Illinois residents seeking health insurance will notice a significant change this year, as the state launches its health insurance marketplace. Moving away from Healthcare.gov, Illinois aims to offer more personalized support through a dedicated network of navigators and a new live assistance center. This locally managed platform is designed to help users find and compare coverage options that best fit their needs. Open enrollment for the state-based marketplace, known as Get Covered Illinois, begins November 1. State officials expect the transition to improve access and support for those shopping for health coverage in the coming enrollment period.
Illinoisans shopping for health coverage will see a significant change in 2026. Starting November 1, those previously using Healthcare.gov will now transition to Get Covered Illinois, the state’s own insurance marketplace. Free, in-person assistance will be available from certified brokers and navigators in communities statewide, ensuring help is accessible for those navigating the process. A newly designed Get Covered Illinois website is set to launch on October 1, along with a live Customer Assistance Center offering guidance and enrollment support. This effort follows a $6.5 million grant program that expanded navigator services across Illinois last year.
“Today marks a pivotal step towards bringing quality, affordable healthcare to all Illinoisans,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Operating a state-based marketplace will allow our state more flexibility to provide health insurance coverage that is tailored to the needs of our residents.”
“It was an honor to carry the bill establishing the state-based marketplace while I was a member of the General Assembly and is even more of an honor leading the Department to implement it,” said Illinois Department of Insurance Director Ann Gillespie. “At a time when the federal government is announcing healthcare cuts, Illinois is investing in building a marketplace that aims to increase access to health coverage for our residents.”
“This achievement is a reflection of the incredible work done over the last three years to stand up our marketplace,” said Get Covered Illinois Director Morgan Winters. “As we work toward our first open enrollment, our focus continues to be on building a marketplace that offers the highest quality enrollment experience and support to our customers.”
Health insurance may soon become pricier for some Illinois residents as enhanced federal tax credits are set to shrink in 2025. This reduction means that many enrollees could face higher monthly premiums, though limited tax credits will remain for those who qualify. To help consumers navigate these changes, Get Covered Illinois, along with brokers and navigators, will be on hand throughout the open enrollment period. Residents can shop for coverage between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
“The customer experience is driving all of our decisions as we continue to build toward open enrollment,” said Ezra Watland, Get Covered Illinois Chief Operating Officer. “We know how complicated enrolling in health insurance can be and we are doing everything we can to simplify the process—from implementing live chat to creating clear customer-centric paths to enrollment on the website.”
“Customer support will be key this year,” said Director Winters. “Recent federal policy changes coupled with the expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits will have enormous impacts on Illinoisans, including double digit premium increases for many. Get Covered Illinois and our partners are committed to helping customers navigate these challenges and to finding the right coverage option.”
