Quick answer: Illinois open enrollment 2027 runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027, on Get Covered Illinois, the state's own health insurance marketplace. To have coverage start January 1, select your plan by December 15, 2026, and pay your first premium by the deadline set by your insurance company. Five insurers are offering plans for 2027, and average rates are going up, so most people should compare plans instead of letting last year's plan renew automatically.
If you buy your own health insurance, this is your once-a-year chance to change plans without a qualifying life event. That includes the self-employed, farm families, early retirees and anyone without coverage through work. This year has a few Illinois-specific details worth knowing. Here's what to know, in plain English.
Not sure where to start? A Loman-Ray agent can compare your options and help you apply for any financial help you qualify for, at no extra cost to you. Find your nearest office or call 888-566-2679.
Key dates for Illinois open enrollment 2027
|
Date |
What happens |
|---|---|
|
October 19, 2026 |
Window shopping opens. You can preview 2027 plans and prices. |
|
November 1, 2026 |
Open enrollment begins. |
|
December 15, 2026 |
Last day to select a plan for coverage starting January 1, 2027. You must also pay your first premium by your insurer's deadline. |
|
January 15, 2027 |
Open enrollment ends. Plans picked after December 15 start February 1. |
|
After January 15 |
You'll generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, marriage or a new baby, to enroll. |
Illinois has its own health insurance marketplace now
Illinois no longer uses HealthCare.gov. Starting with 2026 coverage, Illinois residents shop and enroll through Get Covered Illinois (GetCoveredIllinois.gov), the state-based marketplace.
If you haven't logged in to Get Covered Illinois yet, set up your account early so you're not troubleshooting near the deadline.
What's new for 2027 in Illinois
Rates are rising, but less than last year
The Illinois Department of Insurance reports a statewide weighted average rate increase of 14.1% for individual plans in 2027, down from 28.8% last year. That's an average before any financial help. What you actually pay depends on your age, where you live, the plan you choose and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Fewer insurers to choose from
Five insurers will offer plans on the Illinois marketplace for 2027, and Get Covered Illinois says plans from two 2026 insurers will no longer be available. If your insurer is one of them, you'll need to choose a new plan for 2027. Compare your options so your doctors and prescriptions are still covered.
Financial help looks different than it did a few years ago
Enhanced federal premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025 and have not been renewed as of this writing. Households with income above 400% of the federal poverty level are not eligible for premium tax credits.
Who should review their plan this open enrollment?
Everyone with an individual plan should take a look, but it's especially important if you are:
- Self-employed, a farmer or a small-business owner buying your own coverage
- Retired early and not yet 65
- Between jobs, working part-time or doing gig work
- Expecting your income to change in 2027
- Covered by an insurer that's leaving the Illinois marketplace
- Turning 65 soon (you may become eligible for Medicare, so it's important to review your Medicare options and enrollment deadlines)
Don't forget dental and vision
Marketplace plans must cover essential health benefits, including preventive care, prescriptions, emergency care, maternity care and mental health services. They also include dental and vision care for children. Adult dental and vision aren't required benefits. Some plans include them, or you can buy a separate plan.
- Individual dental insurance typically covers cleanings, exams and X-rays, with partial help for fillings, crowns and root canals. Many plans follow a 100-80-50 structure: preventive care is often fully covered, basic procedures around 80% and major procedures around 50%, depending on the plan. Watch for annual maximums and waiting periods on major work.
- Individual vision insurance typically covers an annual eye exam and helps with glasses or contacts. Some plans offer partial coverage for LASIK.
Open enrollment is a natural time to add them, so all your coverage starts together.
How to get ready: a 6-step checklist
- Estimate your 2027 household income. Financial help is based on what you expect to earn next year, not last year.
- List your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions. In rural Central Illinois, make sure the plan's network includes the clinics and specialists you actually use, whether that's in Champaign-Urbana, Danville or Springfield.
- Check whether your insurer is staying. If it's leaving, plan to choose a new plan.
- Compare metal levels. Get Covered Illinois offers Bronze, Silver, Gold and Catastrophic plans. The main difference between metal levels is how costs are split: on average, Bronze plans pay about 60% of covered costs and Gold plans about 80%, but actual costs vary by plan. Compare each plan's premium, deductible, copays and annual out-of-pocket maximum.
- Add dental and vision if you need them.
- Enroll by December 15 and pay your first premium by your insurer's deadline if you want coverage starting January 1.
Why work with a local independent agent?
There is no additional charge for using a Loman-Ray agent to help you compare and enroll in marketplace health plans. You'll pay the same plan premium as you would enrolling directly. A Loman-Ray agent can walk you through your ACA Marketplace options, explain the trade-offs in plain English and help you apply for any premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions you qualify for.
We have offices in Urbana, Monticello, St. Joseph, Danville, Hoopeston, Clifton, Cissna Park, Broadlands, Villa Grove, Sullivan, Petersburg, Mascoutah and Okawville. Stop in or call, and we'll help you compare your options before the deadline.
Ready to review your 2027 options? Contact your local Loman-Ray office or call 888-566-2679.
Coverage details, costs and eligibility vary by plan and household. Confirm specifics with a licensed agent before you enroll.
Frequently asked questions
When is open enrollment in Illinois for 2027?
Open enrollment for 2027 Illinois marketplace plans runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027. To have coverage start January 1, select your plan by December 15, 2026, and pay your first premium by the deadline set by your insurance company.
Do Illinois residents still use HealthCare.gov?
No. Starting with 2026 coverage, Illinois residents enroll through Get Covered Illinois, the state's own marketplace, at GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
Does it cost more to use an insurance agent?
No. There is no additional charge for using a Loman-Ray agent to help you compare and enroll in marketplace health plans. You'll pay the same plan premium as you would enrolling directly.
What happens if I miss the January 15 deadline?
You'll generally need to wait until the next open enrollment, unless you have a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby or moving.
Do marketplace plans include dental and vision for adults?
Not always. Marketplace plans include dental and vision for children. Adult dental and vision aren't required benefits, so some plans include them and others don't. You can also buy a separate individual dental or vision plan.