The old adage: “You get what you pay for,” is applicable to the cheap health insurance coverage. But, more and more underinsured are bamboozled by marketing jargon and the fine print exclusions. For some 40+ million Americans without health insurance, there is a lack of consumer information about buying a medical insurance policy.

A small business owner of Elgin Illinois, who operated a snowplow business, a heart attack left him financially devastated. Despite his cheap health insurance coverage, unbeknownst to him – the company was a sham. A bogus health insurance company commandeered the premiums, which he paid for more than two-years.

Once upon a time, these health insurance scams affected a small percentage of the population. In the beginning of the millennium, approximately 100,000 policyholders were scammed by fake health insurance companies, accounting for more $85 million dollars of unpaid medical bills.

The cheap health insurance coverage is a growing epidemic. From Illinois to the other 49 states, the medical fraud conundrum represents financial devastation. For the unsuspecting consumer, the cheap health insurance coverage wears several disguises: the faith-based policy (affiliated with one’s church), the discount medical card and even the dreaded disease health plan. In each case, these policies are typically scams.

The cheap health insurance inflicts an aftermath of financial devastation. Once the unsuspecting policyholder develops an illness, necessitating hospital stay, these illicit insurance companies disappear without a trace. Meanwhile, consumers are saddled with an outrageous hospital bill, and the stigma of a “pre-existing medical condition,” rendering them uninsurable.

Avoiding fraud in the pursuit of obtaining Illinois health insurance is a matter of following two consumer smart strategies:

1. Meticulously investigate the Illinois health insurance company. Contact the Illinois Department of Insurance to verify if the company is licensed and determine if there are any outstanding complaint files. If the provider claims that they are exempt from regulation or not licensed in your state, find another Illinois health insurance company.

2. Opt for an agent with a proven track record and a reputable insurance provider. Although you may pay a little more for the policy, it exceeds the uncertainty associated with the cheap Illinois health insurance coverage.