Changes to health insurance for Get Covered Illinois customers

There are several changes to marketplace insurance due to new federal regulations and H.R.1 (also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act). These changes take effect over the next three years and will impact how and when you apply for or renew your coverage, the cost of coverage and who is eligible. 

• Read everything you receive from Get Covered Illinois. Call us if you have questions.
• Keep your income, household and contact information up to date.
• Promptly submit required documents to verify your information, if requested by Get Covered Illinois.
• Work with a certified broker or navigator who can help you understand how these changes affect your household. There is no cost to you for this assistance. Our online locator tool can help you find a broker or navigator near you.
• Use our plan comparison tool to compare plans and prices to find the best plan for your budget.

• All Illinoisans, regardless of their income, must pay back any excess Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTC) they receive due to unreported income changes. To avoid a tax penalty, report your income as accurately as possible, and update your application as soon as it changes. You can do this by logging in to your Get Covered Illinois account or by calling our customer assistance center. 
   

• The federal government cut the enhanced Premium Tax Credits, reducing the amount of credits available to Illinoisans and increasing monthly health insurance premiums. Tax credits are still available for people who qualify, but the amount is smaller. Estimate your financial help using our cost calculator. 
   

• Illinoisans over 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are no longer eligible to receive Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTC). Find your household’s FPL.
   

• Lawfully present immigrants whose income is below 100% FPL no longer qualify for APTC to help cover the cost of their marketplace coverage.

• Many lawfully present immigrants, including refugees and asylees, will no longer be eligible for Medicaid. This group remains eligible to receive help covering the cost of their health insurance through Get Covered Illinois until December 31, 2026.

• This year, open enrollment will be shorter and may have different start and end dates. Get Covered Illinois will update our customers on the new dates in the coming months. 
  
  
• Customers who aren't eligible for Medicaid because they have not met the new work, education or community service requirements, or have an allowable exemption, will not be eligible for tax credits to help cover the of cost of marketplace health insurance.

• Additional immigrant groups, such as those with Temporary Protected Status, will lose access to tax credits that help cover the cost of marketplace health insurance. Lawfully present immigrants in Illinois who will remain eligible for Medicaid and tax credits are: 
  

  • Lawful permanent residents/Green Card holders (who, if subject to the 5-year bar, have met the 5-year bar)

  • Cuban and Haitian entrants

  • Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau who are living in one of the U.S. states or territories

  • Children and pregnant/recently pregnant individuals

• Illinoisans must verify their application information and resolve any data matching inconsistencies in order to maintain their access to Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTC) and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs). 
   

• If a customer does not verify their application information prior to or during the open enrollment period for the 2028 plan year, they will be renewed without tax credits to help cover the cost of their coverage.