Illinois Open Enrollment Deadlines for 2027 Coverage

Need health insurance for 2027 in Illinois? Here’s what you need to know:

Key Dates:
- November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage starts on Get Covered Illinois.
- No later than December 31, 2026: Under current federal rules, Open Enrollment must end by this date, and any plan you pick during Open Enrollment starts January 1, 2027.
- No January window: Starting with 2027 coverage, Open Enrollment can no longer run into January. Get Covered Illinois has not yet posted its exact end date, so confirm it before you plan around it.
Who Should Enroll:
If you don’t have insurance, your current plan is ending, or your income or health needs are changing, this is your chance to get covered or switch plans.
Why Deadlines Matter:
Missing Open Enrollment could leave you uninsured for 2027 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

The window is shorter than it used to be, so start early. Compare plans, update your coverage, and get ready for 2027. Need help? Illinois Health Agents can guide you through the process at no cost.

Open Enrollment Deadlines for 2027 Coverage

If you live in Illinois, these are the dates that matter for 2027 individual and family health coverage bought through Get Covered Illinois, the state’s official marketplace:

Start Date: November 1, 2026

Deadline for January 1 Coverage: The Last Day of Open Enrollment

Final Deadline: No Later Than December 31, 2026

This is a big change from past years. For 2026 coverage, Illinois Open Enrollment ran from November 1, 2025, into January, and Get Covered Illinois later extended it to January 31, 2026. A federal rule finalized in June 2025 now requires every marketplace, including state-run ones like Get Covered Illinois, to start Open Enrollment no later than November 1, end it no later than December 31, and keep it to 9 weeks or less. It also requires that plans picked by December 31 start on January 1, which means every plan chosen during 2027 Open Enrollment starts January 1. Get Covered Illinois has announced the November 1, 2026 start date but, as of mid-September 2026, has not posted the end date. Check GetCoveredIllinois.gov or call us to confirm.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key deadlines:

Deadline	Date	What It Means
Enrollment Opens	November 1, 2026	You can start signing up for 2027 coverage.
January 1 Coverage	Any day during Open Enrollment	Plans picked during Open Enrollment start January 1, 2027 (once you pay your first premium).
Final Deadline	No later than December 31, 2026	Federal rules do not allow Open Enrollment to run past this date. Confirm the exact end date with Get Covered Illinois.

Have a Cigna or Molina plan through Get Covered Illinois? Get Covered Illinois says Cigna and Molina plans will no longer be offered on the marketplace starting January 1, 2027. Your 2026 coverage continues through December 31, 2026, as long as you keep paying your premium, but you must choose a new plan for 2027 during Open Enrollment. Watch for a notice from Get Covered Illinois and your insurer this fall.

Need help? Illinois Health Agents are here to guide you through the process, making sure your application is accurate and submitted on time. Use the pre-enrollment checklist to stay on track and avoid any last-minute issues.

Pre-Enrollment Checklist

Review Your Current Plan

Take a close look at your current health plan and note the following:

Monthly Premium: Write down what you pay now and see how it fits your budget.
Annual Deductible: Check how much you’ve paid toward your deductible this year.
Network Status: Confirm your doctors and hospitals are still in-network for 2027.
Prescription Coverage: Make sure your medications are covered and check their costs.
Service Usage: List the health care services you use most often.
Plan Status: Read any notice from your insurer or Get Covered Illinois. If your plan is ending, you will need to pick a new one.

Make a note of any coverage gaps or limits you’ve run into. This will help when you compare plans for 2027.

Next, think about your health care needs for the coming year.

Plan for 2027 Health Needs

Start estimating what care you’ll need in 2027. Use the table below as a guide:

Category	What to Consider	What to Do
Regular Care	Annual checkups, preventive care	List any scheduled appointments
Ongoing Treatment	Chronic conditions, therapy sessions	Calculate expected visits
Medications	Prescription drugs, supplements	Record monthly costs
Planned Procedures	Scheduled surgeries, dental work	Estimate total expenses
Emergency Buffer	Unexpected medical needs	Set aside a contingency fund

Once you’ve outlined your needs, gather your documents so enrollment goes smoothly.

Gather Required Documents

Have the following information ready:

Personal Information
Social Security numbers (or immigration document information), birth dates, and addresses for everyone who needs coverage.
Income Documentation
Your best estimate of 2027 household income, plus documents such as:
- Recent pay stubs
- W-2 forms or tax returns
- Records of self-employment income
- Social Security benefit statements
Current Insurance Information
Copies of your insurance cards and policy details, including any job-based coverage you are offered.

