Illinois Medicare Supplement
Illinois Medicare Supplement – Insurance Company Civil Penalties Considered
For those companies which offer Illinois Medicare Supplement insurance or Medigap – they must stay within strict guidelines, or they will be in violation of their registration or license to offer such coverage. These insurance companies are required to give the insured a disclosure statement of exactly what is covered, and what is not.
These disclosures must be in plain in simple English, and not riddled with hard to understand legalese. Although various states have different laws regarding exactly what must be disclosed there are also federal laws, which must be disclosed in all states including Illinois.
There are severe civil fines and criminal penalties for any company or insurer that fails to provide these required disclosure statements. The federal civil penalties and criminal charges can be put forth against any insurance company or agent, which intentionally or knowingly duplicates the coverage which is required and given to all persons under Medicare. Medigap insurance is exactly that, it is only to cover the difference between what Medicare enrollment allots for, and what the insured wishes to protect against.
There are also harsh and stiff penalties for making false statements that a given policy meets legal criteria for certification or complies with specific standards if and when it does not. And, it should also be noted that there are severe penalties when Medigap insurance policies are denied based on discrimination.
Although with such criminal and civil penalties, you’d expect that no insurance agent or insurance company would ever break the law - it does and has happened, and when it does it often goes undetected because Medicare is such a complex and complicated thing to understand for most people.
If you have any questions about Medicare or Illinois Medicare supplemental insurance, feel free to give me a call so I can explain it to you, and also explain what is covered with your Medicare enrollment, and what is not. Then, and only then you can decide if you wish to shore up those risks with an additional policy to protect you.
Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare Supplement & Illinois Medicare. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com
Medicare in Illinois – American Continental Life and Gerber Life Medigap Policies
It hardly matters where you go in our Great Nation; every one over the age of 65 is concerned about their Medicare coverage. And whereas, I’d like to set your mind at ease and tell you not to worry about it, I’d be less-than-ethical to do so. It’s not that I want you to worry, in fact, my job is to set you up on a plan that is worry free, and perhaps, this is what has brought you to read this article in the first place.
Not long ago, I talked to a buddy of mine who’d been vacationing in Hawaii on Oahu, and he was staying in the less-touristy side of the island in a little town called Kailua, yes, the same town the President vacations at when he isn’t being interrupted from people and events like the underwear bomber. In any case, what he told me was that even the folks that live in that quaint little tropical town in near paradise, well they were just as concerned about their Medicare coverage as you are here in the Great State of Illinois.
Indeed, I talked to a friend in California - they’ve been in the news a bit lately haven’t they - as a couple of health care insurance carriers have sky-rocketed their rates increasing premiums almost 40% in some cases literally overnight. Now those cases are being investigated by the California Insurance Board, and it is likely that the finding will be that these companies will be allowed to raise their rates, as they have been spending 70% of their income on actual claims - sounds scary doesn’t it?
Indeed, and even here with Medicare in Illinois we could see rates rise for Medigap coverage. As I have feelers out all over this country and as I listen to my customers here, it seems that everyone over the age of 65 is worried these days. This is why I always look for quotes from the best rated companies in Illinois when it comes to Medigap coverage to supplement your Illinois Medicare enrollment.
Two companies I look at, and there are a number of good companies that I run quotes by, are American Continental Life Insurance’s Medigap Coverage Policy, and Gerber Life’s Illinois Medicare Supplemental Medigap plan.
But, you say; “American Continental Life Insurance and Gerber Life Insurance are life insurance companies, so, why would I purchase my Illinois Medicare supplemental insurance through them?” So, okay, this is a good question, and you must understand that both American Continental Life and Gerber Life want your business, and they know if you have your Medigap insurance coverage through them, you might be interested in one of their life insurance plans also. You don’t have to combine all these coverage’s with one company like American Continental Life or Gerber Life, but they aim to earn your business and respect.
Doesn’t it make sense to look at companies that are going out of their way to make you happy and give you the coverage you need and desire, rather than a poorly rated carrier that really tries to maximize their income on only one type of insurance policy, and then raising the prices on you, just because they can? Anyway, why not think about that a bit, and let’s talk about getting you a great policy at a low-price.
Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare Supplement & Illinois Medicare. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com
Illinois Medicare - Shoring up the Gaps
When considering shoring up the gaps in your Illinois Medicare Plan, it always makes sense to get a quote from United of Omaha. And if you recognize that name, it’s because they also sell life insurance. Does United of Omaha have the best Medicare Supplement coverage? Do they have the best rates? Well, yes, depending on your current medical issues and future healthcare needs, they just might. United of Omaha has done very well with Illinois Medicare supplemental plans over the years and they do insure a huge number of folks in our state, meaning they have good market share penetration here.
In fact, the United of Omaha Life Insurance Company happens to be licensed in all states except New York, and if you are looking for Medicare Supplemental insurance to augment your Illinois Medicare Plan you should ask your health insurance agent for an outline of coverages and to make sure that your agent does offer supplemental packages from this company. You’ll find that the best agents often do.
Although Illinois Medicare Supplement plans are standard, you should not assume that all Medicare Supplemental polices are equal, or that all insurance companies are equal. You need good coverage which fits your needs, and you need a decent policy which fits your budget too. And lastly, you need to make sure you are with a highly rated healthcare insurance company that will back up its policy and not try to get out of payment, sticking you with the bill.
Perhaps, it’s time you looked into United of Omaha, and reviewed your healthcare insurance needs, Medicare Plan, and supplemental coverage. Even if you are currently in perfect health and have been in the last decade, the unknown future which lies ahead may have a few bumps in it, so you need to make sure that you have the right strategy to weather that storm. Let’s get together and figure this thing out.
Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare & Illinois Medicare Supplement . To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com .
Illinois Medicare - Staying Out Of The Poor House
American Continental Insurance, a Genworth Insurance Company, specializes in Medicare Supplement Insurance for Illinois Medicare. Due to gaps in coverage in Illinois Medicare Parts A and B, it often makes sense to carry a reasonably priced Medicare Supplement plan to prevent your healthcare costs from putting you into the poor house. For many Illinois residents American Continental Insurance Company has been the insurance provider of choice to solve this problem and help conquer this challenge. Indeed, there is a very good reason for this, namely, their rates are highly competitive.
Thus, it makes sense when comparing health care insurance rates to complete the Medicare Plan which is right for you to take a look at American Continental Insurance Company. Since, this will be a major decision and could affect your future you should look at all the companies with the highest satisfaction rates, and the lowest costs in premium with the best coverage. If this all sounds very complicated, perhaps, that’s because it is, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be if you have a health care insurance agent that knows the ropes.
It pays to find an agent that “gets it” and one who understands what is really needed - which companies offer it and how to design the right coverage for your individual needs. If you currently have Illinois Medicare or will be hitting the age soon where you will enroll in an Illinois Medicare Supplement, then you want to make sure you are not paying too much for that which you don’t need, or paying for Medicare Supplement Insurance to bridge the gap with a company that most likely will not be there when you or an older member of your family really needs them.
Let’s set up a time in the near future when we can look over your current health situation, future health care needs, and your current policies. Let’s run the numbers, sharpen our pencil, and run some quotes with some of the top rated companies - companies such as Genworth’s American Continental Insurance Company - because a little planning now, can save you a lot of stress and money later.
Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare & Illinois Medicare Supplement. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com .
Illinois Medicare Considerations and United of Omaha Health Insurance Plans
Illinois Medicare generally will not cover all the needs of any given individual, even with all the options presented. Each individual has specific health needs that are unique, and therefore Illinois Medicare puts forth generalized options to choose from that appear to serve the vast majority of folks.
The reality is that while “IL Medicare provides most of the things that most people need,” it does not necessarily provide “all the things that most people need” and there is a big difference between those two statements.
Go ahead and read those two statements once again and you’ll begin to understand why supplemental insurance plans are paramount for an individual health care strategy when considering insurance.
Now then, where do you go to find the healthcare insurance plan that you need to “gap” the difference? Well, first you need to look at the top Medicare Supplement insurance companies that have the best ratings and see what they offer. United of Omaha is a very strong company with a very good rating - meaning that if and when you have a claim, they will be there to cover those medical expenses as per the policy, which will be up and beyond where your Illinois Medicare ends.
