Affordable Health Insurance in Illinois (IL) — Best 2026 Plans
Top-rated ACA Marketplace plans in Illinois ranked by official quality scores, plus the lowest-premium Bronze options and APTC subsidy estimates. Plans are displayed based on federal marketplace data — not broker recommendations or paid placements.
What is the best health insurance in Illinois?
The best ACA health insurance in Illinois (IL) depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and expected medical use — not just premium. 78 ACA plans are currently available. Policymage ranks plans by official quality ratings, value, and network type using live marketplace data near Chicago.
Last updated: August 9, 2026 · Source: Official Marketplace Data
Rankings are based on official star ratings (clinical quality, member experience, plan efficiency) and premium data from the federal marketplace. Policymage is not a licensed insurance broker — we display data, not recommendations. Prices reflect a 30-year-old near Chicago, IL before subsidies.
$408/mo
Avg Bronze Premium
11
Insurers Available
78
Plans Listed
Get Covered Illinois
Exchange Type
Health Insurance Carriers in Illinois
Lowest Available Premium
$331.34/mo
Before subsidies · 30-year-old
Avg Bronze Plan
$408/mo
20 plans in Illinois
Avg Silver (Subsidy Benchmark)
$577/mo
Eligible for CSR cost reductions
Top Picks by Category
Best Overall
Highest quality rating with competitive premium
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Simple (Select)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$331.34/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
Best Value
Lowest out-of-pocket cost relative to premium
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Simple (Select)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$331.34/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
Best for Families
Child dental, maternity, and family deductible coverage
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Simple (Select)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$331.34/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
Best HSA Plan
HSA-eligible — save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Simple (Select)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$331.34/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
Most Affordable
Lowest monthly premium available in state
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Simple (Select)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$331.34/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
All Top-Rated Plans in Illinois
Sorted by official quality rating · Prices near Chicago · 30-year-old, no subsidies
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Simple (Select)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$331.34/mo
Ded: $0
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois MyBlue Plus Bronze℠ Standard - Select Rx Copays
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
$333.17/mo
Ded: $0
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Secure (Choice)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$340.23/mo
Ded: $0
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois MyBlue Plus Bronze℠ 903
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
$343.87/mo
Ded: $0
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Classic Standard (Select)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$348.18/mo
Ded: $0
UnitedHealthcare UHC Bronze Essential (No Referrals)
UnitedHealthcare
$350.25/mo
Ded: $0
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois MyBlue Plus Bronze℠ 912
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
$359.85/mo
Ded: $0
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Precision Bronze HMO℠ Standard - Select Rx Copays
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
$364.83/mo
Ded: $0
UnitedHealthcare UHC Bronze Standard (No Referrals)
UnitedHealthcare
$372.53/mo
Ded: $0
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Classic Standard (Choice)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$373.70/mo
Ded: $0
Rankings based on official star ratings from federal marketplace data. Premiums are estimated for a 30-year-old near Chicago without subsidies. Your actual options and prices vary by ZIP code, age, and household income. Get your personalized results →
APTC Subsidy Income Thresholds (2026)
Based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. Your subsidy eligibility depends on your exact household size and income.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Medicaid min) | 138% FPL (Medicaid max) | 250% FPL (CSR eligible) | 400% FPL (APTC range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 | $20,783 | $37,650 | $60,240 |
| 2 people | $20,440 | $28,207 | $51,100 | $81,760 |
| 3 people | $25,820 | $35,632 | $64,550 | $103,280 |
| 4 people | $31,200 | $43,056 | $78,000 | $124,800 |
Thresholds are for the 48 contiguous states. Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL amounts. Enhanced subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act mean there is no hard income cap — households above 400% FPL may still qualify for reduced premiums.
Lowest-Cost Plans Available in Illinois
Bronze and Catastrophic plans near Chicago, IL · 30-year-old · Before subsidies
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Simple (Select)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$331.34/mo
Ded: $0
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois MyBlue Plus Bronze℠ Standard - Select Rx Copays
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
$333.17/mo
Ded: $0
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Secure (Choice)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$340.23/mo
Ded: $0
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois MyBlue Plus Bronze℠ 903
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
$343.87/mo
Ded: $0
Oscar Health Plan, Inc. Bronze Classic Standard (Select)
Oscar Health Plan, Inc.
