Best Health Insurance Plans in Illinois:
There are many different insurance carriers in Illinois that offer On and Off exchange health insurance plans. On Exchange plans are offered via Healthcare.gov, while Off-Exchange plans can be purchased directly from the insurance company. Check Illinois Health Plans page to learn more or work with a health insurance agent to get help enrolling.
Most of the health insurance carriers in IL offer HMO plans that usually have a particular health system in network. However, Blue Cross Blue Shied of IL and Aetna CVS offer PPO plans. These PPO plans offered from Aetna CVS and Blue Cross Blue Shield allows Illinoisans to see a wide range of doctors and facilities. It is important to note though that enrolling in a PPO plan does not mean you can see any provider in IL network. Thus always work with your health insurance agent to discuss your insurance needs and providers you prefer to have in network.
List of the Best Health Insurance plans in Illinois for 2024:
1. Aetna CVS Health
Aetna a CVS health insurance company starting offering ACA health insurance plans starting 1/1/2023 for all individuals and families. Aetna’s robust network of providers and hospitals in Illinois allows consumers to have the flexibility to choose a provider in their area. Read more about Aetna CVS Health Insurance Company here.
Aetna CVS Health plans offer both HMO and PPO plans in Illinois. Their PPO plans are in network with Northwestern University Hospital, Northshore Hospital aka Endeavor Health, and many more.
2. Ambetter Health Plans
Ambetter is a well-established health insurance carrier that offers a diverse range of plans both on and off the exchange in Illinois, as well as several other states across the Midwest region. With an extensive network that includes hospitals and healthcare providers in neighboring Indiana and Ohio, Ambetter provides its members with greater flexibility and access to medical care in both states. This is particularly advantageous for individuals residing near the borders, as they can seamlessly receive healthcare services without the limitations typically associated with state residency.
3. Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois stands as one of the nation’s leading insurance providers, offering the Blue Choice Preferred PPO plan that grants members the freedom to choose from an extensive network of physicians throughout the state. Additionally, those residing near the borders of Indiana or Wisconsin can also access healthcare services from providers located in those neighboring states through the BCBS PPO plan, enhancing their options for quality care.
BCBS-IL HMO precision is accepted at Northshore Health System as well as Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The plan offers a unique and large network of providers across the state, especially in the Chicagoland area and suburbs. Speak to a licensed health insurance agent now to learn more about network and coverage.
When to Purchase Individual Health Insurance
Normally, you can only get a health plan during a short window of time known as the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). For the current year, the OEP in most states runs from November 1 through January 15.
In some situations, you can buy coverage outside of the open enrollment window. Individuals can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if they recently experienced a life-changing event, such as losing their job and their employer-provided coverage, getting married, divorced, having a baby or adopting, or if citizenship status changes. These events and others are referred to as a “qualifying life event.”
Note that there are Special Enrollment Period (SEP) deadlines for submitting documentation to substantiate a life-changing event — within 60 days for an ACA plan on the Marketplace or commonly 30 days to change plans at work.
Other circumstances that qualify people for an SEP include becoming Medicaid-eligible, or if you are Native American, and therefore change your health plan any month of the year.