Let’s face it, with medical bills skyrocketing and outpacing GDP growth or normal inflation by 5-10% per year, you can be left in the poor house, even for a minor healthcare issue, much less a big time healthcare scare to your longevity. One of the excellent things about United of Omaha is that they are also a big player in the Life Insurance Business, and you can bet if you have your life insurance policy with them also, they’d like to keep you alive as long as possible to prevent a massive payout. After all, to them you are worth more alive, right.
The United of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance policies will allow you to choose your own doctors and hospitals, and you can use their plan to “mix and match” it with other healthcare insurance plans and providers to get what you need. Their plans also allow you to adjust co-pays and coverage based on your financial where-with-all and budgetary needs. Thus, it perhaps, pays to sit down and discuss all this with a competent healthcare insurance agent who can home in and focus on your real needs and personal individual situation.
United of Omaha has all types of options from the very comprehensive to the basic al la carte supplement insurance options. This makes it nice when comparing notes and looking for the best coverage to fit your needs while shopping for the best deal to supplement your Illinois Medicare. After all, a little planning now can save your family from financial ruin and keep you alive if a medical crisis rears its head. In this way a supplemental policy to your Illinois Medicare coverage with United of Omaha makes a lot of sense.
Think about your reward – No More Stress – No more worries – And Mission Accomplished!
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com
Illinois Medicare - a Look at American Continental Insurance Company and Supplemental Policies
Illinois residents have some distinct advantages when it comes to health care and medical services, namely due to the state’s economic might and population base we have some of the best hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and medical research. This means we have some of the very best health care not only in the United States, but also in the entire world. That’s the good news, and thus, you should be very thankful to live in the Great State of Illinois.
Of course, with every benefit there are challenges too and due to the quality health care and the incredible demand of the population here, Illinois also has some of the most costly healthcare as well. This is why it really pays to shop around and see what’s out there before you commit to a healthcare insurance plan, or purchase Medicare Insurance with supplemental coverage. It’s also very important to know a little bit about the various medical insurance companies before shopping for around for the lowest price with the best coverage and benefits.
One company that has been a mainstay for many folks in Illinois is American Continental Insurance Company. It’s a company that you should definitely consider when shopping around to find the lowest bid, best premium costs, and best coverage. One interesting thing about American Continental Insurance Company (ACI) is they provide coverage for all sides of the equation. In other words, they provide insurance to hospitals, and doctors for malpractice, along with coverage for regular citizens like you and I. This means they understand what they are doing and the real risks and costs associated.
It’s always important to get the lowest cost on healthcare insurance, but more importantly is to find a company you can trust that will back you up when you have a claim, when you really need it. ACI has an “A-” rating and that’s pretty decent for healthcare insurance providers here in Illinois, especially those specializing in Medicare Supplemental Insurance. ACI or American Continental Insurance Company is part of Genworth Financial, which is now one of the biggest US insurance and financial companies in the United States and it has a strong balance sheet to back it up.
ACI’s specialty is Medicare Insurance, and their supplemental insurance policies often are just what’s needed. So, when shopping around for such coverage it makes sense to check their rates and your current medical situation against the other top competitors. ACI is just one of the top companies in Illinois for healthcare insurance specializing in Medicare Insurance, and supplementary coverage, there are plenty of others to compare also, but it stands to reason that you compare apples to apples, when shopping for price, because when you need it most your health insurance provider needs to be there to pay for your medical bills.
Since Illinois Medicare may not cover all an insured needs thus, a supplemental plan from American Continental Insurance Company can solve this problem. This is one of many options to consider when choosing IL Medicare Plans, and there are other strategies that it also pays to discuss.
The reality is that you want to save money, and you should. You should also make sure that you get what you need, and value for what you are paying for. Sometimes it gets extremely complicated in comparing rates, and if you find yourself challenged by all the different types of coverages, the huge price differentials, and the complexity of the “fine print” then perhaps it’s time you sat down with an expert who knows the ends-and-outs, which companies you can trust, and where the best value is for you and your loved ones. As always, I am here to help and never more than a phone call or email away.
Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com
Illinois Health Care Insurance – What You Should Know
Anyone who’s been paying attention to the news lately knows that there is plenty of reason to be worried about the state of the economy and the future of health care in America. Businesses of all shapes and sizes are struggling to make ends meet, and in some cases, employers are being forced to tell their employees that they will no longer be able to provide health care benefits. Other people are being edged out of their policies by insurance companies who no longer want to pay for their long term care, or by premiums that are being raised so high they are no longer realistic. Meanwhile the people who really need Illinois health care insurance, children and the elderly, are the ones who truly suffer.
If you are thinking about reexamining your Illinois health care insurance to make sure you are getting the most that you can out of the premiums that you’re playing, you should know that there are options and alternatives out there. If you feel trapped in the poor coverage being offered by your employer because you don’t want to have a lapse in your coverage, you should know that many agencies now offer plans created specifically for individuals.
The best thing to do when you are revaluating your budget for Illinois health care insurance is to determine the features and characteristics of an insurance company and a policy that will work best with your lifestyle. If you feel like your employer’s plan is forcing you to pay high premiums for coverage that you just don’t need, it might be worth it to investigate an individual plan that could be better tailored to suit your needs. If you are mostly concerned with being able to choose and keep a doctor for your family, it might be that a preferred provider organization will have the best policy for you.
Keep in mind that there are thousands of different companies from which you can purchase Illinois health care insurance, and not all of them will be as good as they claim to be. Talk to your friends and neighbors about experiences that they’ve had with various companies, and ask them whether they would choose to work with them again if they had the opportunity to do it all over again. You can also find resources online about how to choose between policies.
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group; to get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Health Care Insurance, Illinois Medicare Supplement, Illinois Group Health Insurance, Illinois Health Insurance, visit his site at www.FocusInsGroup.com
Illinois Health Care Insurance – Know Your Options
Many people would rather clean the bathroom or mow the lawn that talk about what kind of health insurance policy they have and what could be done to make it better. So many people have spent hours listening to news anchors and pundits talk about the dire state of our economy that they have no energy left to think about how they might be wasting money on a Illinois health insurance policy that might not really be serving their needs. If you’re comfortable with your doctor and would rather stub your toe than retrieve your medical records for the umpteenth time, you should know that health insurance doesn’t have to be that confusing.
The most important thing that you can learn from all the debating that’s going on about quality health insurance and making health care available to more people, is that you can no longer count on the government or the big insurance companies to care about you as an individual any longer. It has been shown over and over again that more important than protecting you, the Illinois health care insurance companies are interested in protecting their investment in you. And that means making sure you are always able to pay your premiums, and if you fall on hard times, well, that’s just not their problem.
The good news is that there are some people that want you to have the Illinois health care insurance that you truly need and deserve. These are typically the agents that deal with their clients on a daily basis, and they see how hard it is to meet premiums when the economy is in a slump. Don’t be afraid to ask your insurance agent about other options if you feel that the policy you now have is no longer fitting your budget. If they are worth their salt, they will help you to streamline your policy so that you will not cancel it.
Another thing that you should know about Illinois health care insurance is that you don’t have to depend on your employer to provide continuous coverage for you anymore. Many companies are realizing that they are unable to fulfill their budget obligations, and as a result, they are changing or cancelling people’s policies. If you need to have a policy that you can depend on, you can always choose individual insurance.
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group; to get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Health Care Insurance, Illinois Medicare Supplement, Illinois Group Health Insurance, Illinois Health Insurance, visit his site at www.FocusInsGroup.com
Health Insurance in Illinois – All Kids Program For Children
When you bring up the topic of health insurance or health care reform these days, you are sure to have a very heated, very opinionated discussion. As much as people want to talk about how the decision to make health care more accessible in America will affect taxes or quality of care, the sad truth is that millions of children all over the country are the ones that are suffering. If you can’t currently afford health insurance in Illinois, you should know that there are still options for providing care for your kids.
Children are more susceptible to sicknesses and injuries than adults, and while they are still developing their muscles and bones, it is important that they are taken for regular checkups with a physician that knows them and knows their physical needs. If you have a child with autism, a learning disability, or a chronic medical condition, it becomes even more important for them to have health insurance in Illinois. If you are struggling to make ends meet, and feel like you are being a bad parent because you can’t afford health care for your child, you should know that there are programs that can help.