$348.18/mo
Ded: $0
UnitedHealthcare UHC Bronze Essential (No Referrals)
UnitedHealthcare
$350.25/mo
Ded: $0
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois MyBlue Plus Bronze℠ 912
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
$359.85/mo
Ded: $0
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Precision Bronze HMO℠ Standard - Select Rx Copays
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
$364.83/mo
Ded: $0
These are list prices before subsidies for a 30-year-old near Chicago. With APTC, your actual monthly cost can be much lower. See your subsidized price →
Bronze vs Silver: Which Is Actually Cheaper?
- Lowest monthly premium
- Highest deductibles & copays
- Best for healthy people who rarely use care
- HSA-eligible plans often available
- Not eligible for CSR cost reductions
- Mid-range premium
- Benchmark for APTC subsidy calculation
- Eligible for CSR cost reductions (100–250% FPL)
- With CSR: deductibles can drop to $300–$700
- Often the cheapest total cost with subsidies
Key insight: If your income is 100%–250% FPL, a Silver plan with CSR is almost always the better deal — even if the listed premium is higher. CSR reduces your deductible and copays significantly, making the Silver plan cheaper in total annual cost.
How to Choose a Plan in Illinois
1Check subsidy eligibility first
If your household income is between 100%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you likely qualify for APTC to reduce your premium. Some Illinois residents qualify for $0/month Silver plans. Enter your income in the compare tool to see your options.
2Consider your healthcare usage
If you rarely see doctors, a Bronze plan with lower premiums may save you money. If you have chronic conditions or take regular prescriptions, a Gold or Silver plan with lower cost-sharing may be cheaper overall.
3Check if your doctors are in-network
HMO plans require you to use in-network providers and get referrals for specialists. PPO plans offer more flexibility. Verify your preferred doctors and hospitals accept your plan before enrolling.
4Estimate your total annual cost
Look beyond the monthly premium. Add up the premium × 12, plus your expected deductible and copay costs. A lower-premium Bronze plan can cost more total if you need regular care.
More Illinois Health Insurance Guides
HSA-Eligible Plans in Illinois
High-deductible health plans in Illinois that qualify you to open a pre-tax Health Savings Account. Includes 2025 IRS contribution limits.
View guide Cost GuideAverage Cost of Health Insurance by State
See how Illinois's premiums compare to the national average, by metal tier.
View guideHealth Insurance by County in Illinois
Plan availability, premiums and participating insurers vary by county within Illinois. Pick your county to see what is actually sold there.
- Bloomington-Normal Area — Central Illinois
- Champaign-Urbana Area — East Central Illinois
- Chicago Western Suburbs — DuPage & Kane Counties
- Cook
- DeKalb Area — Northern Illinois
- East St. Louis Metro — Madison & St. Clair Counties
- Effingham
- Galesburg Area — West Central Illinois
- Grundy
- Kankakee
- Kendall
- Lake
- McHenry
- Metro East — St. Louis Area, Illinois
- Northwest Illinois — Jo Daviess & Stephenson Counties
- Peoria Metro Area — Central Illinois
- Quad Cities Area — Illinois Side
- Quincy Area — West Central Illinois
- Rockford Area — Northern Illinois
- Southern Illinois
- Springfield Area — Central Illinois
- West Central Illinois — Bureau & Warren Counties
- Will
Affordable, budget, and low-cost ACA plans in Illinois
Whether you're searching for cheap, affordable, budget-friendly, low-cost, inexpensive, economical, or discount health insurance in Illinois, every ACA Marketplace plan available through Get Covered Illinois must cover the same 10 Essential Health Benefits set by federal law — preventive care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity, mental health, and more. No Marketplace plan can deny you for a pre-existing condition or charge you more for being sick. The only real differences between a "cheap" plan and an expensive one are the monthly premium, the metal tier, the provider network, and how much you pay out of pocket when you actually use care. Below we break down every way to find lower-cost coverage in Illinois so you can match a plan to both your budget and your expected medical needs. For the strategies that apply in every state — subsidy eligibility, metal-tier choice, HSA savings, and Medicaid — see our national guide to affordable health insurance. You might know Illinois as IL — the plans and pricing below are the same no matter which name you use.
