Finding Health Coverage In Illinois
Everyone knows that leading an active lifestyle and eating right are important parts to staying healthy, but that only accounts for half the battle. Health insurance is more than just a policy that protects your finances in the event of an emergency, it actually plays a key role in your health as well.
Health insurance gives you access to a variety of benefits you may not receive otherwise. That includes preventive services, which help maintain your health before you get sick, and primary care physicians to name a couple. So, if you are looking for health insurance in Illinois, here’s how you can get started.
Illinois Open Enrollment Dates
When the Affordable Care Act passed, states had the option to either create their own state run marketplace, or participate in the federally managed marketplace. Illinois chose the latter. The federal marketplace is open once a year during a time known as the Open Enrollment Period. This is the time that individuals and families in the Land of Lincoln are able to enroll in coverage without worrying about being denied. The Open Enrollment Period in Illinois runs through the following dates:
- November 1 - January 15
For some, the Illinois health insurance marketplace will be the most affordable place to purchase affordable coverage without compromising quality. All policies sold through the marketplace or exchange must offer certain benefits, and is also where you can apply and qualify for government subsidized coverage based on your income. Also, for anyone living with pre-existing or chronic health conditions, health insurance companies in Illinois are not allowed to deny you coverage or even raise your rates.
Illinois Health Insurance Quotes
The Affordable Care Act was passed in an effort to make health insurance more affordable for everyone. However, there are a growing number of Americans who don’t qualify for subsidies, and are finding coverage through the marketplace is just too expensive. That’s why more and more individuals and families are turning to the private sector in order to find coverage that fits their budget.
FirstQuote Health specializes in helping resident find the cheapest and most affordable health insurance quotes in Illinois without sacrificing the quality of your coverage. Shopping for health insurance can get difficult, but with FirstQuote Health, you can enter your zip code and see what plans and prices are available in your area in just minutes. You can even talk to an experienced agent with no obligation. So, if you’re looking to explore your options, enter your zip code to get started, and even get covered as soon as today.
Coverage From Illinois’s Best Health Insurance Companies
If you already have health insurance that you’re happy with, or have a company in mind, then an easy way to get covered is by simply enrolling directly with one of Illinois’s best health insurance companies. Being one of the largest states in the country definitely has its benefits, especially when it comes to qualified options. If you’re looking to enroll with one of the top health insurance companies in Illinois, the following are some of the most popular options:
- Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC)
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
Enrolling directly with an insurance company may be the easiest way to get covered, but it does come with a few drawbacks. For starters, you may not have as many options to choose from, and just because a plan works for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. All of the companies listed above are established and have a great reputation, but it’s still important to do your research.
By doing a quick search online, you’ll be able to see what current and past members have to say with their experiences with each company. From there, you’ll easily be able to see whether or not enrolling is the right choice for you. You can also learn more about each insurance provider through FirstQuote Health.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory In Illinois?
No, health insurance is no longer mandatory in Illinois beginning in 2019. Health insurance became mandatory under a piece of legislation known as the individual mandate, which was passed as one of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The Individual mandate required all Americans, with a few exceptions, to enroll in coverage, or face a penalty come tax season.
The mandate was not welcomed by all, with many political opponents of President Obama calling the legislation unconstitutional. That’s why it came as no surprise when President Trump took office that he almost immediately signed an executive order eliminating the individual mandate starting in 2019, which was also used as an attempt to eliminate the Affordable Care Act.
However, many states, in an effort to keep their marketplaces alive, decided to implement their own versions of the individual mandate. Illinois was not one of those states, so for now, and the foreseeable future, health insurance is no longer mandatory in Illinois.