Chicago Health Insurance Costs
Average benchmark Silver plan in Chicago runs $438/month for a 40-year-old before subsidies. After ACA tax credits, most residents pay much less.
Top Chicago Carriers
We compare every major carrier serving Chicago ZIP codes in real time.
Major Chicago Hospitals We Cover
We verify your preferred hospital is in-network before you enroll. Out-of-network bills can be 3-5× higher.
Chicago Open Enrollment 2027
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027. Outside that window, Chicago residents need a qualifying life event to buy or switch a marketplace plan.
| 2027 Open Enrollment | Date |
|---|---|
| Open Enrollment opens | November 1, 2026 |
| Last day to enroll for coverage starting January 1 | December 15, 2026 |
| Open Enrollment closes (coverage starts February 1) | January 15, 2027 |
Most Chicago residents live in Cook County, where plan choices and prices are set by county and ZIP code. Illinois runs its own marketplace, Get Covered Illinois, so you enroll there rather than on HealthCare.gov. The dates above are the standard federal dates; Get Covered Illinois sets its own deadlines, so confirm them on its site or see 2027 deadlines by state.
What changes for Chicago enrollees in 2027
- Smaller credits, and a cliff at 400%. With the enhanced credits gone, a single adult in Chicago earning $35,000 is expected to pay about $219/mo toward the benchmark Silver plan in 2027 (credit $219/mo). Earn over $63,840 and there is no credit at all, so at today's $438 benchmark you would pay full price — see what else changed.
- Compare before you renew. If you do nothing you are usually re-enrolled, but Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and other Chicago carriers can change premiums, networks and drug lists for 2027. Shop again before December 15, and update your 2027 income estimate so you are not repaying credit at tax time.
- Medicaid: Illinois expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the poverty level — about $22,025 a year for a single adult in 2026 — usually qualify for Medicaid instead of a marketplace plan, and can apply any time of year.
Estimated 2027 tax credit for a single adult in Chicago
Based on Chicago's current benchmark Silver estimate of $438/month for a 40-year-old and the IRS 2027 contribution percentages:
| Single adult income | % of poverty level | Your 2027 share | Est. tax credit | Benchmark Silver after credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | 157% | 4.63% of income ($96/mo) | $342/mo | $96/mo |
| $35,000 | 219% | 7.51% of income ($219/mo) | $219/mo | $219/mo |
| $45,000 | 282% | 9.66% of income ($362/mo) | $76/mo | $362/mo |
| $55,000 | 345% | 10.22% of income ($468/mo) | $0/mo | $438/mo |
| $65,000 | 407% | No credit above 400% | $0 | $438/mo |
2027 premiums post on November 1, so your exact credit will differ. Ages, household size and ZIP code all change the number — try the subsidy calculator or get an exact quote.
Before you pick a Chicago plan
- Your hospital: confirm Northwestern Memorial, Rush University or University of Chicago is in the plan's network — networks differ even between plans from the same company.
- Carriers: companies that have sold marketplace plans in Chicago include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Aetna, Cigna and Quartz; the 2027 lineup is confirmed when plans post on November 1.
- Total yearly cost: add 12 months of premium to the deductible and copays you expect — use our printable comparison worksheet.
Free help enrolling in Chicago
A licensed TrustedQuotes agent can compare every Chicago plan, check your doctors and prescriptions, and estimate your 2027 credit at no cost to you — call (954) 805-7882. If you prefer, free in-person help is listed by Get Covered Illinois.
More for Illinois: Illinois Open Enrollment 2027 Illinois marketplace plans 2027 Open Enrollment guide Health insurance in Springfield
Chicago Health Insurance FAQ
When is open enrollment in Chicago for 2027?
Where do Chicago residents sign up for 2027 health insurance?
Can I still get a subsidy in Chicago in 2027?
How much does health insurance cost in Chicago?
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Can I get coverage in Chicago year-round?
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