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Pre-Enrollment Checklist
A Quick Checklist Before Choosing a Health Insurance Plan
- Make sure the health insurance plan covers everything you might need.
- When shopping for health insurance, beware of overly aggressive marketing tactics being used to sell plans or of anyone who won’t let you see the details of what’s covered BEFORE you buy.
- If you are thinking of purchasing short-term health insurance or an Association Health Plan, it is important to pay very close attention to the benefits that are covered. These plans may NOT meet the minimum Essential Health Benefit (EHB) requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Selecting the wrong plan can result in higher medical bills.
- Remember that all health plans purchased through Heatlhcare.gov meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Look at the chart below to see how Healthcare.gov plans can provide you with quality, affordable health insurance coverage
| Consumer Protections and Benefits | Marketplace Plans Purchased on Healthcare.gov | ACA Compliant Plans purchased outside Healthcare.gov | Short Term Limited Duration Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Is there mandatory coverage of Essential Health Benefits (EHBs)? |
YES |
YES |
NO |
|
Must accept everyone who applies and cover pre-existing conditions? |
YES |
YES |
NO |
|
Are tax credits and cost sharing reductions available to reduce my out of pocket costs? |
YES |
NO |
NO |
|
Are there lifetime coverage limits? |
NO |
NO |
YES |
|
Are there limits on consumer's out of pocket costs? |
YES |
YES |
NO |
|
Must cover preventive care free of charge? |
YES |
YES |
NO |
|
Must cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment? |
YES |
YES |
NO |
|
Must cover prescription drugs? |
YES |
YES |
NO |
|
Can plans be purchased at any time during the year? |
NO |
NO |
YES |
Have Questions?
Get Covered Illinois is the official resource to assist Illinoisans with finding, affordable health insurance on Healthcare.gov and enrollment. We can connect you to Get Covered Illinois Navigators in your area by using our “Get Free Help” tool.
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A division of the Illinois Department of Insurance