Health insurance advisor in Illinois.

How health insurance works in Illinois

Marketplace (ACA) plans in Illinois are sold through Get Covered Illinois, the state-run marketplace. For 2027, five insurance companies sell plans on Get Covered Illinois, and the Illinois Department of Insurance reports an average increase of 14.1% for individual plans. If your renewal went up, it's a good year to compare.

For 2027 coverage, open enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. To avoid a gap, enroll by mid-December for coverage that starts January 1 (Get Covered Illinois sets the exact cutoff).

Private plans vs. the Marketplace

Most people only look at the Marketplace. I also look at private health plans available in Illinois, which are priced on age, location, and health instead of income. For healthy people who earn too much for a tax credit, that can mean a lower monthly premium.

• Earn over the subsidy line? Under current law, tax credits generally stop at 400% of the federal poverty level, about $63,840 for one person or $132,000 for a family of four for 2027 coverage.
• Paying a lot for an employer plan? Family coverage through work can cost more than a private plan for the same household.
• Self-employed or own a small business? I'll compare individual and group options for you and your team.

For a healthy 30-year-old in Illinois, private plans start around $295/month. That's an estimate only; your real price depends on age, ZIP code, and health.

Private plans can use medical underwriting, so not everyone qualifies, and some conditions may be excluded. Marketplace plans must cover pre-existing conditions. That's why I put both side by side before you decide.

I'm also licensed in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia.