While many uninsured anticipate Obama’s Health plan to take effect, this season’s flu epidemics serve as a gentle reminder that being uninsured is non-negotiable. According to the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC), the H1N1 virus is responsible for 20 deaths and 476 hospitalizations. [Source: Illinois Department of Health http://www.idph.state.il.us/h1n1_flu/sf_statistics.htm] Residents covered with Illinois health insurance, as well as those, who are uninsured, are advised to obtain flu and H1N1 vaccinations. Given the uncertainty of the virus, minor to fatal events are possible.
It is estimated that some 250,000 children in the state of Illinois do not have medical coverage. With the death of a Naperville high school student, uninsured families have a few affordable health care plans. [Source: http://www.allkidscovered.com/]
The H1N1 virus turned into a sickeningly expensive ordeal for the Kronish family. With a job lay-off their primary source of income was eliminated. The Cobra health benefits offered with termination seemed to cost too much for a family of four healthy children aged eight, 11, 13 and 14, on a $57,000 income.
The Kronishs’ 11-year old son had an H1N1 scare that required urgent medical attention. Emergency room doctors ran tests, which lead to an overnight observation. Nerved by the sequence of events, the rest of the Kronish household was vaccinated. In the interim, forgoing Illinois health insurance cost the Kronish family the same amount it would cost to insure the whole family for a year $3875. The Kronish family remains uninsured and saddled with a new hospital bill. With any luck, they won’t endure another medical emergency, imposing additional financial duress.
The cost of a doctor’s office visit or clinic consultation ranges from $60 to $150 if one does not have insurance. Vaccinations are $75 to $85. In Illinois all medical providers are required to dole out H1N1 vaccinations to insured patients, directly billing the insurance company. Additionally, various big box stores, such as Osco Drugs, Walgreens and CVS are providing vaccinations in coordination with the insurance companies.
The H1N1 virus exemplifies how a simple emergency room visit and an overnight observation can add up to an expensive incident that a normal Illinois health insurance policy would cover.
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