Illinois residents now have until December 31 to enroll in health insurance coverage that will begin January 1.
State officials say the extension is aimed at ensuring continued access to high-quality health coverage amid ongoing changes and uncertainty at the federal level. This year marks the first Open Enrollment Period for Get Covered Illinois operating a state-based health insurance marketplace independent of the federally run HealthCare.gov, according to a state news release.
Get Covered Illinois officials say the extended deadline gives residents additional time to review plan options, compare coverage, and select a plan that best fits their needs.
“Shifting to a state-based marketplace has given Illinois the authority and flexibility to make decisions that put our residents first,” said Morgan Winters, director of Get Covered Illinois. “This enrollment deadline extension is exactly the kind of customer-focused action we could not take as a federally facilitated marketplace.”
Residents who want coverage to begin January 1 must enroll by the December 31 deadline. Information on available plans, financial assistance, and enrollment is available through the Get Covered Illinois website.
Free enrollment assistance is available in person, by phone, or through certified brokers. The Get Covered Illinois Customer Assistance Center offers help in more than 250 languages and has extended hours during open enrollment. Assistance is available by calling 866-311-1119, with TTY services available by dialing 711.
