GetCovered Illinois: The State's Official Health Insurance Marketplace
Illinois operates GetCovered Illinois (getcoveredillinois.gov), a state-based marketplace that replaced the federal exchange for Illinois residents. Shopping for Illinois health insurance plans through GetCovered Illinois gives you access to the same federally certified plans and ACA subsidies as HealthCare.gov — but with Illinois-specific consumer assistance, state-trained navigators, and enrollment support tailored to Illinois communities.
The GetCovered Illinois marketplace offers plans in all 102 Illinois counties. The Chicago metro area (Cook County and surrounding collar counties) has the widest carrier selection and most competitive premiums. Central and southern Illinois counties tend to have fewer carriers, though Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois maintains broad statewide coverage that serves as a reliable backstop.
GetCovered Illinois Key Numbers (2026): Approximately 425,000 Illinoisans are enrolled in marketplace plans through GetCovered Illinois. An estimated 81% receive premium tax credits. Illinois also has one of the country's more expansive Medicaid programs, with over 3.5 million residents enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP.
Illinois Medicaid Expansion
Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014 and has maintained one of the more inclusive Medicaid programs in the country. Under the expansion, adults between 19 and 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level (~$20,783 for a single adult in 2026) qualify for Illinois Medicaid at no cost. Illinois Medicaid is administered through several managed care organizations (MCOs) and covers the full range of health services.
Illinois has also taken additional steps to broaden access, including making Medicaid available to certain immigrants regardless of documentation status — a policy that sets Illinois apart from most other states. If you're uncertain whether you or a family member qualifies, a licensed broker can quickly assess your eligibility across both Medicaid and marketplace pathways.
ACA Subsidies for Illinois Residents
For Illinois residents who earn above Medicaid eligibility but still need help with premiums, the federal premium tax credit provides significant financial assistance. The subsidy reduces your monthly premium based on household income as a percentage of the federal poverty level:
- 138%–200% FPL (~$20,783–$30,120 for a single adult): Large premium credits; Silver plans with enhanced cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) that slash deductibles
- 200%–300% FPL (~$30,120–$45,180): Substantial credits; CSRs available up to 250% FPL
- 300%–400% FPL (~$45,180–$60,240): Moderate credits that can reduce premiums by $150–$300/month
- Above 400% FPL: Credits available if benchmark Silver plan cost exceeds 8.5% of income
Illinois State-Specific Subsidies: Illinois provides additional state-funded premium assistance for certain residents through the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange. These state top-up subsidies may be available to lawfully present immigrants and others who don't qualify for federal tax credits. Ask a broker or navigator about your full eligibility picture.
Average Health Insurance Costs in Illinois
Illinois premiums vary significantly between Chicago and rural areas. Representative unsubsidized monthly costs for a 40-year-old in 2026:
- Bronze plans: $330–$420/month in Chicago metro; $370–$470 in rural areas
- Silver plans: $470–$580/month in Chicago metro; $520–$640 in rural areas
- Gold plans: $580–$710/month; meaningful lower deductibles
After subsidies, the average Illinois marketplace enrollee pays approximately $82/month. Many lower-income enrollees pay $0–$30/month for Silver plans with enhanced cost-sharing reductions.
Top Health Insurance Carriers in Illinois
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBS IL) — the largest and most geographically comprehensive carrier in the state; offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plans across all 102 counties
- Molina Healthcare Illinois — strong value-oriented HMO plans in the Chicago metro and surrounding counties
- Oscar Health — popular in Chicago and suburban Cook County; tech-forward with strong telehealth integration
- Aetna CVS Health — available in select Illinois markets, particularly in the Chicago region
- Quartz Health Solutions — available in some northern Illinois counties near the Wisconsin border
Navigating the GetCovered Illinois Marketplace Step by Step
- Check Medicaid eligibility first at abe.illinois.gov (the Application for Benefits Eligibility)
- If your income is above 138% FPL, visit getcoveredillinois.gov to start your marketplace application
- Enter household size and projected 2026 income to see your estimated premium tax credit
- Browse plans by metal tier, carrier, and estimated total cost
- Verify that your doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network
- Review prescription drug formularies if medications are important to you
- Complete enrollment and make your first premium payment
You can also work with a licensed broker — they're certified to work with GetCovered Illinois and can run comparisons across all available plans at no cost to you.
Special Illinois Enrollment Situations
Self-Employed in Illinois
Illinois has a significant self-employed population, particularly in the creative industries, consulting, and technology sectors in and around Chicago. Self-employed Illinoisans can deduct health insurance premiums as a business expense, and their net self-employment income determines ACA subsidy eligibility. Careful income planning with a tax professional can maximize both the subsidy and the deduction.
Chicago vs. Downstate Illinois
The Illinois health insurance experience differs noticeably between Chicago and downstate regions. Chicago residents typically have more carriers, more network options, and more competitive pricing. Downstate residents may have fewer choices but BCBS IL's broad network usually ensures access to local hospitals and physicians.
Annual Plan Review is Essential: Illinois carriers adjust premiums, networks, and plan designs each year. Your lowest-cost plan from 2025 may not be the cheapest option in 2026. Review your options every November during open enrollment to avoid paying more than necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GetCovered Illinois?
GetCovered Illinois is the state's official ACA health insurance marketplace. Unlike states that use HealthCare.gov, Illinois runs its own state-based exchange at GetCoveredIllinois.gov, offering local consumer assistance, state-specific enrollment support, and plan options from carriers licensed in Illinois.
Did Illinois expand Medicaid?
Yes. Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014 under the ACA. Adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for Illinois Medicaid at no cost. Illinois also provides Medicaid access to certain immigrants regardless of documentation status, making it one of the most inclusive Medicaid programs in the country.
What is the average health insurance premium in Illinois?
Before subsidies, the average benchmark Silver plan in Illinois for a 40-year-old costs approximately $490–$560 per month. Premiums are lower in the competitive Chicago metro area and somewhat higher in rural central and southern Illinois due to fewer carriers.
What are the top health insurance companies in Illinois?
Leading Illinois marketplace carriers include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (the dominant statewide carrier), Molina Healthcare Illinois, Oscar Health (primarily in Chicago area), Aetna CVS Health, and Quartz Health Solutions in northern markets. BCBS Illinois is the most geographically comprehensive option.
Ready to Find Your Illinois Health Insurance Plan?
Our licensed agents compare 200+ carriers to find the plan that fits your budget and your doctors. Free, no obligation, takes 60 seconds.
Get My Free Personalized Quote →