Illinois Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Illinois

Illinois operates a state-based marketplace (Get Covered Illinois) using the federal platform infrastructure. Illinois expanded Medicaid (Illinois Medicaid) in 2014. Illinois has implemented additional consumer protections and has a relatively competitive marketplace in the Chicago metro area. The state has worked to reduce the uninsured rate through aggressive outreach.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Illinois

Health insurance premiums in Illinois vary significantly based on age, plan type (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), insurer, and income-based subsidies. The figures below represent estimated 2026 benchmark premiums before ACA subsidies for a 40-year-old individual and family of four.

Coverage Type	Monthly Premium	Annual Premium
Individual (benchmark Silver)	$488/mo	$5856/yr
Family of Four (benchmark Silver)	$1,398/mo	$16776/yr
Avg. Annual Deductible	$4,300

Premiums shown are before ACA subsidies. Most marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits that significantly reduce these costs. Use our Health Insurance Calculator to estimate your net premium after subsidies.

Marketplace Enrollment in Illinois

Illinois residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through GetCoveredIllinois.gov (State-Based on Federal Platform). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (GetCoveredIllinois.gov). Outside of open enrollment, a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, birth of a child, move to a new state) triggers a Special Enrollment Period during which you can enroll or change plans.

Average Premiums by City in Illinois

Health insurance premiums vary by location within Illinois, reflecting local healthcare costs, provider availability, and insurer competition. The following estimated monthly individual premiums are based on a benchmark Silver plan for a 40-year-old non-smoker.

City	Est. Monthly Premium (Silver, age 40)
Chicago	$508/mo
Aurora	$478/mo
Rockford	$472/mo
Joliet	$482/mo
Springfield	$465/mo
Peoria	$460/mo

Medicaid in Illinois

Illinois Medicaid covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Illinois has also extended coverage to certain immigrant populations beyond federal requirements.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Illinois

All Kids covers all children in Illinois regardless of immigration status or parental income.

What Makes Illinois Unique

Illinois has implemented the Illinois All Kids program ensuring every child in Illinois can get health coverage regardless of immigration status or income — building on CHIP to provide universal child health coverage. Illinois has also been a leader in mental health parity enforcement and essential health benefit requirements.

ACA Subsidies: What Illinois Residents Should Know

Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for Illinois residents who purchase coverage through the marketplace and have incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (or higher in states with additional state subsidies). The subsidy amount is based on the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area and your income. For 2026, the enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan have been extended, providing more substantial assistance across a broader income range than before.

Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) provide additional savings on deductibles and copays for those who enroll in Silver plans with incomes between 100-250% of the federal poverty level. Silver plans with CSRs often provide Gold or Platinum-level value at Silver premiums, making them the best value for eligible enrollees.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Illinois

Illinois residents should use GetCoveredIllinois.gov rather than the federal marketplace to ensure access to any state-specific programs. Medicaid covers low-income adults and all children. Chicago metro residents benefit from competitive insurer options. Subsidies are available for incomes 100-400% of the federal poverty level.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (GetCoveredIllinois.gov)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.
• Check both Medicaid eligibility and marketplace subsidy eligibility — your income determines which program you qualify for.
• Don't just compare premiums — also compare deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and whether your doctors are in-network.
• Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions (for incomes 100-250% FPL) typically offer the best overall value despite higher premiums than Bronze plans.
• Use our Health Insurance Calculator to estimate your total annual cost (premium + expected out-of-pocket) for different plan options.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official GetCoveredIllinois.gov (State-Based on Federal Platform) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.