Affordable care health insurance marketplace now open in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace will run through Jan. 15, according to the Illinois Department of Insurance.

Illinoisans will have until then to enroll in a health insurance plan through the marketplace. There now are 12 issuers offering ACA Marketplace health insurance plans in the state.

"Our list of health insurance carriers continues to grow," Department of Insurance Director Dana Popish Severinghaus said. "Just three years ago, there were five carriers offering plans throughout the state."

Illinois residents will have a variety of coverage options from which to choose, Severinghaus said.

"We know that having affordable health insurance to help cover medical expenses is important, and we have 408 different health plans offered for plan year 2024," she said. Availability may vary depending on county of residence.

Families also may be eligible for financial assistance with monthly premiums, said Laura Pellikan, executive director for Get Covered Illinois.

Those seeking assistance can go to GetCoveredIllinois.gov and select the Shop and Enroll option, Pellikan said.

Enhanced subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act remain available, allowing more people to qualify for financial help to buy an ACA Marketplace health plan, Pellikan said.

Last year in Illinois, 342,995 ACA Marketplace plans were selected during open enrollment, and more than 88% of those enrolling received advanced premium tax credits to help lower their monthly premiums.

According to the federal HealthCare.gov, many consumers can find a plan for $10 or less a month.

While open enrollment extends through Jan. 15, consumers must enroll by Dec. 15 to have health insurance coverage on Jan. 1. Otherwise, coverage will begin at a later date.

After Jan. 15, consumers can only buy insurance coverage via the ACA Marketplace if they have a qualifying life event, such as losing job-based coverage, getting married, having a child, adopting a child or moving.