Moving to or in Illinois?

You have 60 days to enroll in a new plan when you move. If you're eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, make sure you compare your options, choose a plan and make your first premium payment before the 60 day timeline ends.

If you missed your Special Enrollment deadline, you'll need to wait to enroll during the Open Enrollment Period. During Open Enrollment, anyone can apply and you won't have to show proof of your life event. Open Enrollment starts Nov. 1 and normally lasts just over 2 months, ending Jan. 16.

Fortunately, moving just down the road or in the same ZIP code may not mean losing your coverage. You may be able to keep the plan you're enrolled in. If your move doesn’t qualify you for Special Enrollment but you'd still like to update your coverage, you can choose a new individual and family plan during Open Enrollment. 

If you meet certain factors, you may still qualify for other plan types like Medicaid or CHIP. There’s no Special Enrollment period for those government-offered coverage options – you can apply at any time. 

Members of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes can enroll any month, not just during open enrollment. You can even apply for cost assistance. 

Depending on your move, you may be able to keep your doctor and plan network. If you’re moving outside of your network or far away from your current doctor, it may be better (and more cost-effective) to choose new providers. 

No, your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois health insurance plan only covers you while you're living in your coverage area. If your move's only temporary, you may have options to stay with BCBSIL:

• GeoBlue: Planning to travel internationally for work, fun or school? With GeoBlue, you may be able to find additional coverage options that can keep you covered while abroad.
• AcademicBlue: If you or your child are in college, you may be able to rely on an AcademicBlue plan. Keep your access to BCBSIL programs and resources while relying on a national PPO network.

You can generally add your dependents to your plan if they're moving at a different time. However, you may not have to account for their move during your Special Enrollment Period.

If your dependent's move meets all the requirements of a qualifying life event, it could trigger a separate Special Enrollment Period and restart the 60 day timeline.

Moving within your state, especially if you're changing ZIP codes, often does qualify as a life event. Your new ZIP code could have new plan options or impact the costs of your current plan, so be sure to explore your options through Special Enrollment.