Health Insurance During the Pandemic

On an otherwise beautiful afternoon in the city, three consumers talked about their experience with health insurance during the pandemic. While they grilled on the barbecue, they shared the following about their coverage:

  • Public-school teacher. He had employer-sponsored coverage (ESI) with union protections. His BCBS health plan had rich benefits and low premium. He also had pre-existing conditions, so he had monthly telehealth visits with his specialist (at no cost to him). It had been difficult to get tests completed during the last few months, and he was now scheduled to have them done.
  • Recent retiree. She was covered by Traditional Medicare and a supplemental plan. She struggled with a chronic condition, and her health plan coverage provided access to the best specialists in town. These providers had been closed except for emergencies, and she was relieved not to have had any issues recently. She was now scheduled for an annual physical, as well as tests.
  • Business owner. She had enrolled through the federal marketplace with a local BCBS health plan, which had a (very) high deductible and monthly premium. She did not have any pre-existing or chronic conditions and did not need to see specialists. Her health plan recently reminded her that it was time to obtain both a routine colonoscopy and screening mammogram.

All three consumers shared that their insurance carriers have communicated regularly about COVID-19. They knew that testing was to be covered at no cost, though they weren’t sure about treatment. Their health plans also offered telehealth visits for covered services with qualified providers.

As of April, nearly 20 percent of Chicagoans had lost their jobs, and many of them had also lost their coverage. These three consumers were fortunate not to have suffered the same losses. They were juggling their health care needs and, in the meantime, they’re Mastering Health Insurance.

Source: Illinois Department of Unemployment Security (April 2020: City of Chicago at 18.9%)

Photo: Lake Michigan