Waiting List for Illinois’ High Risk Insurance Pool Grows, Premiums for Existing Enrollees Rise:

"Perilously close to going broke," Illinois' Comprehensive Health Insurance Program -- a state program designed to offer health coverage for "seriously ill" people who cannot obtain private insurance because of pre-existing conditions -- has stopped accepting new enrollees and has "sharply" increased premiums for individuals already enrolled in the program, the Chicago Tribune reports. Applications to the program "surged" after three private insurers went bankrupt last year and other private insurers tried to "shore up" operations by tightening exclusionary policies. The program's finances also have been "hammered" by several large claims; last year, four program enrollees alone accounted for $3.1 million in medical bills. In response to the financial pressure, the program's board "shut the doors to newcomers" in September; since then, the waiting list for new applicants has grown to more than 740 people. In addition, the state has increased premiums -- capped by law at no more than 50% higher than market rates -- by 21% in the past year, and has approved changes to steer patients toward a limited network of doctors. Last week, however, a state House budget committee approved a $10 million allotment for the program, which could reduce the waiting list by about 600 people. Also, Gov. George Ryan (R) on Feb. 21 is expected to unveil a proposal that would allocate several million dollars to "bail out" the program, possibly eliminating the waiting list (Holt, Chicago Tribune, 2/20).