Health insurance in Illinois, 2027
Illinois runs its own marketplace now. Here is what that changes, who can get help paying, and what is new for 2027.
Last checked October 24, 2026 · Written by licensed advisors · Sources are numbered and listed under Notes and sources
Illinois has its own marketplace
Since the 2026 plan year, Illinois residents buy Marketplace plans through Get Covered Illinois instead of HealthCare.gov. The plans, the tax credits and the rules are the same federal ones; the website, the account and the dates are Illinois’s.1
- The federal plans
- The tax credits
- The rules
- The website: Get Covered Illinois
- Your account
- The dates
Illinois plans for 2027, checked for you
A Certified Insurance Advisor compares the plans sold in Illinois, checks your doctors and prescriptions, and helps you apply, at no cost to you.
By calling this number, you will reach a licensed insurance agent.
Who can get help paying
If your household income is between 1 and 4 times the federal poverty level, you can usually get a tax credit that lowers your premium. For 2027 that means up to $63,840 for one person or $132,000 for a family of four. Above that, there is no credit.
Adults under about 1.38 times the poverty level can qualify for Medicaid, and children qualify at higher incomes through All Kids.234
Medicaid and All Kids: when to apply instead
If your household income is under about 1.38 times the poverty line, about $22,025 a year for one person in 2026, apply for Illinois Medicaid instead of a marketplace plan. You can apply any time of year, not only during open enrollment.
Children can qualify for All Kids at higher household incomes than adults. If your children qualify and you do not, they can go on All Kids while you buy a marketplace plan.234
- Income under about 1.38× the poverty line
- About $22,025 a year for one person (2026)
- Apply any time of year
- Children, at higher incomes than adults
- Apply any time of year
- Income above the Medicaid line
- A tax credit up to 4× the poverty line
- Open enrollment or a life event
What to do: See the Illinois Medicaid income limits in dollars and how to apply: our step-by-step guide.
Open enrollment dates in Illinois
Get Covered Illinois gives these dates: "November 1: Open Enrollment starts." "December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1." "January 15: Open Enrollment ends."
Plans and prices for the new year are already on Get Covered Illinois to compare.5
- November 1Open Enrollment starts (key step)
- December 15Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1 (key step)
- January 15Open Enrollment ends
- February 1Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans December 16 through January 15 and pay their first premium
Heads up: Choose a plan December 16 to January 15 and it starts February 1, not January 1.
Plans and insurers in Illinois for 2027
Cigna and Molina are leaving Get Covered Illinois. Their plans are no longer available on the marketplace from January 1, 2027, and their 2026 coverage continues through December 31, 2026. If you are with either one, you need to choose a new plan for 2027 during open enrollment.
Get Covered Illinois sends a notice before open enrollment, and your insurer sends its own letter.6
- November 1, 2026Open enrollment starts: compare new plans (key step)
- December 15Choose by this date for a new plan on January 1 (key step)
- December 31, 2026Cigna and Molina 2026 coverage ends
- January 1, 2027Your new plan starts
Heads up: Choose a new plan December 16 to January 15 and it starts February 1, so January would have no coverage. Choose by December 15.
What to do: If your insurer is leaving or your renewal letter shows a big jump, bring the letter in during November, before any deadline.
Do you have to have health insurance in Illinois?
No. Illinois has no state penalty for going without coverage, and the federal penalty has been $0 since 2019. Going uninsured still means paying the full cost of any care you need.7
Local help, in person
Our licensed advisors work from two offices: Jefferson Park in Chicago, and Palos Hills on Tuesdays. Visits are by appointment. We walk you through the plans available in your county and what to keep in mind on each one, at no cost to you.8
Ready to see your Illinois options? An advisor is one call away.
By calling this number, you will reach a licensed insurance agent.
Related guides
Obamacare Hotline and/or Medicare Po Polsku are private companies not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government agency. This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice.