Self-Employed Illinois Health Insurance – What are My Best Coverage Options?

September 8, 2011 Category: Health

In 2010, Illinois was ranked as the 29^th healthiest state to live in according to the United Health Foundation. While that’s terrific news for Illinois residents, Securing reliable self – employed health insurance is still an important responsibility. While no one likes to think about getting sick or needing medical care, providing coverage for both yourself and your family is a necessity. With all the different types of coverage and plans, it can be a bit confusing, particularly if you’re self-employed. 

Nevertheless, you love the fact that you work for yourself and you deserve to have health insurance that is just as good as those who are part of a group plan provided through an employer. With so much information, how do you choose? What’s the right plan for you and is it affordable? Luckily, learning a little about self-employed Illinois health insurance will help you make the right choices when it comes to providing medical coverage for you and your family. 

Coverage Options 

In most cases, unless you join a group health plan through a family member, as a self-employed Illinois resident, you will have to purchase individual health insurance. This insurance is sold through private insurers and can be purchased for yourself or your entire family. The good news is that as long as you buy your own health insurance, you are eligible to deduct 100% of the cost of your premium from your federal income tax. 

Choosing an Insurance Provider

 In Illinois, individual health insurance policies are not standardized. Essentially, this means that insurance companies can choose to include as much or as little coverage as they wish with no restrictions on premiums. However, Illinois does require that all individual insurance plans provide certain coverage like diabetes care and mammography screening. 

As a result of the wide range of possibilities, it is recommended that you consider only well known, trusted private insurers that have a proven record of providing dependable health care coverage. While you may find less expensive coverage, there is no guarantee that it is reliable or will be there for you in the unfortunate event you need medical care. 

The Importance of Dependability and Reliability 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois is an example of a private insurance company that can be trusted and has established itself among Illinois residents as a dependable insurer. In fact, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois has been providing individual and family insurance plans to self-employed people just like you for over 70 years.

 As part of their individual and family coverage options, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Premier Plans which are the most similar to employer offered group plans. Premier Plans provide different levels of annual out-of-pocket expense limits, deductibles, coinsurance and network coverage. Key features include predictable doctor’s visit copayments, prescription drug coverage, preventive care and hospital services, diagnostic testing, even dental. Premier Plans are only one type of individual plan offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. There are Budget Conscious Plans, Health Savings Account Compatible Plans and even Children’s Plans available that are all unique with great coverage and affordable premiums. 

As a self-employed Illinois resident you want to make the best decisions regarding health care for you and your family. When choosing an individual insurance plan, consider Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and rest assured that you are covered by a dependable, reliable insurance company that is going to protect you and your loved ones.