Information: Getting Health Insurance
Types of health insurance:
Employer Sponsored Health Insurance
If your employer offers a health plan, this may be a good option if your employer pays some of your health insurance cost.
Medicaid / Public Programs / CHIP
Insurance for people with low income, pregnant people, people with disabilities and kids.
Marketplace / Individual & Family Plans
For people who don’t have health insurance or can’t afford the cost of employer coverage. Open Enrollment typically runs November 1 through January 15. If you have a qualifying life event you may qualify for a special enrollment period.
No Insurance - CareLink
If you are not able to get insurance, the CareLink Program may help. This is a free program that discounts the cost of care at Cook County health facilities based on income. This is for people who live in Cook County who do not have health insurance.
Other Considerations
- Missing deadlines (open enrollment, special enrollment) means you might have to wait until the next enrollment period unless you have a qualifying event.
- Compare total costs, not just monthly premiums — look at deductibles, copays, co-insurance, and whether your preferred doctors are in network.
- Find out if you are eligible for subsidies (premium tax credits) that can lower what you pay.
- If you’re unsure which plan is right, work with a navigator or certified counselor (they usually offer free help) https://www.healthcare.gov/find-local-help/
- For hospitals in Illinois, there is a “Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act” that requires many hospitals to give discounts to uninsured patients under certain income thresholds.
The information was adapted from text generated by Gemini.” Gemini, Google, 14 October 2025, and from ChatGPT, OpenAI on 14 October 2025 using “getting insurance in Illinois” prompt
This information provides no warranties regarding the accuracy or application of its content, disclaims responsibility for its use, and does not offer medical or legal advice. It does not endorse specific products or therapies, mandate medical care, or represent the standard of care. The information may not be continually updated, and it is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a treating provider. Provided “as is,” it makes no express or implied warranties, assumes no responsibility for any harm arising from its use, and disclaims liability for errors or omissions.
