Open enrollment for 2027 health plans is happening now. Here is what caregivers should know about Get Covered Illinois.

Caregivers spend their days making sure someone else is safe, comfortable, and cared for. But when it comes to their own health insurance, many are going without. Part-time schedules, hours that change from week to week, and employers that don’t offer a plan can make coverage feel out of reach.

It may be closer than you think.

What is Get Covered Illinois?

Get Covered Illinois is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. It offers medical and dental plans from private insurers under the Affordable Care Act, and it is the place to find out whether you qualify for help paying for them.

Why caregivers should take a look

Financial help can lower your monthly premium. Get Covered Illinois says most Illinoisans who shop there qualify for a reduced premium. About 85% of Illinois marketplace enrollees in 2026 received premium tax credits. How much you get depends on your income, household size, age, and where you live, so the only way to know is to check.

You can see the price before you commit. You can preview 2027 plans and prices on the website, compare options side by side, and check your price before you enroll.

Help is free. Certified local navigators and brokers will walk you through your options at no cost. You can also call the Get Covered Illinois Customer Assistance Center at 1-866-311-1119 (TTY: 711). Phone help is available in more than 250 languages.

Medicaid may be an option. If your household income is low enough, you may qualify for Medicaid instead of a marketplace plan. Unlike marketplace plans, you can apply for Medicaid outside of open enrollment. Get Covered Illinois can point you in the right direction.

Plans cover essential health benefits. Every marketplace plan includes essential health benefits such as prescription drugs and mental health services.

What savings can look like

Get Covered Illinois shares examples of what financial help can look like. These are the state’s illustrations, not 1776’s, and your own numbers will differ.

  • Tonya, 30, retail worker in Springfield, earns $46,000 a year. Her Bronze plan premium is $607.08 a month. With $605.81 a month in financial help, she pays $1.27 a month.
  • Ben, 41, server in Chicago with two children, earns $87,000 a year. His Bronze plan premium is $913.60 a month. With $547.00 a month in financial help, he pays $366.60 a month.

Two things to keep in mind. Bronze plans usually have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles, so the monthly premium is not the whole cost. And if your income is lower than these examples, you may get even more help, or you may qualify for Medicaid.

Examples are for illustration only. Your actual premium and savings depend on your age, income, household size, location, and the plan you choose.

Mark these dates

  • December 15: Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that starts January 1.
  • January 15: Open enrollment ends. Enroll by this date for coverage starting February 1.

Last year, the state extended its deadlines. Don’t count on that happening again. Aim for December 15.

A few honest notes

  • Costs have gone up. The enhanced federal tax credits expired at the end of 2025, so credits are smaller than they were a couple of years ago. Households above 400% of the federal poverty level are no longer eligible for advance premium tax credits. Most caregivers fall well below that line, but compare plans carefully.
  • If your hours change, update your application. Many caregivers have income that moves up and down. If you receive advance premium tax credits and your income ends up higher than you estimated, you may have to pay back the difference at tax time. Report income changes to Get Covered Illinois as they happen.
  • Respond to verification requests. If the marketplace asks you to confirm information, do it promptly so you don’t lose your financial help.

How to get started

  1. Go to getcovered.illinois.gov and use the tools to compare 2027 plans and check your price.
  2. Find free local help using the “Find free local help” directory, or call 1-866-311-1119.
  3. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.

Caregiving is some of the most important work there is. The people doing it deserve to be covered, too.

Whether you work as a caregiver or you are caring for a parent or spouse at home, take 15 minutes this week and see what’s available to you.

1776 Senior Care is not an insurance provider or insurance advisor, and this article is general information, not a recommendation of any plan. Eligibility, prices, and deadlines are set by Get Covered Illinois and may change. Please confirm details at getcovered.illinois.gov.