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INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY

Open Enrollment Tips

Open Enrollment happens every year from Nov. 1 until Jan. 15. Find key tips for Illinois's 2026 Open Enrollment Period, from understanding Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage and premium tax credits to exploring your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois options.

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Importance of Coverage

Why is getting or keeping my health insurance important?

The Open Enrollment Period happens once a year, ever year. It begins Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15. Anyone can update or pick a new plan during this time. Having health insurance:

  • Helps cover costs when you get health care, from checkups to emergencies
  • Helps you stay up-to-date on preventive care for a healthier future
  • Helps keep your plan dependents, like children and spouse, covered

If you experience a health issue, having health insurance can help you lower your medical bill costs, often saving you more than you would without it.

If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline, you'll have to wait until the next year to enroll unless you go through a life change that lets you enroll through Special Enrollment.

How To Enroll

How to Get a BCBSIL Plan During Open Enrollment

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RESEARCH

Research Your Health Plan Options

BCBSIL offers the below plans depending on where you live:

Plus, each plan is offered at a Gold, Silver or Bronze metallic level. Metallic levels don't change the services, prescriptions or networks covered by a plan, but they will change the plan's costs:

UNDERSTAND BENEFITS

Assess Your Health Insurance Needs and Compare Plans

NEXT STEPS

What To Do After Applying

Make your first payment and set up Auto Bill Pay: Your coverage won't begin until your first premium's paid. Make your premium payment online and set up Auto Bill Pay to pay your monthly bills easily and on-time.

Make a payment

Start using your member resources: Review your benefits, understand when you'll start receiving your member materials and sign up for your member account.

Find out what's next after applying

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SPECIAL ENROLLMENT

Need 2025 coverage before Open Enrollment?

If you've gone through a big life change, you might be able to enroll through the Special Enrollment Period.

Learn if your life event qualifies, how long you have to apply and what your next steps are during Special Enrollment.

Learn More