Live Insurance News

Illinois launches new initiative to promote health insurance

March 5, 2014March 3, 2014 S.Vagus

State aims to encourage enrollment into its insurance exchange As the open enrollment period for state and federal exchanges in the U.S. approaches its end, many states are now making concerted efforts to boost enrollment rates in these exchanges. Per the Affordable Care Act, the open enrollment period is set to end on March 31. After this time, consumers will no longer be able to apply for health insurance coverage through exchanges until a new open enrollment period begins. New initiative aims to help inform consumers about the services available…

Illinois releases information on health insurance exchange

October 1, 2013September 30, 2013 Logan B.

Data released concerning state health insurance exchange Open enrollment for health insurance exchanges throughout the U.S. is about to begin and more states are beginning to release information concerning the policies sold through these exchanges. Illinois is among the latest states to provide new information for its health insurance exchange. The information primarily focuses on the premiums associated with the state’s exchange but also highlights the various services offered by the system and promotes awareness concerning the availability of federal subsidies designed to offset the cost of coverage. Rates to…

Illinois health insurance companies seek to circumvent federal law

August 6, 2013August 3, 2013 Nordstrom

Acts of health insurance providers create drama with state regulators Drama has erupted in the insurance industry in Illinois. The state’s Department of Insurance has taken issue with an action that many of the state’s largest health insurance providers plan to take in order to avoid federal reforms for an entire year. Per the Affordable Care Act, insurers will not be able to charge higher rates for women, those with pre-existing conditions, and other demographics beginning January 1, 2014. In an attempt to sidestep these new regulations, many of the…

Illinois looks to raise awareness of health insurance exchange

April 16, 2013April 15, 2013 Logan B.

Federal grant to help popularize state health insurance exchange Last week, Illinois received a $115 million federal grant designed to help the state build and promote a functioning health insurance exchange for residents. The exchange is a mandatory part of the Affordable Care Act, which rules that all states must have a working exchange in place by 2014. Several states have opted to oppose this provision of the controversial health care law, in which case the federal government has taken the responsibility of establishing an exchange program in these states.…

Health insurance exchange receives a boost in Chicago from Sebelius visit

February 14, 2013April 30, 2013

The appearance on Wednesday was specifically designed to give the marketplace positive push. Kathleen Sebelius, the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, made an appearance in Chicago, yesterday, in order to launch the rebranded health insurance exchanges as coverage “marketplaces”. Under this new term, the state level online resources will still be providing the same services. A central element of the healthcare reform law that was first implemented in 2010, these health insurance exchanges are meant to provide individuals and small businesses with an online location where they can compare…

Illinois sets sights on health insurance co-op

December 29, 2012December 29, 2012 Marc

Illinois announces plans for health insurance co-op As the Affordable Care Act inches closer to becoming fully enacted in 2014, states are making moves on the health insurance exchanges that the law requires them to host. These health insurance exchange systems are meant to be online marketplaces where consumers can find affordable health insurance policies. Several states have chosen not to build or operate their own insurance exchange but others, such as Illinois, have been considering a somewhat less popular approach to the issue. Co-op could be a decent alternative…

Illinois health insurance exchange still uncertain

November 14, 2012November 13, 2012 Nordstrom

Illinois health insurance exchange is the basis for new political turmoil in its home state The Affordable Care Act is here to stay in the U.S., secured by a second term victory from President Obama and upheld by the Supreme Court. Because the future of the health care reform law is not longer in question, states are beginning to take aggressive steps to ensure they comply with the federal law. Some of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act are more easily accomplished than others, however, and some states are…