Kathy's #Mailbag, Oct. 10, 2025

Drop in a question of your very own BY CLICKING HERE or by emailing Kathy Reiser at [email protected].

Some FAQs about big changes to the way many people buy health insurance … the latest on the proposed registry of absentee landlords in Champaign … what's coming to the former Windsor Swim Club site in Urbana … and how the UI maintains strong ties to its former men's basketball players who've gone pro. All in this week's Mailbag.

Big changes coming Nov. 1 to ACA health insurance Marketplace

"I understand Illinois residents who are not Medicare-eligible and do not have employer-provided health insurance will now buy their 2026 Affordable Care Act policies through a new Get Covered Illinois exchange, rather than at healthcare.gov. Can someone walk me through this?"

Claudia Lennhoff, executive director of Champaign County Health Care Consumers (CCHCC), says Illinois is indeed transitioning to a state-based exchange this November, so residents who have been using the federal Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) to buy health insurance will now use the state-sponsored Marketplace called Get Covered Illinois.

It will go live on Nov. 1, and Dec. 15 is the deadline for policies that take effect on Jan. 1. (More on that in a few paragraphs.)

The Get Covered Illinois Marketplace is for individuals and families who need to purchase private health insurance plans on their own – typically because their employers do not offer health insurance; because they are self-employed; or because they took early retirement and do not qualify for insurance through an employer, or have not yet reached Medicare age.

The Get Covered Illinois Marketplace is NOT for people who have Medicare, which has a separate, federal enrollment system with a different set of open enrollment dates, Lennhoff said.

She said consumers who have the financial means to pay 100% of their own health insurance premiums can work with brokers to buy policies and stay outside the Marketplace if they want to. But any Illinois resident who does want a Marketplace plan must enroll through Get Covered Illinois.

Because all of this is so new, and so much is at stake for consumers who need to make the transition to Get Covered Illinois, we've worked with Lennhoff to answer several of the most frequently asked questions about it.

If I do need to buy insurance through Get Covered Illinois, who can help me figure things out?

Lennhoff said CCHCC has Get Covered Illinois-certified Navigators on staff to help with these enrollments. CCHCC is available to help community members find and enroll in health insurance plans in the new state-based Marketplace. "Our services are free and we are not insurance brokers," she said.

"All Illinois Navigators are required to be free from conflicts of interest, and are also prohibited from charging for application assistance. They are not allowed to accept compensation from health insurance companies or other parties for number of enrollments or specific plan enrollments. Other assisters – such as insurance brokers – can help with applications, but do not have to meet each of those standards."

I've had Health Alliance for years, and that's not an option now. So what will my options be?

The available 2026 health insurance plans will be revealed on Oct. 27 at GetCovered.Illinois.gov; Navigators can answer general questions about the process, but would not be able to give any information about specific plans until Oct. 27.

What is the deadline to apply through Get Covered Illinois?

The Get Covered Illinois open enrollment period begins on Nov. 1, 2025 and ends on Jan. 15, 2026. Any enrollee who wants their coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2026 – the start of the new calendar year – will need to enroll in a Marketplace plan by Dec. 15, 2025. If one enrolls between Dec. 16, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026, their new health insurance plan will begin on Feb. 1, 2026. Thus, they will not have coverage during January.

"Special enrollment events" that happen in individuals' lives – divorce, death of a spouse, birth or adoption of a child, etc. – may qualify specific consumers to enroll at other times. But for most folks, the annual enrollment period is the only option.

Why is the State of Illinois suddenly getting into the health insurance Marketplace business?

The ACA — some call it Obamacare — made it possible for states to create their own Marketplaces, and several states have already done so. The Get Covered Illinois state-sponsored exchange actually has been in development for a long time, Lennhoff said.

"When the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, and the federal Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) was created, states had the option of 'partnering' with the federal government to use their Marketplace, or creating their own state-based Marketplace. Illinois opted to use the federal Marketplace for several years, until it could create its own state-based Marketplace. It took a few years, but Illinois is now doing what several other states have done, and created its own state-based Marketplace."

Is there an advantage to a state-based Marketplace?

Lennhoff said one major benefit of a state-based Marketplace is that it facilitates inter-agency collaboration; Medicaid will be in better communication with the Marketplace if they are both Illinois-based.

Consumers whose incomes fluctuate "might go between both Medicaid and Marketplace and sometimes that shift can become a barrier when applications get lost. The state Marketplace would also be able to create new Special Enrollment Periods and other structural supports that rely on responsiveness. Some states have also seen slowing rates of increase for premiums when they moved to a state-based Marketplace."

What's going on with the subsidies that have been available through healthcare.gov in the past? Will they still be available to us?

