CHICAGO, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — As Illinois launches its annual open enrollment campaign, residents are seeing a sharp rise in health insurance costs — with monthly premiums increasing by nearly 78% statewide, and even higher spikes reported in southern Illinois.
According to a news release from the state, Get Covered Illinois has begun its “Here to Help” campaign to guide residents through open enrollment, which runs from November through January 15. Last year, nearly 466,000 Illinoisans purchased health coverage through the program — a 17% increase from 2023.
This year marks the state’s transition to a state-based marketplace, offering more localized and personalized support options. However, state officials confirmed that average monthly premiums will rise by 78%, with some southern counties facing significantly higher increases.
Enhanced federal tax credits introduced in 2021 to make health insurance more affordable are set to expire at the end of 2025, unless Congress extends them. While some tax credits remain available, they are now less generous and fewer people qualify.
“While Illinois’ transition to a state-based marketplace is a milestone we are immensely proud of, it comes at a time when Illinoisans are facing rising costs,” said Ann Gillespie, Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. “Policies implemented by the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are forcing premiums up. Illinoisans shouldn’t have to choose between health care and keeping food on the table.”
Morgan Winters, director of Get Covered Illinois, said residents will still have access to hundreds of plan options, all of which include essential health benefits such as preventive care, emergency services, and mental health coverage. Bronze plans with lower premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs are also available.
“Operating our own marketplace means we can offer better support to Illinoisans,” Winters said. “This includes access to free, local help through our navigator and broker network and a customer assistance center that provides enrollment guidance in more than 250 languages.”
The Here to Help campaign aims to connect residents with these expanded resources and guide them through what could be a challenging year for health insurance affordability.
For coverage starting January 1, customers must enroll by December 15. Open enrollment ends January 15.
For assistance or to explore plan options, visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov or call 1-866-311-1119 (TTY: 711).
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