Affordable Health Insurance in Illinois
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Illinois Health Insurance Fast Facts
Health Insurance in Illinois: Your Complete Guide
Finding affordable health insurance in Illinois is easier than ever with the health insurance marketplace. Whether you're looking for cheap health insurance, comprehensive medical insurance, or exploring the health insurance marketplace, Illinois residents have access to quality coverage options through Get Covered Illinois, the state-run exchange.
Understanding the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace
The health insurance marketplace in Illinois operates through Get Covered Illinois, the state-run exchange that helps residents compare health insurance quotes and enroll in affordable health insurance plans. The marketplace offers medical insurance from 7 carriers, ensuring you can find cheap health insurance that meets your needs and budget.
Illinois expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, providing health insurance coverage to more low-income residents. This expansion has helped reduce the state's uninsured rate to 8.7%, near the national average.
Average Health Insurance Costs in Illinois
For a 40-year-old, Silver health insurance plans in Illinois average $888 per month before subsidies, while a 21-year-old pays around $683 monthly. However, most Illinois residents qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce these costs—the average monthly savings is $540. About 87% of marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits.
How to Save on Health Insurance in Illinois
Illinois residents have multiple ways to reduce their medical insurance costs and find affordable health insurance. Here are proven strategies to save on your health insurance marketplace coverage:
1. Premium Tax Credits
Illinois residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level may qualify for premium tax credits. On average, Illinois residents save $540 per month through these enhanced subsidies. These credits automatically reduce your monthly health insurance premium when you enroll through the health insurance marketplace.
2. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR)
If your income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions. CSRs help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for medical insurance, making your affordable health insurance even more budget-friendly. In 2025, 51% of Illinois marketplace enrollees selected plans with CSR benefits.
3. Compare All Metal Tiers
When comparing health insurance quotes, calculate total costs including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Sometimes a higher-tier plan provides better value for frequent healthcare users. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest deductibles, while Gold and Platinum plans cost more monthly but offer lower costs when you need care.
4. Consider HMO Plans
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans typically feature lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to PPO plans. While coverage options may be more restricted, HMOs offer cheap health insurance for those who don't mind staying in-network and obtaining referrals for specialists.
5. Medicaid Eligibility
Over 3.3M Illinois residents are enrolled in Medicaid, which provides affordable health insurance or free medical insurance for those who qualify. Check your eligibility through Get Covered Illinois—you may be surprised to find you qualify for this comprehensive health insurance coverage.
6. Special Enrollment Periods
Illinois offers unique special enrollment triggers not available in all states. If you're pregnant, you can enroll outside the regular open enrollment period. This gives you access to affordable health insurance exactly when you need it most. Other qualifying events include marriage, job loss, or moving to Illinois.