The subsidies that have helped consumers afford their premiums are caught up in the standoff between Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill. Congress is debating whether to restore those premium subsidies before the end of this year, but – as of the deadline for this Mailbag – it is unclear whether, or to what extent, that might happen.

"Historically, the Marketplace has offered subsidies called Premium Tax Credits for consumers who qualified financially, in order to help make their health insurance plans more affordable. In 2021, the federal government created 'enhanced subsidies' during the pandemic to help lower the monthly costs for Marketplace enrollees even more."

These enhanced subsidies were allowed to expire as a result of the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" – the budget bill signed into law on July 4, 2025 – "so consumers who shop through the Marketplace are likely to see their health insurance costs go up significantly, and some people may not be able to afford coverage as a result," Lennhoff said.

"We are holding out hope that the enhanced subsidies are approved. November 1 is when people can start to enroll in Marketplace plans – and if the premiums are too high, (many) will choose to go without coverage. There is still financial assistance available, but it will be lower without the enhanced subsidies."

Where can I learn more about my options?

Readers who want to learn more about the open enrollment for the ACA Marketplace are welcome to attend CCHCC's Marketplace open enrollment meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library.

Oh, and about Medicare: Medicare beneficiaries also have an open enrollment period for choosing Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, but that is through Medicare.gov, and that open enrollment period is from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2025, for plans beginning in 2026. CCHCC will be hosting a Medicare Open Enrollment Community Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Champaign Public Library.

I don't have internet access, and can't apply online. Is there another way I can enroll in Get Covered Illinois?

The Get Covered Illinois telephone number is 866-311-1119. Consumers can apply online or by phone. State-certified Navigators can also assist with demystifying the process and completing the application online. For anyone who would like to make an appointment with a Navigator, CHCC's phone number is 217-352-6533.

Registry of absentee landlords in Champaign

"What is the latest on the proposed registry of out-of-town, absentee landlords who own properties in Champaign?"

In August, the city council directed city staff to assemble a basic owner-registration program for residential rental properties and certain vacant commercial buildings. The program would require each property with out-of-town ownership to register a local contact who lives within 45 miles of Champaign.

Neighborhood Services Director Rob Kowalski told me "it was also important to (council members) that input be solicited from property owners, as well. Staff is currently working on a draft of a program that will be the basis of getting input." This will include a survey, and details will be available a little later this fall.

"I will note that the goal of the program is to simply have the best contact information available so it can be used to quickly connect with owners in cases of emergency and when code issues arise. This has become increasingly necessary with the rise of Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs) listed as owners, as well as so many more properties being owned by out-of-town interests," Kowalski said.

Long-time readers may recall that a couple of large apartment complexes and other properties with non-local ownership have been in the news for numerous code violations and other nuisance problems. In June, the City of Champaign condemned the entire 504-unit Champaign Park complex on Country Fair Drive. Twenty-nine buildings make up that complex.

In a previous News-Gazette article, Kowalski said "typically, if an apartment building is condemned or a house is condemned, there's usually an owner that is taking actions to keep their property secure. And in this case, we don't have that. The owner out of New York has pretty much relinquished all responsibility of keeping this property secure and maintained. So that's when it's ripe for people to be entering the buildings that shouldn't otherwise be there."

What's coming to former Windsor Swim Club site

"Excavators are clearing the former site of the Windsor Swim Club in Urbana. What's next for that property?"

Possibly some residential duplexes and townhouses, according to an Urbana Plan Commission hearing notice posted on the property. The hearing is set for 7 p.m. Thursday at the city council chambers on Vine Street.

Specifically, the commission will consider "an application by Wes Taylor, on behalf of PK Elledge, LLC, for preliminary approval of a residential planned unit development at 704 E. Windsor Road in the R-3, Single- and Two-Family Residential, Zoning District," the sign says.

"The applicant would like to redevelop the former Windsor Swim Club site with duplexes and townhouses. The request includes waivers to reduce the minimum lot size and minimum street width." For more information or to provide comment prior to the hearing, contact Kevin Garcia, City of Urbana, Community Development Services Department, [email protected] or 217-328-8283.

Body By Fletch Alumni Association

"Some pro basketball players return to Champaign so they can continue working on their 'body by Fletch' with UI strength coach Adam Fletcher. Is his help provided as a courtesy to those who left Illinois in good standing and have repped the Illini well in the pros?"

Yes, those services are provided at no cost to the former players, according to Division of Intercollegiate Athletics spokesperson Derrick Burson.

Seems that might serve as a powerful recruiting advantage for Brad Underwood and his men's basketball program. It's easy to imagine how such a long-term working relationship between a coach and former players — with proven results — could be very appealing to prospective Illini players who have visions of going pro after their time here.

Who's offering local Veterans Day specials?

"Some national chains offer Veterans Day discounts or complimentary meals to those who serve(d). Which locally owned businesses also show their appreciation in that way on Veterans Day?"

