Non-discrimination Policy

Get Covered Illinois Non-Discrimination Policy and Grievance Procedure 

Get Covered Illinois (GCI), the official health insurance marketplace for the State of Illinois, was established under the provisions of 215 ILCS 122 et seq. and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), 42 U.S.C. § 18001 et seq. Pursuant to Section 1557 of the ACA and its implementing regulations, discrimination is prohibited in certain health programs and activities based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability. 42 U.S.C. § 18116; see also 45 C.F.R. § 92.1 et seq. Consistent with applicable federal and state civil rights laws, GCI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex stereotypes), age, disability, religion, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, citizenship status, military status, order of protection status, or military discharge status. This policy aligns with Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and its implementing regulations at 45 C.F.R. Part 92, as well as the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.).  

GCI is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency have full and equal access to its services and programs. To support this commitment, GCI provides free aids and services to people with disabilities, such as qualified sign language interpreters and written information in accessible formats, including large print, audio, and accessible electronic formats. Additionally, GCI offers free language services to people whose primary language is not English, including qualified interpreters and information translated into other languages. If you require any assistance, please contact GCI’s customer service call center at (866) 311-1119. 

If you need these services, or if you believe that GCI has failed to provide them or has discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, you may file a grievance. A grievance must be submitted in writing and include the complainant’s name and contact information, a description of the alleged discrimination, the date of the incident, and the relief sought. 

 Grievances may be submitted by mail or email to the Section 1557 Coordinator at the address and/or email address provided below. Upon receipt, the Section 1557 Coordinator or a designee, will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into the claim. GCI will maintain the confidentiality of individuals who file grievances under this policy to the extent permitted by law and necessary to carry out the investigation or resolution. 

 GCI will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency are provided meaningful access to participate in this grievance process, including the provision of necessary auxiliary aids and services, free of charge. GCI will retain records of all grievances filed under this policy, including supporting materials and resolution documents, for a minimum of three (3) years. 

 Filing a grievance with GCI does not prevent an individual from filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. Complaints to HHS must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination.  

 Complaints can be submitted electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf or by mail to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, D.C. 20201. For assistance, you may call 1-800-368-1019 (TDD: 1-800-537-7697). 

To request assistance, file a grievance, or obtain more information about your rights under this policy, please contact: 

Section 1557 Coordinator 

Illinois Department of Insurance 

c/o Get Covered Illinois 
115 South LaSalle Street 

13th Floor 

Chicago, Illinois 60603 

gci.privacy@illinois.gov