Budget Marketplace coverage in Illinois
Bronze-tier plans have the lowest monthly premium of any metal level in Illinois, making them the budget choice for healthy adults who rarely visit the doctor. Expect a high deductible (often $7,500+) in exchange for the low monthly cost. If you qualify for the Premium Tax Credit (APTC), your effective premium can drop significantly — many Illinois residents pay $0–$50/month for Bronze coverage after subsidies are applied.
Low-cost Silver plans & Cost-Sharing Reductions
Silver-tier plans are the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR), which lower your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum if your household income is between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. For Illinois residents in that income range, an enhanced Silver plan often beats a Bronze plan on total annual cost — the slightly higher premium is more than offset by far lower costs when you receive care.
Discount HSA-eligible HDHP options
HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) in Illinois let you contribute pre-tax dollars to a Health Savings Account. For 2026 IRS limits, individuals can contribute up to $4,300 and families up to $8,550. Unused funds roll over year to year — and after age 65, you can withdraw for any expense without penalty. An HDHP pairs a low, economical premium with a tax-advantaged savings vehicle.
Cheap catastrophic plans (under 30 only)
Illinois residents under 30 — or those with a hardship/affordability exemption — may qualify for catastrophic coverage. Premiums are the lowest of any tier, but the deductible equals the federal out-of-pocket maximum (~$9,200 in 2025) so it's true emergency-only coverage. Catastrophic plans don't qualify for APTC subsidies.
Inexpensive HMO vs. PPO networks in Illinois (IL)
Network type is one of the biggest levers on price in Illinois. HMO and EPO plans restrict you to an in-network provider list but carry noticeably lower premiums, making them the most inexpensive structure for most residents. PPO plans cost more but let you see out-of-network providers. If your preferred doctors are in an HMO network, it's usually the most value-efficient choice.
Finding the best value (lowest total cost) in Illinois
The cheapest premium isn't always the most affordable plan overall. The smart way to shop in Illinois is to estimate your total annual cost — premium × 12, plus your expected deductible and copays — rather than chasing the lowest sticker price. A modest mid-tier plan can be the best value if you take regular prescriptions or see specialists. Enter your ZIP, age, and income in our compare tool to rank plans by real total cost after subsidies, not just headline premium.
Health insurance companies in Illinois
These are the major health insurers that have offered ACA Marketplace plans to Illinois residents in recent plan years. Carrier participation and the counties each insurer serves change every year, so always confirm current availability for your ZIP code on Get Covered Illinois before enrolling. Every plan from every carrier below covers the same federally-required Essential Health Benefits — they differ on premium, provider network, and which doctors and hospitals are in-network.
Before choosing an insurer in Illinois, look up each plan's provider directory on Get Covered Illinois and confirm your doctors, preferred hospitals, and prescription drugs are covered in-network. Network fit usually matters more than a small premium difference.
How to enroll in ACA health insurance in Illinois
Illinois residents shop for ACA-compliant Marketplace plans through Get Covered Illinois. Open Enrollment for plan year 2026 runs from November 1 through January 15 for Get Covered Illinois residents. Outside that window, you need a Qualifying Life Event (job loss, marriage, birth, move) to enroll mid-year via a Special Enrollment Period.
- 1
Gather your household details
Estimate your 2026 household income (gross, before taxes), everyone you'll claim as a tax dependent, current health insurance status, and your Illinois ZIP code.
- 2
Compare plans across metal tiers
Use a free comparison tool to see Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans side by side. Pay attention to monthly premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your doctors are in-network.
- 3
Check subsidy eligibility (APTC + CSR)
Enter your projected household income — Get Covered Illinois will calculate your Advance Premium Tax Credit and tell you if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions on Silver plans.
