Let’s Revisit Premium Payments, Grace Periods and Coverage Loss

Feb. 4, 2026

Applies to Individual & Family Markets

To maintain their health plan benefits and avoid loss of coverage, your clients must manage their premium payments and understand grace periods. Share the information below with your clients as appropriate.

Premium Payments

Your clients’ monthly premium must be paid in full directly to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois – not the Marketplace – by the specified due date. Failing to pay on time puts 2026 coverage at risk.

Grace Periods

There are different processes if your clients receive Advance Premium Tax Credits .

Coverage Loss

If a client loses coverage due to nonpayment, they will not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in another plan. Unless they meet SEP criteria, they would have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period.

Review client payment options.

Go the extra mile: Remember, you can make health plan coverage payments on your clients’ behalf. Set up auto bill pay or one-time payments from the Retail Producer Portal.

Make sure to have your clients’ personal and banking information for this feature. Review the “How To”  guide with step-by-step instructions. After setting up or making payments for clients, track the transactions in the Retail Producer Portal.