Enrollment open for health insurance marketplace

The state's health insurance marketplace, Get Covered Illinois, opened enrollment for 2027 plans on Nov. 1. Sangamon County will continue to have just two insurance providers through the marketplace after Aetna and Health Alliance's exit last year halved the number of insurers for area plans.

Visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov to explore plans, cost estimates and enroll. Individuals who enroll by Dec. 15 will have coverage starting Jan. 1, while those who enroll by Jan. 15 will have coverage starting Feb. 1.

The marketplace, a division of the Illinois Department of Insurance, has networks of brokers and navigators who can provide free, in-person assistance. Springfield has three such navigators this year: Illinois Migrant Council, Illinois Primary Health Care Association and Springfield Urban League.

Most Americans under the age of 65 rely on a job to provide health insurance from private insurers. For those with special circumstances or the inability to work, government-funded Medicaid becomes an option. The insurance marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act provides a third avenue to healthcare for those who work jobs without the benefit of insurance or make too much money to qualify for Medicaid.

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"The most important step returning customers can take is to review and compare the new plans available to them," said Morgan Winters, director of Get Covered Illinois in a written statement. "Do not assume last year's plan is still the best fit. Our licensed brokers can help you compare plans and prices and recommend a plan that fits your needs, at no cost to you. Open enrollment is also the time to make sure the information on your application is up to date to ensure you get the correct financial help."

Illinois, beginning in 2026, launched its own state-based marketplace – 21 other states (and the District of Columbia) also use state-based marketplaces – which allow state officials to negotiate coverage policies, plans and rates.

Fewer than 450,000 Illinoisans enrolled in marketplace plans last year, the first dip in enrollment for the state since 2021, though it's unclear how many Sangamon County residents enrolled since the state doesn't report county-by-county enrollment data. Illinois Times requested county-specific enrollment from the Department of Insurance but did not receive a response before publication.

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Get Covered Illinois, which is funded by an assessed charge equal to 2.75% of total monthly premiums on the marketplace, has a frequently asked questions webpage about its services.

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