Illinois health insurance plans
How individual and family health coverage works in Illinois, in plain language.
Where Illinois residents shop
Illinois residents who buy their own coverage shop on Get Covered Illinois at getcovered.illinois.gov. That is also where income-based help with monthly premiums (premium tax credits) is applied. Illinois runs its own marketplace, so it has its own enrollment dates and rules.
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2025 open enrollment period, so older search results or bookmarks pointing to HealthCare.gov for Illinois are now out of date.
Enrolling
Open enrollment dates are set by the marketplace and can change from year to year, so confirm this year’s window on the marketplace site before you plan around it. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, or a change in household size.
What affects the plans you see
- Where you live. Plans and premiums are set by area within Illinois, so your county matters. Find your county.
- Income and household size. These determine help with premiums and whether you may qualify for Medicaid instead.
- Plan level. Metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) trade a lower monthly premium against higher costs when you use care.
Illinois Medicaid is administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) -- HFS is the right place to start if your Illinois Medicaid eligibility changed.
Illinois switched from the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace to its own new state-based marketplace, Get Covered Illinois, effective November 1, 2025 -- Illinois ACA shopping now happens on the new state site.
Free Medicare counseling is available in Illinois through the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at 800-252-8966, run by the Illinois Department on Aging and separate from Illinois Medical Coverage's own free phone help.
Questions
Where do I shop for ACA health plans in Illinois?
Illinois residents shop through Get Covered Illinois (https://getcovered.illinois.gov). An independent agent such as Lander LLC can explain the plans for you, but the marketplace is the only place premium tax credits are applied.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Illinois?
Medicaid in Illinois is run through Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) (https://hfs.illinois.gov). Eligibility depends on income, household size and other factors, and it is decided by the state, not by an insurance agency.
Who regulates insurance in Illinois?
Illinois Department of Insurance (https://idoi.illinois.gov/consumers.html) regulates insurance companies and agents in Illinois. You can use it to check that an agent or company is licensed and to file a complaint.
Is there free, unbiased Medicare help in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) (800-252-8966) offers free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), separate from any insurance agency.
Does Illinois Medical Coverage cost anything to use?
There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent. Insurance premiums and plan costs are set by the insurance companies and are separate from our help.
Questions about Illinois health plans? 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 855-367-1095Reviewed 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.