Chicago
Find the right health insurance policy for you.
Written by
Steve is a financial services expert who has dedicated himself to the insurance industry for the last 5+ years. Steve is a key contributor to TrustedChoice.com.
We all want affordable health care, but finding it can be tricky. Unfortunately, nearly 20% of Chicagoans have no form of healthcare coverage. Don’t let that happen to you. Make sure you’re covered to reduce the risk of financial trouble for your family if you are ever hospitalized.
When you work with a local independent Trusted Choice® agent, you enjoy real peace of mind knowing your agent is right down the street. In other words, they not only know the business, they also know the neighborhood and the risks in your city. Contact a local member agent today to get the best Chicago, IL health insurance money can buy.
- 19% of the population smokes
- 25% are obese
- 21% drink excessively
- 27% of children live in poverty
- 10% unemployment rate
Where Can I Get Chicago Health Insurance?
- Employment or organization coverage
- Private health insurance plans
- Government subsidized programs
If your employer offers insurance, take advantage of it. Also known as group insurance, this type of policy is an affordable way to maintain relatively low-cost and high quality healthcare. The employer pays the majority of the premium; a certain amount is deducted from your check for the rest of the payment. Many Chicago residents pay anywhere from $150-$200 per month out of their paychecks for comprehensive insurance. Another benefit is that you cannot be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition with group insurance.
Unfortunately, the total average cost for employer-provided Chicago health insurance is $10,000 per year, and many employers are cutting or limiting benefits to help keep operating costs down.
If you’re a member of a union, you may be eligible for health insurance. Keep in mind that, in Chicago, health benefits are determined by how much “union work” you contribute to. If you’re not in a union, some professional organizations have health insurance programs that offer reduced rates for coverage.
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There are also private health insurance options available to you. They are as follows:
- HMO: Health maintenance organizations work within a specific network of providers. If you see a doctor outside of the network, your visit will not be covered.
- PPO: Preferred provider organizations also work within a specific network, but allow you to visit doctors and specialists outside of the network. You will pay more for these visits, but a partial amount will still be covered.
- HSA: Health savings accounts are often used in conjunction with high deductible health plans. This is ideal for someone who doesn’t visit the doctor often, doesn’t have many prescriptions and can afford a high deductible.
Private health insurance plans can be costly. Deciding factors include age, personal history and health status. A healthy 30 year old non-smoker can expect to pay at least $200 per month for some of the best comprehensive plans. Older individuals will likely pay a hefty premium, even if they are in good health. Prices start at $600 per month.
Because of the wide fluctuation of costs based on your personal profile, it’s important that you shop around for the best coverage for your insurance dollar. Especially if you’re on the private market purchasing healthcare insurance, comparing quotes is a good idea. When you work with an independent agent, you’ll have several competitive Chicago medical insurance quotes to choose from, and you may find they are even more affordable than what you get from an employer in some cases.
Pre-Existing Conditions in Chicago
If you live in Chicago and have been denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition, you still have options. One of them is:
Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (CHIP): This state operated program will provide coverage if you’ve been denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. Rates may be higher because you’re considered to be in a high risk pool. This is a PPO health insurance plan.
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Chicago Health Insurance Outlook
With state exchanges and Medicaid expansion, up to 600,000 people could gain insurance coverage if the Affordable Health Care Act goes forward. Chicago hospitals are already taking action by combining efforts to better assist patients. Healthcare providers who focus on lowering healthcare costs for patients are referred to as ACOs, or “accountable care organizations.”
Even with change right around the corner, you still need health insurance right now. Get the best service possible from one of the best agents in the city. A local independent agent in the Trusted Choice network can help you compare several competitive Chicago medical insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies, and will customize a plan for your unique situation. Contact an agent today for all of your Chicago health insurance needs.