Section 118.150  Continuation of Health Insurance Coverage

a)         The continuation of health insurance coverage program is a pilot program to assist persons with AIDS or disability as a result of having the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are eligible for insurance coverage under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985.  The program will cover a maximum of about 100 persons, subject to available funds. Under the program, the Department will pay a maximum monthly health insurance premium of $300 for eligible persons for individual or family (spouse and dependent children) health insurance coverage.

b)         Eligibility.  Persons eligible for coverage under this program must meet each of the following requirements:

1)         Be diagnosed with AIDS or be disabled due to HIV;

2)         Be a resident of Illinois;

3)         Be unable to continue employment and be eligible for continuation of insurance coverage under the provisions of COBRA;

4)         Be covered by an individual or family health insurance plan which includes coverage of prescribed drugs;

5)         Have assets of not more than $10,000; and

6)         Have income of not more than 200% of the federal poverty level.

c)         Application.  Persons who wish to be covered shall apply to the Illinois Department of Public Health on forms provided by that agency.  The application shall include the following information:

1)         Information necessary to identify the person, the former employer, the insurer, and the type of health insurance coverage provided;

2)         Income and asset information necessary to determine the income and asset eligibility of the person;

3)         Information necessary to verify Illinois residency;

4)         Verification of a diagnosis of AIDS from a licensed physician or a determination of disability from the Social Security Administration with verification of testing positive for HIV; and

5)         Any other information which may be required to determine eligibility or the length of coverage, such as a determination of disability from the Social Security Administration.

d)         The Department will make the insurance premium payments for eligible individuals directly to the health insurer or former employer.  Coverage will continue for the period for which the person is eligible for COBRA coverage, subject to available funds.

(Source:  Added at 17 Ill. Reg. 19956, effective November 12, 1993)