Having everything organized saves time and helps you avoid requests for more documents later.

Enrollment Steps in Illinois

Illinois now runs its own state-based marketplace. Since November 2025, Illinoisans apply and enroll directly at GetCoveredIllinois.gov instead of HealthCare.gov. Once you’ve gathered your documents, here’s how to enroll.

Setting Up Your Get Covered Illinois Account

Go to the Get Covered Illinois website and log in, claim your account, or create a new one. To finish this step, you’ll need:

A working email address
Social Security numbers for all applicants
Proof of income
Details about any current insurance (if applicable)

Double-check your information to avoid processing delays.

Comparing Health Plans

You’ll see a range of plan options. Use these factors to decide which plan fits you best:

Comparison Factor	What to Look For	Why It’s Important
Monthly Premium	What you pay each month after any tax credit	Impacts your monthly budget
Annual Deductible	Amount you pay before the plan starts sharing costs	Affects early-year expenses
Network Coverage	List of included providers	Ensures access to your preferred doctors
Prescription Benefits	Drug tiers and coverage	Helps manage medication costs
Cost-sharing	Copays and coinsurance	Influences routine care costs

The cheapest premium isn’t always the best choice. Think about your health needs and how often you’ll use the plan before you decide.

Finalizing Enrollment

Once you’ve picked a plan, follow these steps to finish enrolling:

Review and submit your application.
Pay your first premium.
Save your confirmation details for future reference.

If you’re unsure about any step, Illinois Health Agents can help make sure everything is done correctly.

Hold onto your confirmation details. They’ll come in handy later!

Special Enrollment Rules in Illinois

Missed Open Enrollment? You might still get coverage through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you have a qualifying life event. Get Covered Illinois says it can help you get coverage within 60 days of the event, and some events require proof.

Common qualifying life events include:

Loss of coverage: Losing job-based, individual, or student coverage. If you lose Medicaid or All Kids, you usually have 90 days to enroll.
Household changes: Getting married or divorced, having a baby or adopting a child, or a death in the family.
A move: Moving to Illinois from another state, or moving within Illinois to a different service area.
Other changes: Pregnancy (added by Get Covered Illinois in 2026), becoming a U.S. citizen, or leaving jail or prison.

Proof may include an official notice of lost coverage, a marriage certificate, birth or adoption records, or documents showing your new address. Timing is critical, so gather your documents as soon as the event happens.

Keep in mind that there is no longer a year-round Special Enrollment Period based only on low income. Federal law and rules have ended that option, so most people need to enroll during Open Enrollment or after a real life change.

Need help? Reach out to Illinois Health Agents for assistance with SEP documentation.

After You Enroll

Once you’ve enrolled, make sure your coverage is set up correctly.

Checking Your Enrollment Status

After you submit your application, log into your Get Covered Illinois account to check your application and enrollment status. If you don’t see a confirmation, contact Get Covered Illinois, your insurance company, or Illinois Health Agents for help.

Setting Up Your Insurance Account

Once your enrollment is confirmed, create an online account with your insurance company to manage your coverage. Here’s how:

Find your member ID in the welcome materials from your insurer.
Go to your insurance company’s website.
Use your member ID and personal details to set up your online account.
Download your insurance card from the insurer’s website or app.

After your account is active, take some time to review your plan details so you understand what’s covered.

Reviewing Your Plan Details

Pay attention to these parts of your plan:

Network providers: Make sure your doctors and preferred facilities are in the network.
Prescription coverage: Review the tiers and copays for your medications.
Deductible and out-of-pocket maximum: Keep these amounts in mind for your 2027 budget.
Prior authorization: Check which services need approval first.

Also learn your plan’s rules for referrals, urgent care, and emergency services to avoid surprise bills. If you have questions, Illinois Health Agents can walk you through your plan.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve gone through the checklist and enrollment steps, here’s a quick guide to stay on track for 2027 coverage.

Deadline Summary

November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage begins
During Open Enrollment: Pick a plan any time in the window for coverage starting January 1, 2027
No later than December 31, 2026: Open Enrollment ends (confirm the exact date with Get Covered Illinois)

If you miss Open Enrollment, you’ll have to wait until the next one unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Unsure about these dates? Keep reading for free help options.

Insurance Help Options

Illinois Health Agents can make health insurance easier with free enrollment assistance.

We can help with:

Comparing available health plans
Explaining your coverage options
Checking provider networks
Completing your enrollment application

Our local agents offer personal support from start to finish. Need help now? Reach out by phone or online chat so you meet the deadline and choose the right coverage for your needs.