It’s almost time for open enrollment, and an important change is coming soon for Illinois residents seeking coverage on the open marketplace.
Illinois is moving from Healthcare.gov to Get Covered Illinois, a state-based marketplace, in 2026.
“On healthcare.gov, which is what 30 states in the country use, those opportunities really don’t exist for states to be able to be real, specific and really smart on the way that they serve their consumers,” Morgan Winters, the director of Get Covered Illinois, said.
Winters said the goal is to help people better navigate their options, with more tailored resources.
He acknowledged rates are going up.
“Congress has thus far, at any rate, failed to extend the enhanced subsidies that make insurance cheaper for, for folks across the country,” Winters stated. “If Congress fails to pass those subsidies, then, then folks are going to see, at least in Illinois, about a 50% increase, which means that families are going to be paying about $130 a month more on average than they did last year.”
MORE: Without Obamacare subsidies, this couple’s insurance premiums are set to go up almost $2,000
People who aren’t covered by insurance at work, are self-employed, gig workers and early retirees qualify. Prices should be similar to the federal program but can change depending on where you live and who is in your household.
The platform is available in both English and Spanish.
“For folks that speak languages other than English and Spanish, our contact center can interpret up to 200 languages, and we can get language help for folks that that need it,” Winters said.
Open enrollment begins on Nov. 1.
But you can “window shop” plans at the end of October and get a better understanding of cost. Get Covered Illinois will send direct messages to everyone currently enrolled on Healthcare.gov.
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