. If you do not take adequate calcium, your baby will use your calcium reserves. This increases the risk of osteoporosis in you.Your pregnancy nutrition chart should contain milk and its products. For lactose intolerant women, there are lactose-free milk products, buttermilk, soy milk, or cultured yoghurt. If this doesn’t work, ask your doctor for calcium supplements.ProteinDuring pregnancy, you need about 60 grams of protein daily for the healthy growth of your baby. Besides, it keeps your placenta, uterus, and breasts in a healthy state; it increases the volume of blood, and produces adequate amniotic fluid.IronAccording to the pregnancy nutrition guidelines, iron is important for production of hemoglobin in the mom-to-be and her fetus. Besides this, in the last trimester, your baby takes iron reserves from your body to keep anemia at bay in the first six months of it’s life. Also, you lose a certain amount of blood during delivery. For all these reasons, it’s crucial to increase the intake of iron.Your body needs only 27 mg of iron daily yet you need to take 60 mg because not all ingested iron is absorbed in the body. If you are found to be anemic, it’s good to take pregnancy nutrition supplements of iron.One of the tricks to absorb iron better is to take it with vitamin C enriched foods. Tomato juice, orange, or grapefruit are good options. Avoid taking them with milk, cheese, or other calcium enriched foods, as calcium hampers the absorption of iron.VitaminsPregnancy nutrition guidelines recommend a 25-50 % increase in the intake of vitamins. The requirement of folic acid doubles to 400 micrograms daily at this time. Eating a variety of foods in your pregnancy diet leads to the fulfillment of vitamin requirement.Even if you think that you are taking a nutritious diet during pregnancy, it’s important to have a look at pregnancy nutrition guidelines and read pertinent articles and books.