Illinois Health Insurance — Built Around Your Life
I grew up in the Chicago area, so helping Illinois families and business owners get covered is personal to me. I work with individuals, the self-employed, 1099 contractors, families, and small businesses across Illinois — from Chicago, Aurora, and Naperville to Rockford, Joliet, and Springfield — to find private under-65 coverage that fits real life and real budgets.
How health coverage works in Illinois (new for 2026)
Heads up if you've shopped before: starting with the 2026 plan year, Illinois runs its own state exchange — Get Covered Illinois — instead of the federal HealthCare.gov. That's where you'll find ACA marketplace plans, which are guaranteed-issue and subsidy-eligible if you qualify. But the state exchange isn't your only path. Many self-employed Illinoisans and families who earn too much for subsidies — or got priced out — turn to private under-65 plans, which often offer PPO-style flexibility and year-round enrollment. I help you compare both honestly.
Who I help across Illinois
- Self-employed Illinoisans and 1099 contractors who have to find their own plan
- Families and individuals looking outside an employer plan, from the city to downstate
- People whose COBRA is running out, or who left a job and need coverage without a gap
- Small business owners setting up a plan for themselves and their team
- Early retirees who need a bridge to carry them to Medicare
A broker with Illinois roots who's still there after you enroll
I'm independent, so I compare your real options and recommend what fits you — even when it earns me nothing. One licensed advisor, start to finish, not a call center. Licensed in 31 states, including Illinois. (Ryan Michalek, NPN 21043091.)
Quick answers for Illinois.
Can I buy coverage in Illinois outside open enrollment?
Often, yes. If you've had a qualifying event — losing coverage, moving, a change in your household — that typically opens a special enrollment window on Get Covered Illinois. Outside of that, many private under-65 plans are built to enroll year-round, so there's usually still a path forward.
Do you serve all of Illinois?
Yes, statewide, including Chicago and everywhere around it. I work by phone and video, so it doesn't matter whether you're in the city or downstate.
Is there a fee to work with you?
No. I'm paid a commission by the insurance carrier once you enroll, so there's no fee to you for the time we spend comparing options.
Explore coverage by situation.
Self-employed & 1099
Buying your own coverage as a freelancer, contractor, or solo business owner.
Explore self-employed →Families & individuals
Coverage for your household, built around your budget and doctors.
Explore family coverage →COBRA & coverage gaps
COBRA ending, between jobs, or losing a plan? Move fast and avoid a gap.
See gap options →Covering a team? Explore small business & group coverage → · See all service areas →
A real person — not a call center. No spam calls, no robocalls, no pressure — just my number, and me on the other end.
Let's find your Illinois coverage.
Fifteen honest minutes with someone who knows Illinois — I'll compare your choices and you decide.