Not All Illinois Health Insurance Policies Offer Consumer Protection Health Carrier External Review Act
On July 1st, the Health Carrier External Review Act went into effect, authorizing consumers of Illinois health insurance the autonomy to request an independent review on the denial of health insurance claims. But buyers should beware that the law does not impact all Illinois health insurance companies.
Controversial in nature, the amendments to medical coverage, mandated by the federal government grants carriers the right to counter denied pre-authorized claims and services, excluding Illinois health insurance providers’ definitions of situations deemed medically unnecessary.
In the past, many Illinois health insurance subscribers were not only saddled with hefty monthly premiums, but often rejected and left the financial responsibility of many out pocket claims.
Prior to President Barack Obama’s signage of the revolutionary bill, Illinois health insurance agencies were liberal with claim rejections. But while these new laws may seem beneficial, consumers should be cognizant of how these laws influence the Illinois health insurance buying decision.
In example, Health Maintenance Organizations and group major medical health insurance policies are responsible for offering an external independent review, which follows the terms outlined in the Health Carrier External Review Act. Needless to say, individual and a variation of small group sponsored plans are not legally bound, meaning that accountholders are void of legal recourses for rejected pre-authorized medical services and other denied medical claims.
As a result, Michael Novelli, the president and licensed agent of Illinois Life and Health prognosticates that a new strain of illicit policies will hatch, hyping external review benefits for an additional cost. Consequently, consumers should be apprehensive of any Illinois health insurance policy, entailing the consumer to pay higher premiums to qualify for external review benefits.
As the Health Carrier External Review Act legislates that the Illinois health insurance company is financially obligated for the cost of an external review, the law does not impact small insurance providers or plans designed for specific conditions. Self-insured employer plans, long-term care insurance, cancer only policies and limited supplemental benefits are not eligible for the Health Carrier External Review Act.
To balance policies excluded under the Health Carrier External Review Act supplement specific medical policies with a major Illinois health insurance plan. Mr. Novelli also advises comparing a minimum of three health quotes, perusing each benefit prior to the selection of a new Illinois health insurance plan.
Review how Illinois Health Insurance differs to the colleges sponsored health plan. Obtain quotes for Illinois Medical Insurance at IllinoisLifeandHealth.com.