Nov 28, 2008 12:40 pm US/Central
State Expands Health Care Program For Teens
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (STNG) ―
Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced Wednesday the Illinois Comprehensive Insurance Program Board unanimously approved an expansion of healthcare coverage to assist seriously ill or injured teens and those with pre-existing conditions maintain healthcare coverage.
The All Kids program offers families affordable health insurance for their children, but teens over the age of 18 are no longer eligible for coverage under All Kids. The Bridge program will prevent a lapse in healthcare coverage and ensure premiums stay affordable for young people when All Kids coverage ends on their 19th birthday, according to a Blagojevich release.
A young adult with a serious pre-existing health condition is not likely to receive coverage for that condition through the commercial health insurance market or would be unable to afford private coverage in the unlikely event it were available to that individual, the release said.
As a result, Blagojevich asked the ICHIP Board to review he insurance limitations confronting seriously ill 18 year olds and to execute a plan that allows for the continuation of health care. As requested, the ICHIP Board evaluated the program and benefit options and will now move to enhance ICHIP to provide continuous affordable, comprehensive coverage through age 21, the release said.
ICHIP offers health insurance to the people of Illinois with pre-existing conditions who were denied coverage by private health insurers, the release said.
"We take care of children who are seriously ill or have pre-existing conditions through our All Kids health insurance program," Blagojevich said. "But, after their 19th birthday, it becomes extremely difficult for these individuals to find the comprehensive and affordable healthcare they need and deserve. We are committed to making sure these young adults are taken care of. The new All Kids Bridge program will continue effective healthcare treatment so that they have a chance at full recovery or a stabilized condition."
Once implemented, the new program for 19 to 21 year olds will provide continuous coverage at costs comparable to All Kids until their 21st birthday.
(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2009. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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