The Homewood-Flossmoor Area League of Women Voters recently hosted its October meeting at the Homewood Library with a program on the Illinois Health Marketplace, called GetCoveredIllinois. Presenters included Jennifer Artis, director of public affairs for St. James Hospital and Health Centers; Ireatha Jone lead in-person counselor for the Southland Health Care Forum; Tiffany Hill, the Region 5 Coordinator for Governor Quinn's office; and Sakina Tayebali, representative from "Get Covered America."
The presenters focused on what Affordable Care Act means for the citizens of Illinois. GetCoveredIllinois can be assessed on-line at GetCoveredIllinois.Gov., by phone, or through a paper application. All plans cover important benefits like doctors' visits, hospital stays, prescriptions and more. No one will be denied coverage because they are sick or have a pre-existing condition like asthma, diabetes, or even cancer. There are four coverage levels from which to choose: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. People are able to choose a level based on the amount of premium versus out-of-pocket coverage costs that works best for them.
Under the ACA, premiums will only be allowed to vary based on age, tobacco use, geographic area, and family size. This also means insurers will no longer be able to charge women more. In fact, plans in the new Health Insurance Exchanges and all new plans will have a cap on what insurance companies can require women to pay in out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pays and deductibles.
Ms. Jones encourages those needing additional information and assistance to contact the Southland Health Care Forum -- 708-756-1000, Ext.53495. Organizations interested in having a presentation on the Illinois health marketplace should also call this number.
