Health Insurance Rescinded When Most Needed

Pat & Dale Rice are leaders in Citizen Action/Illinois' HCAN campaign. This story from NBC 5 News tells what happened when their daughter Brianna got sick and their insurance company refused to pay for her care. See below for the link to the story that ran on the 11:00 news, hosted on the NBC 5 website.

By Nesita Kwan

How could a health insurer drop you as soon as you get sick, and blame it on you?

It's happened to many Americans around the country, and now one Chicago area family has a disturbing story to tell about what happened to their teenaged daughter.

The Rices had to find their own health coverage when Dale Rice lost his job, and they were relieved to have it before 18 year old Brianna was diagnosed with celiac disease.

But after spending $20,000 on tests and doctor's visits, they found that Brianna wasn't covered.  In fact, the insurance company said she never had been.

The Illinois Department of Insurance says it's a practice called rescission, and some in Washington say it should be illegal. 

If you've got questions about health insurance coverage, the department has a toll free number:  877 527 9431.