Although health care insurance remains predominantly based on the private market, most states offer schemes designed to reach those who are in particular need and cannot get affordable coverage from private providers. Illinois offers such schemes to people rejected on medical grounds, children, pregnant women and new mothers, and low-income families.
CHIP
Illinois offers two medical insurance plans to people who are unable to get coverage from the private market. Both schemes are organized under the name Comprehensive Healthy Insurance Plan. The first scheme, known as the Traditional Plan, is available to people who do not qualify for Medicare and have been denied private coverage because of their medical history. It is a preferred provider organization scheme: this means that although the person can get treatment from any provider, the full financial benefits are only available when using a dedicated network of doctors and hospitals.
The second scheme is designed for Medicare recipients enrolled in parts A and B either because of disability or because they are suffering end-stage renal disease. This scheme operates on a secondary basis, meaning it pays costs only once Medicare benefits have been exhausted.
All Kids Program
The All Kids program is a health care plan available to any child who is not covered by private insurance. There are premiums and co-payments, but these are lower than those charged by private providers. It covers a wide range of medical services, including eye glasses, dental services, checkups and vaccinations.
FamilyCare
This covers health care for parents and other relatives looking after children in low-income families. The coverage is available for families where the household income is 185 percent or less of the designated poverty level. As with All Kids, there are premiums and co-payments, but at favorable rates.
Moms and Babies
This provides coverage to women who are pregnant; the coverage extends for 60 days after birth. The coverage is available to any women whose income is below 200 percent of the designated poverty level. There is no citizenship or legal residency test for the scheme, and those who qualify do not have to pay any premiums or co-payments.
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