Residents of Illinois now have until January 31 to sign up for health insurance via Get Covered Illinois. This extension, announced on January 12, gives people more time to find coverage that starts on February 1, 2026.
Get Covered Illinois operates separately from the federal marketplace, allowing residents to enroll in plans under the Affordable Care Act. “We’re seeing more people take advantage of this time to find affordable coverage,” said Morgan Winters, the program’s director. “As a state-based marketplace, we can offer this extension and have extra resources to help our customers.”
Many are feeling the impact of the end of federal subsidies from the COVID-19 pandemic, which expired on December 31, 2025. According to a study by KFF, premiums could more than double without these subsidies. This has raised concerns for millions of consumers across the country.
In January, the U.S. House passed a bill with bipartisan support to extend subsidies for three more years. However, it still needs approval from the Senate and the President to become law.
To explore plans, Illinois residents can visit the Get Covered Illinois website or call their customer support at 1-866-311-1119 (TTY: 711). Navigators and brokers are available to provide free guidance during the enrollment process, thanks to grants from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Insurance.
This service is crucial, especially now, as many face rising costs. The conversation surrounding health insurance is more relevant than ever, with people looking for options to stay financially afloat while ensuring they have access to necessary care.
For more information on health insurance and its impact, you can check out reliable sources like HealthCare.gov.
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