The state government has created a program called All Kids that makes it possible for all children to have access to quality health insurance in Illinois whether their parents are able to afford the care themselves or not. Although there are other state funded programs designed to offer health services if the family is below the poverty level, the majority of people that are without access to medical care are those that work full time jobs.
Illinois All Kids provides comprehensive health insurance in Illinois for those children and families that make too much to qualify for other subsidized programs. A lot of these families are able to pick up health insurance themselves from their employers that offer an Illinois group health insurance plan but are not able to afford the premiums to add their spouse and or children to the plan. These parents are looking for options to get Illinois health insurance for their children and are often unaware of the Illinois All Kids program.
If you are interested in this program, you should know that there is more information available on the State of Illinois website. It is a good idea to read over the qualifications needed to get help through the program to make sure that you will be able to qualify.
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group; to get expert help from an agent specializing in Health Insurance In Illinois, Illinois Medicare Supplement, Illinois Group Health Insurance, Illinois Health Insurance, visit his site at www.FocusInsGroup.com
Health Insurance In Illinois – Scheduled Benefit Plan are Risky Compared Too Major Medicals
Health Insurance in Illinois can mean different things to different people. To some it might mean having everything covered with absolute no out of pocket expense. To others it might mean having a higher deductible major medical catastrophic plan, just to be able to afford health insurance at all. Then there are the so called scheduled benefit type plans, which in my opinion can be very risky. While these plans in my opinion are far from the best I’m sure they do have a very small niche market where they might possibly be a good fit. And I stress very small niche market.
Scheduled benefit health insurance in Illinois plans typically have a scheduled list of procedures and maximum benefits payable in their outline of coverage and in this list they clearly state how much they are willing to pay for each and every procedure. If you’re medical bill exceeds the maximum that is listed in the benefit outline you are typically 100% out of pocket. Some carriers limit their surgical benefit to just $10,000. Some carriers offer what is called a miscellaneous benefit, which might be limited to $50,000. That means if you had a claim that say cost $100,000 with $30,000 of it being for surgery and you were paid the maximum from the health insurance company it could look something like this. You’d have $20,000 out of pocket expense just for the surgery, then you would have $50,000 out of pocket expense for the rest of the bill. This is exactly what a scheduled benefit type plan means. That is exactly the reason why they can be so risky.
I’ve met so many people that have had scheduled benefit type policies thinking they had excellent coverage in place only to find out that when they needed their plan after an illness or injury the plan was virtually non-existent. Health insurance in Illinois can be had without taking all these risks. The main premise for buying such a plan is that they almost always have very easy underwriting. That’s logical considering the carrier knows they are not on the hook for much money in the first place. Because the maximum benefit it typically pays out is quite low. If you have a health condition that only a scheduled benefit type plan will cover, in my opinion you would be better off applying for coverage with the state’s high risk pool. In Illinois that would be the CHIP plan. It might be a little more expensive than your scheduled benefit plan. But in the long run it might save you several hundred thousand dollars.
If you have any doubts as to if the plan being proposed is a scheduled benefit plan. Ask your agent if it is a major medical policy. If he says yes, get it in writing. How can you be sure? A major medical policy is a policy where after you reach your out of pocket maximum, the carrier pays 100%, not you. Sometimes scheduled benefit type plans are sold as if they were major medical plans, so be careful. Ask a lot questions. When in doubt get a second opinion.
You would be much better off going with a major medical with a very high deductible than a scheduled benefit plan. At least then, you would know what your absolute worst case scenario is. It will clearly state what your max out of pocket will be. With a scheduled benefit plan you can’t be sure what your max out of pocket will be, it’ll depend on how large the claim is. You could be several thousand dollars out of pocket. Can you afford that? The main thing is to find a reputable agent that specializes in health insurance and has access to a lot of different carriers to choose from. They can take the time and explain the pros and cons of different plans and policies to you so you understand exactly what you’re getting. Luckily there is such a person.
Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group; to get expert help from an agent specializing in Health Insurance In Illinois, Illinois Medicare Supplement, Illinois Group Health Insurance, Illinois Health Insurance, visit his site at www.FocusInsGroup.com
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