State offers help for difficult to insure

In response to a letter from Jay Dahl of Rolling Meadows: Joe Walsh is not showing hypocrisy in declining the “Cadillac” health plan and purchasing a private health care plan. The state of Illinois already has health care available to all, whether they have a pre-existing condition or not. Moreover, for the record, Mr. Dahl, things like pregnancy are never considered a pre-existing condition. It is even rare that persons with hay fever are denied coverage based on that sole condition.

That being said, while “pre-existing” is defined as a health problem that existed prior to enrolling in a new health plan, pregnancy does not fall into the category because it is a temporary and not a permanent condition. Cancer, diabetes, heart attacks or other chronic health problems are pre-existing conditions. However, the state of Illinois does provide ICHIP. Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans is a high-risk insurance pool available for those who have pre-existing conditions and cannot obtain health insurance through any other means. You can visit ICHIP at www.chip.state.il.us for further information. It’s possible this is how Joe Walsh was able to provide his wife with credible coverage.

Lin Marciante-Ward

Schaumburg