Illinois extended the open enrollment deadline for health insurance plans, giving residents until Jan. 31 to lock in coverage through Get Covered Illinois.
State marketplace officials announced the 16-day extension on Jan. 12, a move aimed at keeping enrollment moving as consumers confront higher prices tied to the expiration of federal pandemic-era subsidies.
Get Covered Illinois operates independently from the federal platform, Healthcare.gov, and allows residents to shop for plans offered under the Affordable Care Act.
Marketplace director Morgan Winters said the extension reflects growing demand from consumers who want time to compare options as pricing shifts. She said the state-based structure gives Illinois authority to adjust enrollment timelines and deploy additional resources to help residents navigate coverage choices.
The extension arrives as federal premium support introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic expired on Dec. 31, 2025. The lapse is already rippling through 2026 pricing.
Federal data reviewed by KFF suggests monthly premium payments may more than double for some consumers without the subsidies, affecting millions nationwide and reshaping affordability calculations across income brackets.
In Washington, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation in January that would restore the subsidies for three years. The bill still faces a Senate vote and would require presidential approval before taking effect.
Illinois residents seeking coverage can apply online at GetCoveredIllinois or contact the marketplace’s customer assistance centre by phone.
Certified navigators and brokers across the state also offer free enrollment guidance.
Those assistance services receive funding through grants administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Illinois Department of Insurance, supporting outreach as enrollment demand rises under tighter affordability conditions.
