Local News
Illinois Open Enrollment Nov. 1: Chicago Residents Face 14.1% Average 2027 Health Insurance Increase
CHICAGO — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Illinois residents an opportunity to compare plans, review premiums and determine whether they qualify for financial a
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-11-02T00:04:13.288Z
CHICAGO — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Illinois residents an opportunity to compare plans, review premiums and determine whether they qualify for financial assistance.
Illinois residents now enroll through Get Covered Illinois , the state's official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027 . Residents who enroll or change plans by Dec. 15 can have coverage begin Jan. 1, while those enrolling from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 can have coverage begin Feb. 1.
Illinois health insurance rates rise 14.1% The Illinois Department of Insurance says the statewide weighted average rate increase for individual health insurance plans is 14.1% for 2027 .
That is down substantially from the 28.8% weighted average increase for 2026 .
The rate figures do not necessarily represent what an individual consumer will pay. Actual monthly premiums depend on the health plan selected, age, household circumstances, location and eligibility for financial assistance.
For the 2026 plan year, 466,371 Illinois residents enrolled in Marketplace plans , and approximately 85% received premium tax credits to help reduce their monthly premiums. Customers receiving financial assistance paid an average of about $140 per month , according to the Illinois Department of Insurance.
Cigna and Molina leave Illinois Marketplace Illinois consumers also face changes in the insurance companies and plans available for 2027.
Beginning Jan. 1, Cigna and Molina plans will no longer be available through Get Covered Illinois .
Consumers enrolled in those plans during 2026 will need to select new coverage during open enrollment. Their existing coverage remains in effect through Dec. 31 as long as required premiums continue to be paid.
At the same time, Ambetter and MercyCare are expanding into additional Illinois counties for 2027.
Ambetter will expand into 20 additional counties, including Adams, Effingham, Franklin, Jefferson, Marion and Pike counties, while MercyCare will expand into Stephenson County.
Blue Cross plan changes affect Chicago area counties Some Blue Cross Blue Shield customers will also need to pay close attention during open enrollment.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is discontinuing its MyBlue Plus Bronze plan for 2027. Consumers enrolled in that plan during 2026 will be moved to a Silver plan unless they select another option.
The change affects customers in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, St. Clair and Will counties .
What Illinois residents should check Chicago area residents and consumers statewide should compare monthly health insurance premiums, deductibles, co pays, prescription drug benefits, out of pocket maximums and whether preferred doctors and hospitals remain in network.
Returning customers should not assume their existing coverage remains their best option. Get Covered Illinois says plans can change from year to year and encourages consumers to compare available coverage before renewing.
Residents should also update their expected 2027 household income and family information , because those details affect eligibility for premium tax credits and other financial assistance.
Get Covered Illinois is the only place where eligible Illinois residents can receive federal tax credits that lower monthly Marketplace health insurance premiums.
Enrollment deadlines matter Illinois residents who want health insurance coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027 , should enroll or change plans by Dec. 15 .
Open enrollment continues through Jan. 15, 2027 . Consumers enrolling from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 can have coverage begin Feb. 1.
After Jan. 15, most residents need a qualifying life event to enroll in or change Marketplace coverage through a Special Enrollment Period.
Illinois residents can compare 2027 health insurance plans, review potential financial assistance and enroll through Get Covered Illinois .