Medical Insurance Issues

DO YOU OR YOUR FAMILY NEED MORE MEDICAL RESOURCES AND INFORMATION?

To see comparisons for medical procedures, tests and medications, refer to www.leslieslist.org, a new website devoted to helping Chicagoans who are uninsured or underinsured and pay substantial amounts out-of-pocket for medical care. Included on this site is a list of free or low-cost clinics in the Chicago area – a valuable resource for anyone searching for inexpensive care.

My office can assist you with a variety of issues at the state and local level. If my staff is unable to assist you directly, they can often direct you to the correct agency to solve your problems. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance. We are here to serve you.

I got laid off from my job and I can’t afford the COBRA payment. But, I also can’t afford to loose the insurance because I have pre-existing health problems that could by used by insurance companies to deny me coverage in the future, what should I do?

There are resources available. If your COBRA premiums are too high, there are two resources available in District 33. First, if you qualify, you may join the National Association of the Self-Employed (www.nase.org). You may also join a Cook County program called “Access To Care” (www.accesstocare.org). The organization is located in Westchester, Illinois, Phone number 1-847-531-0680. There is a one-time yearly fee of $20.00. For this fee, you can have medical coverage that will assist with the cost of prescriptions and co-pays for medical office visits. This insurance is also considered as ongoing insurance to protect you from a lapse in coverage avoiding the pre-existing issue with insurance.

I have some insurance but the co-pay for my prescriptions is out of this world. I need the medicine, but I can’t afford to buy it.

Several prominent pharmacies are offering special programs where many generic prescriptions are offered at a reduced rate. If you have health insurance, your co-pay may be higher priced and override the discount. Call ahead to your pharmacy and see if they offer a special co-pay for generic prescriptions for the underinsured or the uninsured.

I don’t have a car to go to the doctors. I can’t afford the cost of a taxi to get to the Doctor’s, what can I do?

Many Villages and Townships have subsidized transportation for the disabled and elderly. Please contact the District Office for information on your particular township or village. We encourage our constituents to call the Human Services Department in their village for the most up-to-date information. If you are unable to reach someone, please call our office at 1-847-797-1192.

Since I have retired, I cannot afford to carry dental insurance. I can’t afford to maintain my teeth. I’m worried about my teeth. What resources are available?

The University of Illinois Dental School offers several dental programs. They offer services at a reduced cost due to the work being performed by students while being supervised. The following numbers are those to contact within the specific disciplines: Endodontics 1-312-996-8229, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 1-312-996-7496, Orthodontics 1-312-996-7505, Periodontics 1-312-996-7374, Prosthodontics 1-312-996-9223, Temporalmandibular Joint Clinic 1-312-996-7496, Pediatric Dentistry 1-312-996-7532, Urgent Care Dentistry 1-312-996-7555, Comprehensive Care Appointments 1-866-600-CARE.

Some Township Offices have a mobile dental clinic associated with Northwest Community Hospital. Call your local township office and see if this is available to you. Many community colleges offer dental clinics associated with area dental hygiene programs at area community colleges. Contact Harper College (1-847-925-6534) in Palatine and Prairie State College (708-709-3500) in Chicago Heights for details.

DHS is not responding to my application and I need food stamps for my family. I have called my caseworker many times and no one will return my calls. What can I do?

The Illinois Department of Human Services has many resources available for constituents in our legislative district. These include food stamps, medical coverage, IL Kid’s First medical coverage, child support issues, etc. The main office for our 33rd District is located at 8020 Saint Louis Avenue in Skokie, IL. Their phone number is 1-847-745-3200. Their website is www.dhs.state.il.us where application forms are available and common questions answered.