What is Get Covered Illinois?
Get Covered Illinois is the state’s official health insurance marketplace.
If you do not get coverage through a job or public programs, you can shop on the marketplace for a health plan that fits your needs. Get Covered Illinois is also the only place to get financial help to cover the costs of your coverage.
You can trust that all the Get Covered Illinois plans are state vetted.
When Can I Enroll?
Anyone can apply for marketplace coverage during open enrollment, which begins on November 1st. Below are the enrollment dates and deadlines:
If you enroll between November 1st – December 15: January 1st Effective Date
If you enroll between December 16th – January 15th: February 1st Effective Date
What if I Miss the Enrollment Deadline?
If you miss open enrollment but have a qualifying life event, you can apply during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a Qualifying Life Event. If you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, you usually have 60 days after the event to enroll in a plan. Some life events can be reported 60 days in advance. Some life events require proof to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Qualifying Life Events Include:
- Changes in household
- Changes in residence
- Changes in employment or income
- Turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan
- Gaining U.S. citizenship
- Loss of health insurance
- and more
How Do I Get Started?
The 11-minute video below provides a step-by-step guide on how to register for the Get Covered Illinois portal and start/complete your application which will allow you to then pick a health plan.
Accessing the Website and Logging In/Registering (0:12–1:11)
Adding a Broker (1:33–2:42)
Starting and Completing the Application (2:45–5:21)
Picking a Health Plan (5:42–9:02)
Enrolling in the Selected Plan (9:04–10:04)
How Do I Designate a Broker…and why?
The video explains how to designate a broker to your account on the GCIL Portal. Designating a broker allows them to assist you with your application, access plan information, and answer any questions you may have, which is crucial due to CMS regulations. Without designating a broker, they will not be able to assist you.