Indeed, an online search turns up several lists of chain restaurants and national retailers that offer Veterans Day specials. With the help of WDWS Radio's Ann Rhoton, I checked in with a couple of local veterans' organizations to see if they knew of any local offers. We came up empty.

So we'll turn to readers who own or manage local businesses for help: If you lead a locally owned business that recognizes veterans with a special offer on Veterans Day, please let me know about it at [email protected]. Type "Veterans Day" in the subject line, to be sure I don't miss it.

Readers: please only send the names of locally owned businesses that you know (for sure!) will be doing this in November. I likely will contact them to verify the details.

Is a new teriyaki restaurant on the way?

"I hear a Teriyaki Madness restaurant is coming to C-U. Where and when?"

The "where" part is easy; the locations map on the restaurant chain's website says one is coming soon to 916 W. Town Center Blvd. That's in a strip mall just south of the Champaign Meijer parking lot.

The "when" is not as easy to answer. A notice from the city's Building Safety Division, dated Sept. 22, was still taped to the front door as of Oct. 5. The notice indicates that one or more permits may be needed before work can continue/proceed on the restaurant build-out. Champaign Building-Safety Supervisor Randy Smith characterized the notification as a "hey, give us a call" notice.

The city permits database shows an application on file, and that "cutting in a back door for emergency use" is the scope of work. No permit had been issued as of Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Making westbound Windsor at Mattis safer

"Westbound Windsor, just past Mattis, seems to have become a drag strip with cars speeding down the far right lane to cut in while ignoring the Right Lane Must Yield sign — a literal invitation to road rage. Can the city do anything?"

We'd mentioned in a recent Mailbag that improvements are coming to Mattis Avenue between Windsor and Curtis roads in 2026. As part of that project, Champaign Public Works spokesperson Kris Koester said the city will "look to see if any improvements at this intersection to improve traffic flow and safety can be realized."

The cameras mounted on the traffic signals' crossarms at the intersection are not used for traffic enforcement; rather, Koester says they are used for vehicle detection as part of the traffic circulation system.

Deputy Police Chief Gregory Manzana said he would pass the reader's concern along to officers in the city's South and Southwest Police Districts. Use of CPD's four speed trailers and enforcement action can help motivate drivers to follow the rules, but "under the law, officers must witness the act to cite a driver for reckless driving. The best course of action is for a person to report what they are seeing to Champaign Police, including through a call to 9-1-1" to report reckless driving.

Koester echoed Manzana's words: "While I love reading the Mailbag and helping answer questions, if people are breaking the law, that needs (to be) reported to police. Not the newspaper."

"Any other reader who has a specific area of the community that needs officer attention is encouraged to fill out our online Neighborhood Traffic Concern form (https://champaignil.gov/police/file-a-report/neighborhood-traffic-concern/) and tell our officers about what you are seeing," Manzana said.

Super-bright parking lot lights

"I'm seeing more super-bright LED lights in parking lots around town. Some are so tall and blindingly bright that they can be a real distraction to passing motorists. Is there an ordinance that regulates that?"

Champaign's rules were written to ensure adequate lighting for large parking lots — not to regulate excess lighting near ground level, which didn't used to be a concern.

The Champaign's Zoning Ordinance's parking lot lighting requirements and design standards are detailed in Article XI, according to Zoning Administrator Kat Trotter. The requirements and design standards pertain to the maximum height and minimum cut-off for light sources, dependent on the property's zoning district. "Minimum cut-off" refers to the amount of light that's allowed to shine above the fixture; those limits are meant to reduce light pollution.

"For parking lots with more than 50 spaces, a lighting plan is required showing that adequate illumination is provided to attain a minimum of one footcandle per square foot of surface area. That said, there are no maximum limitations for allowable lumens. The Zoning Ordinance language currently uses the maximum height and minimum cut-off requirements to control light levels on private property.

"The Zoning Ordinance requirements predate the commonly used blue/white light LEDs that we see nowadays. Planning and Development staff are planning to make changes to this code section in the future," Trotter said.

Are 'extra' locomotives staffed?

"When a train has at least one locomotive at each end — say, one pointing north and one pointing south on the CN Main Line through Champaign — do both/all of them have an engineer/driver?"

I had to smile when I got this question. Trains with one or more locomotives at each end always remind me of the pushmi-pullyu, the fictional creature in the Doctor Dolittle books and movie. (Readers of a certain age will understand.) It was a large, two-headed animal that looked a little like a llama or alpaca – but with a head at each end of its body.

But back to the question. CN spokesperson Michelle Hannan said "generally, only the lead locomotive at the front of the train is staffed. Mid-train locomotives are used to distribute power throughout the train and are operated remotely."