Chicago, Illinois: health insurance
Chicago is in Cook County. Here is what Chicago residents should know about coverage.
Coverage in Chicago
Plans for Chicago residents are determined by Cook County, home to about 5,087,072 people (2023 estimate). Medicare Advantage plans and marketplace plans are offered by area, so use your ZIP code when you compare, and make sure a plan covers Cook County before you choose it.
- Turning 65 in Chicago? Your Initial Enrollment Period runs seven months around your birthday. Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) offers free counseling at 800-252-8966.
- Buying your own plan? Shop through Get Covered Illinois.
- Medicaid questions? Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) handles applications.
Illinois note: Illinois is one of the most recent states to move off the federal Marketplace -- Get Covered Illinois only replaced HealthCare.gov as of the November 2025 open enrollment period, so older search results or bookmarks pointing to HealthCare.gov for Illinois are now out of date.
Colleges and universities near Chicago
Illinois public institutions include University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois State University. Students and employees at these schools should check their school’s student health or benefits office, because campus plans and employer plans work differently from individual coverage. More about Illinois colleges.
Do Chicago and Cook County have the same plans?
Plans are offered by service area, and Chicago falls under Cook County. A plan that serves Cook County is generally the one that applies to you.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. A call is a conversation about your options.
Chicago residents: call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095Other major Illinois cities
Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.