Illinois residents buying health insurance through the Get Covered Illinois Marketplace will see a significant jump in premiums next year. The Department of Insurance has announced a statewide average increase of 28.8 percent for individual plans in 2026. Officials say this spike is mainly due to the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits, paired with recent policy changes that have driven up health care costs. Consumers considering marketplace coverage are being encouraged to review their options closely as these new rates take effect and to explore financial assistance programs that may still be available to offset some of the expenses. Find out more about the Affordable Care Act here.
“The Trump Administration’s harmful policies will leave more Americans uninsured which increases costs for everyone,” said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie. “Illinois is one of many states seeing significant increases in marketplace rates, and we’ve voiced our support for the extension of enhanced premium tax credits in a signed letter to Congress from State Based Marketplaces and in joining all states in approving the NAIC letter to Congress. Ensuring that enhanced premium tax credits are extended for the 2026 plan year is a simple way to provide some relief for consumers desperately seeking health insurance coverage on
the marketplace in Illinois and nationwiwide. We are hopeful that Congress will make the right decision to preserve the tax credits.”
During open enrollment, Get Covered Illinois is fully committed to educating and supporting consumers as they navigate available health insurance options during the open enrollment period. Additional information about Get Covered Illinois resources can be found below:
- Beginning November 1, Illinoisans who were previously enrolled through Healthcare.gov will transition to the Get Covered Illinois Marketplace for 2026 coverage.
- Get Covered Illinois has trained certified navigators in communities across the state to provide free help to Illinoisans enrolling in marketplace health coverage.
- Customers can also reach out to a vast network of Get Covered Illinois-certified brokers for free application and enrollment assistance.
- On October 1, the Get Covered Illinois Customer Assistance Center will go live with representatives available to answer questions and help customers enroll in coverage, and a newly designed website will provide additional information.
- Open enrollment runs November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026.