- 4
Enroll directly through Get Covered Illinois
Submit your application at getcovered.illinois.gov/. Coverage starts January 1 if you enroll by December 15 (or earlier in some states), or February 1 for later December enrollments.
- 5
Pay your first premium to activate
Coverage is not active until your insurer receives your first premium payment. You'll receive payment instructions directly from the carrier within a few business days of enrollment.
Medicaid eligibility in Illinois
Illinois has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. If your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $21,597/year for an individual, $44,574/year for a family of 4), you likely qualify for free or very low-cost Medicaid instead of a Marketplace plan.
Illinois Medicaid is administered through managed care organizations (MCOs) including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Ambetter from Meridian, Oscar Health, Aetna CVS Health. Which plan is best depends on your county, doctors, and prescriptions — not a single statewide winner.
Medicaid in Illinois covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, preventive screenings, mental health care, and more. There's no Open Enrollment window — you can apply year-round. Apply directly through your state Medicaid office or Illinois's marketplace, which will check your eligibility automatically.
APTC subsidy examples for Illinois households
The Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) caps what Illinois residents pay for the benchmark Silver plan as a percentage of household income. Through the Inflation Reduction Act extension, the 400% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) cliff is suspended through 2025 — households above 400% FPL still qualify for APTC if benchmark Silver exceeds 8.5% of income.
| Household size | Annual income | % of FPL | Capped premium share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,475 | 150% | ~4% of income |
| 1 person | $39,125 | 250% | ~6% of income |
| 2 persons | $42,400 | 200% | ~4% of income |
| 4 persons | $80,750 | 250% | ~6% of income |
| 4 persons | $129,200 | 400% | ~8.5% of income |
Federal Poverty Level figures use the 2025 HHS guidelines for the 48 contiguous states & DC. Alaska and Hawaii use higher FPL thresholds. Actual subsidy depends on your county's benchmark Silver premium, household composition, and tax filing status. Always verify with official Marketplace before enrolling.
Top counties in Illinois for ACA plans
Plan availability, premiums, and participating insurers vary by county within Illinois. These are the five most populous counties — open one to see the plans, premiums and insurers available there.
More Illinois health insurance guides
Frequently asked questions about ACA insurance in Illinois
What is the health insurance marketplace in Illinois?
The Illinois (IL) health insurance marketplace is Get Covered Illinois (https://getcovered.illinois.gov/), a state-based ACA exchange where residents compare and enroll in qualified health plans. Policymage lists 78 plans with live premium data. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15.
How do I compare health insurance plans in Illinois?
Use policymage.com/get-quotes: enter your ZIP code, household ages, and income. Policymage fetches ACA Marketplace plans for your county, calculates APTC subsidies, and lets you compare up to 3 plans side-by-side on premium, deductible, network, and benefits. Free, no account, no broker bias. Plans in Illinois start from $331.34/month before subsidies.
Which Medicaid plan is best in Illinois?
There is no single "best" Medicaid plan in Illinois — Medicaid is administered through MCOs such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Ambetter from Meridian, Oscar Health. The right plan depends on your county, doctors, and prescriptions. Medicaid (income up to 138% FPL, ~$21,597/year for an individual) is separate from ACA Marketplace plans at Get Covered Illinois. Apply year-round through your state Medicaid office.
Is short-term health insurance available in Illinois?
Short-term health insurance is sold outside the ACA Marketplace in Illinois by private insurers. These plans are not ACA-compliant: they can exclude pre-existing conditions, skip Essential Health Benefits, and lack guaranteed renewal. For comprehensive coverage with subsidies, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan at Get Covered Illinois during Open Enrollment (Nov 1–January 15). See policymage.com/faq for more on short-term vs ACA plans.
How much is health insurance in IL?
Health insurance in IL starts as low as $331.34/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. Most Illinois residents who qualify for APTC pay significantly less — some as low as $0/month for a Silver plan.
What is the cheapest health insurance option in IL for 2026?
The cheapest ACA option in IL for 2026 is typically a Bronze-tier plan or, for residents under 30, a catastrophic plan — both carry the lowest monthly premium in exchange for a higher deductible. Compare exact Illinois plans and prices at policymage.com/get-quotes.
