A sizable segment of non-elderly adults in Illinois are uninsured, with high costs a deterrent, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That problem is exacerbated by the fact that Affordable Care Act marketplace insurers are seeking a 6% hike in premiums in 2024.
The good news is, you can still find cheap health insurance in Illinois. But this depends on various factors. Without much ado, let’s explore everything there is about cheap health insurance in Illinois.
Top Cheap Health Insurance in Illinois
There are multiple health insurers that offer higher coverage costs. We present to you affordable health insurance options in Illinois, including their pros and cons, monthly fees, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
Beem
The marketplace Beem offers plans from multiple insurers providers to suit different lifestyles and budgets. From short-term medical to accident, critical illness, and dental coverage, Beem has affordable options with comprehensive benefits and extensive networks to ensure you get the care you need.
| Factors | Details |
| Pros & Cons | Pros Short-Term Medical: With its flexible coverage options, it provides access to large national networks. Accident Insurance: No network restrictions and no waiting period with guaranteed coverage. Critical Illness: Lump sum cash benefit with no deductibles or network restrictions. Dental: Preventive care starts on day one. It also offers network discounts on services. Cons Short-Term Medical: Varies widely in cost and coverage. Accident Insurance: Limited to accident-related costs. Critical Illness: Only covers specific critical illnesses. Dental: Coverage and network access can vary by state. |
| Monthly Costs | For short-term medical plans, it can vary from $143 to $612. For accident insurance, it can range between $2 and $52. For critical illness, it ranges from $17.49 to $46.14. Dental costs can vary from $8.90 to $50. |
| Out-Of-Pocket Costs | For short-term medical, it depends on the insurer. For others, no out-of-pockets are to be paid. |
| Deductibles | For short-term medical: $2,500 to $5,000.For accident insurance, the average deductibles are $250For critical illness, no deductibles are made.For Dental, it may range from $0 to $50. |
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) provides extensive coverage, and its plans, including some of the most affordable options in the Silver and Bronze tiers, are designed to balance cost and coverage.
| Factors | Details |
| Pros & Cons | Pros Extensive network nationwide. Strong reputation for customer service. Comprehensive coverage options, including prescription drugs. Cons Higher monthly premiums compared to some other options. Deductibles can be higher for lower-premium plan. Some plans have strict prior authorization requirements. |
| Monthly Cost | Silver Plan (Blue FocusCare Silver℠ 210): $379. Expanded Bronze Plan (Blue FocusCare Bronze℠ 209): $290. |
| Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Silver Plan: $8,300. Expanded Bronze Plan: $9,450. |
| Deductibles | Silver Plan: $4,700. Expanded Bronze Plan: $7,000. |
Oscar
Oscar, founded in 2012, provides affordable, high-quality health care with a member-first approach. They offer some of the most affordable Catastrophic and Gold plans in Illinois. With their focus on digital tools and competitive pricing, Oscar can be termed a strong contender for budget-conscious individuals seeking quality health care.
| Factors | Details |
| Pros & Cons | Pros User-friendly digital tools. Free telemedicine visits. Competitive pricing for young adults. Cons Smaller network compared to larger insurers. Limited to certain areas in Illinois. May require referrals for specialist visits. |
| Monthly Cost | Catastrophic Plan (Secure): $324. Gold Plan (Gold Classic Standard): $443. |
| Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Catastrophic Plan: $9,450. Gold Plan: $8,700. |
| Deductibles | Catastrophic Plan: High deductibles. Gold Plan: Lower than catastrophic plans but varies with specifics. |
Health Alliance
Health Alliance offers affordable and comprehensive health insurance plans in Illinois. It is known for its strong local presence and customer service. It provides the least expensive Platinum tier plan in the state.
| Factors | Details |
| Pros & Cons | Pros Strong local presence in Illinois. Good customer service. Various plan options with different coverage levels. Cons Smaller network outside of Illinois. Some plans have high out-of-pocket maximums. Limited availability in certain regions. |
| Monthly Cost | Platinum Plan (2024 POS 0 Elite Platinum): $942. |
| Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Platinum Plan: $3,200. |
| Deductibles | Platinum Plan: Low deductible. The exact amount varies with specific plan details. |
FamilyCare
FamilyCare provides comprehensive health insurance to Illinois families with low to moderate incomes. It offers extensive coverage with minimal costs, making it an ideal choice for eligible families seeking affordable healthcare.
| Factors | Details |
| Pros & Cons | Pros No or very low premiums for eligible families. Comprehensive coverage, including dental and vision. Low copays for doctor visits and prescriptions. Cons Only available to families with low to moderate incomes. May require proof of income and other documentation. Limited plan options compared to private insurers. |
| Monthly Cost | Typically free or very low cost for eligible families. |
| Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Primary care visits usually have no copay or a small fee; specialist visits are of low-cost, often around $10 to $20. |
| Deductibles | Generally very low or none for qualifying families. |
Conclusion
Exploring the right health insurance in Illinois can be worthwhile if you know cheap providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oscar, Beem and others. They provide a range of plans for various needs and budgets. Beem stands out as it allows for a low premium and different health insurance in one place, making it an easy choice for all. Illinois has an array of cheap insurance providers to keep your family healthy without straining your budget. So be informed and select wisely to secure your health today.
Read Related Article: Cheap health insurance in Idaho.
FAQs
Who offers the lowest health insurance rates in Illinois?
Beem and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer some of the lowest rates in Illinois, especially Beem. Beem’s lower out-of-pocket cost and monthly fees impact cheap health insurance in Illinois.
How to get free health insurance in Illinois?
You can get free health insurance through FamilyCare, which provides coverage for low to moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income; the application process requires proof of income and other documentation.
Which plan has low deductibles and out-of-pocket costs in Illinois?
Health Alliance offers the 2024 POS 0 Elite Platinum plan, which has low out-of-pocket costs ($3,200) and deductibles. FamilyCare plans generally have very low or no deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for eligible families.
