Not All Illinois Health Insurance Plans Offer Consumer Protection Health Carrier External Review Act

On July 1st, the Health Carrier External Review Act became effective, authorizing Illinois health insurance policyholders the autonomy to obtain an independent review for the rejection of health insurance claims. But buyers should be cautious, as the law does not encompass all Illinois health insurance agencies.

Debatable in nature, the modifications, legislated by the federal government, authorize carriers to appeal denied pre-authorized claims and services that do not meet various Illinois health insurance providers’ terms of “medically deemed necessary” services.

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.

For example, group major medical health insurance policies and Health Maintenance Organizations are legally responsible to provide an external independent review, following to the terms demarcated in the Health Carrier External Review Act. Conversely, individual and various small groups do not garner any legal requirements, indicating that policyholders are void of any legal recourse for pre-authorized medical services and a slew of other medical claims.

Michael Novelli, the president and licensed agent of Illinois Life and Health.com forecasts that a new crop of fraudulent policies will hatch, promoting external review benefits for an extra cost. As a result, consumers should be suspect of any Illinois health insurance plan, charging the consumer to pay higher premiums to attain 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 offset policies that are not covered under the Health Carrier External Review Act combine specific medical conditions with a major Illinois health insurance policy. Mr. Novelli also recommends comparing at least three health quotes, evaluating each benefit before choosing a new Illinois health insurance plan.

See how Illinois Health Insurance differs to the colleges sponsored health plan. Obtain quotes for Illinois Medical Insurance at IllinoisLifeandHealth.com.