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.
Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage
For 2027 plans, Open Enrollment generally runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 — enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start (a few state-run marketplaces set their own dates, which I'll confirm for you). Worth knowing this year: the enhanced premium subsidies that held costs down through 2025 have scaled back, so many self-employed people in Illinois are seeing higher premiums for 2027 — if you're near the income cutoff, it's worth re-running your numbers rather than assuming last year's plan still fits. See the full 2027 Open Enrollment guide or run your numbers in the estimator.
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 →Moving to a new state
A move can open a special window — and your plan may not cross state lines.
What changes when you move →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.