When does Open Enrollment end in Illinois for ACA plans?
Open Enrollment for Illinois residents runs from November 1 through January 15. Illinois runs its own exchange (Get Covered Illinois), which set the January 15 deadline. Outside Open Enrollment, you need a Qualifying Life Event to enroll in a Special Enrollment Period.
How much does ACA health insurance cost in Illinois?
Bronze-tier plans in Illinois start as low as $331.34/month for a 30-year-old before subsidies. With APTC tax credits, many Illinois residents pay $0–$50/month for Bronze coverage. Costs vary by age, county, tobacco use, and household size.
Does Illinois use HealthCare.gov or its own state exchange?
Illinois runs its own state-based Marketplace called Get Covered Illinois (https://getcovered.illinois.gov/). You enroll there directly — not at HealthCare.gov. Plan offerings, enrollment dates, and customer support are managed by Illinois, not the federal government.
Has Illinois expanded Medicaid under the ACA?
Yes. Illinois has expanded Medicaid, so adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $21,597/year for an individual) qualify for free or very low-cost Medicaid. There's no Open Enrollment window — you can apply year-round.
What are the income limits for ACA subsidies in Illinois?
Premium Tax Credit eligibility starts at 100% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $15,650/year for an individual or $32,300/year for a family of 4. Illinois residents above 400% FPL still qualify if benchmark Silver costs more than 8.5% of their income. Use the Get Covered Illinois subsidy calculator for your exact estimate.
What are the metal tiers in Illinois (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)?
Illinois ACA plans come in four metal tiers based on actuarial value (the percentage of medical costs the plan covers on average): Bronze (~60%), Silver (~70%), Gold (~80%), and Platinum (~90%). Bronze has the lowest premium and highest deductible; Platinum has the highest premium and lowest deductible. Silver is the "benchmark" tier used to calculate APTC subsidies, and it's the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions if you qualify by income.
Are HSA-eligible plans available in Illinois?
Yes. HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are available in Illinois through Get Covered Illinois. For 2026, HDHPs must have a deductible of at least $1,650 (individual) or $3,300 (family), and you can contribute up to $4,300 (individual) or $8,550 (family) to your HSA pre-tax. HSA contributions roll over year-to-year and can be invested.
Do Illinois ACA plans cover dental and vision?
Illinois ACA Marketplace plans for adults include preventive care, mental health, prescriptions, hospitalization, and the 10 Essential Health Benefits — but adult dental and vision are not federally required. Most Illinois plans cover pediatric dental and vision automatically. For adult dental/vision, you typically buy a separate standalone plan through Get Covered Illinois or directly from an insurer.
What is a Qualifying Life Event for Special Enrollment in Illinois?
Outside Open Enrollment, Illinois residents can enroll in or change ACA plans within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event: loss of other health coverage, marriage or divorce, birth or adoption of a child, moving to a new county or state, a change in income that affects subsidy eligibility, becoming a US citizen, or release from incarceration. Have documentation ready when applying through Get Covered Illinois.
How do I find in-network doctors and hospitals in Illinois?
Each Illinois ACA plan has its own provider network. Before enrolling, look up the plan on Get Covered Illinois, click the carrier name to access their provider directory, and search for your specific doctors and preferred hospitals by name. Out-of-network care typically isn't covered (HMO plans) or costs significantly more (PPO plans). If you have an existing provider relationship, network match is usually more important than the lowest premium.
What is Get Covered Illinois?
Get Covered Illinois is Illinois's official ACA Marketplace. Effective November 1, 2025, Illinois replaced the federal Marketplace with its own State-Based Marketplace, so Illinois residents now apply and enroll at getcovered.illinois.gov rather than HealthCare.gov. Existing HealthCare.gov accounts were migrated automatically for the 2026 plan year. Policymage shows the same plans and live premium data, then sends you to Get Covered Illinois to enroll.
Find the Right Plan for Your Situation
Enter your ZIP code, age, and income to see all Illinois plans available to you — with your actual subsidy applied.
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